subject: How To Seal Your Deck To Preserve The Wood [print this page] Proper maintenance requires sealing your deck, periodically to protect your wood from the natural elements. Some homeowners however, opt to use other materials like composites that get dirty but do not rot and require less maintenance.
If you do choose to build a wood deck, then sealing your deck is a requirement. Deck sealants or deck finishes contain a mildewcide that preserves the wood and are made to prevent water from being absorbed by the wood, and protect the wood from the sun's ultraviolet rays. There are two types of sealant that you can consider - a clear sealer which has no pigmentation and deck stains with varied degrees of pigmentation.
A clear sealant is easier to apply and one can see the natural grain of the wood although, because it does not have any pigmentation, it does not block the sun's ultraviolet rays as effectively as deck stains. Clear seals must be applied every year.
A semi transparent seal can add color to your wood while still showing off the wood's natural grain. It is more effective in blocking the sun's ultraviolet rays because it is able to penetrate the wood and only needs to be applied every 2 years.
Semi-solid stains can last up to 3 years before reapplying, because of their pigmentation. One coat can be used so that the natural grain can still be seen or 2 and more coats for a more effective coating and maintenance. Solid stains are used for aging wood because it can mask the discoloration of the wood due to the wear and tear of the deck.
It is also important to note that you do not want a painted deck. A painted deck forms a surface film that is not able to withstand much foot traffic and causes it to have paint peels that are not attractive for your decks.
Deck stains can be either water based or oil based. Water based stains make the deck easier to clean and they release few VOCs in the air making it more environmentally friendly although they require more maintenance and need to be applied every 1 to 2 years. Oil based stains give off certain smells but last longer because they are able to be absorbed deeper into the wood and make reapplication only after 2 - 4 years.
Applying deck stains to protect your wood can be quite a tiresome task so deciding whether you will hire a professional or doing it yourself should also be considered. If you are considering the costs, then think of what you can do yourself and what you can hire a handyman to do. Make sure you purchase quality deck finishes as cheaper brands might not do the job and re-doing it will cost you more in the long run.
