How to Choose the Best Deck Finish

When you have a coated finish on your wooden deck, you need to refinish the deck every few years. But how do you know exactly how to choose the best deck coating when you have an entire aisle of options? During this guide, we will tell you about the different types of deck finish and some of the benefits of each deck finish.

If you have a coated finish on your wooden deck, then you will likely need to refinish your deck every few years, ideally every three to five. But how exactly do you choose the best deck coating when you have an entire aisle of options?

During this guide, we will go over the different types of deck finish and some of the benefits of each:

• Oil-based deck finish-

  The oil-based deck finish is an excellent option because it’s super easy to apply due to its slow drying time and it doesn’t crack or peel. It also penetrates the wood and does not form a film, and the wide temperature parameters for application allow you to apply either earlier or later in the season than water-based wood deck finishes. You can also refinish just a small area of your deck with an oil-based deck finish. That being said, there are a few caveats. For example, it does take much longer to dry than a water-based wood deck finish, meaning that your deck will be out of commission for longer than it would with a water-based finish. Also, regular cleaning is recommended to keep the deck looking as fresh and clean as possible.

• Water-based deck finish-

  The water-based wood deck finish forms a protective film and dries fast, which has both pros and cons. Application with a water-based finish is much more difficult than an application with an oil-based finish since it’s more difficult to keep a wet edge. But since it dries fast, you can use your deck again more quickly than you would with an oil-based wood deck finish, which dries very slowly. That being said, there are other cons to a water-based wood deck finish. It will likely crack and peel over time. The finish must also be completely removed before refinishing the deck, which makes for a longer refinishing process.

• No finish-
  

  Another excellent option is not finishing your deck at all. In this case, you will need to use pressure-treated lumber or a rot-resistant wood species like cedar or redwood to build your deck. This option certainly has its benefits. You don’t need to refinish the deck or complete any of the accompanying prep work. And as long as you have good airflow, your deck can last for decades. That being said, the unfinished deck does require some period cleaning as needed, and the boards will typically weather to a silver or gray shade.

Whichever finish you choose, make sure that when you are ready to refinish your deck, you clean the deck first with deck cleaners and scrub brushes.

About This Author

Brayden Ray Brayden is an avid reader and Professional Blogger Joined: June 9th, 2020