How to Seal a Deck

Test the water resistance of your deck by spraying some water from a hose onto its surface. If the water beads up on the surface of your deck, you don't need to seal. If the water seeps into the wood, you need to seal. A deck that traps water will bend, warp and ultimately weaken.Seal a Deck Step 1Bullet1.jpg

Choose a deck sealer appropriate for your type of wood. Most sealers will work for any wood.

Spray down the deck with water so that its entire surface is wet.

Wipe down the deck meticulously with a scrub brush, removing all leaves, mold, and other material that has collected on the surface. If you do not have a very clean deck before sealing, the deck sealer will trap in all the elements you want removed, and your problem will be exacerbated. Remember to clear any plant or anything else that could be hurt by deck sealer.

Rinse the deck again to clear any debris.

Let the deck sit for at least a day until completely dry.

Apply the deck sealer with a mop or paint roller in a corner of the deck, following any instructions provided. Use even strokes, making sure not to allow sealer to collect anywhere. Move out from the corner in such a way that you can apply sealer to the whole deck without stepping in it.

Go over the deck only once, using deck sealer sparingly. The entire deck should be covered in an even coat of a single color.

Let the deck sealer dry for at least a day before walking on it.