Does Pressure Treated Wood Need to Be Sealed?

Image via Unsplash by Brett Jordan

If you want your home or building’s pressure-treated wood furnishings and structures to last a long time, you need to seal them. Pressure treatment protects wood against rot and insects, and sealing wood prevents damage from moisture and mildew. Check out this helpful guide to discover the benefits and methods of sealing pressure-treated wood.

What is Pressure-Treated Wood?

The pressure-treatment process involves immersing the wood in a preservative and placing it in a pressure chamber to protect the wood against rot and damage. The pressure chamber drives the preservative deep into the wood fibers, resulting in much better protection than surface coating. The chemical preservative used can impact the wood’s durability, so for structural pressure-treated wood that touches the ground, make sure you choose wood that is safe for ground contact.

The Necessity of Sealing Pressure-Treated Lumber

Sealing pressure-treated wood extends the wood’s life span. While pressure-treated wood is highly durable and resistant to rot and insects, applying a sealer adds an extra layer of protection.

For outdoor wood furnishings and decks that are directly exposed to rain and snow, moisture can seep into the wood and make it swell. Then, the wood will shrink when it dries in the sun. Over time, the repeated swelling and shrinking can cause your furniture or deck to crack, warp, or splinter. You can prevent this from happening by sealing your pressure-treated wood. Applying a sealer can also protect the wood from ultraviolet rays and prevent fading.

If you’re wondering, “Should I seal pressure-treated wood inside my home?” it isn’t strictly necessary in most cases. Nonetheless, a sealer can make your indoor wood furniture and structures more resistant to moisture damage, scratches, and wear. It also gives the wood a more finished look and makes it last longer.

Determining the Best Time to Seal Your Pressure-Treated Wood

You may want to start sealing all your pressure-treated wood right away, but this task requires proper timing. So, how long to wait before sealing pressure-treated wood? Newly pressure-treated wood has a high moisture content, which results from the process that makes it rot- and insect-resistant. The amount of moisture varies, so you may have to wait anywhere from a few weeks to months before the wood is dry enough for sealing.

Signs That Your Pressure-Treated Wood Is Ready for Sealing

You can perform the bead test to determine if your wood is dry. All you need to do is pour a few drops of water on the wood and see what happens. If the water beads up, it means the wood is still wet and needs more time to dry. Wood that quickly absorbs water is ready for sealing.

Comprehensive Guide to Sealing Pressure-Treated Wood

It’s important to seal wood correctly because any areas that aren’t properly sealed will be vulnerable to the elements, rotting, and fading. Follow this guide to learn how to seal pressure-treated wood the right way.

Choose the Right Sealer

Your choice of pressure-treated wood sealer depends on your personal preferences. If you want your wood to retain its natural color, you should apply a semi-transparent or clear oil-based sealer. If you want to change the wood’s color, you can use a stain-sealer combination, but you should avoid sealing pressure-treated wood that is already stained.

Prepare the Wood for Sealing

Before you start sealing your deck or furniture, make sure it’s clean and clear of debris. If the wood is new, you can probably just sweep or brush it. If it has mildew or tough stains, you may have to clean it with a pressure washer. Make sure you use the right tip and setting to avoid damaging the wood.

Apply the Sealant

Start by applying a small amount of sealant to an inconspicuous part of your deck or furniture. This lets you see if the sealer adheres properly to the wood and how it looks. If you’re satisfied with the result, use a stain applicator to seal the entire structure or piece of furniture. You can also use a brush, but a stain applicator can save you time and produce a more even appearance. Typically, just one coat will suffice.

Let the Wood Dry

Most wood sealers take approximately 24 hours to dry completely, but many experts recommend waiting 72 hours before using the furniture or deck. So make sure you check the weather forecast and choose a warm, sunny day to do the job.

Maintenance Tips for Sealed Pressure-Treated Decks and Furnishings

After you’ve sealed your pressure-treated wood, you need to properly maintain it to keep it looking its best for a long time. Make it a point to clean your wood furnishings and structures regularly and keep them algae-free. Also, applying a new coat of sealant annually can help prevent cracking and weathering.

Get Professional Wood Sealing Services in Orange County, California

You don’t need to seal your pressure-treated wood by yourself. If you have a busy schedule or just want to make sure the job is properly done, you can leave it in the hands of the wood care experts at Teak Master. Our company provides a comprehensive range of services to help Orange County homeowners and businesses keep your wood furniture and structures in tip-top condition, including cleaning, sealing, refinishing, and restoration. Contact us today to find out more about our services or schedule an appointment.