New Deck - Best treatments and when

[jpierce]

We have a new deck (well 6 months old now) with pressurized lumber. We were told to wait six month before sealing it, but I am not sure that was the right advice. Something needs to be done.
Just thought I would ask if this makes sense:

1. Sand with 60/80 grit paper (to remove labels, pencil marks, etc)
2. Wash off with Deck cleaner
3. Seal with waterproofing item (stain, opaque??)

Any suggestions on brand of sealant??

Thanks!!

 

[bczoom]

From what I've heard/seen/used, the Sherwin Williams Deckscape is the best stain out there.

Depending on color, the sanding may not be required.

 

[gsganzer]

I think consumer reports rated the Olympic Stains as being very good. You want at least a semi-transparent.

 

[Holzster]

Just a bid of info you might know - the darker (or the less you see the nateral wood) the more protection it gives.

 

[KubotaSteve]

As far as waiting, I would think that would depend on how dry the treated lumber is. I have never did a thing to my deck or the kids wooden playset. I haven't had any problems with it and it has been there for about 4 years. My parents treated their decks about every two years and they still didn't last very long. For the cost of the stain and the time involved in prepping and staining, I figured I could just put another one up using composite. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[jpierce]

Thanks for the feedback - It looks like Cabot is a good brand, so I might go looking for a stain this weekend...

 

[tc18ny]

I would recommend using a pressure washer to clean the deck first, but more importantly to "raise" the grain of the wood. You would be surprised of the results a good pressure wash will do to bring out the grain of wood. Then when you stain it, the stain will be absorbed by the wood much better, resulting in longer protection. As far as which brand to use, I use Sherwin Williams for everything. I stained my house siding with it two years ago and have been very happy with the results. Forgot what it was called for siding. For decks I think it's called Deckscapes.
Dave

 

[TNhobbyfarmer]

I use a product called Woodguard on the exterior walls of a log cabin I built. I am very pleased with the job it does. Its a little pricey but worth the cost I think.

 

[Ozarker]

Most advise to wait at least 6 months to stabilize the moisture content of the wood relative to your location.

 

[RalphVa]

I clean with Thompson's deck cleaner; use it with a pump-up sprayer; if there's heavy mildew or mold, you might have to use a stiff brush; rent a pressure washer and waste fuel if you're lazy. I just buy the cheapest of one of those wax-based deck sealer solutions and apply it with the same pump-up sprayer that I used the Thompson's in.

Plain bleach solution (about 10-20%) works as a deck cleaner, too. That's one of the main ingredients of the Thompson's stuff. Like their cleaner; don't care for their expensive deck sealer.

Ralph