The outdoors of your house can have a lot of wooden structures like patios, fences, and decks, all of which need proper care and maintenance. Wood isn’t as sturdy as you may think and can be damaged quite easily because of contact with water – for example, any form of precipitation – or mildew. Exposure to the sun and its UV rays are also capable of damaging or deforming anything made of wood.
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There are now specialized formulas that are capable of sealing any exterior wooden surfaces that may be exposed to elements of nature. While most of them may differ a little when it comes to composition and functionality, they have one common purpose – to extend the life of your outdoor wooden decking.
In order to help you get a better understanding into what deck sealer is, and what are the different types that may be available in the market, we have put together a comprehensive buyer’s guide and a list of the best deck sealers for you to take a look!
Table of Contents
- Our Deck Sealer Reviews
- The Top 8 Best Deck Sealers for 2022 are:
- DEFY Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain
- Thompson's WaterSeal Advanced Natural Wood Protector
- #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain
- Eco Wood Wood Treatment
- DeckWise Ipe Oil Hardwood Deck Finish
- Ready Seal Natural Cedar Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer
- CabotStain Australian Timber Oil Penetrating Formula
- Total Wood Preservative 1500 Series
- What Is Deck Sealer?
- Why Are Deck Sealers Important?
- Types of Deck Sealer
- Things to Keep in Mind before Making the Purchase
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Our Deck Sealer Reviews
There are many different types of deck sealers that are available in the market. They can either be bought in stores or through online platforms. Once you have understood your personal needs, you will need to pick the best deck sealer that fulfills all the requirements.
To make things a little easier for you, we have compiled a list of some of the best deck sealers that can be bought online. While all of these have different features, they utilize high-quality formulas to seal the wood on your deck.
The Top 8 Best Deck Sealers for 2022 are:
- DEFY Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain
- Thompson's WaterSeal Advanced Natural Wood Protector
- #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain
- Eco Wood Wood Treatment
- DeckWise Ipe Oil Hardwood Deck Finish
- Ready Seal Natural Cedar Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer
- CabotStain Australian Timber Oil Penetrating Formula
- Total Wood Preservative 1500 Series
Find out which is best for you in our full in-depth reviews below ...
DEFY Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain
The first product on the list is the Defy Extreme wood stain that not only gives your deck the color that you are attempting to achieve but also seals it effectively. This means it will keep the wood safe from water and mildew. The specialized Zinc Nano-Particle Technology used to manufacture this semi-transparent sealer also allows the wood stain to protect the wood from UV rays. In addition to these benefits, the high-quality resins that constitute this product also make for easy maintenance. It can be used for a number of wooden structures outside the house, ranging from fences to patios.
Source: defywoodstain.com
OUR RATING
DEFY Extreme Wood Stain Features
Advantages
Drawbacks
How long does it last?
Manufacturer Claim: "Defy Stain will last approximately 2-3 years on most horizontal wood surfaces and 3-5 years on vertical surfaces."
User reports: Most users report between 1 and 3 years before re-application is required. The longest user report we found was 4 years, although there are also a number of users reporting needing to re-apply in less than one year - this is likely due to harsh conditions.
Thompson's WaterSeal Advanced Natural Wood Protector
Another great option if you are looking for a deck sealer that provides long lasting protection, you can consider the Thompson's WaterSeal Advanced Natural Wood Protector. A very easy-to-use wood sealer, this product can be applied to both dry wood and damp wood. In addition to this, you only need to apply one coat to give you the desired results.
Suitable for use not just on decks, it can also be used for furniture outside, patios or fences. It will also provide you exceptional protection from any possible water damage and resistance to mildew.
Source: homedepot.com
OUR RATING
Thompson's Water Seal Advanced Features
Advantages
Drawbacks
How long does it last?
Manufacturer Claim: Not found.
User reports: Most users report 1 - 2 years before re-application. Many users mention re-applying after 1 year although their deck was still beading water, and that it may not have been necessary.
The next deck sealer on the list is the #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain. 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. The wood stain doesn’t just give the surface a particular color, it also penetrates deep into the pores of the surface for better protection against water, mildew and UV rays.
Available in four distinct colors, the product is very easy to apply, dries quickly and makes maintenance very easy. It is also safe to use because of the low VOC content and low odor, which means you can do this project without any harmful side effects on your health.
Source: 1deck.com
OUR RATING
#1 Deck Premium Wood Stain Features
Advantages
Drawbacks
How long does it last?
Manufacturer Claim: "No deck stain lasts longer than three years on a horizontal surface. As a rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to re-stain your deck every two to three years."
Eco Wood Wood Treatment
Eco Wood Wood Treatment is a 100% organic deck sealer formulated with natural ingredients. Despite that, it’s extremely effective in protecting wooden decks as well as other wood furniture indoors or outdoors. Aside from offering protection, it also enhances the natural beauty of wood while leaving behind a stunning silver patina finish.
Source: ecowoodtreatment.com
OUR RATING
Specifications
Features / Benefits
The Eco Wood Wood Treatment is so easy to use on virtually any kind of wood furniture, simply mix it with water then apply it on your deck using a roller, sprayer, or brush. Even if it’s eco-friendly, it works just as well as chemical deck sealers plus you don’t have to worry about inhaling toxic fumes. It leaves a really beautiful color on wood while protecting it for a long time.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
The Eco Wood Wood Treatment is a homeowner’s favorite when it comes to all kinds of wood projects inside or outside the home. It does a spectacular job at protecting wooden decks and enhancing the beauty of your wood. Just be sure to apply it correctly and evenly especially if your deck is large to ensure uniformity, but this is a must-have for every homeowner.
DeckWise Ipe Oil Hardwood Deck Finish
If your pool deck is built with a variety of hardwood, this may prove to be the best deck sealer for you. This oil-based formula allows for the penetration of even more dense varieties of wood, for example, tigerwood, ipe, or other hardwoods. The mixture of linseed oil and others helps in enhancing the look of the wood by maintaining a rich color and the texture of the wood.
As the stain settles down into a matte finish, it will be able to provide you with great protection against UV rays, in addition to its water repelling functions.
Source: ipeoil.com
OUR RATING
DeckWise Deck Finish Features
Advantages
Drawbacks
How long does it last?
Manufacturer Claim: "If the hardwood is properly sealed and well maintained, it will last for decades."
User reports: Majority of users report re-applying after 1 year. There are also a small number of users who claim to re-apply every months, and also reports of 2+ years before re-application.
Ready Seal Natural Cedar Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer
This wood stain and sealer manufactured by Ready Seal is a great product to assist you with any outdoor projects related to wood. The oil-based formula doesn’t leave a distinctive mark on the wood. Instead, it is semi-transparent and provides a very natural look to the wood that it is being used on. It is very easy to apply and provides all the essential protection required in the case of wood – resistance to mildew, UV rays, and water. The best part about this sealer is that it will not change the texture of the wood.
Source: readyseal.com
OUR RATING
Ready Seal Wood Stain and Sealer Features
Advantages
Drawbacks
How long does it last?
Manufacturer Claim: "To properly maintain wood, a light cleaning and recoat are recommended every 2 years on horizontal surfaces and every 3 to 4 years on vertical surfaces."
User reports: Most users report this product continues to look great for up to a year, and protects well for 3 years. Many users re-apply after a year to keep the look they want.
CabotStain Australian Timber Oil Penetrating Formula
Another alternative for a deck sealer that can come handy if you are looking to finish the wooden exteriors of your house, especially where the more premium varieties of wood like mahogany and teak have been used. If you are dealing with wooden surfaces that are denser and therefore difficult to penetrate, this CabotStain penetrating formula can give you the desired results. There are differences in the range of area that the penetrating formula can cover, depending on how porous the area is. For example, it can cover between 250 and 350 square feet if the area being covered is irregular, going up to 400 or 600 square feet for the smoother exteriors.
Source: cabotstain.com
OUR RATING
CabotStain Australian Timber Oil Features
Advantages
Drawbacks
How long does it last?
Manufacturer Claim: "Restain depending on sun exposure and wear every 1-2 years."
Total Wood Preservative 1500 Series
The last option is one of the products from the Total Wood Preservative 1500 Series. It is a semi-transparent wood sealer and stain that is able to go deep into the wood that you are looking to seal. The formula is oil based, as opposed to the water-based formula used by many of the other deck sealers on this list. The stain can last you approximately over 2 years if taken care of.
After a while, if you notice the sealer wearing thin, you will not need to sand the wood before reapplying. The product also gives great UV protection and resistance against mold.
Source: usetwp.com
OUR RATING
Total Wood Preservative Wood Sealer Features
Advantages
Drawbacks
How long does it last?
Manufacturer Claim: "Decks 1-3 years, Vertical: 2-4 years depending on your environment/climate."
What Is Deck Sealer?
Deck sealers are wood sealers or stains that are applied to outdoor wooden decking areas that may be around your swimming pool or any other region that can be in close contact with rain, water and harmful UV light. The use of deck sealers is not limited to just the deck area. It can be particularly helpful for other structures in the outdoors, for example, any fences that you may have, wooden patios, or even that one odd gazebo.
These sealers either seep into the surface of the wood or form a clear layer on top of the wood to prevent any damage that wood can be subject to. To learn more about this, keep reading!
Why Are Deck Sealers Important?
There are many reasons why people invest in deck or wood sealers. First, it will improve the overall look of the wood decks around your pool. The wood sealers and stains give the deck a better finish. In addition to this, the wooden deck will be more durable in the long run if it is sealed properly. The process is simple and you can make it a DIY project.
Deck sealers help in preventing any damage to the wood. The most common threat to wooden decks is water from the pool, growth of mildew and the harsh UV radiation of the sun. Sealing the wood well can prevent these problems. Finally, maintaining the deck area can be a difficult task, but you can minimize the issues related to maintenance by simply using deck sealant. There are many different types of deck sealers, which have their own benefits.
Types of Deck Sealer
As was mentioned before, there are many different types of deck sealers, all of which differ in composition, functions performed, and even the cost. Some of these are discussed briefly below so that you can gauge which ones are most suitable for your needs.
Clear Sealers
The first type of deck sealers (or wood sealers) available in the market are the clear variety. Either they will have no pigment at all, or there will be very little pigment in most clear deck sealer that can be bought in stores or online. The main purpose of these clear sealers is to prevent any water from entering the wood. If your wood looks good but you just want to accentuate its natural beauty, this is a good option. However, you will need to repeat the process almost every year.
Wood Toner
Wood toners also perform a function similar to clear sealers but there is a little more color added to these. This will be able to add a slight color to enhance the look of your wood but the protection capabilities are limited. It can, however, give you some protection against cracking, splitting, or so on.
Semi-Transparent Stains
If you have the kind of wood that needs enhancement but shouldn’t be covered completely because of its own beauty, you can opt for the semi-transparent option. Most such stains don’t just color the wood that they are being applied to, they also seal it so that it can be protected in case of exposure to water, wind, sunlight or foreign growth that could compromise its integrity. Keep in mind, however, that it may not give you the type of color that solid stains – which will be discussed next – can provide and will show a wide variety of performance.
Solid Stains
The last type of wood treatment that is commonly used to seal decks is the solid stain or opaque finish. If the quality of the wood isn’t too good but you want to give it a richer look, you can opt for this. The grain of the wood will be painted completely as it is applied on the deck.
These types of sealers will also last you longer than most others discussed here, going up to even five years. They do provide a good level of protection but there are also some disadvantages of using these, for example, odd buildups that can chip over time.
Things to Keep in Mind before Making the Purchase
There are some factors to consider before you get the right deck sealer for your outdoor projects. Some of these are discussed briefly so that you have a better idea about whether they will be able to perform the way you need them to.
Color
The first factor to be considered is the color payoff that you are looking for. If you don’t want any color to be added to your wood, you may want to opt for one of the clear sealers. If slight color payoffs are what you are looking for, semi-transparent stains can be the best option. Finally, if you want the color to change completely, you can opt for the solid stains.
Resistance
When you are choosing the best deck sealer for your needs, you will need to gauge what the wood should be made resistant to. First, it is important that your sealer makes your deck resistant to water, which is its biggest enemy. This is followed by mildew growth, which can be prevented by many deck sealers. Finally, it will be beneficial if your deck sealer prevents the damage caused by harmful UV rays.
Area of Application
It is important that you find out the quality of wood that you will be sealing before you pick the deck sealer. There are different sealers that work for different materials. For example, there are some hardwood sealers that will be able to penetrate into denser material, while others can work for the less dense material, depending on the composition of your deck.
Mode of Application
Deck sealers vary in terms of mode of application as well. Most common of these modes of application is using a simple and sturdy brush. Others, however, may use other options like paint rollers or spray bottles. All of this depends on the point we made before the area on which the application will be carried out.
Strength and Durability
The quality of the deck sealer is usually dependent on these two factors. Not all such sealers work in the same manner. Some are stronger and can last for a longer period of time than others, which will need more maintenance in the long run. Assessing these qualities will help in picking the best deck sealer for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between staining and sealing a deck?
Sealing forms a transparent coat on the surface that is usually a clear or a transparent look whereas; staining includes a pigment or color to the wood by penetrating it.
What is the best deck sealer?
The best deck sealer depends on what type of wood your deck is made from. If your deck is newly built with high-quality wood materials, it is best to use clear sealers. They are ideal for accentuating the beauty of the natural wood grain. It is recommended to apply a semi-transparent or transparent stain to help reduce the leaching of arsenic when the pressure treated wood deck is treated with chromate copper arsenate (CCA) or if your sealing an older deck. You may also prefer a semi-transparent or translucent finish for aesthetic reasons. The most common threat to wood decks is water, growth of mildew, and the harsh UV rays of the sun. Thus, it is essential to purchasing a deck sealer that has UV protection, mildew protection, and waterproof protection in your product.
How much deck sealer do I need?
Most deck sealers and stains are usually bought in 1-gallon containers. 1 gallon will cover around 200 to 300 square feet depending upon the thickness of the coat. On average, this is about 250 square feet of coverage. Therefore, 2 gallons of stain would probably cover for a 500 square foot deck.
How to apply deck sealer?
After cleaning and drying your deck, you can apply a deck sealer using several techniques. You can either apply the sealer with a brush which gives you excellent control for even application and will ensure that you get the sealer not only on the deck boards but also in-between the boards as well. This does, however, take a long time. Using a paint roller is faster, yet you have less control. You might to recheck your application a couple of times to ensure your deck is completely covered. A garden sprayer is also an option. It’s the fastest and easiest choice; however, this offers the least control of the application and doesn’ always reach those hard to get areas.
How long does deck sealer take to dry?
48 hours is usually long enough for deck sealer to dry. However, this is presuming that the deck is located in direct sunlight. For a deck where there is no sunlight or it is a little cool, wait for at least 72 more hours. Once again check the surface to ensure its completely dry. If in doubt, wait for another day.
How often should you seal your deck?
Most sealers last one cycle of seasons and should be renewed each year. If you sealed your stained deck with UV-rated weatherproofing sealer, make sure to seal twice a year. This will probably double the time between re-staining. If in doubt, you can conduct a simple test whether your deck is protected. Just splatter a few drops of water onto the surface of your deck and see what happens. If the water beads up and remains on the surface, it is usually still fine.
If water soaks straight into the wood seal your deck right away. Test a few areas of your deck if you’re unsure. Some areas might be worse off that’s others which will be a sign it’s time to reseal.
Conclusion
All of the deck sealers and deck stains mentioned in this list give you the best quality of protection. There are a number of factors that should be considered before you pick the best deck sealer. If you have a budget, you can opt for the #1 Deck variant.
It will be able to give you the desired protection against water, mildew and UV rays. If you are more inclined towards a natural product, you can try the Tall Earth Eco-Safe treatment. The final choice will depend on individual needs!
Resources:
US Dept of Agriculture
LSU AgCenter