Oil or latex sealer????

rlrife

I wasn't sure where to post this question, but does anyone have any recommendations for using an oil-based sealer vs latex-based sealer on a deck? The wood is pressure treated. Thanks!!

lxdollarsxl

I take it your going with a stain? or just sealing to keep the colour the deck is now, or are you going with a transparent or solid colour before sealing?

747

your not suppose to put anything on a pressure treated deck until it dries out for a while and i do mean a while.

slickshift

I'm in an area that's tough on decks
Most "sealers" won't hold up a season
I don't recommend them

I'd recommend a stain
Oil-based will hold up longer than latex
Latex will have to be redone every year, oil-based you can get three plus around here

If you want the wood to show, I'd choose a clear or lightly tinted stain
If you want a painted look, then go with a solid color stain

747 brings up a good point, that I think should be mentioned here
Many PT companies now claim that their PT wood can be stained/finished right away, as opposed to the traditional "wait a season" (three months) method, which has been the standard procedure

I've never had, seen, heard, of a problem when the wood has a chance to season a bit
I've had, heard, seen, plenty of problems when the PT that supposedly didn't have to season, and was stained right away

If it's new, I'd wait before staining

rlrife

Thanks so much! The deck is at least 5 months old!

slickshift

Oh....OK then....
You're well seasoned
Stain Away!