Deck Seal And Stain

How to make your deck or patio look its best.

Posted by Stephanie Albares

About

Got a deck that could use cleaning and resealing, or maybe even a stain to cover up ugly pressure-treated wood? Here’s how to spruce up your deck for the warmer months.

Share

You Will Need (8 things)

  • Pressure washer
  • Deck Cleaner
  • Bucket
  • 1 l Deck cleaning solution
  • Stiff-bristled deck Broom
  • Decking Stain (qty. depends on deck size)
  • A nice big decking oil Brush OR lambswool applicator; see note below
  • Clean-up materials (rags, mineral turps)

Steps (5 steps, 2880 minutes)

  1. 1

    Clear off your deck and wet it down thoroughly. Mix the deck cleaning solution in a bucket with the suggested amount of water on the label. (Mine was 1 part deck cleaner to 4 parts water.) Scrub the cleaning solution into the pre-wetted timber with your stiff decking broom. Really scrub at it, especially if you’re trying to remove a previous oil or stain.

  2. 2

    Let the cleaning solution sit on the deck for 20 minutes, and then hose it off with your pressure washer. Let the deck dry overnight.

  3. 3

    (It's impressive how fresh and clean the timber looks at this stage!)

  4. 4

    Once the deck is bone dry, apply your decking stain. If your deck is made up of grooved pressure-treated timber or an otherwise rough surface, use a decking brush. Otherwise, use a lambswool applicator. The size of your deck and the label on the stain itself should give you a guideline on how much stain you’ll need, but if you’re working with pressure-treated pine like I was, beware: it’s thirsty stuff. (My coverage was 3m² per litre for raw treated pine.)

  5. 5

    Apply a second coat of stain (optional) and let dry.