7 Best Deck Sealers For Pressure Treated Wood (2021 Buying Guide & Reviews)

Compared to untreated wood, pressure-treated wood presents you with better durability and sustainability. Unfortunately, external factors, such as moisture, time, or UV rays, can still severely damage your pressure-treated wood’s appearance and quality. Thus, utilizing a deck sealer to protect your outdoor furniture’s beauty and luster is genuinely crucial. 

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Yet, since there are various deck sealers in the market, which option should you go for? What should you consider before ordering a deck sealer? Check out our detailed buying guide and the top 7 best deck sealers for pressure-treated wood below to make an informed decision! 

Buying Guide: What To Consider Before Buying Deck Sealer? 

As a transparent finish covering or penetrating the wood, a deck sealer works to prevent your tables or IPE deck from unwanted water intrusion and fungal growth. Thus, before investing in any of these, you should take into account eight crucial aspects. 

Color 

First and foremost, since some deck sealers can leave some color stain on your wooden products, it is vital to suggest that you carefully choose the appropriate coloring. 

In case that your preference is the deck’s original color, the ideal option is a clear or semi-transparent sealer. These two types are designed to stimulate the natural wood grain. Thus, they enable you to enjoy the wood’s authentic hue.

On the other hand, seeking some vivid options, for instance, sequoia read or woodland cedar, you should definitely opt for the tinted deck sealers. Some brands create and put a variety of tinted colors on sale. So, feel free to make it your way! 

Wood

In addition to the color of your preference, you should also understand the wood you own. Is it hard or softwood? Have you just bought it from the store or have possessed it for several months? 

Some products only work with hardwood, while others are more suitable for softwood. Moreover, with a block of new pressure-treated wood, you may have to take some extra steps to complete the sealing process. Thus, know your wood well! 

Water and mildew resistance 

When your wood is exposed to moisture, including snow, sprinkler runoff, humidity, and rain, it can well become swollen, split, warped, or rotten. Also, as mold and mildew are empowered to develop on your decks, they usually facilitate several ugly white and black splotches all over your property. 

Therefore, it is genuinely essential to cover your deck using an excellent water-resistant sealer. Besides, you should refer to the sealer’s formula and look for chemicals called mildewcides. Manufacturers usually take advantage of these chemicals to eliminate all the fungal spores effectively. 

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Strength and durability  

After studying water and mildew resistance, you should also pay a bit of attention to the sealer’s strength and durability. Imagine the sealer you bought fades away only after a couple of months, and now, you have to repaint everything. Will you call it an enormous waste of time and money? Apparently, you should settle for a long-lasting and robust sealer.  

Experts have recommended that a high-quality sealer usually lasts for 2-3 years, while the best deals often involve a 3-year, 5-year, or 10-year warranty. 

Application method 

The fifth aspect of this buying guide relates to the ease of application when you utilize your deck sealer. Rather than deck sealers that require a team of carpenters, choose some products that you can effortlessly paint or spray with a brush or sprayer.    

Drying times 

The drying time may vary depending on the type of sealers you purchase. Some present you with a finished look within a few hours, while others ask for at least 48 to 72 hours, equivalent to 2 or 3 days, to fully dry. 

Furthermore, since some products need two coats to achieve their maximum performance, you should also consider the waiting time between the two coats. A single coat is, of course, a huge time-saver, but such a sealer may cost much more than the two-coat one. 

Thus, it is vital to estimate the time that you can spend on these sealing activities and choose the sealer that provides the best value within that period. 

Toxin 

Volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) are often used in deck sealers or stains as they can ensure a great deal of durability and strength. However, since they are recorded to emit toxic fumes, VOCs may cause several health issues, such as headaches, irritation, or burning eyes.

As a result, professionals suggested that products with no-VOC or low-VOC tags could serve as better options. Containing less than 50 grams of VOC per liter, those are healthier and more environmentally friendly. 

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Types of deck sealer

There are two main types of deck sealer out in the market: water-based and oil-based. Each has its strengths and weaknesses that you should explore considerately before making the final decision.

Water-based deck sealer

Though sometimes pricey compared to their corresponding opponent, water-based sealers have won many people’s hearts due to their two critical characteristics. 

Firstly, these products are pretty easy to apply and clean up. You can paint or spray them on a plank of slightly damp wood without worries. Plus, if you make small mistakes while painting, some soap and water can quickly solve the puzzle.

Furthermore, since most water-based formulas contain a few VOCs, they are considered better for the environment and health than oil-based ones.  

Oil-based deck sealer

Significantly, the oil-based sealers are challenging to clean up and paint. This is because they require a paintbrush to be applied evenly on the wood and a solvent to be removed efficiently after application. 

However, they are less expensive and more durable. With the same amount of money used for a gallon of water-based sealers, you may be able to purchase two gallons of the oil-based one. Plus, under extreme weather conditions over time, these two gallons can better protect your properties under extreme weather conditions, preventing any potential flake and chip. 

Furthermore, they usually present users with a sight sheen, which some water-based sealers often fail to achieve.

Now, since there are eight single aspects of a deck sealer to consider before buying, it can become pretty confusing for you to determine the most suitable product. Don’t worry! We have got a list of the seven best deck sealers for pressure-treated wood for your reference. Keep reading to figure out! 

7 Best Deck Sealers For Pressure Treated Wood

1. Ready Seal 515 5-gallon Pail Pecan Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer – Best Overall

Ready Seal is one of the top-tier manufacturers in the U.S deck sealer market. Notably, due to the unique formula, which effectively integrates stain and sealer features into a single product, within a short amount of time after the first launch, its products quickly become the ideal choices for busy people. 

Rather than going through a multi-step application process, you just need to clean up all the dirt, dust, grease, or mildew on the surface and start applying this oil-based sealer. In one step, without adding any primer, you will eventually be able to color your exterior wood projects while protecting them from any moisture, water, or harmful UV rays. 

Moreover, since the manufacturer offers several shades of colors to customers, it is pretty simple for you to find the perfect one. 

In addition to those characteristics, Ready Seal sealer is also easy to use. You can implement this product with a brush, a roller, or a sprayer onto your fences, decks, and gazebos. Plus, as it can blend well even on a dry wood surface or at any temperature range, you will get rid of a complicated preparation process and save a lot of time waiting for the perfect weather condition. 

Pros: 

• Beautiful combination of steal and stain 
• Waterproof, protection from harmful UV rays 
• Rich color pallets 
• Easy to use 

Cons: 

• Show the actual color 14 days after application.

2. SEAL-ONCE Nano Guard Wood – Best For Color Options

Seal-Once has gained significant popularity due to its high-quality products and environmental friendliness. Interestingly, as its water-based product contains ultra-low VOCs and almost no toxic odor, you can utilize it near saltwater without ruining the water’s quality or living organs’ lives underneath.  

Furthermore, as the manufacturer takes good advantage of the innovative nanotechnology, this sealer penetrates well below the surface, thus building a quality barrier that impressively prevents the wood from mold, mildew, and warping. 

Besides, the clear NANO Guard Wood can be mixed with over ten tinted wood stain colors, including but not limited to light brown, bronze cedar, and battleship gray. So, you can enjoy these various color options while protecting your exterior furniture from harmful sun rays at the same time.  

Nevertheless, it is vital to emphasize that this Seal-Once product texture is pretty watery. Thus, some professionals have suggested doubling the amount of sealer to deliver the best look for your wood projects. 

Pros: 

• 11 color options 
• Penetrating formula 
• Safe for plants, pets, and animals 
• Easy to clean up

Cons: 

• May require twice the amount of sealer 

3. SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Semi-transparent Wood Stain – Best Semi-transparent Deck Sealer  

Founded in the mid-1980s, SaverSystems, the #1 Deck Premium semi-transparent wood stain manufacturer, has successfully established itself as the top company for surface protection and home coating. 

Thus, when you purchase this semi-transparent product, it serves as both a sealant and a stain, protecting your wood against UltraViolet rays and other outer factors impressively.  

Besides, if you prefer the natural color of the wood, this is the best option out in the market. Its formula stimulates a stunning visual effect that helps to illustrate the wood’s grain perfectly. 

What’s more, as this semi-transparent deck sealer works well with cedar, pine, and many other types of softwoods, you should not be worried about its durability and strength. Plus, because it only includes 50g of VOC per liter, this water-based product is eco-friendly and easy to clean with soap and water. 

Pros: 

• A perfect all-rounder for a natural look 
• Excellent protection from UV rays 
• Eco-friendliness 
• Easy to clean 

Cons: 

• Not a perfect option for hardwood 
• Should improve its water-resistant capabilities

4. Eco Advance Wood Siloxane Waterproofer Concentrate – Best For Budget

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If you are on a budget, you may want to consider an economical yet quality option from Eco Advance Wood. 

Because this water-based sealer has low VOC and odor, it is safe to use around kids, pets, or plants. Furthermore, it proves to be pretty effective in presenting your projects with a perfect shield against abrasions, oil, mold, moisture, and water.  

Although it does not come with many color options, the milky white texture manages to leave a beautifully clear finish when it gets dry. Plus, since this sealer only takes two hours to dry, you will love this for saving you a good deal of time. 

However, taking advantage of this Eco Advance sealer, you should pay attention to the number of chemicals within your wood. If you have bought a new block of pressure-treated wood, experts advise taking a few months for the chemicals to fade away. Also, as new wood does not contain enough moisture, you should dampen the wood before applying this sealer.     

Pros: 

• Economical price 
• Eco-friendliness 
• Good protection from mold, water, abrasions 
• Five-year warranty 

Cons: 

• No color options 

5. Rainguard 1 Gal Homeowner Wet Look High Gloss Masonry & Wood Acrylic Sealer – Best Formula

When people ask about Rainguard sealer’s unique selling point, the best answer should be its formula. Its Micro-Seal, the combination of Micro-Lok and Silane-Siloxane Waterproof Coating, allows your wood to avoid all the threats posed by UV light, extreme rain, or even scorching temperatures and retain its integrity after a single coat. This deck sealer also can effectively inhibit mold or mildew growth. 

In fact, you will definitely love its impressive coverage. Utilizing only a gallon of this deck sealer, you can defend from 125 to 200 sq ft of wood from any odds out in nature. Plus, despite extreme durability when set, this product is pretty easy to remove during application. What’s more, with a low VOC and odor in the formula, you should not be concerned about any harmful health impacts. 

Nonetheless, some users have complained about this sealer’s milky white finish. Hence, if the transparent natural finish is what you are looking for, it will be wise to refer to other options in this top 7 list. 

Pros: 

• Long-lasting protection
• Impressive waterproof 
• Easy to clean
• Excellent coverage 

Cons: 

• Milky white finish

6. DeckWise Ipe Oil Hardwood Deck Semi-transparent 250 VOC Natural Finish – Best Single-coat Sealer

Containing some trans oxide pigments and low 250VOC in its formula, this DeckWise sealer has impressed many customers for its ability to defend against UV rays and protect the wood from mold or mildew.

Also, while this sealer dries pretty quickly, it does not leave any noticeable crack, peel, or bubble on your deck. Hence, after an easy single-coat application, you will receive a flawless surface that can resist any outer detrimental elements.

Furthermore, several users have complimented how this sealer has transformed their old ugly decks into significantly wonderful ones that look brand new. Since it leaves dark coloring, it will be the sweetest option if you have an Ipe deck that has not been touched within five or seven years. 

However, a few people have complained about the dark color of this Ipe Oil. Because they prefer the natural wood beauty, the dark color becomes a kind of undesirable stain, rather than bringing any new impressive look. 

Pros: 

• Single-coat application 
• Easy to use 
• Outstanding protection against UV rays and other external elements
• Good durability

Cons: 

• Its dark “stain” 

7. Thompson’s Waterseal TH.043851-16 Solid Waterproofing Stain, Woodland Cedar – Best Outdoor Wood Sealer

It would be a huge mistake if we didn’t mention this significant solid waterproofing deck sealer from the Thompsons. Though the deep pigments will cover all the wood grain, the wood texture is empowered to shine through the seal. Thus, this should be the best product for those who are satisfied with a darker solid color. 

With advanced polymers embedded in the formula, the Thompsons product presents you with long-lasting protection against sun damage, mildew, and water. 

Moreover, one gallon of this sealer can cover around 150 to 400 square feet, and it is effortless to apply since you can take advantage of a paint pad, a roller, a sprayer, or a brush. Also, as the product is compatible with dry or damp wood, you do not have to dampen it beforehand. 

Nevertheless, as it contains a considerable amount of VOC and odor, it is not as environmentally friendly compared to other available options in the market. 

Check out how easy it is to seal your deck with Thompson’s product here.

Pros: 

• Dark solid color 
• Impressive UV damage and water resistance
• Applicable to both damp or dry wood 
• Excellent fade resistance

Cons: 

• Lack of environmental friendliness

Final Thoughts

As every product in the market offers different benefits, it all depends on your preferences to decide which can better serve you. Yet, with our detailed buying guide and in-depth explanations about the abovementioned best deck sealer for pressure-treated wood, we hope that you will be able to find at least one option that may work well with your wood projects.