How to Seal and Protect Your Wood Deck

Three Options for Effective Protection for Your Deck

When you plan to renew the beauty and weather resistance of your wood deck there are some basic steps that need to be done. After that first step is completed we feel you have three options that are best for protection of your expensive wood deck.

The first step, regardless of the type of protection process or sealant you plan to use, is to properly clean the deck. Over the years we have found that a good stiff bristle long handled brush is the best to use when performing the cleaning process. First you dry brush the deck to remove any loose dirt or wood splinters. Then using a combination of clean warm water and beach, mixed at 1 part bleach to 10 parts water you wash down the deck completely, doing one four foot square section at a time. It is best to wait till you have a weather projection for dry weather for the next few days as you need to wait until the deck is completely dry before proceeding.

Now the easiest sealant is to have had your deck made out of teak wood because the natural teak oil in teak wood is already a natural sealant and protector. Although expensive, teak wood does not require any annual sealant and only needs the cleaning process we described in the preceding paragraph. Teak wood is naturally resistant to insects and damage like rot from weather of any type. This natural protection lasts for a minimum of 80 years and there are reports of teak decks or outdoor furniture lasting well over 100 years.