A deck waterproofing project sounds like a tall order, but with our list of expert tips, you’ll be a master in no time.

Before you start, it’s important to know what exactly your deck is made of. Because of the ingredients in different variations of deck sealant, plywood can react to the finish differently than composite decking would, for instance. You’ll kick yourself later if you make the investment in waterproof coating only to find that it’s not intended for your deck’s surface, or worse, causes damage. 

Double check, heck, even triple check, that you’ve got all your supplies gathered before you begin. This sounds obvious, but with a process like waterproofing, you can’t really stop once you start.

Along these same lines, it’s important that you’ve allotted enough time to complete your project. Rushed work is never good work, and you’ll want time to clean your up your work area after you’re done. Sealing projects typically take two to four days without rain or other weather delays. Like some of the other home improvement processes we’ve outlined, weather is a factor in waterproofing. Temperature and moisture levels need to cooperate with each other when you get to work, so you’ll want to check the forecast and make sure there is little to no chance of a storm interrupting your project. Ideal conditions are below 85 degrees with no precipitation. 

To further avoid interruptions, we recommend making sure your pets are otherwise occupied when you’re waterproofing. Drying finish marked with paw prints might be a quirky look, but most likely, it’s not what you’re going for.

Because waterproofing lasts up to three years, it’s important that you feel confident before you begin. Make sure to take the time to test your skills on a piece of scrap wood a few days before you start your project. This is a great way to determine if your need different supplies and to make sure you’re happy with the stain color before it’s too late to turn back.

Now, all that’s left is the actual project.

Read the packaging, follow the instructions carefully, and don’t rush. Before you know it, you’ll have a beautiful, long-lasting sealant on your deck, meaning you can get the most from your outdoor space, rain or shine.  

Think you might need some help? No sweat.

A project like this can seem daunting, especially with all the prep work that goes into it.

As always, contact us for any questions regarding waterproofing or any of our other services.