What time of year should I seal my deck?

Summer is generally the best time to waterproof your deck because it gives you the opportunity to clean it thoroughly and seal it properly without worrying about rain. It takes about two to three days for a deck to completely dry out after sealing and you'll need up to six days for it to be fully functional again.

What temperature does it need to be to seal a deck?

For clear sealer, the deck surface and air temperature must be above 50 degrees Fahrenheit during application and drying time. For deck stain, the deck surface and air temperature should be between 50 and 95 Fahrenheit for application and drying.

Is it better to stain your deck in the fall or spring?

Because stain requires a dry deck for a secure application, a week of dry fall weather is ideal for staining your deck than in summer or spring humidity. More specifically, the moderate temperatures of early fall are optimal for staining, as the later fall weeks may bring colder days that are too chilly for your stain.

Should I seal my deck before winter?

Before the winter comes, you want to ensure your deck is protected from the elements, especially the moisture that comes with increased rain and snow. That being said, under no circumstance should you ever seal a pressure-treated deck when the temperature gets below 50 degrees.

How often should I seal my deck weather?

When Should I Reseal My Deck? You should reapply wood sealer at least every three years. In many cases, you need to seal a wood deck once a year. The more foot traffic and sun exposure your deck gets, the more often you need to apply deck sealant.

When to Seal or Stain a New Wood Deck

What temperature is too cold to stain a deck?

Avoid the Cold

If you're staining your deck in the spring or fall, wait for a day with highs above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, make sure freezing temperatures aren't in the forecast for that night. If it drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit before the stain has thoroughly dried, it can hinder the curing process.

Is it too late to seal my deck?

DO wait 30 days before sealing a new deck. If you've just built a new deck, you're probably itching to finish the job by sealing it. But preservatives in the wood often require about 30 days' dwell time before the deck can soak up the sealant.

When Should I seal my pressure treated deck?

When water soaks into the wood instead of beading up, it's time to seal or stain it. It's important to finish typical pressure-treated wood as soon as possible after completion of a deck in order to protect it. Splash some water on the deck boards. If it beads up, the wood isn't quite ready to be sealed.

How do you winterize a wooden deck?

Can you apply Thompsons water seal in cold weather?

For exterior use only. Be sure that both surface and air temperatures are above 50°F during application and remain above 40°F for 48 hours after application.

Is November too late to stain a deck?

Fall is the perfect time to take on the task of staining your deck. Not only will you not roast in the sweltering summer temperatures, but the cooler fall weather is ideal for staining. Most deck stains recommend that they be used when outdoor temperatures are above 50 and below 90.

What time of day is best for staining a deck?

Applying a deck stain in direct sun will cause the stain to dry to quickly and can result in premature stain failure. In the summer, stain your deck in the morning or evening so the deck surface isn't too hot.

How many coats of stain should you put on a deck?

We always recommend two coats of stain for any wood project, but you should only apply as much stain as the wood can absorb. Extremely dense hardwoods may only be able to absorb one coat of wood stain. The general rule of thumb is to apply only as much as the wood can absorb.

Can you seal your deck in the winter?

For the ultimate protection against the winter weather use a high-quality sealant that will fill cracks and coat your deck surface like a shield against moisture and ice. This might require the removal of prior finishes but the result is well worth the extra work.

What if it rains after sealing deck?

If it rains within 48 hours of applying a treatment, the water will soak into the wood, and try and displace the stain. This can cause a blotchy, flaky look, rather than a smooth, even, coat. If it rains immediately after you've stained the wood, the stain will peel and flake off.

Do I need to sand deck before sealing?

Once dry, these wood fibers can remain raised and may cause splinters. For this reason, light but thoroughly sanding your wood deck is a necessary step before staining or sealing. This crucial step will ensure that your refinishing job gives great results.

How do you winter proof a deck?

What is the best ice melt for wood deck?

For ice buildup that is not easily removed, maintenance free decking manufacturers recommend using sodium chloride based rock salt or ice melt with calcium chloride.

How do I protect my deck from weather?

The best preventative measure you can take to protect your wooden deck is to use wood sealant. Clear wood sealants are a great way to maintain the natural beauty and wood grain while still preventing damage from rot, mold, and other weathering.

How long after power washing can you seal a deck?

Sand Your Deck Before Sealing

After you've pressure washed your deck, you'll need to wait for it to completely dry. Sometimes, this can take as long as 48-hours. Once it's dry, you'll want to sand your deck lightly. This is necessary to remove any splinters or fuzzy patches that pressure washing can cause.

What happens if you don't seal pressure treated wood?

This pattern of swelling and shrinking can cause damage to the wood such as splits, checks, splinters, cracks, and other blemishes. Protection from UV rays is also necessary for insurance against fading, discoloration, and warping.

How long should you wait to seal pressure treated wood?

Following construction, most manufacturers of stains and paints recommend a waiting period – from a week to two months – before applying a finish to treated wood, if the project was built with lumber that was not kiln-dried after treatment (KDAT).

How much does deck sealing cost?

Cost to Seal a Deck

Sealing a deck costs $906 or typically between $551 and $1,293. You'll pay $0.75 to $4 per square foot for both materials and labor. Labor alone makes up 50% to 75% of the total price. Cost factors include regional worker rates, complexity, size, prep needs and accessibility.

How long will a deck last without stain?

Which material lasts longer? A deck made of untreated wood can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years. Decks made of treated wood and composite materials can last as long as 50 years.