Deck Sealing vs Deck Staining: What's the Difference?
Josh Richards • Feb 23, 2023
Deck Sealing vs Deck Staining: What's the Difference?
Most people don't know the difference between deck staining and deck sealing. Both work to protect the wood in different ways. The former uses pigments to protect the wood from the elements. On the other hand, wood sealers prevent water from seeping into the wood and causing damage.
Deck staining and deck sealing can both benefit homeowners wanting to protect their exterior wood from the elements. However, there are some differences between the two. In this blog post, I will discuss all staining and sealing your deck. That will help you choose the best option for your exterior.
What is Deck Staining?
Staining your deck protects from moisture, precipitation, rot, mold, and mildew. Wood stains have pigments that protect the wood from graying due to UV rays. Stains also enhance the wood color, providing a more consistent pallet. Wood stain can last as long as up to 5 years.
Pros and Cons of Wood Staining
Wood staining has several pros and cons. Here I have listed a few.
Pros
Cons
When to Apply Stain on Your Deck?
Applying stain on your deck depends on several factors, including the type of decking material, weather conditions, and your personal preferences. Always test a small part of the deck before applying it to the entire plank. Also, apply the stain evenly and liberally, and allow it to dry completely.
What is Deck Sealing?
A deck sealer is somehow similar to a deck stain. It protects the wood from the elements - moisture, precipitation, insects, mildew and mold, and rot, but not from UV rays.
It is usually applied to the wood after it is treated with a stain or paint. They don’t contain pigments and hence don’t protect the wood from UV rays. For that, the natural oils found in wood easily dry out, causing it to gray or crack.
Deck sealers are usually clear in color and are available in different grades, which can be used for different purposes. These are usually made from acrylic polymers, polyurethane, silicone, or petroleum products.
Pros and Cons of Deck Sealing
Like any other product, deal sealers come with pros and cons. Here are some things to consider before making a decision:
Pros
Cons
When to Apply Deck Sealing?
There are a few things to consider before you make the move. First, consider your deck's condition. If it's in good condition, you may not need to seal it. However, if your deck is deteriorating, or has sections that are prone to water damage, it may be a good idea to seal it.
Second, consider the weather. Sealing your deck in the winter can help prevent water damage in the spring and summer. However, sealing your deck in the summer can make it difficult to maintain in the fall and winter.
Finally, consider your budget. Deck sealing can be expensive, so it's important to weigh the cost against the benefits.
Do You Need to Seal the Deck After Staining the Wood?
There is some debate on whether or not you need to seal your deck after staining it. However, the consensus seems to be that you should seal your deck if it has been stained with a water-based stain.
Water-based stains will cause the wood to swell and contract. It can cause the wood to split and warp. Sealing your deck after staining will help to prevent these problems. There are a variety of sealers available that will protect the wood from moisture and UV rays. Choose the sealer that is best suited for the type of stain that was used on your deck.
The Best Deck Stains and Sealers
There are many deck staining and sealing products in the market. Choosing the best for your product could be challenging.
Here I have listed a few deck staining and deck sealing products that work best on major decking woods.
The Best Deck Stains
Deck staining can be a daunting task, but with the right stain, it can look beautiful and last for years. There are a variety of stains available on the market today, so it's important to choose the right one for your deck.
Here are three of the best wood stains for your deck:
1. Minwax Polyurethane Wood Stain: It is available in a variety of colors, and is perfect for light wood. It's also easy to apply and leaves a beautiful finish.
2. Behr Premium Wood Stain: The stain is available in a variety of colors, is perfect for a darker wood, and is easy to apply.
3. Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Wood Stain: This wood stain will highlight wood grains, protects the wood from UV rays, and is extremely durable. It also includes features of sealers, so you don’t have to apply two different products.
The Best Deck Sealers
Deck sealing is an important part of maintaining a deck's structural integrity and preventing water damage. There are a variety of sealants available on the market, including:
1. Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer: This wood sealer is almost odorless, has long durability, and is safe for use near water & marine life.
2. Varathane Ultimate Sealer: The sealer puts a layer of defense against the elements and gives a bright and new looking. It has strong fumes.
3. Defy Composite Deck Sealer: This one-of-a-kind sealer protects the wood from UV rays with its tiny zinc particles. It is highly durable and protects wood from water and fungi.
Deck Staining or Deck Sealing: Which is the best Option for your Deck?
Now that you know a lot about deck staining and deck sealing, it would be much easier for you to choose the best option. If you still find it difficult to select the best protector for your wood, we highly suggest hiring professionals.
Professionals, such as Precision Staining, will instantly decide on the best protector among the two and would also help you select the best product according to your requirements.