Wood Care - How to Waterproof a Wood Deck

In order to keep your wooden deck one of the most beautiful assets to your home, one of the most important things is to learn how to waterproof wood. The elements of weather can have terrible affects on your deck, and by waterproofing the wood, you will be able to preserve it so that it will last you many years and stay looking as beautiful as when you first built it.

Tools and Materials:

• Sandpaper

• Broom

• Water

• Deck Cleaner

• Paint Stirrer

• Stiff scrub brush

• Paint tray

• ½ inch lint-free nap roller

• Paint tray liner

• Small paintbrush

• Lamb’s wool pad

1. Preparation

The first thing you want to do is prepare your deck to waterproof the wood. It is important to have a clean and clear work space, so start by removing all items from your deck, including furniture and grills. Look for any loose boards or damage and repair that before getting started. Next, you will take the sandpaper and use it to smooth out any rough spots, such as marks or splinters. Using the broom, you will sweep away any debris. Then, using the deck cleaner, be sure to clean the deck completely with the stiff scrub brush. Once the entire deck is clean, you will rinse it thoroughly with clean water and let it completely air dry. Remember, although the top looks dry, it can take up to two days for the inside to dry as well.

2. Waterproof Sealer

Next is the sealant. Using the paint stirrer, you will need to stir the sealer completely and then pour it into the paint tray with the paint tray liner in it. Then, apply the sealer using your ½ inch lint-free nap roller by rolling into the sealer as if you were painting. By working with two to three sections of board at a time, roll on the sealer in a thin coat that is even. Using your small paint brush, get the corners and railings. In order to have the correct adhesion to the wood, you want to be sure that you are applying thin coats and not coats that are too thick.

3. Distribute

In order to make sure that your sealant is distributed evenly, use the lamb’s wool pad and go over each individual section. This will also give the appearance of smoothness.

4. Last Step

If you feel that your deck will need a second coat of sealer, work in small sections at a time. You will want to apply the second coat while the first one is still wet. By working in small sections, you will be able to put on two coats at a time and not block yourself from being able to get off of the deck. Once you have coated the entire deck, you will need to let the sealer completely dry before you can place your furniture and grills back on it. You also want to make sure that you read the drying instructions for the type of sealant that you purchased so you will have an idea of just how long it should take to completely dry.

Painting tips & tricks of the day

Drying paint and the temperature
Paint in a ventilated and temperate space. When temperatures are between 10C and 32C there's no risk, although 15c to 22C is ideal. Latex paint will dry in a few hours at this temperature. Oil-based paints will dry more rapidly in a warm, dry environment.