Whether you are building a new deck or have inherited an existing one, protecting it properly will help enhance its beauty and prolong its longevity.
This article offers tips for do-it-yourselfers and examines the pros and cons of products on the market to help you decide which option works best for you.
DO’S AND DON’TS of Protecting Your Deck
Source: bobvila.com
DO wait 30 days before sealing a new deck.
Resist the urge to seal your newly built deck. Preservatives in the wood often require about 30 days’ dwell time before the deck can soak up the sealant. After a 30-day period, pour some water on your deck. If it beads up, the wood is still too wet to seal, but if the water is absorbed, it’s ready to seal. Be sure to apply sealant as soon as the wood is ready; leaving the deck exposed any longer increases the likelihood of both ultraviolet (UV) and moisture damage.
DON’T confuse paint, stain, and sealant.
Sealant, stain, and paint can all be applied to a deck for different degrees of protection.
A combined stain-and-sealant product offers durable, moisture- and UV-protection with minimal drawbacks. Alternately, a stain can be applied followed 48 hours later by a sealant for a similar level of protection.
DO repair, wash, and sand your deck before sealing.
Proper prep is key to successfully sealing a deck. Repair or replace any loose or broken boards, so that future breaks or cracks won’t create hazards. Then, wash the deck using a power-washer to scrub the surface clean. (*Note that alternate sources do not recommend pressure washing.) Allow to dry for 24 hours, then sand the surface with between a 60 to 150 grit sandpaper or sanding disk. Use a powered sanding tool to remove the top layer of wood, which could act as a barrier to the sealant.
On a previously stained deck, also be sure to sand the entire surface—areas where the sealant has worn away as well as those that still have moisture protection intact. This moisture protection would prevent new sealant from being absorbed, so sand evenly to ensure a clean, bare surface.
Finally, sweep or vacuum thoroughly. Even a brand new deck will need at least a brief washing and drying to banish any dirt and grime accumulated during the initial drying period.
DON’T apply sealant to damp or frosty surfaces.
Applying sealant to a damp or frosty deck will lead, at best, to an uneven, splotchy seal that can’t effectively protect your deck. At worst, the sealant will bead up on the water and fail to be absorbed, creating a messy, dangerous slipping hazard. Always allow the surface to dry for at least 24 hours after a rainfall before sealing a deck.
DO use proper tools and technique for sealing a deck.
Deck sealant can be applied using a roller, a paint brush, or even a paint sprayer. You can work from a standing position with a pole or on your hands and knees (kneepads highly recommended). Work slowly enough to ensure that every inch of the deck is covered with an adequate amount of sealant.
Overly thick sealant is prone to peeling and chipping, so avoid oversaturating the surface by applying only one coat of sealant at a time. In most cases, all you’ll need is one coat, but should you wish to apply a second coat, wait at least 24 hours.
DON’T disregard temperature and time of day.
Plan to seal your deck when temperature and time of day are ideal. Aim for a pleasant, not-too-windy day between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Get to work in the morning as hot afternoon sun can cause sealant to evaporate quickly, preventing adequate absorption.
DO apply a sealant-and-stain product once a year.
This is a general rule subject to climate and the age of your deck. In sunnier regions, adhere strictly to a once-a-year schedule to protect the wood from powerful UV rays. Northern regions may get away with a two- or even three-year cycle; however, these regions are more susceptible to moisture damage, so be vigilant about sanding before sealing your deck to ensure that the sealant is able to soak into the wood to provide long term protection against melting snow and other moisture damage.
DON’T use the deck for 48 hours.
While sealant is normally dry to the touch within a few hours, for a proper seal that protects the wood, stay off your deck for two full days.
PROS and CONS of Painting vs Staining Your Deck
Both exterior paint and wood stain will help protect your deck from moisture and weather-related damage to prolong its lifespan. While both can do the job, the two popular finishes differ in terms of appearance, applications, durability, maintenance, and cost.
Water should bead on the deck’s surface – an indicator that the seal is holding up. When water stops beading, it’s time for another coat.
Avoid pressure washing wood decks as it can damage the wood and make the grain overly pronounced. Instead rinse with water periodically. (*Note that alternate sources recommend pressure washing.)
Either painting the deck or staining the deck will require preparing the surface by sweeping it clear, cleaning thoroughly, repairing or replacing damaged boards, and then lightly sanding any surface ridges.
| PROS of PAINT | PROS of STAIN
(combined stain-and-sealant product) |
| § Paint comes in unlimited colour choices that can be used to create more imaginative and creative designs.
§ Paint provides excellent coverage for decks in poor condition as it is able to fill gaps and cracks. With its high percentage of pigments and resins, paint can fully fill the pores of the wood and dry to an opaque surface to hide defects, resulting in a more refined, though more manufactured look. § Paint is relatively easy to clean. § Quality paint can last up to 10 years. |
§ Stain retains the beauty of wood and offers a natural look. The product, transparent to semi-solid in opacity, partially fills the pores of wood, forming a thin film over the deck that lets both the natural grain pattern and superficial cracks in the wood show through — ideal for those who like a natural look.
§ Easy to apply – stain can be directly applied by brush or roller in a single coat. The rather runny consistency of stain prevents globs from pooling, and its transparency minimizes the appearance of lap marks in the finish. § A stained deck can be easily painted over or given a new shade of stain. |
| CONS of PAINT | CONS of STAIN
(combined stain-and-sealant product) |
| § Hides natural woodgrain, wasting its beauty under the opaque mask of paint.
§ Once painted, there’s no returning to stain. § A painted deck is more slippery when wet. § Paint just “lays” on the deck, instead of sealing the wood grain, which can trap moisture in the wood. § Painting requires more supplies which add to the cost. Prior to painting, a deck should be treated with wood preservative and then coated with a quality primer. A minimum of two coats of latex or oil-based paint is usually needed. Once painted, the surface must be sealed with a clear polyurethane sealer. § The thick consistency of paint means that globs and lap marks commonly crop up in the finish. § Paint can be prone to chipping or peeling. |
§ Stain can require reapplying more often. Finishes on decks last from one to eight years before needing re-application.
§ Stain doesn’t hide the imperfections of an older or weathered deck. § Stain tends to be more limited in colour choices. Because wood stain is designed to accentuate the native qualities of wood, it’s typically limited to clear varieties or shades of brown.
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However you decide to finish your deck, keeping it maintained and protected will add to your enjoyment of your outdoor space and the beauty of your home. With a wide range of products and price points to choose from, take care to follow manufacturer’s instructions and get the most from your investment of money and effort.
