DIY Wood Treatment for Outside

Clean & Sand

• With whatever outdoor wood surface you are looking to protect from the outdoor elements, you should first clean it and then sand down the surface. This will allow the stain and water seal to bond to the wood better so that it will fully protect the wood. Clean the wood with a soapy wood cleaner and, if it's a large surface, a power washer. Once the wood has dried completely, sand it down and sweep away the sawdust. Now you are ready to add finish to the wood itself.

Add a Finish

• There are a wide variety of finishes you can add to the surface of the wood which will protect it to different degrees. Primers will seal the wood and work well for exteriors, adding a thin sheen of gloss. A "latex-based" primer should usually be used and this primer may need to be replaced every few years. Wood stains will darken the color of the wood slightly but effectively protect it from absorbing water. A wax may be a good idea to add on top of the stain to further protect it from the elements. Exterior varnishes also can be used but these are usually only best on smaller surfaces of wood and must be replaced regularly as they tend to flake off with weathering.

Reapply

• Once you have added whatever finish works best for your outdoor wood surface, you will need to keep up with it and reapply it to the wood surface over time so that it remains protected. Stains will last a couple of years, depending on the wood of the deck, the type of stain you use and how much abuse it takes from the elements. Many of these finishes and stains should be removed with a power washer from larger surfaces or stain remover, which can be applied to smaller wooden surfaces. Then resand, clean and reapply whatever fresh finish you want to use.