Is there a permanent deck sealer?

Author: Camron Douglas  |  Last update: Sunday, January 11, 2026

PermaSeal® does the hard work for you—sealing and protecting your deck from water damage, rot, decay, and more. Picture this: it's a sunny day, your grass is green, the smell of a freshly mowed lawn is in the air, you've got a beer in your hand, steaks on the grill, and your deck permanently protected.

Can a deck be permanently sealed?

The Only Permanent Wood and Concrete Sealer

PermaSeal® will restore and keep your deck protected for 25 years after just ONE treatment.

What is the longest lasting deck sealer?

What is the longest-lasting deck sealer? An oil-based deck sealer, such as Varathane Ultimate Spar Urethane Oil Based, will protect a deck for up to 5 years.

How much does it cost to permanently seal a deck?

Hiring a handyman, contractor, or deck company to clean and seal a deck average about $2-$3.50 sq. ft. ($300-$525 for a 10'x15′ deck or $640-$1,120 for 16'x20′), depending on local rates, deck condition, the height and location of the deck, and the number of levels, railing, stairs, and other components.

Can I just seal my deck and not stain?

To protect your deck from both moisture and sun damage, you need to first stain it, then follow that with a clear sealant. You can now find modern products that combine stain and sealant to make complete deck protection a one-step application process, after the necessary prep work.

Deck Stain vs Seal

What is the longest lasting finish for a wood deck?

Compared to sealants, stains are absorbed directly into the wood so it tends to last longer. When choosing between water and oil-based stains, many prefer oil-based stains since it soaks into wood easily, creating a long-lasting color.

How long does Thompson water seal last?

On average, Thompson's water seal will last for about 5 years. Depending on the weather patterns in your area, this deck sealer might need your attention more often. In a rainy state, you might need a fresh coat of water seal for ultimate protection every 2-3 years.

How long does deck sealing last?

Your deck should be re-sealed every 1-3 years if you want to protect the wood. This will help preserve your deck for years to come and help it to look brand new. The sealant will bring out the natural wood grain and the sealing will make it stand out.

How much does it cost to power wash and seal a deck?

$450 – $1,000 Average Total Cost

The average cost to power wash, stain, and seal a deck is $1.57 to $4.04 per square foot. A 12x12 deck costs $226 to $582 to stain when paying someone, or $59 to $176 to stain it yourself. A gallon of stain costs $20 to $50, which covers 200 to 300 square feet.

What is the best thing to seal a deck with?

Cuprinol Wood Preserver is the best clear deck sealer out there, designed for application on pressure treated wood and for both exterior and interior types of wood. Apply this preserver before painting, staining or varnishing your deck to protect against decay, rot and mold.

Can you put too much sealer on a deck?

Over coating

If too much sealer is applied, it cannot be absorbed into the wood. Wood is a fiber, and just like any other fiber it is capable of absorbing only so much. If you wet a sponge, and keep wetting it, eventually it will become oversaturated and the water will just pool on top until you squeeze it out.

Is it OK to stain a deck every year?

Many homeowners wonder, “How often should I stain my deck?” To keep a deck looking great and prolong the life of the wood, a deck should be stained every two to three years. Other signs your deck needs staining are: The deck has mold or mildew buildup. Water soaks into the deck boards and no longer beads up.

Is Sherwin Williams deck stain better than Behr?

Consumer Reports just tested 76 products under tough conditions that accelerate the effects of the elements, from spring showers to summer sun to the sleet and snow that can torment siding and decks in colder months. Sherwin-Williams won big among paints, while Behr took home top honors among stains.

Can you apply PermaSeal yourself?

PermaSEAL Self-Adhesive Tanking Membrane can be safely and quickly installed in a similar way to wallpaper application. The sheet can be applied straight from the roll. The sheet requires no time to set, it is immediately water and raintight.

Is it better to stain or waterproof a deck?

– Sealant provides an abundance of moisture protection. – Stain offers virtually no protection from moisture. Since many wooden decks are made of pine, or a similar “softwood,” they are not proficient in keeping out moisture, nor are they very good at withstanding UV rays.

Does PermaSeal work on decks?

With one PermaSeal® treatment on your deck, you'll have the perfect setting for a perfect evening.

Should I pressure wash my deck before sealing?

Before sealing your wooden deck, you'll want to clean it. Power washing your deck is an efficient way to clean and prep your deck for staining, but it's also easy to damage the wood. Here's your guide to power washing and sealing a deck the right way.

How much does it cost to have someone seal your deck?

The average cost to seal a deck is $966 or typically between $554 and $1,378. The total cost depends on the deck size, required prep work, and sealant and wood quality.

Can you over pressure wash a deck?

Applying Pressure

Although highly effective for concrete cleaning, applying this much pressure to your deck can cause irreversible damage. To clean a deck effectively, about 1,500 pounds of pressure will do the job nicely, without causing permanent damage.

Can you permanently seal a deck?

Ever-Seal hardens, protects and seals new wood and will also re-seal aged pressure-treated or seasoned wood. Our product creates a permanent, effective seal against moisture, acids, time and weather. Wood Sealant creataes a permanent, effective seal that strengthens wood.

What wood sealer lasts the longest?

Olympic Stain Maximum Waterproofing Sealant

This sealant is designed to provide long-lasting protection for all wood surfaces. It offers advanced weather protection. It guards against water damage, UV rays, and mildew growth.

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

Two Coats Recommended: Most manufacturers suggest applying two coats for optimal protection and appearance. Drying Time Matters: Wait at least 4 hours between coats and 24 hours before using the deck. Avoid Over-Application: Too much stain can lead to poor adhesion, peeling, and uneven color.

What is the best deck sealer?

However, we've taken the time to sift through the options and help you find the best deck stain in 2024.
  • Cabot Australian Timber Oil - Best Overall Deck Stain.
  • Ready Seal Natural Cedar - Best Budget Deck Stain.
  • Thompsons WaterSeal Advanced - Best Water-Based Deck Stain.

What happens if it rains on Thompson Water Seal?

Thompson's Water Seal, offers superb weather protection for bricks, mortar, stone & concrete. Its advanced silicone micro emulsion soaks in deep to provide long lasting protection against rain damage.

Can Thompson Water Seal be removed?

You only have two choices. Strip or sand it off. Stripping is much easier. Make sure to apply a wood brightener when done.

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