deck waterproofing

redneck joe

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Mar 18, 2009
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any real difference between brands? Its bout time to do both of my new decks, if it ever stops raining here...
 

dingbat

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Nov 20, 2001
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any real difference between brands? Its bout time to do both of my new decks, if it ever stops raining here...
Not sure about brands, but the formulation makes a difference.

For long term durability you want a penetrating oil, not “waterproofing” like Thompson.

Been using Flood, CWF-UV since my deck was new. Still looks great after 25 years
 

redneck joe

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Mar 18, 2009
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Not sure about brands, but the formulation makes a difference.

For long term durability you want a penetrating oil, not “waterproofing” like Thompson.

Been using Flood, CWF-UV since my deck was new. Still looks great after 25 years
yeah only penetrating - same with sealing brick. Nothing surface coat.
 

redneck joe

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Mar 18, 2009
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oh
Not sure about brands, but the formulation makes a difference.

For long term durability you want a penetrating oil, not “waterproofing” like Thompson.

Been using Flood, CWF-UV since my deck was new. Still looks great after 25 years
yeah only penetrating - same with sealing brick.
 

tphoyt

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Jun 10, 2010
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2,231
I’m a big fan of Penofin.
I used the Austrian timber oil last time as it was on sale but I won’t be using it again. I only got one season out of it and what is left will need to be stripped off now.
 

flashback

Rear Admiral
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Jun 28, 2002
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I’m a big fan of Penofin.
I used the Austrian timber oil last time as it was on sale but I won’t be using it again. I only got one season out of it and what is left will need to be stripped off now.
guess I had better luck, mine doesn't look too bad after 4 years, a bit of mildew this year with all the rain.
 

Bugzilla46310

Petty Officer 3rd Class
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Dec 4, 2025
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Cash in that retirement and go with one of the Trex type of boards. We eliminated our deck and went to a cement patio about 10 years ago. Build a 4’ x 10’ ”deck” with stairs to get to the patio. The trex boards still look new.
 

Jeff J

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Jun 23, 2021
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We went with a patio too. We get taxed for the square footage of steps or/and decks in addition to all ground covered by a roof to include a small awning over the door of an outbuilding but the county ignores concrete.
 

Chris1956

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Mar 25, 2004
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28,953
You will want to use an oil stain that penetrates. I used Cabot, but it rubs off pretty easy. I have a 2 year old PT lumber deck that might need staining, so I would love to know what brand is good. Here in NJ, some oil stains are outlawed.

I had the plastic decking (Timbertech) for 20 years. It is easy to install since it is dead straight. If you want to nail it, you will need a power Nailer as the material is spongy. Hand nails must be hit perfectly straight and hard or they will ricochet off. Most use screws, but I decked a 16X36 deck in one day with a power Nailer. Try that with screws or hidden brackets.

The plastic decking doesn't need any staining, however, it has some drawbacks. It scratched easily, and I know of no way to fix it.

Also, it is slippery. I put my extension ladder on it to go on the roof of my ranch. When coming down, I tested the ladder with my foot and it was solid. As soon as I put my weight on it, she slipped out on the bottom. Luckily I was able to grab the gutter and then one of my bar stools to help me down.

It also has little strength and is about double the weight of wood. Carrying a 16 foot board by yourself, may cause it to snap in half.
 

redneck joe

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Mar 18, 2009
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i'm not a fan of the plastic wood in general and the real wood i put down will last until i'm dead.
 
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