Cost to Seal or Waterproof a Deck [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost to seal a deck is $974, based on 9,654 verified projects from Angi Pros. Most homeowners pay between $563 and $1,402, with the spread driven by deck size, prep work required, and the type of sealant chosen. If your deck needs power washing (around $280) or sandblasting at about $2 per square foot before sealing, expect your total to land toward the higher end of that range.

Deck Sealing Cost Factors: What Determines the Price?

Deck sealing costs vary based on your deck's size, complexity, and the amount of sealant and labor required. A small deck off the kitchen will cost considerably less to seal than a large deck surrounding a pool. The two biggest cost drivers are the quantity of sealant needed and the labor involved in applying it.

Size

Sealing a deck costs $0.75 to $4 per square foot for the sealant, application materials, and professional labor, with deck size being the primary cost factor. If you plan to DIY, expect to spend about $0.25 to $1 per square foot in material costs alone. Here is a breakdown of the average cost to seal or waterproof a deck based on size in square feet:

Deck Type 

Elaborate, custom decks tend to be more expensive to seal than ones with a simple design. The main reason is that it takes longer to seal a complex deck, which increases labor costs. Decks with multiple levels, built-in benches, sunken seating, shade shelter, and edges that are curved or hard to reach add to your sealing costs. Additionally, sealing costs more if your deck is made from a unique material that requires specialized equipment.

Sealant Type

Sealant costs $25 to $60 per gallon, and most decks require about two gallons to complete the job. Homeowners can choose between oil-based and water-based sealants, or opt for stain/sealant hybrid products that seal and add color to the deck in one step. Water-based sealants tend to cost more than oil-based options, while hybrid products typically run the highest of the three.

Materials

Materials for sealing a deck cost about $0.25 to $1 per square foot, covering sealant, brushes, rollers, or sprayers. Before applying sealant, you may need to strip old coatings by sandblasting the deck, which adds to your overall material costs. Cleaning the deck and allowing it to dry fully before starting is also essential, and if you don't already own the necessary tools, that prep work will add to your expenses.

Labor

Professional deck sealing costs about $0.50 to $3 per square foot in labor, or around $40 per hour. Labor makes up about half to 75% of the project cost, but the pros will be able to apply even coatings more quickly and efficiently than you can. If you have a large deck with several features, including stairs, balusters, or multiple levels, you can expect to spend up to $7 per square foot for labor.

Cleaning and Powerwashing

Power washing a deck is one of the most important steps before sealing, and it costs about $280 when you hire a pro. If you are resealing a deck, you may also need sandblasting or dustless blasting to remove old sealant layers, which typically costs about $2 per square foot and is best left to professionals. Improper sandblasting can damage your deck and poses real risks to your eyes, skin, and respiratory system.

Staining

The cost to stain a deck ranges from $550 to $1,250, or around $850 on average, with size being the biggest cost factor at $1 to $2.50 per square foot. Deck age also plays a role: contractors charge around $4 per square foot for a first staining on a new deck, while older decks requiring pressure washing and sanding before staining run about $5 per square foot. For labor alone, expect to pay $40 to $70 per hour, with larger jobs often adding $800 in labor to the total project cost. 

Here is a breakdown of average costs for deck staining:

• Water-based deck stain: $20–$90 per gallon

• Oil-based deck stain: $35–$120 per gallon

• Solid deck stain: $25–$70 per gallon

• Clear deck stain: $25–$60 per gallon

Deck Sealant Type Costs: What Drives Pricing?

Deck sealant costs around $20 to $40 per gallon for oil- or water-based sealer products, while hybrid products that stain and seal the deck at the same time cost slightly more, around $30 to $60 per gallon.

Oil-Based Sealant

Oil-based sealant is the least expensive option at $0.15 to $0.20 per square foot, but it is the most difficult to apply. Even a slightly damp deck surface can cause bubbles to form during application. Oil-based sealant takes longer to dry than water-based alternatives, though it offers stronger resistance to harsh weather and may need to be reapplied less frequently.

Latex Acrylic Sealant

Latex acrylic sealant costs $0.20 to $0.25 per square foot, making it a mid-range option among sealant types. It is non-toxic and resists stains, UV rays, and high temperatures, which makes it popular with DIYers. Latex acrylic lasts longer than oil-based sealant, but achieving an even application typically requires a professional.

Stain and Sealant Hybrid Products

Stain/sealant hybrid products cost about $30 to $60 per gallon and are the priciest sealant category. These products combine a protective sealant with added pigments, restoring or enhancing the color of a wood deck while also guarding against moisture and weather. They are a strong choice for homeowners who want to refresh their deck's appearance and protect it in a single application.

How Much Does a Deck Sealing Pro Cost?

Hiring a professional deck sealer near you means paying labor costs of $40 to $75 per hour, which can make DIY tempting. However, a professional team brings the right skillset and equipment to apply even coatings efficiently and correctly. Trusting a pro typically results in a higher-quality finish and fewer costly mistakes.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a deck sealing pro

Some of the best reasons to hire a pro are:

• It saves you time and physical effort.

• A pro ensures that the deck is sufficiently treated and there are no missed spots. 

• Professional work often results in a higher-quality finished product. 

• A good team can still deliver top-tier work in a fraction of the time, meaning weather windows are less of a concern. 

• These professionals have access to expensive tools that many DIYers don’t have at home. 

If you want to DIY a deck sealing project

While we don’t recommend sealing the deck yourself, you can do some things to help the project along. Consider the following:

• If you have a good amount of pressure washing experience, you can prep the deck based on what the pro might need. 

• Ensure that all furniture, leaves, and other items are removed from the deck. 

• Plan around pets if they need to go outside during this period, as the deck will be off limits for a few days.

• Make sure not to get the deck wet within a 48-hour window of sealing it.  

Deck Sealing Additional Costs: What Should You Budget For?

Beyond the base cost of sealing, several related projects are worth budgeting for at the same time. Many homeowners choose to stain and seal their deck together, while others add power washing or deck repairs before sealing begins. If you are installing a new deck, factor in the cost of both stain and sealant as part of that investment. Here is a look at common add-on costs to consider:

• Cost to stain a deck: $550–$1,250

• Cost to power wash a deck: $185–$385

• Cost of deck repairs: $800–$3,200

• Cost to install a new deck: $4,125–$11,650

• Cost to install an above ground pool: $1,050–$5,900

3 Ways to Save Money on Sealing a Deck

Sealing a deck is a worthwhile investment that keeps your outdoor space in good condition. But the cost can be steep, especially if you need to reseal your deck every year. Here are a few tricks to saving more on the cost to seal a deck.

1. Do the Prep Yourself

While you should leave sandblasting to the pros, you can clean or power wash the deck yourself to save up to $400 before applying sealant. Just be sure to use extreme caution when power washing the deck, as the powerful water can cause injuries if you aren't careful.

You can also remove deck furniture, plants, and other obstacles from the deck yourself to also save more on labor costs.

2. Apply Thin Coats

It's tempting to apply one thick coat for better protection, but you could end up spending more on sealant by doing so. Plus, a thicker coating is more likely to begin peeling sooner. Instead, apply one thin coat, letting it dry completely before adding a second coat.

3. Consider DIY

If you have a smaller deck or a simple deck setup, like a deck without a lot of balusters or stairs, you can apply the sealant yourself to save 50% to 75% of project costs. Make sure to take the time to make any necessary deck repairs, strip old sealant layers, and clean the deck before applying the sealant.

Deck Waterproofing Tips

Some simple tips can keep your deck protected against moisture. First, don't seal your deck immediately if you've just had a new deck built. It's recommended that you give the deck 30 days to settle before applying sealer. Sealer should be reapplied every one to three years in order to maintain waterproofing.

If you want to maximize the waterproofing benefits of sealing your deck, avoid applying sealer to a damp or frosty deck. These conditions can cause an uneven, streaky seal that doesn't actually leave your deck protected. It's important to let a full 24 hours pass after rainfall before applying sealer.

Pay attention to the thermostat on sealing day. Ideally, sealing should happen on a non-windy day with temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid hot, high-sunshine days that could cause your sealer to evaporate before it fully dries and settles after application.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi 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. 

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