Just finished re-surfacing a 16’x21′ outdoor deck. 5/4 PT bullnose decking, new PT railings and stairs. I know reading previous posts that I need to apply some kind of sealant at some time. Do I need to let the deck “weather down” ? Should I try to get this done before winter? What is a good quality sealant? Brush, roller or spray applied ? How often will it need to be sealed? It’s in the Buffalo, NY area, pretty bad winters sometimes. The cost and time involved are not a big issue, I just want to do it right! I know there are a lot good minds out there, I appreciate the input! Thanks!
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Greetings roofguy,
This post, in response to your question, will bump the thread through the 'recent discussion' listing again.
Perhaps it will catch someone's attention that can help you with advice.
Cheers
We can imagine something that only exists in our heads, in a form that has no measureable, tangible reality, and make it actually occur in the real world. Where there was nothing, now there is something.
Forrest - makin' magic every day
Resurfacing? As in, sanded it down? What you do depends on the look you want. I rarely recommend anything but a solid stain for pt decking. And pt decking doesn't look that great without some kind of finish on it.
Solid stain will also help protect the wood from the weather. PT decking is prone to cracking over time, but the more you maintain and protect it, the longer it will last before it starts to go south.
If you just sanded it down, there is no need to wait (imho) for it to reach equilibrium. The sooner you stain it with two coats the better.
I usually use cabots solid or decking stain. Both have a large amount of pigments and offer good protection, though the decking stain has even more.
Either way, you will need to stain it once every year or so to make it last. I have my (now college) kids do our decks. Back when they need the money, they still didn't want to, though. Can't say that I blame them.
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
In general the more pigmented the longer lasting. Clear - toned - semitransparent - solid color stain.
You want to apply it as sone as the wood is dry to the touch. Should be a week or so depending on the weather.
Do not let the wood winter, wait maybe 2 weeks at most depending on the temps. I really like Ben Moore's Alkyd semi-solid stain (though Cabot is a good product as well) as I have used it on more decks than I care to remember with good results every time. Go for the darkest tint you can stand as it will last longer. To apply it you should cut with a brush and then roll out the rest. Spraying is too much of a PITA for anything other than a huge deck on a windless day. I normally use a new cheap brush on each job because decking and railing will tear up a good brush and then you can pitch it instead of trying to clean it out in mineral spirits.Best o luck
-day