I've never had a wood deck before. What brand of waterproofer should I buy, and what is the best way to apply it?

I've also heard that if you seal or waterproof a paver patio, it will prevent algae from growing on it and weeds from growing in between the pavers. Any truth to this?

I use a product called CWF on my deck and shed. Really like the stuff. I just use a wood stain roller and brush. Nothing fancy. I have heard that some people use a spray, but I have not seen the need to look into this.

No idea about the paver patio....

I applied by brush so it gets into the grain. Some used a spray but you need a day without wind or it will travel.

I plan to seal my brick patio and walks to help against algae. I haven't researched the product yet.

For starters you can read the cans at HD and get educated on the different types.

Do you want a transparent or opaque finish?

I used to own this log home in Virginia


The log home manufacturer recommended (and I used) TWP protectant.

I believe there is a product selector on their website. There is a lot of debate over the best sealers/wood protectors. A product I heard about at the time I owned the log home was OneTime Wood. Comes with a 7 yr warranty. People either seemed to love it or hate it. because I couldn't find any professionals that used it, I went with what the log home manufacturer recommended (TWP). It held up really well to UV exposure, rain and snow.

The log home manufacturer and even the builder said to avoid Thompson's, Behr, Olympic and CWF. TWP wasn't cheap, but I didn't have to reseal in the 4 yrs I owned the house. YMMV.

An application tip with TWP, if you have railings and spindles, put a drop cloth underneath to prevent drips and spills that are very difficult to remove without sanding down to bare wood.

Don't know anything about sealing pavers. Maybe FLB does?

After thinking about it some more and looking through some of the pictures, I remember that a faint milky appearance or graying area to the surface was occuring in some of the more high traffic areas of the porch, but not on the siding, railings or spindles. Maybe it was an indication of needing to reapply?

Here is the best pic that I can find that depicts the graying areas. Its hard to see with the sunlight and shadows, but look right under the railing in the foreground. Sort of an uneven color to it. (The darker areas are from a watering can used on the hanging baskets and ferns by the door.)

Doh! Totally forgot I used TWP on a redwood fence I built while living in northern CA. Talk about some UV exposure!!
This pic is about 2 years (2 full summers!) after applying the protectant with a tank sprayer:

How do you all clean your deck off to prep it for the waterproofer?

I use a one of the deck cleaners they sell at Home Depot. I also purchased a scrub brush on a pole.

After cleaning I wash it down with the hose (I have good water pressure) or you can use a pressure washer.

What brand waterproofer did you end up using? Did you wait for it to completely dry after cleaning? I've heard oil based lasts a lot longer...

I have always heard not to use a pressure washer as it forced water into the wood and never really dries before you seal it.

I just used the cleaner and long brush method with my hose. I did make a mistake, my wife and I decided to use a solid color stain. I will never do a solid color again. Even thought the color we chose is very light, the stuff is amazingly hot to the feet when it is sunny. I can deal with it for this summer and next. But when we restain, I will first have to strip the wood and go with a semitransparent.

Makes sense. I've got some deck cleaner I'll scrub on there and hose it off.

Wow don't remind me of my spring project:)....

We moved into an 14 year old home in Feb, it had a real weathered and lack of stain left on the old deck.....

I should start a new thread with pics....

I had to re-build some of the bracing, re-screw in new deck screws ($100 worth of screws)

Used 2 gallons of stain remover.....

5 gallons of deck cleaner....

4 gallon of deck beautifer....

3 gallons of Benjermin Moore oil simi transparent stain......

I figure I have 200 - 250 hours of hard earned labor....

What a pain, but we had our first big deck party with 40 - 45 people, everyone loved it, and a big nice place to intertain...

The best part the deck did not crash down with so many people on it.....!

re-screw in new deck screws ($100
2 gallons of stain remover..... (2 x $25 = $50)
5 gallons of deck cleaner....(5 x $25 = $125)
4 gallon of deck beautifer....(4 x $20 = $80)
3 gallons of Benjermin Moore oil simi transparent stain...... (3 x $30 = $90)
250 hours of hard earned labor.... (250 x $40/ hr = $10,000)

Grand total $10,445, having a wonderful and safe party, priceless!

Boy, I wished I could have pocketed that $10 grand labor bill, that I saved, than I would be able to buy a bigger boat!

The $40 is what we use at work, even if you charge $20/ hr, that is $5k. Much easier on the wallet to do the sweat equity but it is easier to write the check.

Show some B&A pictures of your hard work.