Table of Contents
Does cedar deck need to be sealed?
Sealing your deck will keep it safe from water damage, rot, and insects. Stain, on the other hand, enhances the deck’s beauty while offering UV protection. Every two to three years, you will want to reseal and stain your cedar deck.
What is the best way to seal a cedar deck?
The best way to protect a cedar surface is to penetrate deep into the surface pores with a sealant. A wood sealer protects against the moisture damage that could lead to mold and mildew growth on your deck or fence boards.
What sealant is best for cedar?
Our Top 10 Best Cedar Sealer in 2020 Pure Tung Oil Finisher for Cedar. General Finishes Exterior 450. Star Brite Golden Teak Oil Sealer for Cedar. Thompson’s WaterSeal Advanced Cedar Protector. DEFY Crystal Clear Sealer for Cedar. SEAL-ONCE MARINE Cedar Wood Sealer. Olympic Stain 56500-04 Maximum Cedar Sealant.
Can I leave my cedar deck untreated?
Cedar wood deteriorates slowly, due to its abundance of natural oils. From a structural standpoint, cedar more than holds its own. Untreated cedar fences can go for many years before they need to be replaced.
Should you stain or seal cedar?
Cedar offers a durable option for exterior and interior building projects with natural resistance to rot and decay, so a protective finish is optional. If you’re using cedar for an outdoor project, give it a light seal coat to guard against moisture and sunlight.
Should you power wash a cedar deck?
Note: RealCedar.com advises against power washing your cedar deck because it can strip the softwood. Like most things, though, this advice is dependent on your situation. Many people still choose pressure wash their cedar decks, and therefore we are giving instructions to those who choose to do so.
Is it better to stain or seal a deck?
Sealing a deck is best for cedar, teak, mahogany, or other quality woods as it enhances the wood grain and natural color. Staining a deck protects the wood from mold, mildew, moisture, and rot, and UV rays and sun damage.
How do you seal outdoor cedar?
On bare new or restored cedar, apply one coat only of water-repellent preservative (1% or less of wax by volume and content). Allow it to dry for the period of time recommended by the manufacturer. If the wood has been dip treated, a longer drying time may be needed.
Do you need to apply a sealer after staining a deck?
Most of the time, stains also contain a protective sealant. It’s a good idea, though, to re-seal your deck (or check that it needs to be re-sealed) once a year. Water-based stains can adhere to water or oil-based coatings already present on the wooden surface.
Can I use Thompson’s water seal on cedar?
A new Waterproofing Stain from industry leader Thompson’s WaterSeal can not only protect your deck from further damage, but also add rich, beautiful color. Choose from five popular colors: Acorn Brown, Harvest Gold, Maple Brown, Sequoia Red or Woodland Cedar.
How do you keep cedar looking new?
If you have weathered and discolored wood siding, you can regain the new look of cedar by cleaning off the dirt and mildew with a solution of one third cup liquid household detergent (be sure it is ammonia-free), one quart liquid household bleach (containing 5% sodium hypochlorite), and three quarts warm water.
How do you keep cedar from turning GREY?
To prevent cedar from fading to gray, you need to seal cedar fence with a stain that blocks ultraviolet light and contains a mildewcide, according to Family Handyman.
What happens if you don’t stain cedar?
If you wait a year, the wood will turn gray, and may even show deterioration from the weather. Cedar should be stained as soon as it will accept the stain. This is easy to determine with penetrating semi-transparent stains.
How many years does a cedar deck last?
Most carpenters figure a lifespan of 15 to 20 years for cedar wood deck boards, but it can deteriorate faster when used for ground-level decks and for shaded decks that are slow to dry out. To retain the color, you have to clean it and reseal it every year or two, and even then it’s a losing battle.
Is cedar decking worth the money?
It’s a durable wood that is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insect attacks, and resists moisture absorption, so it tends to last longer, needs less maintenance, and doesn’t warp or split as easily. A cedar deck can last for 15-20 years or more, depending on maintenance and environment.
Should I sand my cedar deck before staining?
If your cedar deck is newly installed, you’ll need to sand* the cedar boards prior to staining. The planing process causes an oily surface on the boards that can hinder the wood stain from penetrating the wood. For an existing deck, you may need to sand* to remove loose wood fibers.
What are the disadvantages of cedar wood?
Cedar Disadvantage Requires Maintenance. Due to being softwood, cedar needs regular maintenance. Flammable. Cedar is a flammable wood. Fading Color. Changes color over time due to chemical reactions. Sensitive. Cedar is a sensitive wood. Weak. Cedar is a common material in construction.
