Were almost done building our deck what should we do.....?

Question

How long should we wait to stain are seal it. What would be better to use stain are clear finsh seal. I know nothing about doing stuff like this deck is brand new.

Answer 1

When our deck was completed in our last home, I stained it immediately.  I do not like the natural graying.  That always makes a deck look aged and falling down.  I stained every couple of years to keep the color stain I chose.  A clear finish is only going to add protection but will do nothing toward a finished stain appearance.  The deck is an attachment to your home so you always want it to look as beautifully finished as you any other part of your home.  Not decaying into gray.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

i say stain and clear coat poly.

i hope you used screws that are rust free.

if not in a year it will be sqeeky and nails will be getting loose.

if nailed put some screws in the high traffic area's before any treatments.

Answer 4

When you built the deck, some of the wood could have been stained the day you nailed it into place.  As you cut other pieces of wood, it almost seemed that the wood was wet through and through, if you were using pressure treated wood.  There is no set time when you should seal the deck.  Keep an eye on that wet piece and see how it is drying before sealing.

Answer 5

You should let the deck dry out before you stain/seal it.  Depending on the climate, I'd wait a minimum of 2 months.  As for product, stay away from Thompson's.  It's basically wax, which makes the water bead and looks cool, but it does NOTHING to protect the wood.  You are better off with a product like Deckscapes, by Sherwin-Williams, or Benjamin Moore clear alkyd sealer.  If you go with Deckscapes, opt for the oil-based formula, as it will penetrate the wood much better.  Hope this helps.  Good luck.

Answer 6

WAIT until it dries out. 4-6 mths minimum.

Water repellent is clear for a natural look.

Stain is colored.

Its really just preference.

Answer 7

The wood is already treated but using a sprayer (preferably) with Thompson's water sealer or another brand will help you keep your deck looking like new . The water will also bead up........like wax on a car. I did mine right away and every year and it remained just as beautiful as when it was first put up. Next year , also look for any screws or nails that might have popped up with the weather and pound them down or s***w them down so you don't get any cuts on your feet and it also looks better. You can use clear or the same color if they have your color to match.

Get a nice patio set with an umbrella and invite friends or family over for a BBQ and use it!! Don't forget the bug spray or lanterns too.

I painted mine on with a brush, but if you have a sprayer, you can use that instead. It's less work but you still have the over-spray. Enjoy!

Answer 8

If your deck is redwood, then stain it with a clear finish stain. You can stain it anytime after you have finished the deck. In fact, the sooner, the better.

Answer 9

Our pressure treated wood deck has never been stained and is doing fine.  It can be cleaned with deck cleaner and a brush or a power washer.  This is MUCH less expensive than using costly stains which needs to be redone quite often.

BUT, if you are going to stain/seal it, I believe you are supposed to wait about six months.

Answer 10

it depends on the wood thompson sealers are good on pine cedar spuce and it all depends on how much moisture content  isin wood you used?if it is green pressure treated wood you dont have to do anything to it, after clear seal is on for a day or two stain to what ever colour like

Answer 11

Buy some wood that is of the same type you used for your deck. Stain some with different types of stain and try clear coating some. See which you like best. Don't take too long. It's better if you stain and seal it as soon as possible.

It will give you some practice also.