A wooden deck is a fantastic feature that enables us to spend more time outdoors, not only in spring and summer, but also when the weather is good during fall and sometimes even in the winter months.
Unlike a swimming pool that gets closed up and basically locked away for winter, a well designed deck really can be used throughout the year. The secret is to protect it from inclement fall and winter weather so that a quick brush and wipe down makes it usable again, relatively instantly.
If you don’t maintain your deck, you are unlikely to get maximum use of it, especially if it’s made of wood that really does need protection from the elements in fall and winter weather.
Value of Staining and Sealing Decks
Apart from the fact that all wooden decks must be properly constructed and made from good quality lumber, sealing the wood will also go a long way to make them last a very long time. The very nature of decks means that they are constantly exposed to all types of weather including harmful sun, wind, rain, hail and snow.
While it is true that some lumber is more rot- and pest-resistant than other types, all types of wooden decks need regular maintenance – and the most important maintenance a home owner can do is regular sealing and staining.
A general rule of thumb is that this should be done at least every two years.
If a deck has been stained with a good quality product that also seals it, rather than simply color it, and/or sealed with a product that will both feed and waterproof it, you are on the road to longevity for the structure.
How to Stain and Seal a Deck to Protect it From Inclement Weather
While different products require different steps, preparation is always essential. The existing surface must be clean and dry. If there is old varnish on the wood this might need to be stripped first and the wood cleaned. If the deck has been attacked by mold or mildew, it will also have to be cleaned, and possibly treated with bleach or a proprietary product that will kill the mold or mildew. Once the wood is clean and dry, if the fibers have started to separate and the surface isn’t smooth, a light sanding is likely to be the next necessary step.
Only then can the wood be stained and/or sealed again. This process can take several days, depending on the size of the deck and weather conditions. But whatever it takes, rest assured it will be worth the effort.
There are numerous products on the market for staining and sealing decks, some better than others. Whichever one you choose, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, not just in terms of application, but also in terms of clean-up when you’re finished. We recommend and use Standard Paints’ Wood Defender staining and sealing products because we know they work.