Protecting Your Deck With Deck Sealers And Stains

Weather can be a harsh master, which is one reason we spend the bulk of our time indoors

. Unfortunately your deck doesn't have that luxury and is pounded 24/7 by water and sunlight (UV rays). This assault can quickly rot and warp unprotected wood. Wet wood expands then constricts once it dries out, causing cracks and splits that allow in more water and accelerate the process. Also, if your deck is made from pressure-treated wood, the onslaught of water can cause the chemicals to leach where they can affect your garden. A good stain or sealer can protect your deck and garden while enhancing their appearance and preserving your investment.

An easy way to check if your deck is in need of protection is to sprinkle some water on it and watch what happens. If it beads up and remains on the surface, it might not be ready to be treated yet. If the water soaks in right away, it's ready to be sealed.

Deck Preparation

Before you can seal your deck, it must be properly prepared. The old sealant must be removed, which may require some sanding, and the wood needs to be cleaned. Some people advise against using pressure washing services because it damages the wood if done improperly, causing the weaker wood to be washed off and leaving the remaining wood fuzzy and stressed, but if you pressure wash correctly, it's the easiest and most efficient method. If you choose to wash your deck, be sure to use an oxygen-bleach solution instead of the normal household chlorine bleach, which is highly toxic and can damage parts of your deck. Oxygen-bleach is safe for both your garden and its inhabitants and it doesn't harm the color of your wood.

Deck Stains and Sealers

Deck Stains and sealers come in both water-soluble (Latex-based), which can be easier to clean up, and oil- or alkyd-based (solvents), which have been known to last a little longer. In the past, decks would turn black and green from the algae and mold that would grow from feeding on the oils in the stains and sealers used to repel water. Now there are sealers that use synthetic resins instead of the oils. In addition to not feeding the green and black plants and fungi, the resins also deflect and absorb UV rays, preventing the graying of your deck's wood. There are three basic types of stains and sealers.

Opaque Stains and Sealers. These provide the longest protection and apply like paint, hiding the wood grain. They're best for softer woods where it isn't important to see the grain pattern. They also require more effort for preparation than other sealants.

Semitransparent Stains and Sealers. These contain some pigment but allow the wood grain to show. These are better for harder woods where you want to enjoy the beauty of the grain.

Clear Stains and Sealers. These repel water and protect from UV rays but do not color the wood. There are some that are epoxy fortified to make them adhere better to your deck.

Once you select your deck stain or sealer, there are a variety of ways to apply it. Brushes are good for detail work, spraying is the quickest and easiest, but rollers and pads can also be effective. It's important to apply only as much as your deck will absorb. When the deck stain penetrates the wood, it's doing its job and will protect the wood. When it forms a film or puddles on top of the wood, it will tend to deteriorate more quickly, prematurely cracking, peeling, and flaking.

Stained and sealed wood surfaces may need to be retreated every 2-3 years or earlier depending on weather exposure and the products used. Your deck surfaces should be cleaned every 90 days and inspected annually.

by: Mike Mussog

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