I need to seal my deck but have some questions. I was told a while

Question

back that Cabot makes the best sealer, that Thompson's and others that are advertised so widely don't do the best job. Your opinion? Also, my deck was built at least 10 yrs ago and never sealed, but it's still in good shape. When it was built, I was told to wait 6 mos to seal it and that 6 mos has turned into years. I'm planning to for SURE do it this year, but here are my questions. I have 2 largish dogs (inside dogs, but of course they go outside 
several times a day), so I'm going to have to keep them inside and take them out front for pottying during this process. During the years since the deck was built, dirt and fur has accumulated between the boards. I know I have to get it out before doing anything. After that's done and I clean the deck well and while it's drying out, can I let the dogs out there or must they be kept off it since they WILL track in soil from the yard? OR, can I cover the deck floor with a large vinyl tarp during the drying out process so the dogs can go out there? I've also read not to use chlorine bleach on it but to use oxygen bleach because it's less destructive to the wood. What about that? 
And last question, once the sealant is put down, would putting a tarp on IT and letting the dogs out be a no-no? If it IS a no-no, is there a sealant that will dry out in 24 hours for sure? Keeping the dogs off the deck is going to be a chore and I'm trying to make my life easier. OH, and one more question. Since the deck isn't brand new, will that effect the kind of sealant I use -- transparent, semi, or whatever?

Jayme · Answer

The only input that I have is that we sealed our deck with Thompsons and I was not impressed at all. I will never use that again. Seemed like every couple years I was lookingat having to seal it again and Thompsons was quite expensive at the time for a 5 gallon bucket of it. The last time I sealed my deck I am not sure what I used but it was a tinted stain/sealer of some kind and it has lasted far better.
 
We use a pressure washer to clean our deck, but we just use clear water - no detergents, and you would be amazed at how nice it comes out. I am looking at painting or staining/sealing out rather large back deck this year - but like you I have dog issues too. They are always let out the sliding glass door that opens right onto the deck and out into a fenced in yard. There is also a garage exit that we can use to let them out into the yard, but we are then looking at having to come up with a way to isolate the deck so they can't get on it to track a bunch of sand and mud before I can get it sealed.
 
I will be waiting to see the answers t your questions, because I have a lot of the same questions.

LandlightS · Answer

Louise....with the deck that old and never really taken care of ....just like mine.....I highly recommend you look into RESTORE Deck Finish. It is a great product, fills in cracks up 1/4 inch deep and leaves a texture finish that's good for 10 years with just regular annual cleaning.
I am extremely happy with the results last year.
Gary

LandlightS · Answer

Here is the link from my report on RESTORE along with pictures of the deck http://www.hometalk.com/search?filter=restore+deck+finish

Jayme · Answer

@LandlightS thanks so much for posting your experience with RESTORE deck refinisher. I think that this is the product that I may be looking for. By the way, it says it is tintable - do you know if this means I can have it custom colored to match a color scheme that I am working with? If not I am wondering about using a latex paint over the RESTORE?

LandlightS · Answer

Yes...both Lowes and HD can tint it any color your heart desires. I had them tint my numerous gallons a shade darker than their color pallet. Also, depending on the size of your deck, plan on using a honeycomb roller for every 2 or 3 gallons. Also, I didn't state in my post, but I did sections at a time, and it all blended together. 
Have fun, Gary

SLS Construction & Building Solutions LLC · Answer

Here is a piece I did that answers most of those, including links on how to clean; http://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/decks/sealing-your-wood-deck-for-years-of-enjoyment-1299084 With that I would go with a cleaner / brightener made for decks, you should wait at least a few days before sealing (maybe more as it depends on how wet you got it, & weather) Do not use a tarp as that will trap the moisture in - create a barricade at the base of the steps to block not only canines, but others from tromping on it As for the final question, that is a major NO-NO, you can go with a water based as the dry quicker, but I would probably look more at an oil based which will be anywhere from 24 - 72 hours (got to read the label) The color depends on you - just remember while you can stain it darker later, you can't lighten it up later

Louise · Answer

Thanks. I'll check this out.

Jeanette S · Answer

Thanks for this post...we will be using this product soon!

Lamar Lambert · Answer

My deck is under several trees so I have to do this every two years. First I use a hand saw to clear the crevices between the boards of dirt and twigs and leaves. I use deck cleaner with hot water to clean off the crud. I use a GI scrub brush screwed on to a mop handle working small areas at time and rinsing the dirt off with a hose. After it dries I put on the deck sealer with a paint roller again with the a long handle. I agree Thompson's does not last. Any way to you approach it, you are in for a hard job.

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