Water might be great for your garden, but it can wear on wood, concrete and other surfaces. Prevent damage to wood and concrete surfaces by applying a waterproofing solution to help keep decks, pavers, edging, porches and patios looking great for years to come.
Various options are available to treat wood and masonry. Many waterproofers also provide protection from harmful ultraviolet rays. Some contain pigments that add a splash of color.
Before sealing wood or masonry, you must prepare the area for application. If your surface is not properly cleaned, the waterproofer will not adhere and won't last. For best results, consult the manufacturer's instructions before beginning your project.
To prep wood:
- Use a general cleaner to remove dirt, mold, mildew or clear, oil-based waterproofer that has weathered.
- Use a more powerful cleaner to remove weathered, tinted waterproofer, semi-transparent stain or water-based coatings.
- Use stripper to remove solid stains.
- Keep the pressure washer's PSI under 1,200 to prevent damage to wood.
- Protect surrounding vegetation by wetting it with a hose and covering with a tarp.
- Allow new lumber to lose its mill glaze—wait 2-3 weeks before treating with waterproofer so the surface has time to weather.
To prep masonry:
- Remove existing paint or other coatings by scraping, sandblasting, sanding, wire-brushing, pressure washing or using a chemical remover.
- Repair hairline cracks with waterproofing mix.
- Mist area with fine spray before applying waterproofer.
- New concrete must cure a minimum of 30 days before being treated with waterproofer.
The Home Depot carries a wide selection of tools to help apply both wood and masonry waterproofing products. Paint pads, rollers, brushes and more—The Home Depot has all the products you need to keep surfaces in and around your home safe from water damage.
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Deck protector
Best for
- Any outdoor wooden flooring
- Decks in humid and/or rainy regions
Benefits and features
- UV screen prevents sun damage
- Easy maintenance with soap and water
Available at Home Depot
- Mold Armor Deck Protector and Waterproofer multitasks by preventing mold, mildew and algae growth
Transparent weatherproofing wood finish
Best for
- Unsealed wood surfaces such as decks, railings, shakes, shingles, siding, roofs, fences and furniture
Benefits and features
- Transparent finish showcases natural beauty of wood
- Can contain a mildewcide
Available at Home Depot
- Behr Premium Transparent Deck, Fence & Siding Weatherproofing Wood Finish protects wood from water damage for 2 years
Waterproofing wood finish or wood protector
Best for
- All wood types
- Decks, fences, siding and outdoor furniture
Benefits and features
- Penetrating oil formula
- Water cleanup
Available at The Home Depot
- Behr Waterproofing Wood Finish can be applied at temperatures as low as 40 degrees and to damp wood
Wood-toned or semi-transparent weatherproofing wood stain
Best for
- Decks and outdoor furniture
Benefits and features
- Enhances natural grain and color of wood
- Repels water and sun damage
Available at The Home Depot
- Glidden Endurance Semi-Transparent Deck Stain cleans up easily with soap and water
Solid color weatherproofing wood stain
Best for
- Prepped wood and composite surfaces
- Decks, railings, roofs, fences, furniture
Benefits and features
- Protection and color in 1 formula
- Hides imperfections while allowing wood texture to show through
Available at The Home Depot
- Behr Premium Solid Color Deck, Fence & Siding Weatherproofing Wood Stain is available in more than 1,600 custom colors and is formulated for computer matching
Concrete/masonry sealer, clear or tinted
Best for
- Patios
- Stepping stones
- Flowerpots
Benefits and features
- Stops moisture from entering masonry and allows accumulated water vapor to escape
- Adds years of durability
- UV and chemical resistant
Available at The Home Depot
- Rust-Oleum Concrete Sealer can be applied to concrete or masonry
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