- Inspect and Prepare the Deck. As part of your deck maintenance, you should inspect your deck every year or two.
- Clean the Deck. Before you can apply sealant, you must thoroughly clean the deck of all dirt and build-up.
- Paint or Stain the Deck.
- Seal the Deck.
Furthermore, how do you maintain a wooden deck?
Protect the investment in your wooden desk by taking these 10 preventive measures:
- Don't trap dirt.
- Catch that grease.
- Sweep it up.
- Shovel it off.
- Clean and seal regularly.
- Take special steps for a new deck.
- No matter the age, always make sure your deck is sealed.
- Even pressure treated wood needs to be sealed.
Beside above, what happens if you don't seal a 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 Twin-Chem two step maintenance clean.
Consequently, how often should wood decks be sealed?
Applying a sealer and/or stain typically is recommended every one to three years, depending on the finishing product, deck use, weather conditions, and sun exposure.
What is the life expectancy of a wooden deck?
20 years
Should I seal or stain my deck?
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. The advantage of this, they say, is the sealer provides additional protection against water and weather damage, while the stain helps reduce fading from UV rays.How often should I pressure wash my deck?
Most home maintenance contractors recommend power washing your deck once a year. An annual wash will keep your deck in optimal condition, cutting down on accumulation of dirt, mildew, or algae growth.Do I have to seal my deck after pressure washing?
After completing the deck power washing, wait 24 to 36 hours before applying sealer. If the weather is cool or humid, wait 48 to 72 hours. The deck must be thoroughly dry to ensure deep penetration of the sealer.Is deck paint or stain better?
Stain is generally less slippery than paint. Some stains are slick, but for the most part they're flatter and create a less slippery surface than a thick, quality paint job. If safety and slippage is a concern for your deck, stain is generally a better option.How long will an untreated deck last?
Untreated, today's western red cedar decking will last 10 to 15 years. Regular cleaning and treating can extend that life to 20, or perhaps 25 years.Does a wood deck need to be sealed?
On the same token, if the water beads up and sits in round bubbles on the surface of the wood, your deck doesn't need to be sealed and was either sealed recently or is made of pre-treated wood. The other way you can tell if your wooden deck needs sealing is if you notice bubbling and cracks in the sealant.Should a wood deck be sealed?
The wood on a new deck needs to dry thoroughly before sealing or staining. If the wood came still wet with preservative, allow it to dry about 30 days before applying stain or sealer. To test the wood to see if it's dry enough to stain or seal: Pour a little water on the wood.How long does Thompson Water Seal last?
10 yearsIs Thompson Water Seal good for decks?
A new Waterproofing Stain from industry leader Thompson's WaterSeal can not only protect your deck from further damage, but also add rich, beautiful color. It's a one-step product.How many coats of deck stain should I use?
The general rule of thumb is to apply only as much deck stain as the wood can absorb. Typically this will be 2 coats, unless your dealing with extremely dense hardwoods which may only be able to absorb 1 coat of wood stain. Watch this video to see more tips on how many coats of stain to apply.How long will stained wood last outside?
Some say that untreated 2×4's can last up to two years before showing signs of rot and others say it can last even longer. When deciding if you should you use an untreated 2×4 it depends greatly on the application, how much weather and sun it's exposed to and if it's making ground contact.What is the best decking stain?
THE BEST DECKING STAINS- Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Stain. Best water-based decking stain: this stain's water base and low VOC content make it one of our friendliest options.
- Sikkens Cetol HLS Plus Translucent Woodstain.
- Cuprinol Anti-Slip Decking Stain.
- Ronseal Decking Stain.
- Johnstone's Woodcare Stain For Decking.
Do I need to seal my deck every year?
Decks with a transparent stain should be coated with a sealer to extend the life of the wood. Semitransparent stains provide both color and protection of the wood, while still allowing some wood-grain to show through. Decks coated with a semitransparent stain should usually be recoated every year.How often should you oil your decking?
Once your timber deck has been oiled, you should keep a regular schedule of oiling and sealing the deck every six to twelve months to ensure the longevity of the deck and keep it looking its best all year round. Deck maintenance is an important part of the general upkeep of your deck.How do you stop decking from rotting?
When it is caught early, it may be possible to repair the damage without having to replace your whole deck.- Remove any rotted boards and replace them with new, pressure-treated ones.
- Apply a water-resistant coating over the entire deck, including the support pieces.
- Even out any spots that create water pooling.
How do you clean weathered wood?
How to Prep Your Weathered Wood- Wet the wood surface and apply the BEHR PREMIUM® All-in-One Wood Cleaner with a pump sprayer.
- Wait 15 minutes then scrub the wet surface with a stiff bristled brush.
- Rinse the wood surface thoroughly.