how to seal a new deck

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 the deck before sealing to ensure that the sealant is able to soak into the wood to provide long term protection against melting snow and other moisture damage. Use a powered sanding tool to remove the top layer of wood, which could act as a barrier to the sealant. When should you seal Seal New Pavers Having pavers installed is a good way to boost your homeâs curb appeal and property value. 1. While sealing a wooden deck isn’t the toughest DIY project, there are definitely tricks and techniques that help ensure quality results. Apply painterâs tape to any nearby surfaces â such as siding â that you need to protect. By Timothy Dale and Bob Vila. Otherwise, you risk having your deck rot out within the first couple of years. How do I know? If you’ve just put in a new deck, you’re no doubt itching to finish the job by sealing it. Work in with brush. In lieu of that, you can apply a simple stain to the deck and, after 48 hours, apply sealant for a similar level of protection. 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. Finally, sweep or vacuum thoroughly. After a 30-day period, pour some water on your deck. Let dry for 24-48 hours then apply your deck stain of choice. If the water is absorbed into the wood easily, itâs ready If it beads up, the wood is still too wet to seal, but if the water is absorbed, it’s ready to seal. Newer wood is denser than aged wood and only a quality deck stain will penetrate the wood pores to provide maximum protection. Wait 24-48 hours before enjoying. When I build with lumber that wet and want seal it, I wait a few "dry" days then sprinlke a little water on the deck, if it puddles give it a couple of days. Always allow the surface to dry for at least 24 hours after a rainfall before sealing a deck. Preparing to stain a new deck is different from staining a deck that has already been stained. Sprinkle water on the deck. Aim for a pleasant, not-too-windy day between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Danny Lipford: Whether you have an old deck or a brand new one, itâs important to regularly apply a stain or sealer, so that you can keep your deck looking as good as possible and lasting as long as it should. There are a multitude of options available for sealing a redwood deck. Smooth the caulk bead with a finger. Timothy Dale, Bob Vila, What’s the Difference? If the water beads up, thereâs still some moisture in the wood. â¦ Staining a weathered deck doesnât have to be a big, painful project. Stains act as sealers but also stain the wood, which makes them more effective at protecting your deck. If the water seeps into the wood, you need to seal. Painting vs. Staining the Deck. Follow the direction on the stain can for proper application and coverage rates. Listen to hear how long you should wait before sealing or staining a new deck. How to Seal a New Pressure Treated Wood Deck Step 1. If the deck absorbs the water, then itâs dry enough to be sealed. WATER DROP TEST - Deck is ready when droplets are absorbed. It is imperative that you use a quality deck stain on new wood. How to clean seal or stain a deck lowe s best deck cleaner stain sealer this old house what s the difference between a deck sealer and stain best reviews ratings when to stain a new deck how tips the sealer how to clean seal or stain a deck lowe s best exterior sealers for your outdoor es the home depot. Consider this a general rule, depending on climate and the age of your deck. 3. This moisture protection would prevent new sealant from being absorbed, so sand evenly to ensure a clean, bare surface. Sealing. Make sure to get the sealer into joints where two boards butt together. Once you new decking boards are installed the next step is to apply the finish to seal the deck and complete the job. If the water beads up or stands on the deck, your deck may not need sealing yet. 2. Apply a coat of primer, and then apply textured coating with a roller. This article offers New Deck Staining Tips. Learn how to stain your wood deck, seal concrete, clean hardwood decks, and much more. Stain New Deck Right Away. Applying sealant to a damp or frosty deck will lead, at best, to an uneven, splotchy seal that can’t effectively protect your deck. You probably can't paint a masterpiece on your first try. Steps 1. If it soaks in immediately, the deck can be sealed. Hi all, this question has probably been asked a million times, but I'm in the middle of re-skinning my deck with PT boards and I know I will eventually finish it with a semi-transparent strain - but do I need to seal it first and then stain it when it's sufficiently dry? Even if you decide not to stain your deck, you should always apply some kind of sealer to keep it protected from the elements. Caulk along the edge of the new seam, and smooth the bead with a finger. Sealer does not last as long as stain either, because it only stays on the surface of the wood. Most sealers will work for any wood. A water test is the easiest way to ensure that the wood can absorb sealer or finish. Applying the sealer with a brush gives you the greatest control for the most even application and will ensure that you get the sealer not only on the deck boards but in-between the boards as well. If the water beads up on... 2. Bottom line: A combined stain-and-sealant product offers durable, moisture- and UV-protection with the least drawbacks. Seal or Stain the Deck Boards Apply sealer or stain to the deck boards, using the same techniques used on the railings and your choice of applicator: paint pad, paint roller, paintbrush, or garden sprayer. Choose a semitransparent stain or clear sealer. This guide will walk you through the steps for how to prep a deck for stain and explain why cleaning a deck before staining is important. Choose a deck sealer appropriate for your type of wood. It does not penetrate as a stain does. Typically, sealing a wooden deck is a once-a-year chore, but Olympic Stain Maximum Waterproofing Sealant lasts up to three years. Because I stained and waterproofed my ten year old front porch in one easy step. Ð¾Ð»ÑÑÐ¸Ñ Ð´ÐµÑÐµÐ²ÑÐ½Ð½Ð¾Ð³Ð¾ Ð¿Ð¾ÐºÑÑÑÐ¸Ñ Ð½Ð° ÑÐµÑÑÐ°ÑÐµ, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. 2. Merbau â This was once the most popular choice of â¦ To remind family members, put yellow caution tape across the access routes to the deck. If you do not have a very clean deck before sealing, the deck sealer will trap in all the elements you want removed, and your problem will be exacerbated. If the water beads up, itâs still too wet to finish. Watch as Jeff Wilson takes you step by step through the ABC's & D's of Deck â¦ There are several techniques you can use to apply a deck sealer. After 48 hours, let the partying begin! Check the forecast. PREP - Wait 4-8 weeks after new deck is built. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Be sure to use galvanized deck screws rated for outdoor use. Proper prep is key to successfully sealing a deck. If the water beads up on the surface of your deck, you don't need to seal. Overly thick sealant is prone to peeling and chipping, so avoid oversaturating the surface by applying only one coat of sealant at a time. Sealant, stain, and paint can all be applied to a deck for different degrees of protection. Paver designs and ideas are can seem endless. Choosing the right timber for your deck. Clean up debris, and caulk around the edge of the new piece, sealing the edges against weather. In sunnier regions, adhere strictly to a once-a-year schedule to protect the wood from powerful UV rays. The type, shape, look, size, and color of pavers can also vary widely in choice. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. If youâve just put in a new deck, youâre no doubt itching to finish the job by sealing it. Not the most common approach but can be done if you prep properly. Step 2. Test the water resistance of your deck by spraying some water from a hose onto its surface. Get to work in the morning, as the hot sun of a summer afternoon can cause sealant to evaporate quickly, preventing adequate absorption. Even a brand new deck will need at least a brief washing and drying to banish any dirt and grime accumulated during the initial 30 drying period. You donât even have to strip off the old stain to get a fresh new look. Apply Stain or Sealer Once your deck is clean, apply a redwood stain or a waterproofing deck sealer, which will repel water and make the deck last longer. A deck that traps water will bend, warp and ultimately weaken. Work slowly enough to ensure that every inch of the deck gets an adequate amount of sealant. Sealer is transparent and puts a coating over the outer layer of your wood. 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. Allow to dry for 24 hours, then sand the surface with between a 60 to 150 grit sandpaper or sanding disk. New wood needs to season and be prepped prior to stain. But you can get masterful results on your very first deck makeover. The best option for a new redwood deck is to choose an oil-based or alkyd-based tinted penetrating sealer. A backyard deck is the perfect platform for good times, but that wooden surface needs a proper sealant to protect it against the ravages of sun, rain, and temperature fluctuations. You can work from a standing position with a pole or on your hands and knees (kneepads highly recommended). This ends up creating a â¦ Revive also takes the factory finish off of new wood. 12. So consider these dos and don’ts for sealing a deck so you’ll get the job done right the first time. A roller is faster, but brushing helps force the sealer into open pores and grain. SuperDeck ® Exterior Waterborne Deck Stain. When in doubt, follow the instructions written on the container. Find trusted local pros for any home project. Plan to seal your deck when temperature and time of day are ideal. Repair or replace any loose or broken boards, so that future breaks or cracks won’t create hazards. Pour a little water on the wood. 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. Wait 4 hours between coats. Or use a foam roller. Apply the deck sealer with a natural bristle brush. Check the wood for mildew before you seal it. Then, wash the deck using a power-washer to scrub the surface clean. If youâre looking for an easy method for how to stain a deck, youâre going to want to keep reading. 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. At worst, the sealant will bead up on the water and fail to be absorbed, creating a messy, dangerous slipping hazard. To apply the sealer, purchase a pad with a little reservoir and brush it on. when to seal a new deck. Copyright © 2020 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Deck Wash. Use Deck Wash to remove mold and mildew from composite decking and unstained pressure-treated wood. The lumber was most likely stored out doors, that would account for the mass amount of absorbtion. 13. Water-based sealers are sprayed on and give an even coverage. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 14. Many imported hardwood decking timbers like merbau and balau have a high content of naturally occurring water-soluble resins called tannins. ABC's & D's of Deck Care. Spray down the deck with water so that its entire surface is wet. Most commonly, pavers are used for driveways, sidewalks, patios, pool decks, and more. After cleaning the deck you will need to neutralize the wood deck cleaner with a wood brightener. 2. Reviveâ¢ neutralizes Stain & Sealer Remover and restores the natural appearance of cedar or redwood. Step 3. Apply a wood deck cleaner and thoroughly scrub and or pressure wash lightly. STAIN - Apply even coat with wood grain. Painting vs. Staining the Deck, The Dos and Don’ts of Mulching the Garden, The Most Beautiful Chicken Coops We've Ever Seen, 13 Breathtaking Ideas for Backyard String Lights. RELATED: What’s the Difference? This will ensure minimal or no UV damage and give your deck that natural look. Choose a water-based sealer if your pavers are laid with joint sand. 3. Every Spring we get many 1000's of questions about when to stain a new deck, wood fence, or exterior wood home. A protective polyurethane topcoat is a great way to seal your wooden deck and increase its longevity. The first step in applying deck sealer is to ensure that youâve got at least two â¦ Remember to clear any plant or anything else that could be hurt by deck sealer. Re: Sealing A New Deck. While you can hire a decking contractor to seal the surface, many homeowners opt to tackle the task—and save between about $550 and $1,260, according to HomeAdvisor. The main benefit of a water-based sealer is that it hardens the joint sand and penetrates into pavers better. But preservatives in the wood often require about 30 days’ dwell time before the deck can soak up the sealant. Deck sealant can be applied using a roller, a paint brush, or even a paint sprayer. In most cases, all you’ll need is one coat, but should you wish to apply a second coat, wait at least 24 hours. DO wait 30 days before sealing a new deck. Apply the finish to 10 to 15 square feet of boards at a time, then â¦ Pour a small amount of water on your deck. A new wood deck requires minimal preparation, while old or damaged wood will require additional steps to ensure the best results when applying wood stain. Sweep away any leaves or other debris. 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