What is the best way to finish cedar boards on a deck?

Question

I used a Flood Semi-Transparent 3 years ago and now it is pealing off. Should have been done last year.

Answer 1

You absolutely have to clean the deck of any loose stain, paint, mildew, etc. Power washing wood is not the best idea because it compromises the structure of the wood, basically removing a couple of layers of the pulp. A deck cleaner with a boatload of elbow grease should do the trick pretty well. If you go this route, be prepared -- it's very hard work. Cleaning wood by scrubbing it with a stiff brush and cleaner will restore the cedar's natural appearance, but of course, not to the extent of new cedar. Let it dry for a day or so and apply a weatherproofing wood stain intended for decks and fences. You can either roll it on or use a high-quality pump sprayer. If spraying, be sure to follow behind with a roller to even it out. Behr makes a good stain, #501 Cedar. You can purchase at Home Depot. A 5 gal. bucket is probably around $100.

Answer 2

I would not recommend doing so. The glue will deteriorate over time and the finish nails will not hold down weathering decking boards for long. I'd use coated, black screws. If you want get a wood putty to fill in or counter sink the screws and use dow plugs. But I would prefer the look of the flat black screws.

Answer 3

First scrape and clean old stain or waterproof off with a pressure washer. Use Olympic Stain and Waterproof, it comes in 1 or 5 gallon cans. It last from 1-5 years based on which one you choose to use.

Answer 4

Semi Transparent is the right product.

Clean the deck thoroughly and apply a high grade product.

Cabot is one of them.

Answer 5

Try using another brand of stain (MinWax & Olympic are both good) , but did you powerwash the cedar before you stained it? The boards must be very clean & very dry if the stain is to last.

Answer 6

Litely sand deck,urethane two coats,maybe three,than apply Thompson water seal(or generic brand). Before (50 yrs ag0) the sealers were available,my granddad used linseed oil.

Answer 7

We generally recommend using a penetrating finish rather than a sealer. Here's some info for you http://www.cclumber.com/products/wood_decking

Answer 8

power wash the entire deck. stain with a natural base or dont stain at all. allow to dry. polyurethen it 2 or three coats