Eager to spend a night out on your wooden deck revealing with a batch of barbecued hot dogs and burgers? Nothing should ever hold you back when it comes to celebrating with your family or merely relaxing with a glassful of red wine.
Not even a poorly constructed wooden deck. So, saddle up because we’re here to unveil everything you need to know about the best deck sealers for pressure-treated woods.
Before we begin, you must know that your beloved deck top faces tremendous amounts of an ordeal. Starting from the harshest sun rays for half a day or even splashes of seasonal rain, it can take it all, but only if you maintain it to be potent enough. Needless to say, often due to such numerous impacts, your deck could show signs of rotting, fading, splinters, or cracking.
And that is why you must know everything that there is to know about pressure-treated woods. Worry not; after reading our thorough guide on how to acquire some of the best deck sealers, you will be a pro at hosting the best barbecues for your friends and family.
Lastly, if you’re a beginner willing to divulge your DIY nature, hop onto knowing the answers to your most fundamental and frequently asked questions. So, without further ado, let’s get sealing!
Table of Contents
Our Top 8 Picks for Best Pressure Treated Wood Deck Sealer in 2021:
8. Rainguard 1 Gal Homeowner Sealer
What makes this Rainguard sealer’s formula the most beneficial? Hmm.. good question, and the answer is quite simple. The formula, of course!
The silane-siloxane waterproof single coat in this formulation is one of the many reasons why it has made it to our list. But what’s even better is that it can defend your deck against all odds.
Even if it rains for a fair share of the decade, this Rainguard sealer will restrain its potential. The siloxane and silane blend formula would’ve been rendered mere if it wasn’t mixed with a micro-lok. This combination ensures that the bond between the sealer and the deck is ever-so-tightly engaged.
During this course, the sealer also withdraws all possible calamities that could harm the deck, such as ravenous wind conditions, extreme rain, and Ultraviolet Rays. The coverage on this is excellent, with servings of 150 to 200 sq ft, per gallon horizontally and 125 to 150 sq ft per gallon vertically.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Extremely durable
- Protects against UV rays
- Easy to cleanup
- Use anything like a sprayer, roller, or brush to apply
Cons:
- Has a milky-white drying finish
7. AMTECO DIVISION OF GEMINI INDUSTRIE TWP-1500-1 Gallon Clear Finish VOC Stain
While working with woods, we’ve also come across a few of the best deck sealers for pressure treated wood, which are eco-friendly. Not something we walk past every day, is it?
Sure, we don’t.
It’s also renowned for its extreme penetration skills and low VOCs. The absorptive pigments can suck up all the UV rays, which indefinitely halts the wood’s color from fading, darkening, or graying.
This water-based TWP 1500 can combat water absorption, which is a great bonus, leading to zero splitting, cracking, or wrapping. Moreover, the water-resistance technology also inhibits the pressure-treated wood from freezing if you reside in a colder climate.
Premature blotting prevention also goes hand in hand with the barrier that this sealer coat creates against mildew or mold growth.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly
- High penetration
- Waterproof
- Stops mildew or mold growth
Cons:
- Not the most comfortable to apply
- Might show some color loss after a year
6. Olympic Stain Smartguard Concentrated Multi-Surface Sealant
Looking for a sealer with the fittest value? You’re in the right place!
The Olympic stain sealer is suitably priced for all users’ convenience and will arrive in a relatively concentrated texture.
All you have to do is add around 2 gallons of water to the concentration and spill it gently on the deck. Give it a few layers or as long as it doesn’t reach your desired level of coatings, and voila!
You will see changes within the hour as it can have the swiftest, 1-hour drying time even if the weather isn’t forgiving. This sealant can also effectively keep warping, splitting, and rotting at bay and show off the wood’s natural color, along with full safeguard against water damage.
Pros:
- Strong durability
- Multi-surface usability (Such as. Wooden Surfaces, Vertical Surfaces, etc.)
- Dries within the hour
- Concentrated and covers 500 sq ft wooden surfaces
Cons:
- Needs to be diluted carefully or the mixture could run too thin
5. Eco Advance Wood Siloxane Waterproofer Concentrate
Confused about how to apply primers correctly? Seriously, there are so many ‘stated easy’ ways that we often get frustrated about which one to choose too. But we’re not here to fluff.
The Eco Advance Wood sealer applies as smoothly as butter. The concentration only needs to be blended with one gallon of water before application, and the hard part is over. Afterward, dunk it all over your deck, and as the milky white texture fills the deck, it’d be easier for you to spot the sparse areas.
Don’t worry; the sealer will turn into a distinct, clear finish after drying, causing it to be user-friendly for any backyard and outdoor usage. And the best catch? It takes less than 2 hours to dry.
Moreover, it has low odor, low VOC, and non-toxic elements, making it appropriate to be used around kids and pets. Besides the environmental-friendly features, you will also avail uncompromising assurance against oil, pool chemicals, mold, and moisture, and are suitable for all types of wood.
Pros:
- Pet, plant, and people safe
- Easy to apply with a sprayer
- Water-based, non-toxic
- Water beads roll off easily during cleaning
- A good Clear Finish
Cons:
- Might leave a white film on top
4. THOMPSONS WATERSEAL TH.042851-16 Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain
The Thompson water-Based stain sealer for pressure-treated wood comes in an authentic cedar stain with the best anti-fading technology. So, if you’re searching for a genuine, anti-fading deal – this is it.
Along with unparalleled lifetime aid, this sealer will ensure that your deck is never affected by harmful UV rays. As unusual as it sounds, this Thompson sealer can also control and eliminate all possible ill-looking features when applied to damp types of woods.
Needless to say, as you can apply this to damp wood, the drying time will differ tremendously based on the nature, quality, and dampness of the lumber. A single coat will do a tremendous job in sealing everything in place.
Pro tip: While working with damp wood, keep in mind that the weather conditions will heavily affect its drying time. Thus, pick your labor day thoughtfully.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Can be applied on dry and damp wood
- Works great with one coat
- UV resistant
Cons:
- The consistency may be too thick for a sprayer pump
3. SEAL-ONCE MARINE – 1 Gallon Penetrating Wood Sealer
As old-school as oil-based sealers might be, whoever used them knows that oil-based sealers are a jackpot.
So, we had to list down one of the best deck sealers for pressure treated woods that mimicked most of the oil-based sealer’s specifications. This Seal-Once sealer has robust penetrating capacities and will sit tight within every fiber of the wood.
Due to such categories, it’s safe to say that it provides utmost protection and can continually fight against mold and moisture deterioration.
Mind you – This sealer doesn’t merely coat your wood but penetrates deep within the grains, which means no peeling or cracking after application. It’s easy to clean with just soapy water and has the lowest VOC so; it’s environment friendly.
Pros:
- Penetrates deep
- Prevents mold, algae, and water damage
- Non-toxic, low VOC
- Simple to apply
- It gives a good painting experience
Cons:
- Not long-lasting
2. Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain
This #1 Deck Stain always lives up to its name with a sheer, semi-transparent sealer that is unmatchable even with the expensive ones. Here’s why.
This semi-transparent sealer’s central concept is that it will slip into each grain and settle down stubbornly within the wood grains indefinitely.
It has both the properties of a sealer and stain; thus, it’s a perfect all-rounder and can show satisfactory results even on pinewoods. It can coat your wood with a guarding sheet against water, UV rays, and VOC.
The sealer is also compatible with fir, redwood, and cedar, and as it meshes well with softwood, it can also be cleaned without hassle.
Pros:
- Features of both sealer and stain
- Protects against UV rays
- Can be used on softwoods
- Easy to clean-up
- You can use any Paint roller to apply it
Cons:
- Waterproof capacities could be better
1. Ready Seal 515 5-Gallon Sealer
We have saved the best product for the last. Ready Seal is an Oil-Based Stain. These unique best deck sealers for pressure-treated wood are the sealers that you will keep coming back to and never swerve away from since the first use.
The best part is that it’s a 2-in-1 product, a stain, and sealer that lets you choose from an array of pigmentation options. On average, this Ready Seal sealer takes around 48 to 72 hours to dry.
Grab the pecan, mahogany, or any other pigment that matches your deck the closest, and you’re set. Don’t break into a sweat right after coating your deck with this. This stain gives off a darker color at first when wet but gradually dims down as it dries.
Pros:
- 2-in-1 stain and sealer
- Accommodates to any temperature
- Biodegradable
- Doesn’t need to be mixed or prepared before use
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- Some users complained about witnessing some oily residues, while this is a water-based product.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Pressure Treated Lumber?
Pressure-treated wood surfaces are filled with artificial chemicals that protect it from insects or rots. The lumbar is located inside a depressurized tank, which removes the air while replacing it with chemical preservatives. This particular pressure treatment thus far is the most reliable way to evade dangerous insects and rots. However, it doesn’t work against corrosion or weathering.
Even though woods are significant elements for any DIY or home decor, they can also drive insects, bacteria, and fungi. The aforementioned organisms could attack sooner rather than later if the wood is in a humid or moist area. For example, an untreated wood like pine would persist for roughly a year.
When the pressure-treated lumber is installed in the pressure chamber and submerged in liquid preservatives, the chemical forces its way into the wood’s core. One of the most-used chemical preservatives for treating wood is CCA or chromated copper arsenate.
Does Pressure-Treated Wood Need to Be Sealed?
In the olden days, few manufacturers spread the wrong idea about pressure-treated woods and downplayed their benefits. During this course of time, many people believed that pressure-treating and sealing were unnecessary.
However, after pressure-treating, the lumber needs a seal for at least a year to keep the moisture at bay. This part of the process is necessary because although protection against insects and rots is continuously working, water’s side effects could lead to mildew, splits, or wraps.
If the sealing procedures are started right after the construction, it will prevent such superficial leads to rotten wood. UV protection is necessary to slow the rate at which your deck’s color fades.
How much deck sealer do I need?
The simple coordinating math involves a rule where if you’ve committed to covering up a deck of about 500 square feet, then you will need around 2 gallons worth of stain. However, that differs from time to time based on the coverage of the deck and stain. If you want to go ahead and purchase the generic 1-gallon stain, it shall finely cover about 200-300 square feet.
It would also help if you considered the sealant’s viscosity, porosity, age, quality, and weather condition. It’s said that, on average, a stain of 150 to 300 square feet can be easily masked with a gallon of a seal, but that could differ based on the aforementioned properties. It varies door to door, all you have to do is test with your paint roller.
Usage of Pressure Treated Wood?
Pressure-treated woods are most commonly used for fences and decks. Fortunately, its uses aren’t only surrounded in such areas and spread out even more. When pressure-treated woods are applied to any outdoor wooden structures, ramps, freshwater docks, or walkways, they are solely utilized because of the pressure-treated lumbers’ prolonged longevity.
Needless to say, pressure-treated wood can withstand any natural or external damages and impacts. On the contrary, homemakers utilize pressure-treated lumbers for DIY and other specificities. Take our word for it, whether your hands are currently dirty due to an indoor or outdoor project, pressure-treated woods are the way to go for extreme durability and a stable lifetime.
Besides, if you’re opting for a sealer for pressure-treated woods for indoor projects, you need the assistance of customary lumber selections that are resistant to insects and rot. Thus, even though pressure-treated woods are neutralized as such for outdoor projects, with the correct choice and tool, it can serve exceptionally indoors, as well.
What is the difference between staining and sealing a deck?
Some people are still in the delusion that deck stains and sealers are the same product. But in reality, their purpose and mechanism differ considerably. The confusion arises as stains and sealers both serve the same goal: preserving the wood.
Users seize stains or sealers for protecting exterior lumbers such as fences, wood sidings, or decks. These elements are always in need of extra outer layer support for preventing wear and tear.
Sealers give off transparent coatings and can penetrate deep into the wood’s grains. Thus, it can instantly secure out dampness and diminish water intrusion. This measure progresses the wood’s longevity and reduces fungal germination. On the contrary, deck sealers aren’t programmed to function against the sun. Hence, with deck sealers, the UV rays will inevitably expose harmful exposure to the wood. This will eventually lead to a faded and gray-toned wood texture. So, it’s a hit and miss with deck sealers as they can protect pressure-treated wood against moisture but not the UV rays and sun damage.
In retrospect, deck stains have a water-resistant base, just like deck sealers. Deck stains aren’t transparent and have some color or pigmentation to them. The opacity of deck stains diverges from Premium Semi-Transparent Wood color to a solid color. One of the best advantages of this added pigmentation in stains is its UV ray-blocking capacities and UV damage reduction.
Therefore, the more pigmented the stain is, the better it can block out UV rays. Don’t worry; the stain comprises wood-like colors such as redwood, walnut, cedar, or natural. You can enhance your exterior’s overall appeal and do it while saving the pressure-treated lumber from water and sun damage.
How long does it take the deck sealer to dry?
Your sealer’s packaging should reveal its total drying time. Usually, the dry hours range between 24-48 hours. However, it also depends on the consistency, texture, outdoor conditions, and product quality. If you reside in a relatively humid area, you should be able to walk or touch the deck within a day or overnight following the application.
Although it might seem that your stain or seal is ready to touch within 1 or 2 hours post-application, it’s safer not to press or walk on the deck for a minimum of 4 to 6 hours. Whereas, if you reside in a cooler region, the waiting hours will be longer than this.
How often should you seal your deck?
Generally, users follow the basic rule of thumb for their decks and wait around a year to re-seal their decks. Plus, the time range might also differentiate based on the deck’s condition and its needed adjustments. It’s prompt to never exceed the three years limit before re-staining or re-sealing decks.
With proper maintenance of the deck, which involves consistent drying and cleaning the deck’s surface before and after applying the sealer or stain, you can even go 2-3 years without having to re-apply.
Conclusion:
So, have you found your match? With our list of the best deck sealers for pressure treated wood, you get a well-researched insight and get to analyze how and why these products are so renowned.
There’s so much more to wood sealers than their primary aim. Not only should your investment seal and protect your deck, but it should steadily do so alongside maintaining the deck’s health. Hence, we also recommend that you consider durability, pigmentation, brand name, and budget before binding to a sealer.
Good luck!