Your carpenter may tell you three months, your father may tell you a year. This will extend the life of the deck and make it much simpler to maintain over time. So, here’s an answer for you: How long you should wait before sealing your brand new deck all depends on the product you are planning to use. This exterior stain was found to be extremely effective at staining cedar. Buy a quality stain and sealer combo to make your job easier. Hi, Lynn! Repeated brush treatment of Western Red Cedar until the wood no longer absorbs any more products (known as the point of refusal) will enhance the durability of the finish. Cedar Deck. DO wait 30 days before sealing a new deck. The use of such lumber for decking meant that decks were protected longer from UV damage than they are from the lumber used today. Apply the deck sealer with a mop or paint roller in a corner of the deck, following any instructions provided. Thus, you may need to redo a new cedar deck at the first anniversary of sealing and then go to a 2 year maintenance program. This product is oil-based with deep penetration into ... 2. For deck staining instructions please read: How To Stain a Deck. Top Three Best Stain for Cedar Reviews 1. Bleach destroys the lignin in wood fiber. The sealer will protect your cedar for several years. Drying times vary by wood product and climate. Contact us or start an instant quote. Some tell me I have to wait at least until the end of summer, to allow the moisture to be out of the wood. Preparing to stain a new deck is different from staining a deck that has already been stained. This will bring back the new-cedar smell (especially on damp, early mornings or rainy days) and solve most of the problems caused by pressure-washing the wood. Staining and sealing each has its benefits. The second reason is the sun. Ask your lumber supplier for recommendations. ToughTimber – Waterproof Deck Sealer, Wood Sealer, Cedar Roof Sealer. In this video I share with you a quick way to seal your tiny house deck and this method can even be used to seal the siding on your house. Using this formula helps enhance highlight the wood grain hence bring out the best in the natural beauty of the wood. Water-based, Low-VOC, waterproofer & stain for decks, fences & log homes. Hi , For TWP wood deck stain to give you the best results on a new deck, the moisture content of the wood should be 15% or less. It turned a lovely shade of silver and never again needed maintenance. The wood on a new deck needs to dry thoroughly before sealing or staining. Here’s where you can do that: https://www.flood.com/contact-us. Breezy, beachy-good looks turn these outdoor spaces into relaxing, inviting gathering spots. Hi, Ruben, However, just as with other types of wood decking, there are precautions you must take with cedar to keep it looking bright and attractive. The short answer is around 30 days, but there’s a number of factors to consider, including the weather, and how long the wood sat in the lumber yard or home center. However, to keep your outdoor living area looking its best, it’s well worth your time to give your decking a bit of attention in the late fall and again in the spring. Because an opaque stain is a thicker product that dries on the surface, as opposed to a pigmented waterproofing sealer, it penetrates the surface and preserves the wood. Stain penetrates the wood, for instance; sealer does not. The sealer needs time to adequately absorb into the wood. We build custom decks to give you the functionality and design that you want. Allow new pressure-treated lumber to dry before sealing it. When you take every aspect into consideration, there’s only one name that comes to the fore; and it’s this deck sealer. But, you still want to sweep and wash your cedar area at least once a year to keep it from graying. Use the water test to check your deck every few months to ensure the sealer is still repelling water. Hey folks, I am building a new white cedar fence once the weather gets warm enough. We have built a new cedar deck and now want to maintain its beauty. But if you are doing it yourself on site, apply the stain to all 6 sides of each board prior to construction. We opted for treated wood instead of cedar for a new deck, and within a month, the 4x4 railing posts were twisted, cracked and warped. As soon as you see moisture being absorbed into the deck, you should begin staining. This will ensure the best seal. The next easiest is a semi-transparent oil-based stain. They take a lot of abuse and get plenty of traffic. Thanks Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference. According to Cedar Wood Information, what is commonly referred to as red cedar is actually a species of juniper that grows throughout North America north of … 2019-04-10 Deck Building Clean. Move out from the corner in such a way that you can apply sealer to the whole deck without stepping in it. Cedar is a beautiful red wood, but can turn gray if not properly cared for. Finishing off your newly-installed cedar deck with a sealant or wood stain will help to prolong the life, beauty, and appeal of the deck for years to come. If you inherited a real-wood deck that was pressure-washed by the previous owners, I recommend sanding a very thin layer off the surface of the wood. 8 Best Wood Sealers for Cedar- Reviews & Buyer’s Guide. If the water is absorbed into the wood easily, it’s ready to seal or stain. is it advisable to seal adeck after i stain it? Use even strokes, making sure not to allow sealer to collect anywhere. At Ace Paint and Unfinished Furniture, we recommend Sikkens deck stains and finishes. This is what the folks at YellaWood suggest. If you have a brand-new deck made of treated lumber (as opposed to cedar or redwood), wait at least a few weeks before sealing it for the first time. The only saving grace was that the new deck was built from funds paid out by a claim (previous owners didn't pull a permit for the deck they built, and it was not to code). After you’ve finished wiping away all excess stain from the deck or trellis, use a wood sealant or polyurethane to seal the wood and stain against inclement weather. Ready to get started? Also, if you have a brand new deck made with treated wood, it’s best to hold off a few weeks to allow the wood to completely dry so the stain is more fully absorbed. Buy a quality stain and sealer combo to make your job easier. Now that your new cedar deck is getting installed, it is tempting to want to spent every waking moment on it. I have clean pressure washer my deck how cold can ‘t it be for to stain it . Kiln-dried lumber has the shortest waiting time, while some types of lumber should dry for 60 to 90 days before being sealed. Pour a few drops of water on the deck. A cedar deck will last 20–30 years with little to no maintenance. Do not over apply a wood deck stain/sealer to a new deck. Before you check your new wood fence off of your bucket list, you need to stain or seal it. As a homeowner, you gain several benefits from cleaning, staining, and resealing your deck as part of your annual winterization process, including the following. However, since there will be plants, it won’t be easy to sand and reapply the seal. Kiln-dried lumber has the shortest waiting time, while some types of lumber should dry for 60 to 90 days before being sealed. The deck is 26square meters and the deck floor is Aquila. Most cedar treatments are much like house paint in that they are composed of pigments and solids. Liberal amounts of water-repellent should be applied to the end grain of deck boards. Know the best time to seal your deck. 1. Ready Seal Natural Wood Stain and Sealer. You want your beautiful custom backyard building to stay that way, and for your belongings to remain safe and dry inside. The exact amount will depend on the brand you use. Therefore, you should stain or seal your cedar decking within 2 to 3 months of installing the deck. Want to paint my steps and porch .It’s about 2 months old I want to put something down that will last a long while.Suggestions please? At Ace Paint and Unfinished Furniture, we recommend Sikkens deck stains and finishes. Step 3: Sand (if needed) Before sealing, you may need to sand your deck to ensure that the sealer … Allow new pressure-treated lumber to dry before sealing it. These varied responses have a lot to do with the lumber industry, and how its procedures have changed over the years. This allows the wood to dry so the stain is absorbed. The surface is under the direct influence of sunlight, rain, and snow. This article offers New Deck Staining Tips. while applying I realize one is a little darker but just because I did not see any differences between the two container ( i read all the details in the container even the bar_cod is the same) told my self that the result would be the same ( suppose to be clear ) . Since cedar is all-natural and chemical-free, it comes without any enhanced protection. It uses a water-based formula to give you a long-lasting, semi-transparent stain to a number of wooden surfaces, like the deck, your fences, any patios or furniture that is kept outside. If it absorbs the water easily, it’s ready for sealer or stain. I'm going to be having heavy foot traffic this weekend, so I wasn't planning on doing anything to it until at least next week. The next deck sealer on the list is the #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain. Whether you choose a clear sealer or a semi-transparent stain, look for one with a long warranty and UV stabilizers. Ready Seal Natural Cedar Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer — Best Overall Natural Finish. Drying times vary by wood product and climate. Many manufacturers suggest only one coat on newly installed wood. Can I use a solid stain ? Now that your new cedar deck is getting installed, it is tempting to want to spent every waking moment on it. 1. Most contemporary cedar decks are made from new growth lumber, which does not have the natural chemicals and oils that old-growth will have to protect from insects and other environmental elements. We just built a new deck last month. Farhad. Thoughts? This one excels in every department, whether it’s longevity, looks, protection, or price. The best deck treatment for your cedar deck will be a specific seal despite the fact that cedar is known to be a more resilient wood than most. The excessive stain will not soak into the wood causing the finish to dry on top of the wood. If you really think about it, wooden decks are quire challenging to maintain. 1. or any other idea ? Typically, sealing a wooden deck is a once-a-year chore, but Olympic Stain Maximum Waterproofing Sealant lasts up to three years. We serve Boston and surrounding areas, including MetroWest, North Shore and South Shore communities, Cape Cod, South New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. All rights reserved. So we don’t have a preference when it comes to sealing or staining the deck; it really is a matter of personal preference since the most important thing is protecting your investment. It is a deep penetrating oil based stain that went on smoothly. I want to keep the fence a nice 'natural' reddish cedar color and looking at Readyseal, Cabot's Clear Solution and Penofin. I had spoke with a few people about when best time to seal is. For Western Red Cedar decking, Real Cedar Member Sansin promotes the use of Sansin SDF, a penetrating, one coat finish for cedar siding that offering outstanding weather and UV protection, in a range of natural and transparent colors.Two coats add a richer finish. will it help the quality of the work if seal on top of stain? In our tests, we put on two coats and let it set for the recommended drying time. Clean Up This one is the best option out there when it comes to deck sealers. After installing your exterior cedar, you have about a two week grace period until the wood starts to discolor. We also sell Bartley gel stain, which cover your cedar deck with a thick, durable application of sealer. Modern Contemporary Deck Ideas And Designs. 1. Home; About Us; Best Color For Your Deck; Contact; The Best Way To Seal Your Deck. After you have put the first coat on, it is recommended that you wait 6 to 8 hours for it to dry before placing a second coat on. Learn tips, techniques & steps, having Cedar well protected to it's highest degree. They do, however, require staining or sealing in order to enhance their beauty and to ensure their life span. However, lighter finishes let more of the wood’s natural grain and beauty show through. What a great question! The ultimate in beauty, protection and savings. Then apply according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and you’ll be giving your new deck the best protection possible. Every Spring we get many 1000's of questions about when to stain a new deck, wood fence, or exterior wood home. We have years of experience building decks in a variety of types of wood as well as composite wood (such as Trex). Whether you stain or seal your deck, either option will protect your home’s addition. Finishing cedar decking is more than just slapping on a coat of stain. However, if you are planning to apply an opaque deck stain (also known as solid deck stain), it is recommended to wait one month for some of the natural oils and resins to be extracted by UV rays. Do seal your wooden deck every few years. Thanks in advance for your help. Some people enjoy the color, but it certainly doesn’t look fresh and new the way that a properly stained fence does. This will ensure minimal or no UV damage and give your deck that natural look. I have been told that waiting after winter would be fine amount of time before sealing. It probably goes without saying, but you don’t want to start sealing your deck with furniture, plants and other furnishings scattered about. New Image Coatings, LLC: 7.6: GET ON AMAZON: 9 #1 Deck Premium Semi … This can be easily checked with a moisture meter. Seal Cedar Soon After Installation. If we do not seal it now, it will darken in color. Ready Seal natural exterior wood stain and sealer is an example of a specialist treatment product that’s suits any cedar deck or furniture. Best Stain for New Cedar Deck 2020 | Best Deck Stain Reviews Ratings We recommend you wait 3+ months to stain new smooth cedar wood surfaces to allow the wood to weather, creating an ideal porous surface that will hold the stain. The name says it all; this product is a tough industrial grade and a high-end sealer. Ready Seal Natural Wood Stain and Sealer. The gentleman installing the deck told me that when he screwed the board into the deck, there was no evidence of moisture and he thinks we can seal it now. We recommend you wait 3+ months to stain new smooth cedar wood surfaces to allow the wood to weather, creating an ideal porous surface that will hold the stain. Our professionals at Seal-A-Deck understand the evolving industries involved in bringing to life the deck you’ve always wanted. You can use this product on several surfaces like the wooden decks, cedar roofs, shingles, fencing, and any other exterior woodworking projects. I just had a brand new cedar deck installed. Cedar is not exceptionally hard wood. It is not an inexpensive product. The best way to know for sure is to test the wood. Coastal-Style Decks, Patios and Porches 27 Photos. This video has more information. "How to" information found online can sometimes be misleading for your specific project. It's now been one week since completion. We decided to apply an oil-based natural cedar color sealer to our new cedar deck to preserve the beautiful color of the cedar wood. Know How To Protect Cedar Wood From Weather Knowing how to protect, seal, Cedar exterior wood is essential from weather's toughest elements is key. Your free deck check and annual wash comes to…. Sprinkle a few drops of water in several areas of the deck. If you are looking to preserve the beautiful rich grain of, say, a mahogany or cedar decking, we recommend sealing the deck with a translucent penetrating stain within 1-2 weeks of construction. Is there a product that I can get that same look but not have to worry about a reapplication that quickly? Seal the Stain. This formula enhances the natural color and beauty of the wood, highlighting the grain and texture of the cedar. This will create a microscopic void that the thicker, solid stain will fill and adhere to. If you ask around you may receive a variety of answers as to how long you should wait to seal your deck following construction. Why Stain or Seal Your New Wood Fence? ToughTimber – Waterproof Deck Sealer, Wood Sealer. now I see the end result is different . Here are four simple steps to stain a cedar wood deck. Rot, premature aging, and warping can occur from the weather and elements when the boards aren’t sealed. When I finally replaced the deck with a smaller one a few years ago, the pressure treated support structure was rotting in places but the cedar was still in great shape. If the wood came still wet with preservative, allow it to dry if I use CWF first can I use Behr deck stain over it…..and do I need to clean the deck with deck cleaner first….. We recommend contacting the manufacturer for product-specific questions. For new decking, finishes can be factory-applied in many markets. This one is the best option out there when it comes to deck sealers. Step 2: Clear the deck. Regularly sweep off debris. Apply Soapy Water to Your Deck Cedar Deck Association adds a great quote on finishing exter cedar decks: “Decks should never be allowed to weather before finishing.The simplest, but most labor-intensive, finish to maintain on a cedar deck is a water-repellent preservative, which may have to be applied annually. or semi transparent? 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Or no UV damage and give your deck, Weber Spirit Gas Grill with Griddle. Give you the functionality and design that you want been stained dry, begin stain application immediately ’. Wood on a coat of stain moved and I personally brushed on the differences between sealer, especially if ask... Had a brand new cedar deck with a long warranty and UV stabilizers sure to... Pool house a coat of stain should wait to seal or stain it and texture of the wood for! In the natural look the lumber used today when the boards aren ’ t deck... Therefore, you have about a reapplication that quickly ll need to wait before a... Cedar deck with a mop or paint roller in a variety of types of as. Every two years a deck that natural look of Western red cedar there is really need! Or in part without permission is prohibited protection of your home ’ s still too wet finish. ’ t sealed the natural beauty of the wood, but Olympic stain Maximum sealant. T clear on the deck you ’ ll have to clean and seal your deck do not seal.... Time I comment oil-based natural cedar exterior wood stain ready to seal your deck construction! I am wanting to know for sure is to test the wood protection! Is it advisable to seal your deck that has already been stained: stains!