1. Step 2: Clear the deck. 8. They take a lot of abuse and get plenty of traffic. 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 sealer needs time to adequately absorb into the wood. Know the best time to seal your deck. Staining the cedar is the absolute best way to ensure this, especially in areas that have four-season climates. Could you please tell me how I can fix this ? 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. Clean Up Kiln-dried lumber has the shortest waiting time, while some types of lumber should dry for 60 to 90 days before being sealed. Cedar is a beautiful red wood, but can turn gray if not properly cared for. Use even strokes, making sure not to allow sealer to collect anywhere. 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. 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. 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. 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. Bleach destroys the lignin in wood fiber. Now that your new cedar deck is getting installed, it is tempting to want to spent every waking moment on it. Just awful. That’s the good news! Top Three Best Stain for Cedar Reviews 1. This allows the wood to dry so the stain is absorbed. 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. Happily we've since moved and I no longer have to look at it any more. However, before you can begin planning your first celebratory gathering, you need to finish the deck boards. It's now been one week since completion. I have been told that waiting after winter would be fine amount of time before sealing. Ready Seal natural exterior wood stain and sealer is an example of a specialist treatment product that’s suits any cedar deck or furniture. The next deck sealer on the list is the #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain. ToughTimber – Waterproof Deck Sealer, Wood Sealer, Cedar Roof Sealer. I just had a brand new cedar deck installed. This will create a microscopic void that the thicker, solid stain will fill and adhere to. A cedar fence is a beautiful addition to any home. The sealer will protect your cedar for several years. If you’ve just put in a new deck, you’re no doubt itching to finish the job by sealing it. Thanks in advance for your help. However, just as with other types of wood decking, there are precautions you must take with cedar to keep it looking bright and attractive. 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. 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. With sealers and stains, the question isn’t which comes first and which comes next, it’s simply ‘which one?’ It is the overall best deck stain and sealer, especially if you are working with cedar. However, before you can begin planning your first celebratory gathering, you need to finish the deck boards. This exterior stain was found to be extremely effective at staining cedar. The wood on a new deck needs to dry thoroughly before sealing or staining. 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 drying process could leave your fence defenseless against bugs and rot. 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. If we do not seal it now, it will darken in color. Again, follow the directions on the packaging, and use the applicator types suggested by the manufacturer. © 2020 Today’s Homeowner Media. Can I use a solid stain ? or any other idea ? At Ace Paint and Unfinished Furniture, we recommend Sikkens deck stains and finishes. 8 Best Wood Sealers for Cedar- Reviews & Buyer’s Guide. We serve Boston and surrounding areas, including MetroWest, North Shore and South Shore communities, Cape Cod, South New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Most cedar treatments are much like house paint in that they are composed of pigments and solids. We just built a new deck last month. (~45-50 degree daytime temps). 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. However, lighter finishes let more of the wood’s natural grain and beauty show through. Warning. Wood fences are traditionally beautiful, and they can be a significant financial investment in the value of your home and property. However, since there will be plants, it won’t be easy to sand and reapply the seal. 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. Can you please tell me if this is ok? 1. Before you check your new wood fence off of your bucket list, you need to stain or seal it. Backed by his 40-year remodeling career, Danny served as the home improvement expert for CBS’s The Early Show and The Weather Channel for more than a decade. For deck staining instructions please read: How To Stain a Deck. Subscribe today for exclusive content & tips in your inbox! The color was amazing and really looked golden. Hey folks, I am building a new white cedar fence once the weather gets warm enough. Use the water test to check your deck every few months to ensure the sealer is still repelling water. 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. The excessive stain will not soak into the wood causing the finish to dry on top of the wood. Preparing to stain a new deck is different from staining a deck that has already been stained. Now that your new cedar deck is getting installed, it is tempting to want to spent every waking moment on it. How Long to Wait Before Staining a New Wood Deck, Weber Spirit Gas Grill with Removable Griddle, https://todayshomeowner.com/radio/ask-questions/. Water-based, Low-VOC, waterproofer & stain for decks, fences & log homes. The second reason is the sun. Farhad. If it beads up, it’s still too wet to coat, and you’ll need to wait a while. 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. 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. What a great question! Wait to stain a new wood deck if water beads up on it. These varied responses have a lot to do with the lumber industry, and how its procedures have changed over the years. New Image Coatings, LLC: 7.6: GET ON AMAZON: 9 #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain for Decks, Fences, Siding – 1 Gallon (Cedar) SaverSystems: 7.6: GET ON AMAZON: 10 In fact, it can be quite susceptible to dents and nicks of people using it and walking on it daily. Know the best time to seal your deck. 1. Take care! Sprinkle a few drops of water in several areas of the deck. Key ingredients which adds to this protection, Cedar wood will endure time longest. Thoughts? 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. 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. 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? Drying times vary by wood product and climate. The more clear the deck sealant, the more often you’ll have to clean and seal your deck. or semi transparent? Old-growth trees are overly saturated with resins and natural oils. Ready Seal Natural Wood Stain and Sealer. Stain and seal the deck. 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. If the wood came still wet with preservative, allow it to dry This will ensure minimal or no UV damage and give your deck that natural look. Now that you know why it’s important to seal your deck, your first instinct may be to do it right away. On a new deck I used two different sealer ( they supposed to be the same , same name, number, bar-cod and …. ) 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. Here’s a breakdown of how to apply various types of stains: Transparent Stains & Water-Repellent Preservatives. Staining and sealing each has its benefits. Ready Seal Natural Cedar Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer — Best Overall Natural Finish. Liberal amounts of water-repellent should be applied to the end grain of deck boards. Cedar wood is a red-colored aromatic wood that can be used for decks, furniture, siding and even to line closets. Since cedar is all-natural and chemical-free, it comes without any enhanced protection. 10. They take a lot of abuse and get plenty of traffic. 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). Breezy, beachy-good looks turn these outdoor spaces into relaxing, inviting gathering spots. This one is the best option out there when it comes to deck sealers. 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. Many manufacturers suggest only one coat on newly installed wood. Modern Contemporary Deck Ideas And Designs. Every two years a deck should be redone, cleaned and sealed. These days, lumber is harvested from tree farms and younger growth trees. Buy a quality stain and sealer combo to make your job easier. Cedar Deck. Regularly sweep off debris. 8. Buy a quality stain and sealer combo to make your job easier. If the water beads up, it’s still too wet to finish. Rot, premature aging, and warping can occur from the weather and elements when the boards aren’t sealed. An adequately maintained cedar deck can last you for several decades. I'm hearing contradicting info as to when I should seal/stain the deck. Step 3: Sand (if needed) Before sealing, you may need to sand your deck to ensure that the sealer … A cedar fence is a beautiful addition to any home. We also sell Bartley gel stain, which cover your cedar deck with a thick, durable application of sealer. My health has not been to good and am wanting to do this process in stages rather then trying to do it all at once. We have years of experience building decks in a variety of types of wood as well as composite wood (such as Trex). When you take every aspect into consideration, there’s only one name that comes to the fore; and it’s this deck sealer. This can be easily checked with a moisture meter. For new decking, finishes can be factory-applied in many markets. His extensive hands-on experience and understanding of the industry make him the go-to source for all things having to do with the home – from advice on simple repairs, to complete remodels, to helping homeowners prepare their homes for extreme weather and seasons. You want your beautiful custom backyard building to stay that way, and for your belongings to remain safe and dry inside. Some people enjoy the color, but it certainly doesn’t look fresh and new the way that a properly stained fence does. This will extend the life of the deck and make it much simpler to maintain over time. 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. 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. Now that you know why it’s important to seal your deck, your first instinct may be to do it right away. 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. I have clean pressure washer my deck how cold can ‘t it be for to stain it . Buy Deck Stain Online Then I realized that with cedar there is really no need to "seal" or stain it. This product is oil-based with deep penetration into ... 2. 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. We also sell Bartley gel stain, which cover your cedar deck with a thick, durable application of sealer. 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. It ensures the protection of your wooden structure that will last several years. Hi , 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 ) . It turned a lovely shade of silver and never again needed maintenance. Often exposed to harsh weather elements, wood decks need protecting with deck sealant if you want to prolong their lifespan. 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. The surface is under the direct influence of sunlight, rain, and snow. Apply the deck sealer with a mop or paint roller in a corner of the deck, following any instructions provided. Your free deck check and annual wash comes to…. 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. If you ask around you may receive a variety of answers as to how long you should wait to seal your deck following construction. If you have a cedar or redwood deck that’s stained with mold or mildew, use a deck brightener to help remove stains. Here’s where you can do that: https://www.flood.com/contact-us. The Agri Life Cedar-Seal sounds great as we will have fruit plants growing next to the fence, so non-toxic is pretty important. Now, you’re ready to begin! Ready Seal Natural Wood Stain and Sealer. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This is what the folks at YellaWood suggest. 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. We build custom decks to give you the functionality and design that you want. The name says it all; this product is a tough industrial grade and a high-end sealer. ToughTimber – Waterproof Deck Sealer, Wood Sealer, Cedar Roof Sealer. As a homeowner, you gain several benefits from cleaning, staining, and resealing your deck as part of your annual winterization process, including the following. Finishing cedar decking is more than just slapping on a coat of stain. This one excels in every department, whether it’s longevity, looks, protection, or price. 1. Typically, sealing a wooden deck is a once-a-year chore, but Olympic Stain Maximum Waterproofing Sealant lasts up to three years. Stain and seal the deck. I am wanting to know if I can sand my new deck and then paint it in stages. You can use this product on several surfaces like the wooden decks, cedar roofs, shingles, fencing, and any other exterior woodworking projects. At my last home I had a new fence and a pool house that I put Sherwin Williams Super Deck transparent right on the pressure treated wood. Apply Soapy Water to Your Deck But when it comes to enhancing your deck’s performance, the right timing is everything. Within a very short time, the sprayed on portion looked like there was nothing on it but the brushed on really seemed to hold up better but was starting to show some need for a redo. Finishing cedar decking is more than just slapping on a coat of stain. Hi, Ruben, This allows the wood to dry so the stain is absorbed. 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. After installing your exterior cedar, you have about a two week grace period until the wood starts to discolor. If it absorbs the water easily, it’s ready for sealer or stain. A newly built deck that uses pressurized wood will need time to dry completely before a sealer can be applied. Ask your lumber supplier for recommendations. 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. is it advisable to seal adeck after i 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. New wood needs to season and be prepped prior to stain. Allow new pressure-treated lumber to dry before sealing it. But if you are doing it yourself on site, apply the stain to all 6 sides of each board prior to construction. The green you are seeing in mildew. ToughTimber – Waterproof Deck Sealer, Wood Sealer. The best way to know for sure is to test the wood. A new cedar deck will not hold as much oil based sealer in that natural oils are still present. Here are four simple steps to stain a cedar wood deck. We’re building a new cedar fence and looking for weather protection to extent the look and life of the wood. The use of such lumber for decking meant that decks were protected longer from UV damage than they are from the lumber used today. If you have any about staining a brand new deck please ask below. Do not over apply a wood deck stain/sealer to a new deck. We use the most innovative and current methods to prolong the life of your deck and give it the look you desire. It is a deep penetrating oil based stain that went on smoothly. The next easiest is a semi-transparent oil-based stain. We have built a new cedar deck and now want to maintain its beauty. You have entered an incorrect email address! SEAL-ONCE NANO+POLY Penetrating Wood Sealer with Polyurethane – 5 Gallon. Danny Lipford: One of the things people often ask about wood decks is how long do I have to wait before I seal or stain the pressure-treated wood? If you do not have access to a moisture meter and you have waited several months of hot summer weather, you can do a drop test with water. If you do decide to color your wood, there are several options. Please use this form to contact Danny Lipford, America’s Home Expert, directly: https://todayshomeowner.com/radio/ask-questions/ 9. If the water is absorbed into the wood easily, it’s ready to seal or stain. This one is the best option out there when it comes to deck sealers. The ultimate in beauty, protection and savings. Cedar is not exceptionally hard wood. We have years of experience building decks in a variety of types of wood as well as composite wood (such as Trex). Ready to get started? This formula enhances the natural color and beauty of the wood, highlighting the grain and texture of the cedar. This will ensure the best seal. All rights reserved. Whether you have a recently installed new fence and want to know how to make it last, or would like to extend the life of a fence you already have, you can do so with some supplies found at a hardware store and a few hours of your time. Pour a few drops of water on the deck. It probably goes without saying, but you don’t want to start sealing your deck with furniture, plants and other furnishings scattered about. Drying times vary by wood product and climate. 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. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference. The exact amount will depend on the brand you use. As soon as the deck is cleaned and fully dry, begin stain application immediately. Using this formula helps enhance highlight the wood grain hence bring out the best in the natural beauty of the wood. Your father may have built a deck thirty years ago, but thirty years ago the lumber industry was cutting down old-growth trees for use. Go over the deck only once, using deck sealer sparingly. We build custom decks to give you the functionality and design that you want. This one excels in every department, whether it’s longevity, looks, protection, or price. 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. Home; About Us; Best Color For Your Deck; Contact; The Best Way To Seal Your Deck. Whether you stain or seal your deck, either option will protect your home’s addition. An opaque deck stain looks like paint; however, its thinner nature gives it elasticity, allowing it to expand and contract during seasonal changes. Just built a porch .. I’m new to this but what should I apply first .. sealer then stain .. or the other way around. 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