How do I seal my deck?

Tips For Sealing Your Deck

Your deck is a terrific place for relaxing outdoors, grilling food, and enjoying time with family and friends. It’s important to take good care of your deck so it will last for many years and continue to add value to your home. One way to prolong the life of your deck it to seal it regularly, so it’s protected from weather and other environmental factors.

Before sealing your deck, it must be cleaned properly. Sweep leaves and other debris off the surface, and make sure to clean in between each board (where leaves can get stuck) with a putty knife. If the deck is small in size, scrub the wood with a cleaning product meant for wood decks. If the deck is larger, pressure wash it to remove mildew and algae. Let the deck dry for 48 hours before applying sealer. If the deck is elevated, cover anything stored underneath it with a tarp, as the sealer may drip down through the boards. The temperature should be over 50 degrees during the sealer application and for 48 hours afterwards, so the product can dry properly. Make sure rain isn’t in the forecast for 24 hours after the application.

Once the deck is prepped and ready, apply the sealer. Start with the railings first, using a paint brush. Once those are finished, use a roller for the floor boards, starting in the corner furthest from where you’ll exit the deck, which may be down some stairs or through a sliding door into the home.

Drying time is generally 48 hours. Clean the roller and other supplies with mineral spirits. Re-sealing the deck will be necessary eventually; a good test is to splash water on the deck. If it beads up, you don’t need to re-seal the deck yet. If the wood absorbs the water, it’s time to reapply the sealer. For more information about sealing your deck, please contact:

Mr. Handyman of Wheaton-Hinsdale

245 W. Roosevelt Road #69

West Chicago, IL

Phone: 630-318-6882

www.mrhandyman.com