You should always apply a sealer to your deck when it's dry. Depending on where you live, this may mean waiting until the summer season, when rain and snow are less likely.
If you are looking to preserve the beautiful rich grain of, say, a mahogany or cedar decking, we recommend sealing the deck with a translucent penetrating stain within 1-2 weeks of construction.
Check the weather to be sure you'll have temperatures between 50 and 90°F. This temperature range ensures the best seal. Clean off the deck surface — both furnishings and debris. Be sure to remove any mildew or mold.
Because decks have direct contact with the outdoor elements, wood decks need to be properly sealed and waterproofed.
Deck staining can be done by a professional or as a weekend DIY project. However, a common question that pops up among homeowners who wish to do it themselves is: how long for the stain to dry before it can be safely exposed to rain? Generally, it takes anywhere between four hours to 24 hours.
Rain can cause stain to become uneven, washed-out, or patchy if it occurs before drying. Allow at least 24-48 hours of drying time before rain exposure.
Know When it's Time to Seal
Simply pour a bit of water on the wood. If it absorbs quickly, then it's ready to be sealed. However, if the water pools and sits on top of the wood, wait a few more days.
– 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.
Remove all dirt, debris, mildew, and old coatings. Allow the deck to dry completely before proceeding. A clean surface is crucial for the waterproofing materials to adhere properly. Inspecting the Deck: Check the deck for any damage, such as loose boards, nails, or screws.
Thompson's WaterSeal includes a complete line of deck sealers and stains for protecting deck wood from moisture and sunlight. Applying a sealer and/or stain typically is recommended every one to three years, depending on the finishing product, deck use, weather conditions, and sun exposure.
Deck joist flashing tape is an affordable and effective way to protect your deck's wood substructure. 1. It helps prevent moisture penetration 2. Helps protect lumber from rot 3.
– Beware of rain: Wait 2 to 3 days after a rain shower before starting your work and, if possible, make sure that no rain is forecast within 12 hours of completion. – Avoid dew: Wait until the wood is thoroughly dry after the morning or evening dew before applying the stain.
Sealant. Sealant is a popular choice for waterproofing wood, offering long-lasting protection by forming a waterproof barrier on the wood's surface. Sealant is one of the closest options for how to permanently waterproof wood. Unlike oil, sealants provide both strength and protection.
If you're wondering when to seal a new pressure-treated deck, the answer is 2 to 6 months. Even after you've waited for 6 months, you'll want to perform a test before planning to seal the deck. To test the wood for readiness, pour some water on it.
If you're going to install a new one, or you moved into a house that already has a deck, you're likely wondering when you'll need to consider replacing it. You can typically expect a deck to last 10-30 years for untreated wood and 50 or more years for treated wood and composite.
While the best time to install deck drainage is during the initial build, you can still waterproof an existing deck using a drainage system.
Wood decks should be protected with a sealer application every one to three years as needed. There's no way to 100% waterproof a wood deck, but best practices like annually resealing exterior wood or installing flashing tape can extend the life of your deck.
The cost to seal a deck is around $966 or about $0.75 to $4 per square foot for the materials and professional labor. Sealing a deck ranges from $554 to $1,378 depending on the size of the deck, any prep work (like power washing or repairs), and the type of sealant you choose.
Sealing a deck after pressure washing is crucial to keeping it looking great and preventing damage from the elements.
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.
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.
Clearing away the old finish, grime, mold, mildew, and other impurities in the wood—as well as the graying layer of the wood that was exposed to the sun—will allow the stain to absorb evenly into the wood. After you power wash, allow the wood to dry for at least 48 hours before you begin applying the new stain.
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.