Water sealing a deck

Tana Mc · #1 04/05/10, 04:39 PM

We are in the process of buying a new farm. Closing is rapidly approaching and I had to go back out today.
One of the many wonderful features of this place is the deck on the back of the house over looking a huge wooded pond. This is not just an ordinary, run-of-the-mill deck. This is a multilevel, monstrosity of a deck that cost in the neighborhood of $20,000 to build and comes complete with a hot tub. I would NEVER have built this extravagant creation but I am certainly glad that they did!
Now for my question. It is built from pressure treated lumber but it looks to me like it needs to be sealed. It is getting that worn and weathered look even tho it is structurally sound. Some of the longer boards are warped on the ends and coming up and will need to be repaired or replaced. If we put a sealer like " Thompson's Water Sealer" on it, will it make it slick when it is wet?

Tana Mc

DAVID In Wisconsin · #2 04/05/10, 04:45 PM

Using a good water sealer will protect the deck from further deterioration. It should be re-applied every 2 years or so. To prepare the deck use one of the commercial deck cleaners. As a painter, I do a fair number of decks every year. A sealer doesn't make the deck slick. Good luck!

Windy in Kansas · #3 04/05/10, 06:09 PM

I urge you to view some sealer material test results before buying any product. One brand that is highly advertised is near the bottom. Another brand carried by Ace Hdwr. is about half the price and is ranked near the top. Save money for a better product? Works for me every time.

http://www.askthebuilder.com/B315_De...r_Tests_.shtml

Tana Mc · #4 04/05/10, 08:24 PM

Yep-- The Ace Hardware stuff has already been recommended by our realtor.
The name brand I used in the post was just to make sure I was talking about the right stuff.
You have no idea just how accident prone that I am. I was worried about treating the deck and then making a bigger splash than I intended in that hot tub.....

ceresone · #5 04/06/10, 07:32 AM

I'm also getting ready to redo my deck-and I sure wish someone could name names-- all I can find just recommends each product highly. Prices vary from 49.50 to 79.50 for a 5 gallon bucket.big difference, when you need several buckets...

DAVID In Wisconsin · #6 04/06/10, 07:49 AM

I wish I could remember names for ceresone. I recognize the cans! But I have used Weatherall and Cabot's have been very satisfied. There are actually many good brands that aren't expensive. Thompsons is my least favorite.

**Cabin Fever** · #7 04/06/10, 08:03 AM

I use only TWP100 for our cedar-sided house, cabin and decks. I highly recommend it. It is one of the few products out there that incorporates a mildewcide.

You can buy it here for $27.75/gal with free shipping ==> http://www.woodsealants.com/

Tana Mc · #8 04/06/10, 09:49 AM

I don't know the name of the stuff from Ace Hardware. As soon as I can get by there, I'll let you know.

hoggie · #9 04/06/10, 10:00 AM

- really sorry, but I had just been reading in the poultry forum, and I read the title of this and thought it said "water sealing a DUCK"

Think maybe I need glasses LOL