What time of year should you seal your deck?

Summer is generally the best time to waterproof your deck because it gives you the opportunity to clean it thoroughly and seal it properly without worrying about rain. It takes about two to three days for a deck to completely dry out after sealing and you’ll need up to six days for it to be fully functional again.

Should I seal deck boards before installing?

Deck Sealing and Staining



It will slow down the movement of moisture in and out of a board (which causes the movement) but never can you stop it. Moreover a finish will add moisture to a board so you need to consider how long ago the board was finished and give that injection of moisture some time to equalize.

How long should you wait to seal a treated deck?





A newly built deck that uses pressurized wood will need time to dry completely before a sealer can be applied. 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 temperature does it need to be to seal a deck?

For clear sealer, the deck surface and air temperature must be above 50 degrees Fahrenheit during application and drying time. For deck stain, the deck surface and air temperature should be between 50 and 95 Fahrenheit for application and drying.

How long do you have to wait to seal pressure treated wood?

Following construction, most manufacturers of stains and paints recommend a waiting period – from a week to two months – before applying a finish to treated wood, if the project was built with lumber that was not kiln-dried after treatment (KDAT).

Is it better to seal or stain 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 you seal a deck for the first time?





Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: I usually apply the material to three or four boards at a time always moving the pad in the direction of the grain.

When should I stain my deck for the first time?

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.

How long should deck boards dry before installing?

The proper way to acclimate wood is to let it sit in the area where it will be built for a period of at least 7 days. Depending on your climate, and the time of year you install your deck, this acclimation period can be anywhere between 7 – 14 days. Never let your wood sit directly on top of the ground or concrete.

How do I know if my deck is dry enough to stain?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: If the water is absorbed in less than 10 minutes or if the surface color darkens. Then it is time to stain your deck. If the water beads on the surface.

What happens if you stain treated lumber too soon?



If you stain pressure-treated wood too soon, the stain will be unable to fully penetrate the wood, and you will not get the protective benefits of the stain. What is the best stain for pressure-treated wood? An oil-based stain is the best for pressure-treated wood.

Do you need to seal cut ends of pressure treated wood?

IN-GROUND APPLICATION. Whilst treating or sealing any cut ends is important with any Treated Lumber product, maintaining a sealed end is most important when applicating Pressure Treated lumber in-ground, such as Fence Posts and Landscaping / Retaining Wall.

What is the best sealer for pressure treated wood?

Best Sealant for Pressure-treated Wood

  • Ready Seal 515 5-Gallon – (Best waterproofing for pressure-treated wood)
  • #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent – (Best water sealer for decks)
  • Minwax 630510444 – (Best clear deck sealer for pressure treated wood)
  • Cabot 140.0017437.007 – (Best oil sealer for treated wood deck)

What is the best sealer for a wood deck?



Best Deck Sealers

  • Thompsons Waterseal Advanced Natural Wood Protector.
  • ECO-SAFE Wood Treatment – Stain & Preservation by Tall Earth.
  • Rust-Oleum Coppercoat Wood Preservative.
  • CabotStain Australian Timber Oil Penetrating Oil.
  • Thompsons Waterseal – Transparent Stain.


When should you stain a new pressure treated deck?

Before you can stain, wait 72 hours for pressure-treated wood to dry completely if has been kiln-dried at the lumber yard. You can check the board for tags and ask the hardware store staff if it’s already Kiln dried If not, it usually takes a few weeks to six months before you can stain.

What happens if you don’t stain pressure treated wood?

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.

How can I determine if pressure treated wood is ready for staining?



To determine if pressure treated wood is dry enough to stain, try the “sprinkle” test. Sprinkle water on the wood: if the wood absorbs it within 10 minutes, plan to stain as soon as possible. If the water beads or pools on the wood surface, the wood needs more time to dry.