Apply painter’s tape to any nearby surfaces — such as siding — that you need to protect. Apply the deck sealer with a natural bristle brush. A roller is faster, but brushing helps force the sealer into open pores and grain. Make sure to get the sealer into joints where two boards butt together.
Do decks need to be sealed?
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.
Do you have to stain a deck or can you just seal it?
A: It’s really up to you. Just staining the deck will give you the color you want, although in high-traffic areas the stain could wear away quickly. Many deck companies recommend using a combination stain/sealer product, which is basically a sealer with pigment added.
How much does it cost to seal a deck?
Cost to Seal a Deck
Sealing a deck costs $906 or typically between $551 and $1,292. 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 much deck sealer do I need?
If your deck or patio measures up to 550 square feet, you will need to buy 2 gallons of stain. For very large decks and patios, up to 700 square feet, you will need 3 to 4 gallons of stain to complete the project.
How long do you have to wait to seal a new deck?
Allow the deck to dry for at least two days before applying a sealer.
What is the best way to protect a wooden deck?
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.
Can you apply Thompson’s water Seal with a roller?
Q: What is the best way to apply Thompson’s® WaterSeal® cleaners? The fastest way to apply is with a pump-up sprayer (using a coarse setting), but you can also apply with a brush or a roller. You should apply liberally.
How long does deck sealer last?
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.
What happens if you don’t seal your deck?
It is highly unlikely that the deck will rot, splinter or decay if you choose not to have it finished and you can always choose to stain and protect the deck at a later date. If you choose to revitalize the natural color of the wood, we recommend our two-step maintenance clean.
What is the difference between deck stain and sealer?
A sealer goes on clear or transparent to show the grain and the natural wood color. It prevents water from being absorbed and causing rot. Whereas a stain will do much the same as a sealer but also has a pigment added that blocks UV rays that can dry out the wood, causing it to crack or check, and gray.
What happens if you don’t seal stained wood?
What happens if you don’t seal stained wood? If you leave stained wood without a sealer on top, it will gradually lose its moisture content and dry out. Over time, the wood may look dull and lifeless as the stain wears out due to the lack of wood sealing and protection.
How much does it cost to stain a 12×12 deck?
A 12×12 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. Get free estimates from deck staining companies near you or view our deck stain cost calculator below.
Should I pressure wash my deck before painting?
If you decide not to power wash beforehand, not only will your new paint not stay for very long, but your old paint will still be underneath. Pressure washing will not only remove the dirt and grime, but it can also remove old, chipped paint that may cause discrepancies in you new paint job.
