How to Weatherproof a Deck

You put a lot of effort into that beautiful new deck, so the last thing you want is to see it become a victim of the natural processes of the weather and environment. To prevent that from happening, weatherproof your deck before breaking out the deck chairs and the barbecue. A relatively simple process, weatherproofing can add years onto the life of your deck, so it's definitely worth the time investment.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Deck-cleaning fluid or diluted bleach solution
• Hose
• Water
• Sander or medium-grain sandpaper
• Brush, roller or sprayer
• Weatherproof sealer
• Rags
• Broom

1. Clean the wood thoroughly. You can do this with special deck-cleaning fluid, or you can mix up a solution of one part bleach to 10 parts water.

2. Rinse off the entire deck with a hose. Spray all areas liberally to make sure none of the cleaning solution remains to bleach out your wood.

3. Allow the deck to dry completely.

4. Sand any areas that are particularly rough, split or have uneven grain.

5. Use a clean brush or sprayer to apply a layer of weatherproof sealant to all the surfaces of your deck. This includes the edges of the wood and even underneath the entire deck and the railings.

6. Back-brush the decking if using a sprayer. This is simply a backward motion with the brush nozzle that forces the weatherproof sealant into the grain of the wood.

7. Dab the ends of the wood if you're using a brush or roller. This allows the sealant to penetrate the woodgrain on the edges and ensures a proper, even coating.

8. Wipe up any drips immediately. Weatherproof sealants are usually oil-based and difficult to clean up once dried. If you overspray any areas or saturate some wood and cause dripping, wipe it off with a clean rag and reapply a lighter coat to any areas that wiped thin.

9. Sweep and hose off your deck regularly to help the weatherproofing do its job. Dead leaves, grass trimmings, trash and dirt can all create an great environment for bacteria and insects that can weaken the sealant and eventually destroy your wood.

10. Reapply a weatherproof seal to your deck at least every two years to keep it in top condition.

Tips & Warnings

• You can choose a weatherproof sealer in either clear or a tinted color. The tinted sealers have a wood stain incorporated into their formulas and create deeper hues that can help hide any imperfections in the deck flooring.
• Some of the chemicals used in this process, as well as the chemicals used in pressure-treated wood, are caustic and can cause eye and lung irritation. Even though you'll be working outside, it's always a good idea to use safety goggles and a mask for your protection.