Outdoor entertaining is even better when you have an attractive deck in your backyard. Decks provide hours of fun and relaxation; however, they also endure constant exposure to the elements. Like most outdoor amenities, your deck requires regular maintenance to retain its beauty, functionality, and safety. Over time, wear and tear from weather and walking can damage the planks. Thankfully, a water-resistant sealant can help your deck stand up to harsh weather.

Whether you’re installing a new deck or have an existing wooden patio, you should take measures to protect your investment throughout the year. A deck sealant protects the wood from moisture, sunlight, and UV rays to help it retain its aesthetics and strength. Most new decks should be stained between two weeks and one month after installation. The deck should be resealed every one to three years, depending on the strength of the sealant and the amount of weather-related trauma the deck faces across the seasons.

1. Choose a Sealer
   Most stains will have a sealer property, including weather-resistance and increased durability against typical wear and tear. Some stains/sealers are clearer, while others are opaquer. A good rule of thumb is to remember that the clearer the stain, the more frequently you’ll need to clean and reseal the deck.
2. Test the Deck’s Water Resistance
   If you’re unsure of why your deck requires a sealer—or if it even needs one at all—test its water resistance. Simply spray water from a hose onto the deck. If water begins to bead up on the surface, it’s sealed. If the water starts to seep into the wood, it needs to be sealed.
3. Clean the Deck
   Before you apply the sealer, you need to clean the deck completely. Spray it down with water and scrub the plants to remove all mold, debris, and superficial staining. This includes the cracks between each board. Anything that isn’t removed during the cleaning will get trapped under the sealer.
4. Clear the Deck & Let Dry
   After you wash the deck, rinse it and clear all remaining debris from the surface. You must let the deck dry completely before applying the sealer, which may take one or two days.
5. Apply the Deck Sealer
   Now it’s time to apply the sealer to the entire deck. You can use a mop or a paint roller for the deck flooring and stairs and use a paintbrush for railings and banisters. Apply the sealer on days when the temperature is between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit during a forecast that has no precipitation. Make even strokes without letting the sealer create a puddle in a single area. Cover the entire area in a single coat, working in sections from top to bottom or left to right.
6. Let Dry & Enjoy
   The deck sealer needs to be completely dry before walking on it again. This may take one or two days. When the entire area is dry, it’s ready to use!

Sealing a deck isn’t expensive or difficult, but it one home improvement task that many homeowners may neglect. Use these tips to seal and reseal your deck once every year or two so your deck looks great, stays safe, and keeps providing your family with hours of outdoor fun for years!