Sealing and Staining

After you deck has been cleaned, you may want to think about sealing or staining the deck to protect it from weather, and provide a longer lasting cosmetically appealing look. Basically there are 3 options:

1. Clear Sealer: Sealing is basically a clear, linseed oil based product, which soaks into the wood boards and prevents water from penetrating deep into the boards. Water will bead on the surface for some time, but then the surface beading will wear off. The wood is still protected from water absorbing for a few years. The manufacturer says it will prevent rot for 5-8 years, but it will likely appear to have worn off after 18 months or so in most cases.

A clear sealer will only very slightly change the color of the wood. Often times it may be impossible to tell the deck has been sealed unless you sprinkle water on the deck and look for beading.

2. Semi-Transparent stains: These stains look great, provide much better UV protection and will last several years. They are available in many natural colors, and are semi transparent to allow the natural wood grain to show through.

Vertical surfaces such as railing and fences may last as long as 7-10 years, while horizontal surfaces such as deck flooring will generally begin to wear of after about 1-4 years, depending greatly on the conditions at your deck, (moisture, usage, pets, sunlight, etc).

As Semi-transparent stains wear off over time, it is fairly simple to lightly re-clean and re-coat the deck with the same product to regularly maintain the nice finish. Ideally every 1-3 years.

3. Solid Color stains will have a solid color a lot like a paint, but will not peel or chip like paint. They are very very durable, and are good for decks with lots of unattractive markings (new wood / old wood) to cover evenly. Solid color stains are also great for houses where a solid contrasting color to the house is desired. Common on front porches, etc.