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Beyond liquid rubber, homeowners can use sealants, stains, membranes, or tapes as waterproofing options. Oil-based or water-based sealants soak into the wood, creating a moisture-resistant barrier. Waterproofing stains—available in transparent, semi-transparent, and solid colors—add both protection and style to your deck. For heavy-duty waterproofing, deck membranes and waterproof tapes can be applied under the deck boards to direct water away from the structure below. Whatever method you choose, clean and prep the deck first to ensure the best, longest-lasting results.

You should always wash your deck before staining to remove debris, built-up grime, mold, mildew, and old, flakey finish. Failing to remove these impurities will cause the stain to look patchy, as it cannot evenly saturate the wood grain. Stain may also have drastically reduced lifespan when applied to a dirty surface. Always wait at least 48 hours after cleaning the wood to apply stain to ensure the surface is fully dry.

The average cost to stain a deck is $850, and most homeowners pay between $550 and $1,220, depending on the size of the deck. You can contact a professional to get a free quote before you decide if it’s worth the cost. Staining a deck yourself will cost less than $100, on average, but the process can take several hours.

It’s necessary for paint to completely dry before exposure to rain, and that drying time varies by the type of paint used. Oil-based paint takes 6 to 8 hours to dry on average, meaning that’s the minimum time needed between the last brush stroke and the first raindrop. Latex paint dries faster at around 1 hour, and acrylic paint is even quicker, usually drying in about 30 minutes. If rain is in the forecast, check the paint manufacturer's details before laying on a new coat.