How Much Does It Cost to Seal a Deck in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

On average, homeowners spend $966 to seal a deck, with most paying between $555 and $1,379, or $0.75 to $4 per square foot. Depending on factors like your deck's size, condition, and type of sealant, prices can range from $250 to $2,500. Proper budgeting and hiring a professional deck sealer are essential for correct application and durable, long-lasting protection. 

Deck Sealing Cost Factors

The cost to seal your deck depends on factors such as its size, the amount of prep work needed, and the quality of the sealant and wood.

Size

Since sealing pros price most jobs by square foot, your deck's size plays a significant role in your budget. Smaller decks are more budget-friendly because they take less time to clean, prep, and seal.

Cleaning

Cleaning is often included in the cost of sealing your deck, but not always. The amount of cleaning needed to prepare your deck for sealing affects the price. If there's a lot of debris, you should hire 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 between $185 and $385, with an average expense of around $280 if you hire a professional. Be careful, though—too much pressure makes it easy to damage wood, and the deck's average repair costs range between $800 to $3,200.

Alternatively, sandblasting costs $2 per square foot or $50 to $80 per hour. It’s great for removing stubborn old stains and layers of old sealers and strips the top of any grease, dirt, or oil.

Labor

Most of the cost to seal your deck comes from labor. While materials are often inexpensive, applying them is time-consuming, and there's no shortcut to achieving a lasting finish.

The average labor cost to hire a local deck sealer is $40 per hour or $0.50 to $3 per square foot. Pieces can reach up to $7 per square foot if you have multiple levels, spindles or balusters, stairs, and other features. Expect hard-to-access projects, like two-story units, to take longer and incur higher costs.

Materials

The type of sealant you choose affects the cost of sealing your deck. Oil-based sealants cost more than water-based ones but offer greater longevity, so you might not need to reseal as often. Water-based sealants are less expensive upfront and easier to clean up but may not last as long, potentially increasing long-term costs due to more frequent applications.

Here are the main types of sealants:

• Oil-based sealants: These penetrate deeply into the wood, providing excellent protection and durability. They are more challenging to apply and clean up, which can increase labor costs. Oil-based sealants are more resistant to wear and may reduce long-term maintenance expenses.

• Water-based sealants: Easier to apply and clean up, making them popular for DIY projects. They dry faster and have less odor but may not last as long as oil-based sealants, potentially increasing the frequency of resealing and long-term costs.

Most projects need two gallons of sealant, costing $25 to $60 per gallon, but prices vary. Choosing a higher-quality sealant can increase the upfront cost but may extend the time between resealing, saving money in the long run. Lower-priced options may be thinner and less durable, requiring more frequent applications.

Cost to Seal and Stain a Deck

Many homeowners combine deck sealing and staining projects to save on labor fees, often when completing two-tone projects. Sealing protects the wood from moisture, which can lead to mildew and mold buildup, while 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 $900 to $2,720. If refinishing your deck is defined solely as the process of staining, then the price ranges from $550 to $1,250, with an average of around $850.

Budgeting for Deck Sealing

To make your deck sealing project more budget-friendly without compromising quality, consider these cost-saving strategies:

• Do the prep work yourself: Save on labor costs by cleaning and power washing your deck before the professional arrives.

• Choose the right time: Schedule the sealing during the off-peak season when contractors may offer lower rates.

• Purchase materials in bulk or during sales: Buy sealants and supplies when on sale or in larger quantities to reduce the cost per unit.

• Compare multiple quotes: Get estimates from several local contractors to find the most competitive pricing.

• Maintain your deck regularly: Regular upkeep can prevent major repairs, reducing long-term costs.

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.