<?xml encoding=”utf-8″>
For lots of folks, the deck is a place to make memories: relaxing, socializing, just enjoying life. But the elements (sun, rain, snow, and wind), as well as people partying on the surface, take their toll, wearing away at the wood and leading to cracks, splinters, fading, and rot. We knew that using a high-quality deck sealer could reduce such damage, so we wanted to find out which of today’s deck sealers were really worth buying and relying on.
You are watching: The Best Deck Sealers Tested in 2023
We decided to test the most popular brands available. Our tests involved applying the sealers to decking boards, noting how easy they were to use, whether they repelled water, and how they stood up to the weather and normal wear and tear, such as foot traffic and ground-in sand.
The best deck sealer will protect the deck from damage while still allowing the natural beauty of the wood grain to show through. A clear deck sealer won’t reveal an uneven application, brushstrokes, or runs, unlike colored stain or solid paint, and sealing a deck successfully is a relatively easy task for the average DIYer.
Read on to learn more about choosing the best deck sealer for your surface, weather conditions, and budget—and discover how the following products earned a spot in this lineup.
Before choosing a deck sealer, be sure that it’s the correct product for your needs. Sealer, stain, and paint can all protect your deck from the elements, though each one has different features.
Paint is typically a better choice on worn decks with mismatched boards or stains that won’t come off. It covers up these issues while offering an attractive uniform finish. While a clear sealer will prolong the useful life of an older, weathered deck, it won’t update the deck’s look.
Stain, like paint, changes the color of the wood. However, instead of forming a topcoat, stain penetrates the wood fibers in the same way as sealer. Stain is beneficial for evening out splotchy color while maintaining the beauty of natural wood grain.
Deck stain imparts a natural-looking wood color, but depending on the opacity, it can provide just a hint of color or completely obscure the wood grain, as paint would do. In addition, some deck sealers include a slight tint of color, and these stain-and-sealer combos are helpful for both protecting and refreshing the look of the wood.
Testing deck sealers was relatively straightforward. We brushed (or otherwise applied) two coats of each sealer on a decking board and then tested it for water resistance and scratch resistance. However, the real measure of a deck sealer is the test of time. We would have liked to test the sealers over a few years, but we had only a month to see how well they held up to the elements.
We positioned each test board outdoors to receive UV rays in a spot where it would be subject to the elements for a month. The temperature dipped below freezing at least 11 nights during the test phase. At the end of the month, we inspected each board for any signs of peeling and we tested again for water resistance.
Read more : Guide to Creating an Outdoor Dog Potty Area – 2023
In addition to noting how well the sealers held up, we also noted how easy they were to apply and how uniformly they covered the boards. For each test, we used a rubric to record points—the better a sealer performed in any area, the more points it received. At the end of the tests, we added the points and used them to help determine the best category for each product.
The best deck sealer should meet a user’s needs for appearance, budget, application, and drying time in addition to protecting the deck. We applied each of the following deck sealers to decking boards, noting how long it took them to dry, whether they needed a second coat, and how well they stood up to water, weather, and wear. The following deck sealers are among some of the industry leaders for maintaining wood decks, well-suited to various deck specifics. Learn the pros and cons of each product, and find out how they earned a spot on this lineup.
While some types of wood, such as cedar and redwood, naturally resist damage from water and insects, the most common material for new deck construction is pressure-treated wood. Treated wood is saturated with chemicals to help it resist moisture damage, but even this type of wood is not impervious to Mother Nature if unprotected. Pressure-treated wood will eventually begin to show signs of wear, such as warping and splintering, within a few short years if it’s not protected by the right sealer.
Some sealers, but not all, are suitable for use on composite decking (decking made from wood fibers and adhesives formed under pressure). Do not apply any sealer to a composite deck before checking to see if it’s compatible.
A quality deck sealer will create a water barrier on the wood to help extend the useful life of the deck. Before buying, users should consider the type of sealer best suited to their individual needs and the specific protection the deck requires.
There are water-based and oil-based deck sealers on the market. Although water-based products are the more popular choice, both types have their pros and their cons.
Applying deck sealers, deck stains, or stain and sealer combo products, especially if they’re oil-based, can leave DIYers with headaches, burning eyes, or irritated nasal passages. This is due to fumes released by volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). In deck sealers, these VOCs are in the form of solvents designed to prevent sealer ingredients from separating and ensure a durable finish.
While no government regulations exist that specify the amount of VOCs permissible in deck sealers, manufacturers are constantly trying to reduce the amount of toxins while still producing quality products. The result is low-VOC and no-VOC sealers that emit fewer toxic fumes and are healthier for people and the environment.
If deck wood remains unsealed, moisture eventually leads to swelling, splitting, and rot. Unprotected decking boards are also prone to warping as they swell and contract with moisture variations. Deck sealer helps protect the wood from the damaging effects of moisture, including rain, snow, humidity, and sprinkler runoff.
Good deck sealers, like deck paints, may also include mildewcides, which are chemicals that kill fungal spores. In damp climates, the growth of mold or mildew on wooden decks can be frustrating because the white or black splotches are unsightly and difficult to eliminate. Those who live in a rainy or high-humidity climate should look for a sealer that fights fungus as well as moisture.
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can be merciless: Beating down day after day, they can damage the cell walls of all living things, including wood. That damage shows up on a wood deck as fading, cracking, and splintering. Deck sealers often provide UV protection thanks to added ingredients, such as tiny zinc particles that block harsh sun rays.
These ingredients tend to break down fairly quickly, however. This can occur even within a few months in a scorching and sunny climate. While deck sealers vary in durability, consider reapplying a simple water-based sealer each year before summer sets in to ensure optimal UV protection.
Read more : Do ferns make good houseplants?
Many deck sealers require two coats for the best performance, though a few products can get the job done with just a single coat. That’s a big time-saver, although users will pay more for a single-coat sealer.
A water-based, penetrating sealer will often slightly raise the wood grain, which can lead to a rough surface feel. This happens when the moisture in the sealer causes the wood grain to swell and push upward. When the wood dries, the grain remains slightly higher in spots.
While some people may not mind the rougher texture, those who want a super-smooth finish can lightly sand the surface with 240-grit sandpaper before applying the second coat of sealer.
Cure time varies by the product, so be sure to read the instructions. Some sealers require adding a second coat before the first coat is completely dry, while others recommend waiting a specified number of hours, typically 2 to 8 hours. No pressure is necessary—just lightly rub the sandpaper over the wood. Since the first coat seals the wood, the second coat will not raise the grain, resulting in a smooth deck surface.
Deck sealers vary in the amount of drying time they require. Many will dry to the touch within 1 to 5 hours, but humidity levels and outdoor temperatures can affect that time range.
Applying a deck sealer is a relatively simple DIY project. In most cases, it doesn’t require a lot of time, although some prep work is necessary.
Exterior wood is subject to weathering, so a deck won’t last forever. However, DIYers can prolong the useful life of a deck and maintain the natural beauty by protecting it with a deck sealer. For those hoping to keep a deck looking its best, a few questions are to be expected to ensure a job well done.
It depends on the type of wood. Weather-resistant woods, such as cedar or redwood, need only a clear penetrating sealer to protect them. Pressure-treated wood will benefit from a stain and sealer combo that gives it an attractive color while preserving the wood.
An oil-based deck sealer, such as Varathane Ultimate Spar Urethane Oil Based, will protect a deck for up to 5 years.
Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Wood Sealer is one of the best options on this list for superior protection against water damage.
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor
For all my beauties with dark inner thighs, armpits, bikini area and spots, etc, this…
Are you a passionate cook aspiring to embark on a rewarding culinary journey? Whether you're…
Discover the perfect wall colors to complement your grey kitchen cabinets, creating a harmonious and…
Generally, a 10×10 kitchen remodel ranges from $15,000 to $45,000, but several factors could cause…
Sleek and durable, quartz countertops are the latest trend in kitchen and bathroom renovation. Comparable…
IKEA kitchens are designed to be as simple as possible to assemble and install yourself.…