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Deck Sealing Advice (midwest.social)

submitted 8 months ago by Rhusta@midwest.social to c/diy@beehaw.org

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My girlfriend's deck was built out of untreated pine that was never painted or sealed. I dont see anywhere that any wood is rotted or broken yet, but many boards are cupping from the humidity and temperature changes over the last 4 years. If I buy a few gallons of exterior wood sealant and brush on a few layers on top and bottom would that keep the wood from warping any further and protect it from rotting? Do I need to test that the wood humidity is below a certain threshold before sealing? Where can I get a tool for testing wood dryness? Does sealant brand make a difference? I've loved BEHR paints in the past, they do a great job, but there is a brand called READY SEAL that is much cheaper and I'm wondering if its worth the savings or if there is a reason it is cheaper. All advice is welcome. Thanks

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[–] mosiacmango@lemm.ee 4 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

How bad is the "cupping?" Just a bit of give as you walk over it but otherwise level, or literally bowing with no pressure and then really bending if you walk on it?

If it's the former, I would wait until a few weeks without rain and the seal it, see how it goes. I probally would not remove the board to do both sides as that's a lot of work for not much gain. Stain is weather proofing, not really structural support. For that you need wood epoxy, which will run a lot more than lumber.

If it's the latter amount of bowing, probally a full replacement with either deck quailty lumber if she cares, or cheaper, uglier and more weather resistant pressure treated lumber if she doesnt.

You can also try removing a board and flipping it over. It's likely the other side is not nearly as warped if the bowing isn't bad. Then flip them all over and seal the "new" top side.