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10 Best Deck Sealers 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood

The Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer is a solid choice for those looking to protect and enhance the appearance of wooden surfaces. One of its standout strengths is its ease of application; there's no need for priming or back brushing, which simplifies the process for users. This 'goof-proof' product is designed to blend seamlessly without leaving laps or streaks, making it friendly for both novice and experienced users. Additionally, it can be applied in a wide temperature range, ensuring flexibility in usage conditions.

In terms of protection, this sealer offers good water resistance, UV resistance, and mildew and mold resistance, which are essential for exterior wood products. The natural cedar finish enhances the wood’s appearance while providing necessary protection against the elements. The drying time is reasonable, allowing users to get back to enjoying their outdoor spaces relatively quickly.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. The sealer is oil-based, which may not be suitable for everyone, especially those preferring eco-friendlier options. Moreover, it requires careful surface preparation; it should not be applied over painted or previously stained surfaces, as this could lead to adhesion issues. Also, the color may appear darker initially, taking up to 14 days to reach its final shade, which might not meet everyone's expectations right away.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Type of Sealer
The oil-based formula penetrates deeply, providing long-lasting protection.
Water Resistance
The stain dries quickly and maintains a beautiful finish, with water beading up effectively.
Durability and Longevity
Reapplying the product is straightforward and doesn't require stripping, saving time and effort over the fence's lifetime.
Ease of Application
The ease of application is impressive; it truly is 'goof-proof' with no runs or streaks.
Drying Time
The stain dries quickly and maintains a beautiful finish, with water beading up effectively.
#2

Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 1 Gallon

Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain is designed for those who want a versatile, clear finish that provides comprehensive protection for various exterior surfaces including wood, concrete, and brick. Its waterproofing capabilities are highly effective, ensuring that your surfaces remain protected from water damage. Additionally, it offers UV protection, which prevents the color from fading and protects the surface from sun damage. This makes it particularly suitable for decks and outdoor furniture that are exposed to the elements.

The ease of application is another highlight; it requires only a single coat and can be applied with minimal hassle, making it accessible for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. However, while it is clear and enhances the natural look of the wood, it does not highlight the grain, which might be a drawback for those looking for a more textured finish. It’s also worth noting that while the product is durable, regular maintenance might be required to maintain its protective qualities, especially in harsher climates.

The drying time is reasonable, but it's best to ensure that the application is done during a period of dry weather to get the best results. This product is a reliable choice for those looking to protect and preserve the appearance of their outdoor surfaces with minimal fuss.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Water Resistance
This product enhances the natural beauty of the wood while providing a robust waterproofing barrier.
UV Protection
The UV-resistant formula ensures that the finish doesn't fade or peel under the sun's harsh rays.
Ease of Application
The aerosol can provides a consistent and smooth spray, making application quick and easy.
#3

Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer - Waterproof Sealant - Wood Stain and Sealer in One - 1 Gallon & Clear

The Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer is designed to offer comprehensive protection for outdoor wood surfaces, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to extend the life of their decks, docks, or outdoor furniture. One of its standout features is its waterproof formula, which creates a strong barrier against moisture, crucial for wood structures exposed to constant wet conditions. Additionally, this sealer boasts UV protection, ensuring that it can withstand the sun's harsh rays while preventing fading and deterioration over time.

In terms of application, the water-based formula is user-friendly, allowing for easy clean-up with soap and water. Its fast-drying time means that projects can be completed swiftly, which is ideal for those wanting to minimize downtime. The low VOC content is another plus, making it a safer choice for the environment and users, including pets and plants.

There are a few aspects to consider. While the product is marketed as a wood stain and sealer in one, it may require reapplication more frequently compared to traditional oil-based sealers, particularly in high-exposure areas. Additionally, while the sealer penetrates well into the wood fibers, the initial application may need careful attention to achieve uniform coverage, especially on rough or textured surfaces.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Type of Sealer
It's very grippy wet or dry, and the water-based formula makes for easy and economical cleanup.
Water Resistance
The sealer goes on like a dream and provides excellent water repellency, with water beading up and running off smoothly.
Durability and Longevity
Proper wood preparation is crucial for the best results. Cleaning, sanding, and following instructions ensure long-lasting protection.
Ease of Application
Light, consistent coats and allowing adequate curing time are essential for optimal performance.

Buying Guide for the Best Deck Sealers

Choosing the right deck sealer is crucial to protect your deck from the elements and keep it looking great for years. A deck sealer helps to prevent water damage, UV damage, and mildew growth. When selecting a deck sealer, consider the type of wood your deck is made from, the climate you live in, and the level of maintenance you're willing to commit to. Here are some key specifications to consider when choosing a deck sealer.
Type of SealerDeck sealers come in different types, including clear sealers, semi-transparent sealers, and solid sealers. Clear sealers provide minimal color change and allow the natural beauty of the wood to show through, but they offer less UV protection. Semi-transparent sealers add a slight tint to the wood, enhancing its natural color while providing better UV protection. Solid sealers offer the most UV protection and come in a variety of colors, but they cover the wood grain completely. Choose a clear sealer if you want to maintain the natural look of the wood, a semi-transparent sealer for a balance of color and protection, and a solid sealer if you need maximum protection and don't mind covering the wood grain.
Water ResistanceWater resistance is a critical factor in a deck sealer as it helps to prevent water from penetrating the wood, which can lead to rot and decay. Sealers with high water resistance will bead water on the surface, while those with lower resistance may allow water to soak in. If you live in an area with heavy rainfall or high humidity, opt for a sealer with excellent water resistance to ensure your deck remains protected.
UV ProtectionUV protection is important to prevent the wood from fading and becoming damaged by the sun's rays. Sealers with UV inhibitors will help to maintain the color and integrity of the wood over time. If your deck is exposed to a lot of direct sunlight, choose a sealer with strong UV protection to keep it looking fresh and to extend its lifespan.
Mildew and Mold ResistanceMildew and mold resistance is essential for preventing the growth of fungi that can discolor and damage your deck. Some sealers contain mildewcides that inhibit the growth of mold and mildew. If you live in a humid or damp climate, or if your deck is in a shaded area where it doesn't dry out quickly, look for a sealer with good mildew and mold resistance.
Durability and LongevityDurability and longevity refer to how long the sealer will last before it needs to be reapplied. Some sealers may last only a year, while others can last several years. If you prefer low maintenance, choose a sealer with a longer lifespan. However, keep in mind that more durable sealers may require more thorough preparation and application.
Ease of ApplicationEase of application is an important consideration, especially if you plan to apply the sealer yourself. Some sealers are easier to apply with a brush, roller, or sprayer, while others may require more effort to achieve an even coat. If you're a DIY enthusiast, look for a sealer that is user-friendly and comes with clear application instructions.
Drying TimeDrying time can vary between different sealers, with some drying in a few hours and others taking up to 48 hours. Faster drying times are convenient if you need to use your deck soon after sealing, but slower drying times may provide a more durable finish. Consider your schedule and how quickly you need the deck to be ready for use when choosing a sealer.

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