How Much Does It Cost to Seal a Deck in 2024?

Deck Sealing Cost Factors

The cost of sealing your deck depends on its size, the level of prep work required, and the quality of the sealant and the wood. 

Cleaning

Cleaning is usually bundled into the cost of the sealing job, but not always. The level of cleaning necessary to prepare the surface for staining also determines the price. If you have a fair amount of debris, you may need a power washing service. 

Power washing helps remove heavy dirt and stain buildup that standard pressure washing won't handle. Power or pressure washing a deck costs $250 to $400, on average. Be careful, though—too much pressure makes it easy to damage wood, and the average deck repair costs between $862 and $3,451.

Note that while power and pressure washing uses high-pressure water, a power washer also heats the water. If you use a power washer, keep the spray away from nearby plants and foliage. 

Alternatively, sandblasting costs $2 per square foot or $40 to $65 per hour or around $860 total. It’s great for removing stubborn old stains and layers of old sealers and strips the top of any grease, dirt, or oil.

Labor

The majority of the costs involved in sealing a deck come from labor. The materials are comparatively inexpensive, but their application is time-consuming; there are no shortcuts to achieve a good, lasting finish. 

The labor to seal and waterproof your deck costs $0.50 to $3 per square foot but can reach between $2.50 and $7 per square foot if you have multiple levels, spindles/balusters, stairs, and other features. With average labor costs of about $40 per hour, a 250-square-foot patio costs $125 to $750 in labor alone.

For some people, it’s worth hiring a local deck sealer to ensure the job is done right. Most of the project's price comes from labor, which varies regionally. Also, expect hard-to-access projects, like two-story units, to take longer.

Size

Because pros price most jobs by the square foot, the size of your deck is important when establishing a budget. Smaller decks are more budget-friendly because they take less time to clean, prep, and seal. 

Penetrant vs. Sealer

Penetrants soak into the wood’s surface while coatings sit on top of the wood. A coating sealer does both, whether it’s 10% coating with 90% penetrant or a full 100% coating. It's important to strip coatings before applying new sealers so that they can penetrate or coat the wooden surface effectively. 

However, with penetrants, you can seal over them, with the only preparation necessary a thorough cleaning. If you apply sealers in place of or in addition to stains, you can choose from a couple of types:

• Oil-based: A coating and penetrant. Harder to clean up and a little messier, but penetrates the wood and lasts longer.

• Water-based: Coating only. They clean up easily with soap and water, making them attractive to the DIYer, but less resistant to wear.

Sealant Prices

Most projects need two gallons of sealant which typically costs $50 to $80 total, but it can vary a little. Go for the best sealant that your budget allows. In general, the lower-priced options are the thinnest and least durable. Therefore, you'll have to have the deck resealed more frequently than if you chose a better-quality product to begin with. So, in this instance, going for the most affordable option is a false economy. 

Here are some of the more common brands that both contractors and consumers use:

• TWP (Total Wood Protection): offers a full line of stains, cleaners, sealers, strippers, and brighteners.

• Behr: a leading brand of stains, sealers, strippers, cleaners, and finishes.

• Thompson’s WaterSeal: one of the most recognizable names in waterproofing and other exterior wood care.

• DEFY Wood Stain: offers a line of stains and cleaners designed for durability.

• Sherwin-Williams: its durability claims have held up under numerous reviews, and one coat usually does the trick.

• Olympic: offers stains, cleaners, and resurfacers. There’s a product for every budget, making it popular with DIYers and contractors alike.

Cost to Seal and Stain a Deck

Applying both a sealer and stain together costs $700 to $1,000 in total. You’ll pay $300 to $400 for the sealer and another $400 to $600 for the stain. You’ll see this often on two-tone projects. Sealing protects the wood from moisture, which can lead to mildew and mold buildup. Stains change a wood’s original color and provide a protective barrier, much like paint. On average, the total cost to refinish a deck ranges from $600 to $1,360.

Budgeting for Deck Sealing

To make your deck sealing project more budget-friendly, consider these helpful tips:

• Do the prep work, such as cleaning and power washing, to reduce labor costs.

• Use the best sealant within your budget. Higher-quality options are more durable and allow you to reseal the deck less frequently.

• Compare prices from local contractors to find the most cost-effective option in your area.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.