I built a deck with pressure treated wood. Really nice stuff. Do i still need to waterproof it? If so, what?

Question

just need to know if i need to water seal my deck, if there are any recommendations.

Answer 1

There should be no need to waterproof the deck.

I would give it a coat of Goldex or similar deck stain.

Answer 2

Yes. You need something to shed the water otherwise it will get absorbed into any crack or crevice and cause the wood to rot. Even though it pressure treated it will still warp and crack.

I know, I had a pressure treated deck for 18 years and just ripped it out and replaced it with a Timber-Tech composite deck.

I had planks that would bow and a support that actually twisted.

No maintenance, warping, rotting, splinters, etc.

Downside - it's about 50% more expensive than pressure treated lumber.

Answer 3

Yes, typically you should wait until the wood has had time to dry (been in place for a few months) until you treat it, but it will grey out really fast if you don't seal it.  I have had good experience both in sales and on personal projects with "Wollman" products, or Sikkens SRD.  They are both semi-transparent stains that will do the trick.

Answer 4

Well, if you have cut into any of that wood you will see how far pressure treating goes.  Thickness of your skin.   It can't hurt.  I use Thompsons WaterSeal especially in heavily walked areas.  But ask at the paint store( not a big box store) and see what they have to offer.  New products all the time.

Answer 5

I would wait a few months up to 1 year. And then you can choose from many different stains colors a semi transparent stain will give you more of the natural look or a color that matches your decor a bit more.

My personal use I use CWF it is made by Flood. Very good product.

Stay away from Thompson's it is junk I have tried it on some outdoor furniture I have made and it doesn't compare to CWF. Now as far as the Woolman or SRD that was recommended I can not say. A little reasearch on your part may help you decide between those 3 products. I provided you a link to the Flood line. Good luck hope this helps.