how do you treat new decking

How to Treat Decking and Maintain it

• Staining Decking. It is often necessary to stain your decking, having cleaned it and before you treat it. This is not...
• Treating Decking With Oil. First treat the timber with some kind of universal wood preserver as shown below. This will...
• Treating Decking and Furniture with Linseed Oil. Linseed Oil in a very versatile and useful...

Full Answer

What is the best treatment for a deck?

• BEST OVERALL: Cabot Australian Timber Oil
• BEST FOR OLD DECKS: SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain
• BEST FOR NEW DECKS: Ready Seal Redwood Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer
• HONORABLE MENTION: CABOT Semi-Solid Deck Stain

How to clean and restain a deck?

• Inspect the deck, handrails and steps. ...
• Clear the deck of all outdoor furniture, toys, potted plants, grills and other objects.
• Cover nearby plants or shrubs with plastic sheeting to make sure they don’t get spattered with cleaner or stain.
• Apply painter’s tape along where the deck meets the side of the house to avoid getting stain on your home.

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How to clean and treat your deck?

• Before cleaning, clear any deck furniture, toys and potted plants out of the way.
• Sweep the deck.
• Use a putty knife to remove any debris from between deck boards that a broom or scrub brush can’t reach.
• Clean the deck by spraying a biodegradable outdoor cleaner that removes mildew.

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How often is staining needed on a deck?

To keep a deck looking great and prolong the life of the wood, a deck should be stained every two to three years. Other signs your deck needs staining are: The deck has mold or mildew buildup. Water soaks into the deck boards and no longer beads up. The stain color is wearing off.

How do you treat a brand new deck?

DO wait 30 days before sealing a new deck. If you've just built a new deck, you're probably itching to finish the job by sealing it. But preservatives in the wood often require about 30 days' dwell time before the deck can soak up the sealant. After a 30-day period, pour some water on your deck.

Should you treat a new deck?

Brand new decking needs to left alone to weather naturally so that all the pre-treatment has eroded, ready to be oiled. We recommend you wait around six months for it to be fully eroded. Once you've waited for the coating to erode, treat your new decking as normal with oil or stain.

What is the best way to seal a new deck?

1:042:40How To Quickly Seal Decks and Siding - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's just a matter of spraying it. On. Not sure if you can see but that's the finished product afterMoreIt's just a matter of spraying it. On. Not sure if you can see but that's the finished product after about 15 minutes worth of labour using a garden sprayer to put on sealing.

How do I protect my new wood 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.

How soon should you oil new decking?

about six monthsIdeally, newly-laid or newly-treated decking should be left to weather naturally for about six months before you stain or oil it. This ensures that any existing treatment is given sufficient time to naturally weather away, so that your decking oil can achieve maximum penetration into the wood.

How long should I wait before staining a new deck?

New wooden decks should always receive a coat of paint or stain. Generally, all new decks should dry out for at least 30 days before stain or paint is applied. Although a finish can be applied immediately after construction, more work is involved, so it's best to let the wood fully dry before finishing.

Is it better to stain or seal a deck?

Sealing a deck is best for cedar, teak, mahogany, or other quality woods as it enhances the wood grain and natural color. What is this? Staining a deck protects the wood from mold, mildew, moisture, and rot, and UV rays and sun damage.

How do I stain my new deck for the first time?

Stain New Deck 1-2 Months after Install. Apply a wood deck cleaner and thoroughly scrub and or pressure wash lightly. Neutralize with a wood deck brightener. These two steps will remove the mill glaze and "open" the wood pores. Apply a deck stain that is "thin" in viscosity.

Do I have to sand deck before sealing?

Once dry, these wood fibers can remain raised and may cause splinters. For this reason, light but thoroughly sanding your wood deck is a necessary step before staining or sealing. This crucial step will ensure that your refinishing job gives great results.

Is it better to seal or stain a deck?

BEST OVERALL: Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Rust-Oleum Varathane Ultimate Spar Urethane Oil Based.PRESSURE-TREATED WOOD PICK: Thompson's WaterSeal Transparent Wood Sealer.BEST FOR WATERPROOFING: Thompson's WaterSeal Clear Wood Sealer.BEST WITH UV PROTECTION: Defy Composite Deck Sealer.More items...•May 23, 2022The Best Deck Sealers of 2022 - Tested by Bob Vilahttps://www.bobvila.com › articles › best-deck-sealerhttps://www.bobvila.com › articles › best-deck-sealerSearch for: What is the best deck protection?

How long will a deck last without stain?

Applying a clear sealer or polyurethane over a deck stain will cause more problems than it is worth. If you want a clear finish then you can strip off any old stain and start fresh with bare wood. Then you can apply a clear sealer if that is the look you are going for.Mar 1, 2022How to Use Clear Coat for Wood: Can You Put Polyurethane Over Paint or ...https://www.deckstainhelp.com › can-you-apply-a-clear-s...https://www.deckstainhelp.com › can-you-apply-a-clear-s...Search for: Do you need to apply a sealer after staining a deck?

What happens if you stain pressure treated wood too soon?

3:556:50How to Clean, Renew and Seal a Wood Deck in One Day - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe pad allows me to work the stain and sealer well into the wood assuring.MoreThe pad allows me to work the stain and sealer well into the wood assuring.How to Clean, Renew and Seal a Wood Deck in One Day - YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com › watchhttps://www.youtube.com › watchSearch for: What to use to seal a deck?

What happens if it rains on a freshly stained deck?

Sealing a deck is best for cedar, teak, mahogany, or other quality woods as it enhances the wood grain and natural color. What is this? Staining a deck protects the wood from mold, mildew, moisture, and rot, and UV rays and sun damage.

Testing the Wood

A water test is the easiest way to ensure that the wood can absorb sealer or finish. Sprinkle water on the deck. If it soaks in immediately, the deck can be sealed. If the water beads up or stands on the deck, your deck may not need sealing yet.

Applying Deck Cleaner

Ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate wood, which causes graying. A wood deck cleaner can help remove dirt, nail stains, algae and mildew. If your deck isn't brand-new, always use a cleaner before applying finish. Lack of preparation is the most common reason why deck stains and sealers fail, so don’t skip this very important step.

How to Stain a Deck

When learning how to re-stain a deck, always read the manufacturer's directions for your deck stain and sealer. Drying times differ based on air temperature and humidity. Before you start, check the deck boards for needed repairs to splits or popped-up nails. Here are some additional tips to make the job go more smoothly.

How long does it take for wood to dry?

The short answer is around 30 days, but there’s a number of factors to consider, including the weather, and how long the wood sat in the lumber yard or home center. The best way to know for sure is to test the wood.

When is wood ready to seal?

If the water is absorbed into the wood easily, it’s ready to seal or stain.

How long does it take for wood to dry before staining?

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. Pour a little water on the wood. If the water beads up, it’s still too wet to finish.

What is the best way to clean decking?

Before treating decking, it’s always best to remove all traces of surface dirt, debris and other contaminates. Power washers are great for blasting off mould, algae and other biological matter. In the absence of a jet wash, a stiff broom and plenty of elbow grease is the next best thing.

What are the different types of decking treatments?

There are 5 main types of garden decking treatment, all of which can be used to protect, preserve, maintain, restore, and rejuvenate old and new, softwood and hardwood decking . These are…. Grey, silver decking timber is a common problem that can be resolved.

What makes wooden decking slippery?

Moss, mould or algae that has made wooden decking slippery and dangerous.

What is the best way to protect wood decking?

Applying 2 coats to all sides and soaking all sawn ends in a quality wood preservative will help to protect decking timbers from these threats.

What does it mean when a deck is mouldy?

If mould, algae or other signs of biological growth are present, it’s probable that the deck is either untreated or that any old decking treatment has worn away or become ineffective.

Why is my deck turning grey?

It doesn’t take long for decked areas to start looking tired, weathered and worn. Decking boards can turn grey due to water and UV damage, and mould and algae growth can turn decking timbers green, slippery and dangerous. The good news is that all of these situations can be put right with the right decking treatments.

Why is my deck slippery?

When wooden decking becomes slippery, especially when damp or wet, it’s usually down to mould, mildew, algae or some other form of biological growth on the surface of the deck. Jet washing will remove the surface matter but will leave mould spores in the surface of the deck timbers.

How long does it take for a deck to dry?

It can take up to 48 hours for the deck to fully dry. At that point, lightly sand the surface to remove splintery or fuzzy patches caused by pressure-washing the deck. A pole sander with 80-grit sandpaper will suffice; a power sander is overkill. Then seal the deck to protect from cracking, cupping, and warping.

How to protect shrubs from overspray?

DO cover nearby shrubbery before you begin. The chemicals in cleaners and sealers can harm or kill plants that are hit with overspray. Cover all nearby vegetation with a tarp or plastic sheet before you start, but drape it loosely to allow air circulation. Advertisement.

What protects the interior of a house from rain?

The room and walls of your home protect its interior from rain, snow, sun, and wind, but the uncovered deck endures whatever nature delivers.

Can you use natural materials under a deck?

DON’T use natural materials under deck furniture. Protect the wood deck from scrapes inflicted by chair and table legs, but don’t use outdoor rugs made of natural fibers such as jute and bamboo: These absorb moisture and promote mildew. Rugs made of recycled plastics won’t cause these problems, and they’ll last longer.

Can you bleach a deck?

DON’T clean the deck with chlorine bleach. Unless, of course, you don’t mind stripping the wood of its natural color and damaging its cellular structure. Oxygen bleach is an all-purpose alternative that won’t wash out colors or harm plants, but it’s still not appropriate for redwood.

Is pressure treated wood maintenance free?

DON’T assume that pressure-treated wood is maintenance-free. It might resist rot and insect infestation, but pressure-treated wood still needs to be cleaned and sealed to withstand water and solar damage. Use products made for pressure-treated wood.

Is a deck a plein air addition?

By Bob Vila. Photo: fotosearch.com. A deck is a plein-air addition to your home. Like the space inside your residence, it needs regular cleaning and maintenance to remain habitable and safe. Decks made of composites require less maintenance than wooden decks, but there’s no such thing as a self-cleaning deck or a deck that lasts forever.

What is the best way to protect a deck from moisture?

Photo: istockphoto.com. Sealant, stain, and paint can all be applied to a deck for different degrees of protection. Sealants are primarily used to protect against moisture damage. They contain waterproof or water repellant properties and have a thicker viscosity than stains.

How long does it take for a deck to soak up sealant?

If you’ve just put in a new deck, you’re no doubt itching to finish the job by sealing it. But preservatives in the wood often require about 30 days’ dwell time before the deck can soak up the sealant. After a 30-day period, pour some water on your deck. If it beads up, the wood is still too wet to seal, but if the water is absorbed, ...

How long does it take to stain a deck?

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. Advertisement. Photo: istockphoto.com.

How long does it take for wood to dry before sealing?

Allow to dry for 24 hours, then sand the surface with between a 60 to 150 grit sandpaper or sanding disk. Use a powered sanding tool to remove the top layer of wood, which could act as a barrier to the sealant.

Can you seal wood if it beads up?

If it beads up, the wood is still too wet to seal, but if the water is absorbed, it’s ready to seal. 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.

Can you sand a stained deck?

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. This moisture protection would prevent new sealant from being absorbed, so sand evenly to ensure a clean, bare surface.

Can you seal a deck with a damp deck?

Applying sealant to a damp or frosty deck will lead, at best, to an uneven, splotchy seal that can’t effectively protect your deck. At worst, the sealant will bead up on the water and fail to be absorbed, creating a messy, dangerous slipping hazard. Always allow the surface to dry for at least 24 hours after a rainfall before sealing a deck.

How long does it take to seal a mahogany deck?

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. This will ensure minimal or no UV damage and give your deck that natural look.

How do UV rays affect wood decking?

UV rays affect wood decking immediately by breaking down the lignin, a naturally occurring glue that holds wood fibers together. Our professionals at Seal-A-Deck understand the evolving industries involved in bringing to life the deck you’ve always wanted.

Does opaque deck stain peel?

It is less susceptible to peeling than paint but more susceptible to peeling than translucent sealers, which will never peel.

Why does pressure treated lumber peel?

The chemicals used to produce pressure-treated lumber work to protect the wood against rot and insects, but leave it too saturated to paint immediately . Doing so will result in peeling paint as the chemicals slowly leach out of the wood.

How to test wood for moisture?

You can use a moisture meter to test the wood’s moisture content. If the moisture content is less than 15% it can usually be painted. Another less scientific method is to sprinkle some water on the wood. If it beads on the surface, you’ll need to wait. If it is readily absorbed into the wood, you should be able to coat the surface.

Can you power wash a deck before staining?

Before painting, staining, or sealing your deck components, you should power wash the deck with a bleach mix ture and rinse thoroughly. After giving the deck adequate time to dry out, you should be ready to go.

How long should I wait to stain a new deck?

It is important to wait for the wood to dry before sealing a new deck, but at the same time, you don’t want to wait too long. Drying can take several months.

How long does it take for pressure treated wood to dry?

New pressure-treated wood needs to dry after construction before it can be stained or sealed. This process can take many months depending on your deck’s sun exposure and the weather patterns after construction is complete.

Is pressure treated wood porous?

Pressure-treated wood is a porous material. Without stain, any type of paint or sealant, rainwater, dew or snow can easily penetrate the decking. The wood will then swell until it dries when it will shrink again.

Can you stain a pressure treated deck yourself?

It is important to protect your investment with proper care and the first step in keeping your deck structurally sound and great looking is proper staining or sealing. You can always choose to stain or seal your pressure-treated deck yourself, or you can hire a professional to do it.

How do I change the color of a wood deck?

Choose the right sealant. If you want to show off the wood’s natural color, use a clear or semi-transparent oil-based sealant . If you want to change the color of your deck, you can use a combination stain and sealant. However, you shouldn’t attempt to seal pressure-treated wood that’s already been stained.

How long does it take for a deck to dry before sealing?

The chemicals used to treat the wood leave moisture behind, and depending on the climate, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months until it’s dry enough to seal.

What is Pressure Treated Lumber?

Pressure-treated lumber has been treated with chemical preservatives to help prevent rot and insect damage. Certain chemicals, such as the water-repellent CA-C (copper azole type C), also makes the wood suitable for ground contact, even in marine environments.

What is the best deck finish for pressure treated decks?

For pressure treated decks, we recommend Spa N Deck from Flood or Wood RX. The 100% acrylic finish formula can be applied in just one day, and the end result enhances the wood’s natural beauty while providing extra durability. You can find Spa N Deck at your nearest Decks & Docks location.

Why do deck boards swell?

On a deck that’s going to be directly exposed to rain, water can seep into the boards and cause them to swell. As they dry in the sun, they’ll shrink. Over time, this constant cycle of swelling and shrinking will cause your deck to become cracked, splintered, and warped.

How long does it take for PT lumber to dry?

Most deck sealers for PT lumber require 24 to 48 hours of drying time, so make sure there’s no rain in the forecast.

Can pressure treated wood be sealed?

How to Seal Your Wooden Deck. Pressure-treated lumber is notoriously difficult to stain and seal compared with other decking materials, which is why some manufacturers actually used to advise against it. But today, most types of pressure-treated wood can be effectively sealed and protected – here’s how to do it properly ...