Preserving wood

Question

We have power-washed our deck. Now, what is the next best step (read, product) for preserving the wood (other than Thompson's, which does not hold up under our Texas sun and humidity) . . .for as long as possible! Not necessarily talking mildew protection, but actually keeping the wood as new looking as possible for as long as possible?

Cher B · Answer

To start out, it depends on what 'look' you are going for. If you want the wood look, then just apply Thompson's Water Seal (the lowest price I've found for it is at Home Depot). If you want a color/stain Thompson's also has a variety of stain/sealer that you can apply. Make sure that your deck is totally dry before you apply the Thompson's. Ours usually lasts for about 2 years before needing to reapply. Enjoy your deck!! :)

Scottie Vosburgh · Answer

The issue isn't actually the product. It's the version that matters. The more translucent or transparent the product is, the less UV protection it can provide. Any clear sealer is really only going to work for a year. If you don't want to reapply that often, you'll need to use a stain.. the 'best' (for reapplication purposes) being an opaque stain (which honestly just looks like paint). I you don't want to reapply (because who really does) and you still want that wood look, you could get two different colors of the opaque stain and paint the one closest to the wood first, then come back and use the darker one in spots to give the appearance of a grain. They even make special tools of this. Then seal it again just for good measure… While it would take longer than just the seal, it would give you that look. it may also sounds ridiculous… just wanted you to know there were some options.. ;) Good Luck!

Shari · Answer

I can't say from personal experience because I've never had a deck but I saw this HomeTalk post the other day and found it interesting. Lots of negative comments about Thompson's product, including several comments from a member who says he is an award winning decking contractor. http://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/q-how-to-remove-thompsons-water-sealer-on-wood-deck-9239666

Johnchip · Answer

Think about it. What stays outdoors in water longest? Boats. Use a Marine quality product. I like Varathane, but some Marine varnishes last forever and outdoor use is perfect under harshest of climates. $60 a gallon may seem a lot, but if you think 1 time application for 20 years or $25 a gallon or more and redo it every year...? NO CONTEST. These 'deck products' (ie, Thompsons) are made to make you spend money and not get anything but a season out of them and have to rebuy and rework. An after market scam

Beverly See · Answer

I live near Seattle, WA.  Our deck is chipping, peeling now because my husband used a latex stain two years ago, now needs to do again.  It is not covered......What's the best weatherproof stain for lots of rainy weather, also sunny (this year)?  Really needs to last longer.

Denise Eaton · Answer

Sherwin Williams has a product called Super Deck that we have used on several decks. It lasts a long time and looks great.

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

I use Tung oil but Danish oil, etc. would work, too. It will darken the wood a bit, and I reapply every year although I wouldn't have to.

Pete Sakes · Answer

Years ago they used a mixture of strained burnt oil (because it was free) and diesel on out buildings to keep the bugs out and repel water. The burnt oil will darken the wood considerably and new oil will darken somewhat but not as bad. The diesel is used to help the oil penetrate the wood.

Preserving wood

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Preserving wood

Thompsons Water sealer disaster

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