Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
We've been in the house about 8 months now and I have to seal my back deck. Having never had to do this before (I wasn't in the old house long enough for this to be required) I have to ask the stupid question - is it really as simple as I would think it would be? Just get some sealer from the hardware store and paint it on?
As the deck is still new (never been sealed previously) is there anything special I should be aware of when doing this for the first time?
Any recommendations for a brand of seal to use (or not use)? I just need a clear seal - no staining will be involved.
You may want to check up on cleaning it first... depending on the age/appearance of the wood it may brighten it up some prior to sealing. If you do clean it, be careful if using a power washer, those things will tear up wood if the pressure is too high or the nozzle is too close to the decking surface.
There's some good companies that do it for a nice price, they will almost always clean the deck first with some sort of treatment chemical, and then treat it with a water repellant.
if you weren't so far away I'd come out and do it for you.
Thompson's Advance, a little more money, but lasts a bit longer. Just regular clear. Rent a pressure cleaner, spray it down, let it dry. Then get an airless sprayer (they are $$$) or you can use a cheap bug sprayer (you are gonna use it once and throw it away) and spray the sealant on the wood. Get an old push broom to spread the sealer around to make sure you get all the areas.
I've dont this MANY times. Also, I have never had a pressure washer chew up wood. I use a 3500psi pressure washer and it works like a charm.
OK...so if all it takes to get some help with this deck thing is some beer and bourbon then I AM IN..Name your brand Seriously though I also need my deck (which is probably 15ish years old) pressure washed and stained too. How much do those companies you know usually charge for that?
OK...so if all it takes to get some help with this deck thing is some beer and bourbon then I AM IN..Name your brand
That's where the new economy is headed - back to the good ol' barter system - if you're willing to come paint my dining room, I'll trade you three chickens and a bushel of corn
All the advise is good. It is recommended that you wait until the wood has aged about a year. At around that point, you need to perform a test. Select a spot and pour a little water. The wood should absorb the water. If it doesn't it hasn't aged enough to seal.
Was off the deck and wait atleast 24 hours until completely dry. Be sure to seal when rain isn't in the forcast for at least 48 hours. Apply your sealant according to directions. I always use Thompson brand. Good luck. Wear some old clothes if you are a husband or your wife is likely to kick your @ss. Believe me, I know.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
)
Seriously though I also need my deck (which is probably 15ish years old) pressure washed and stained too. How much do those companies you know usually charge for that?
