How to Waterproof a Plywood Deck

Plywood is a versatile construction material used for many projects including building decks. It consists of multiple layers of wood, called plys, compressed and glued tightly together. The interior layers are often softer wood, while the outer layers consist of harder wood. Like all outdoor wood, especially wood on horizontal surfaces, you must waterproof plywood decking to protect it from deterioration. Any standard wood waterproofing product also seals plywood.

Tarp
Broom
Bucket
Water
General cleaner
Long-handled scrub brush
Garden hose
Paint tray
Paint roller with handle extension

Instructions

- 1
  Sweep the deck off using a broom to remove all leaves, dirt and debris. Cover all nearby desirable grasses, flowers and shrubs to prevent them from damage.
- 2
  Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of water and a general household cleaner using the amount specified on the bottle. Insert a long-handled scrub brush into the mixture and clean the entire plywood deck by scrubbing it vigorously. Rinse the plywood off with a garden hose to remove all cleaning residue. Allow the plywood deck to dry overnight until no moisture remains.
- 3
  Open a can of wood waterproofing liquid and pour some into a paint tray. Insert a paint roller with a long-handled extension into the liquid until it is saturated.
- 4
  Roll the waterproofing liquid onto the plywood deck in long, even strokes until you've covered and sealed the entire deck.
- 5
  Allow the sealer to dry for at least 24 hours, longer if specified on the bottle, before walking on it.

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