How Long Can You Leave Decking Untreated?

One of the biggest problems homeowners have when it comes to decking is that they are not sure how long they should wait to treat their new wood. This dilemma happens quite often, because wood is not looked after properly before and during construction.

If you live in a climate that’s subject to extremes of weather—like extreme heat or rain—it’s important to know how long untreated decking can be left outside before it needs to be stained or sealed.

Untreated wood will last as little as one season if it’s exposed to direct sunlight, or up to three years if it’s mostly sheltered from sunlight.

Is It Okay if I Leave My Deck Untreated?

Yes it is okay to leave your deck untreated. However, if you choose to do so, please be aware that it will likely need to be resealed every three years or so. Unsealed decks are more susceptible to sun damage and moisture, which can cause the wood to crack. If you decide not to seal your deck, it is recommended applying a water repellent once or twice per year (depending on how often it rains where you live).

If you’re concerned about the cost of sealing your deck regularly or would like the added protection of an oil-based sealant, it is recommended treating the wood once per year with an oil-based sealant. This type of treatment lasts longer than water repellents and does not require reapplication as long as it’s done correctly.

Is It Possible to Use Untreated Wood for A Deck?

Yes, it is possible! You can use untreated wood for a deck. However, untreated wood may not last as long as treated wood. Untreated wood is more likely to warp and split in the sun, so it’s not a great choice for an outdoor area like a deck. It can also stain easily, so if you use it for your deck, make sure to clean it regularly.

How Long Does Decking Last Before It Rots?

It depends. There are a lot of factors that go into how long your deck will last before it starts to rot.

First, the type of wood you choose matters. Some woods are more susceptible to rot than others. Pressure-treated lumber is one of the best options because it has been treated with chemicals that help prevent rot from occurring. Cedar is another good option because it resists rot better than many other types of wood.

The size and shape of your deck also matter. The larger your deck is, the longer it will last because there’s more material for water to run off of rather than pooling up in smaller spaces and causing damage to the wood. A flat surface also makes it harder for water to pool up on top or underneath the decking boards themselves, which helps prevent rotting from occurring much faster than if you have a sloped surface like a raised deck or an incline leading down towards an area where water can collect (like a walkway leading into your house).

When Should You Treat Your Decking?

You should treat your decking when it starts to look weather-beaten. The best way to determine this is by looking at the surface of your decking. If you see signs of discoloration, like fading or blotching, then it’s probably time to treat your deck.

You can also tell if your deck needs to be treated by checking for cracks. If you notice that a crack has appeared in the surface of your decking, then this may be a sign that it’s time to treat your deck.

Is It Possible to Use Untreated Wood Outside?

You can use untreated wood outside, but you should know that it can only be used in sheltered areas and not exposed to the elements.

Untreated wood will eventually be damaged by sun, water and pollutants, so it’s best to keep it under a roof or under an awning.

If you do leave your untreated wood outside, make sure you seal it with a clear sealant every year or so. This will help prevent long-term damage from the elements.

Is It True that Staining a Deck Extends Its Life?

Yes! Staining your deck does extend its life. But it depends on a lot of things.

For starters, you have to consider the type of finish you’re using. There are many different types of finishes available, from oil-based stains to water-based stains. Each one has different properties that affect how they will react with your decking material and how long they will last.

Oil-based finishes can be more durable than water-based finishes, but they also require more maintenance, as they need to be reapplied more frequently. Water-based finishes are easier to maintain but tend not to be as durable as oil-based finishes.

You also have to consider how much exposure your deck gets—how much rain or sunlight it receives each year—and whether it’s exposed to any other elements like salt water or snowmelt runoff. The more exposure your deck gets, the faster it’s likely to deteriorate over time.

And finally! If you’re looking for an easy way to extend the life of your deck without breaking the bank, just make sure you’re keeping up with regular maintenance by cleaning and sealing your deck regularly!

Is It Better to Apply a Decking Oil or A Decking Protector?

Let’s start with what a decking oil is: It’s a water-repellent sealant, usually made from linseed oil and other chemicals. It’s applied to a new deck to help prevent stains and also help the wood resist rain and moisture.

So, if you’ve got a new deck, applying a decking oil is a great option. But what if it’s been in place for years? Then you’ll probably want to consider applying a decking protector instead. Decking protectors come in two main types: acrylics and silicones. Both are easy to apply, but they have different benefits for your decking materials.

Acrylics are much more durable than silicones—they can last up to 10 years before they need reapplication—but they can be expensive if you don’t DIY it yourself. Silicones are less expensive but will only last about 5 years before they need reapplication (the average lifespan of all protectors).

The sooner the better. You should always seal your decking as soon as possible after building or completing it, or at least before you begin using it. It’s probably better to do this before laying the decking so you can make sure you have even coverage and that no gaps are left between the boards.