When Should a New Wood Deck Be Sealed?

Seal your deck to ensure that it survives the elements.

A new deck is a huge investment for your home. Protecting it from the elements is essential to the deck maintaining its luster. Once a deck is built, it should be resealed every year. Doing so will ensure that you can enjoy your deck for years.

Pressure Treated Wood

For pressure treated wood, you will have a six-week window to treat your wood. During these six weeks, if your deck is exposed to a lot of moisture, you may have to wait longer for the wood to dry before sealing it.

Redwood Decks

Apply a sealant within the first week when sealing your redwood deck. Check the forecast before sealing the deck. You do not want rain in the forecast for at least 48 hours to prevent the sealant from washing away. You will want to use a water-repellent stain on the deck.

Cedar Decks

Cedar decks require a semi-transparent sealant made especially for cedar. Clean the deck first with a scrubbing brush and deck cleaner, available at many hardware stores. Use a pressure washer with an attached fan tip. After cleaning the deck, apply the semi-transparent sealer as soon as possible.

Maintenance

Once a year, you should clean your deck with a pressure cleaner and a deck cleaning product. The semi-transparent sealer used on cedar decks may require more frequent reapplication. Regularly clean leaves and debris off of your deck with a hose. Reapply the sealant following the manufacture's instructions. The wood will deteriorate faster if you do not treat it every year because it is exposed to wind, rain and snow.

References

• Deck Detail: FAQs
• Southern Pine: Does My New Pressure Treated Deck Need Sealing or Painting
• Cedar Restoration: Homeowner Guide