Pressure-treated wood has a more protective coating than untreated wood, but it still needs protection to last. Sun, moisture, and time can make all damage pressure-treated wood, so sealing keeps your investment safe.
Deck sealing keeps your deck looking new and protects it from weathering and decay. There are many sealers out there.
Which is the best deck sealer for pressure treated wood? That’s what this post will discuss. We’ll look at five of the best deck sealers on the market and recommend the best one for use on pressure-treated wood. I’ll give you a step-by-step guide on sealing a deck with your chosen sealer.
In Hurry? Here Is Our Top Recommended Pick
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BEST OVERALL: Ready Seal 512 Stain and Sealer for Wood
BEST BUDGET: Minwax 630510444 Water Based Spar Urethane
BEST FOR WATERPROOFING: Thompson’s TH.042841-16 Waterseal Waterproofing Stain
BEST WITH UV PROTECTION: DEFY Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain
ALSO CONSIDER: Cabot Australian Timber Oil Based Deck Stain
How Did We Pick The Best Deck Sealer For Pressure Treated Wood?
We’ve reviewed the best deck sealer products to ensure your pressure-treated wood is preserved.
- Durability – The deck sealant will last as long as the materials on the deck are in good shape. The sealant is just a protective layer that lasts for a couple of years.
- Value – How can you choose one from the others with so many sealant products claiming to be the best? This product, for example, has features that make it stand out from other competitors, such as high-quality weather-resistant materials and an extended warranty.
- Reliability – A deck sealer should protect your deck against moisture, ultraviolet rays, water, and snow. This is because harsh elements can be destructive to wood and deteriorate the lifespan of your deck sealer.
- Appearance – While some products may bring out the natural beauty of wood and make it feel refreshed, other products may not be as effective, and while there are no guarantees that a product will work better than another, many homeowners will ask themselves if they can trust the company’s semi-transparent promises.
We used these criteria in our search for the best deck sealer for pressure treated wood, to test our top picks.
Our Top 5 Picks For Best Deck Sealer For Pressure Treated Wood In 2023
1. BEST OVERALL: Ready Seal 512 Stain and Sealer for Wood
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Ready Seal deck stains are the most popular in the US, and homeowners prefer to treat their decks themselves instead of hiring contractors.
Ready Seal products combine stain and sealer features so homeowners can save time, money, and quality by doing it themselves.
Ready Seal combines the durability and finish of a top-coat with the protection of a sealer to protect your wood decking. This sealer comes in a wide range of colors to suit any wood type. Ready Seal can be applied directly on the decking without adding a primer.
With this product, you can save your wood from extra liquid, harmful UV rays, and other possible damage without compromising on your style.
For example, you can use this product if you want to customize the color or if you want to change the color using paint.
Stain is most intense when it’s fresh, but you’ll see what the final color will look like as it dries out. This can take about 14 days.
Applying stain smoothly to the floor is the easiest part of this process. A roller or sprayer will work best, although you can use a brush. You don’t need to worry about back brushing.
Pros
- Easy to apply.
- NO primer required.
- Many different color options.
Cons
- Shows the final color in 14 days.
2. BEST BUDGET: Minwax 630510444 Water Based Spar Urethane
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The Minwax 630510444 Sealer is one of the best options for all treated wood. This sealer is water-based and brightens your wood in addition to being incredibly protective.
It can even protect the wood from the temperature changes resulting from expansion and contraction, such as warping or splitting.
Spraying sealant is much easier with a sprayer than with a spraying machine. The sprayer will make the project go more smoothly and allow you to get the job done much faster.
I’ve used Minwax on my deck, which is thick, not like water but more like syrup or jelly. It’s between thick and thin and will make your wood decks feel protected.
One of the many advantages of using this sealer is its resistance to sunlight, which will prolong the life of your deck. In addition, it can dry quickly after being applied, so there’s no need to worry that it will affect your driveway.
Pros
- It’s able to dry quickly.
- Protects against UV rays.
- Resists extreme heat changes.
Cons
- The results are slight yellowing of the deck.
3. BEST FOR WATERPROOFING: Thompson’s TH.042841-16 Waterseal Waterproofing Stain
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Thompson’s is a natural wood cleaner and protector. With advanced polymers, it cleans and protects your deck against water, mold growth and mildew development, and UV rays. It makes the pressure-treated wood more durable and protects your investment when you buy a Thompson’s product.
The waterproofing capabilities of this deck sealant are excellent. It exceeds the industry standard ASTM D-446, so you can ensure that your deck is safe from the elements.
Moreover, it’s good value for money, as it is both a sealant and a deck stain. Applying it is also very easy. The only condition is that the wood must be dry before application.
This product is versatile, it’s look great no matter which type of wood you use. It also sticks to the deck surface and dries quickly, saving you time. And, because of its quality and color retention ability, you don’t have to worry about ruining your clothes.
Thompson’s is one of the best deck sealer for pressure treated wood, thanks to its water resistance, durability, and other factors.
There is one downside: the deck sealant coat wears off quickly. Some people say that the color will only last a year before you need to reapply.
What if you’ve used it outside and need to bring it inside. First, make sure your children can’t get to this product, as it’s poisonous.
Pros
- Wood creates an excellent look for homes.
- It provides elegance.
- Protection from UV rays and fading.
- Water-resistant.
- Stain and sealant in one.
- Dries quickly.
Cons
- The coat lasts one year.
- For outdoor projects only.
- Inferior packaging.
4. BEST WITH UV PROTECTION: DEFY Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain
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This DEFY water sealer is designed to resist fading, darkening, and peeling, which makes it last much longer than the more budget-friendly When you’re tired of replacing your sealer because of changing weather and other conditions, this water sealer is the way to go.
Give your wood a high-quality stain with this option! There are many reasons to choose this one — it is easy to apply, it allows the wood grain to show through and last for a long time. This is one of the best stains you can find because it’s not too transparent and doesn’t wear out quickly.
This wood sealer will work on just about any surface you want it to. From your deck to your furniture, this sealer will make it shine. All you need is pressure-treated wood and this sealer. It’s great for outdoor patios, furniture, and decks.
You won’t need to sand or strip the surface with this sealer. That makes it easy to maintain. Plus, you don’t have to worry about covering the sealer when you cover the treated wood. You can spray it right onto your deck without any problems.
If you want to try to make the wood come up in sharper contrast, you may want to consider applying DEFY Wood Brightener before starting your project. You should only use this when cloudy or risk the product not drying correctly.
Pros
- It won’t require stripping or sanding.
- It is easy to apply and clean.
- Resist fading and will remain vibrant.
Cons
- It does not last as long as other products.
- You can’t apply it in the sunlight.
5. ALSO CONSIDER: Cabot Australian Timber Oil Based Deck Stain
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You’ve likely never heard of Cabot, but this company is one of the leading woodcare producers in the United States. Founded in 1877, it succeeded by using its wide variety of high-quality products to win over customers and become the market leader. Cabot offers products for all furniture types, from floors to knobs and everything in between.
Cabot, an Australian timber oil manufacturer and distributor has developed a unique Australian timber oil. It mixes various natural oils to protect tallow wood, Merbau, and Cambara from the adverse effects of extreme weather in Australia.
With these oils, Cabot can protect the timber from Australian conditions that can be potentially dangerous, such as high heat and humidity, which can result in oxidative damage.
This stain is perfect for a variety of different types of decks. It can be used on railings, siding, decks, or any other grouping of wood. It’s also great for outdoor and indoor use and is designed to stand up to outdoor conditions. Choose it if you need a durable oil-based stain that can be applied to various types of surfaces.
Australian oil can easily go deep into the wood’s pores. This powerful formula includes long-oil alkyds that make it durable and Tung oil from South Africa, protecting the liquid responsible for deepening the original lumber color.
Pros
- Oil-based stain.
- Manufactured in the United States.
- Perfect for your outdoor furniture.
Cons
- It’s nearly impossible to predict the final color before you paint.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Using a Deck Sealer on an Outdoor Gas Grill?
Using a deck sealer on an Outdoor Flat Top Gas Grill has several pros and cons. On the positive side, it offers protection against harsh weather conditions, prolonging the life of the grill. Additionally, it can enhance the grill’s appearance. However, the sealer might affect the heat distribution and make maintenance challenging. Ultimately, the decision depends on personal preferences and the specific needs of the grill owner.
Buying Guide For Best Deck Sealer For Pressure Treated Wood
When choosing a sealer for pressure-treated wood, there are several things you should take into consideration.
Color
There are lots of different colors for deck stain. Some people choose a color that matches their home’s wood, while others choose clear. If you decide to go with light color, you can choose semi-transparent to have more clarity than color. Make sure you decide what color to stain your deck because it can be difficult to remove and expensive to reapply.
Toxins
These days, more and more people are concerned about the toxins in their homes. It’s essential to choose an option with low VOCs to protect yourself and those you love. Toxins from high-VOC products can harm your children, plants, animals, and other structures in your home, so make sure you wear protective gear to prevent any issues.
Wood
You must be careful when choosing a sealer for your wood. Some products will only work on hardwood or just softwood. Ensure that you read the directions carefully to ensure that your wood is compatible with the product and that you are not applying it incorrectly, which will ruin your finish and cost a lot of money to repair.
FAQs Of Best Deck Sealer For Pressure Treated Wood
What are the best temperatures for sealing decks?
To receive a fast, effective dry, you need to set the right conditions. Set the temperature to 70-77 degrees with low humidity levels, which will help speed up the drying process. When the weather doesn’t cooperate, keep it between 45 and 90 degrees and low humidity levels. That way, your stain will dry quickly, too.
How many coats should be applied to stain a deck?
To get the best deck finish, you should apply as many stain layers as the wood will absorb. This will take 2 coats for most surfaces, but it might take only 1 coat of sealant or stain for denser, harder woods.
Should I choose an oil-based or water-based sealer?
In order to seal your wood, you have two types of sealers and each type has a risk-reward ratio. For example, oil-based sealers typically last longer but have toxins in them.
Water-based sealers have lower toxins, but they don’t last as long. They also can be applied to damp wood, unlike oil-based sealers. Also, water-based can go on damp wood, but oil-based cannot.
How long does it take deck sealer to dry?
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a deck sealer is its drying time, which you can usually find on the sealer’s packaging. The dry hours vary depending on several variables, such as the consistency, texture, and climate, but 24-48 hours is the typical range. You should be able to walk on the newly dripped sealer or touch it within one day.
Final Thoughts About Best Deck Sealer For Pressure Treated Wood
When it comes to choose best deck sealer for pressure treated wood, there are a few things you should consider. First, what type of sealer do you need? Second, what is your budget? Third, what are your sealing goals?
And finally, what are the Pros and Cons of each type of wood sealer?
In conclusion, if you can consider marketing plan and inventory control as your main goal, a UV or water-base will work best for you. If safety is your top priority, an oil-based or wax might be what works best for you. As long as you don’t get fooled into thinking that one sealer type is going to cure the world of its decking problems, it should meet all of your needs!
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