cedar deck sealer reviews

"Top Cedar Deck Sealer Reviews: Protect & Enhance Your Outdoor Space"

By Andrew WalkerNovember 12, 2025

Cedar Deck Sealer Reviews: Protecting Your Outdoor Space

Cedar decks are a popular choice for homeowners due to their natural beauty and durability. To maintain their appearance and longevity, it's crucial to apply a cedar deck sealer. With numerous options available, we've compiled this comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision based on our cedar deck sealer reviews.

Why Seal Your Cedar Deck?

Sealing your cedar deck serves multiple purposes:

Protects against moisture damage and warping
Preserves the natural color and beauty of the wood
Makes cleaning easier and less frequent
Extends the lifespan of your deck

Types of Cedar Deck Sealers

Cedar deck sealers can be categorized into three main types:

a woman standing on a wooden deck with a can of cedar seal

Clean and Reseal Our Cedar Deck – Second Coat a Year Later

a person standing on top of a wooden deck with a tool in their hand and water dripping from the floor

Oil-based sealers: Enhance the natural grain and color of the wood, but may require more frequent reapplication.
Water-based sealers: Eco-friendly, easy to clean up, and dry quickly, but may not provide as long-lasting protection as oil-based options.
Semi-transparent stain/sealers: Offer color enhancement and more UV protection, but may require more frequent reapplication.

Top Cedar Deck Sealer Reviews

1. Thompsons WaterSeal Advanced Natural Wood Protector

The Thompsons WaterSeal Advanced is a water-based sealer that provides excellent protection against water, sun, and mold. It penetrates deep into the wood, enhancing its natural color, and dries quickly, allowing you to apply a second coat the same day. However, it may not provide the same level of UV protection as oil-based sealers.

Pros	Cons
Deep penetration, quick drying, enhances natural color	May not provide the same UV protection as oil-based sealers

2. Ready Seal 512 Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer

Ready Seal 512 is an oil-based sealer that offers excellent UV protection and a long-lasting finish. It's available in various colors and can be applied to both new and weathered wood. However, it has a strong odor and requires more time to dry compared to water-based options.

Staining my cedar deck with ready seal! Link in comments. #deckstain #readyseal

Best Deck Sealer And Stain Reviews In 2021 | Top 10 Picks!

a bucket of ready seal paint on a white background

Pros	Cons
Excellent UV protection, long-lasting finish, available in various colors	Strong odor, longer drying time

3. Eco Advance Exterior Wood Protector

Eco Advance is an eco-friendly, water-based sealer that provides good protection against water and sun damage. It's low in VOCs, has a low odor, and dries quickly. However, it may not provide the same level of UV protection as oil-based sealers and may require more frequent reapplication.

Pros	Cons
Eco-friendly, low odor, quick drying	May not provide the same level of UV protection, may require more frequent reapplication

Applying Cedar Deck Sealer

Before applying a sealer, ensure your deck is clean, dry, and free of any mildew. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application, typically involving a paintbrush or sprayer for the sealer. Allow the sealer to dry completely before applying a second coat or exposing the deck to heavy traffic.

Regular maintenance, including annual cleaning and reapplication of sealer, will help ensure your cedar deck remains beautiful and functional for years to come. By considering our cedar deck sealer reviews, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs and preferences.