Finishing your deck construction before the rainy season or building chairs to go around the fire pit?
But tell me the fear lurking at the back of your mind. Is it the fear of rain, rotting, wood-boring insects, mold, oh there are so many?
Don’t worry
You can easily find the perfect wood preserver that is a simple and easy solution to your many concerns. A good Wood preservative can serve you well years after years. It spares your energies and money to enjoy worry-free living. No matter if it’s just the wood preserver or combined with a paint of your choice, it strengthens your wooden surfaces for extended life. For the most amazing wood protection solutions check out our wood preservative reviews below.
But First!
What is a wood preservative used for?
Wood preservatives aid in the prevention of so many situations that might cause wood to degrade and disintegrate over time. Using a wood preservative preserves wood from the most prevalent causes of wood rot and decay, such as mold, fungus, alga, and wood-boring insects. Wood that has been kept, coated with an appropriate topcoat, and managed will survive for years if not decades.
Important things to keep in mind before buying:
There are mainly three principal types of wood preservatives. Available at the moment, Water-borne preservatives, oil-borne preservatives, and organic solvent preservatives define the categories in which they are used according to their specific properties. Each type contains different properties that have their advantages and drawbacks. You can choose anyone according to the needs and demands of your material in your specified circumstances.
Several types of wood treatment chemicals offer exterior wood protection to preserve the wood, but they allow deep penetration too. Wood preservative delivers an excellent coat, whereas the best wood treatment adopts the process of making the wood more protective such as timber treatment, lumber treatment, or pressure treatment.
How exactly do wood preservatives function?
The main components of wood preservatives are inorganic chemicals and insect killers, the most prevalent of which is Bug repellent. Pyrethroids are synthetic materials that mimic natural daisy flower extract. Tebuconazole and Iodo propynyl Butyl carbamate are two more frequent components. When dry, most contemporary wood preservers are safe for humans, animals, and plants, so they can be used on barns, railings, wooden lattices, dog kennels, carriages, millwork, and other structures.
Lets Dive in
What's in this article?
Best Wood Preservatives 2023:
Here are our picks for the top wood preservatives currently available.
This wood preservative provides an even and smooth coverage to the surface on which it is applied.
The AMTECO wood preserver refreshes the wood exterior, giving it an ever-new look from the outside.
Once the final coat is applied, it brings about extraordinary results after spreading it over the wood.
It also bears unmatched protection against harmful agents like fungus, mildew, aging, and wreathing.
It is a solvent-based, extremely penetrative wood preservative for the external surface of the timber.
It is also usable on gardening shelters, railings, beams, doorways, and glass panels.
Excellent for refinishing woodwork in higher humidity environments.
Pros
Cons
✅ Low VOC Formula
❌ Low consistency liquid
✅ Preserves the natural wood color
✅ Ultraviolet rays protection
✅ Water repellant & Color Retention
Comparison With other Preservatives
TWP’s Classic Look
Amteco is a well-known and well-received wooden surface protectant as compared to other products such as TriCoPolymer VOC because the former has a greater time of preservation and dries off quicker than the other one mentioned. Moreover, it also offers a variety of surfaces to be applied on.
In-Depth Details
Do you want to protect and beautify your garden woodwork? No worries anymore!
Amteco Division Rustic Oak VOC Stain is one of the most amazing wood preservers. Rotting, temperature change, weather effects, insects, fading all together can cause dullness and decay to your garden. Fences, decks, and sheds define the overall beauty of a garden. It’s time to choose outdoor wood treatments, like Amteco Division Rustic Oak VOC Stain smooth and balanced layers to protect the wood from decay.
Special “Low VOC formula ” means less volatile organic compounds. Ultimately results in better performance, longer recoating cycles, perfect edge finishing, and reduced rust penetration. You can use this exterior wood preservative on wood surfaces, including fascia, shakes, wood shingles, fences, porch decking, shutters, wood sidings, and others. 1-gallon size – the rustic oak color is an exceptionally long-lasting oil strain. Besides, you can apply it to a rough-sawn cedar.
Specifications
The total holding capacity of 1 can is 1.0 gallons.
It comes in the aesthetically pleasing color of rustic oak.
The unit has a total of included components which are: low VOC exterior oil stain.
Mildew resistant coating due to the highly biocidal natured compounds.
Thomas water seal acts as a shield against water and sun due to the thicker clear coat or surface coat.
It is also slightly woody in color, gives off a fresh look, and refreshes the natural wood color.
The product tends to be Perfect for floors, railings, outside woodwork, and fittings.
it bears a high proclivity to protect from UV and fungal harm.
The oil-enriched recipe allows it to delve deeper into the surface and create a lengthy impression.
The final clear coat bears hydrophobic components which make the applied surface waterproof.
Pros
Cons
✅ Simple and easy to apply
❌ Requires more coating
✅ 1-gallon quantity
✅ No color, clear and Transparent
✅ Oil-based formula
✅ Waterproof Clear wood protector
Comparison with other Preservatives
Great Texture & Waterproofing
The liquid formula inside the package has no color, it is transparent. This product comes under the name of the well-known brand Thompson Waterseal. The company advises applying it over wood and wooden surfaces. The item container has a length of 6.75 inches, the width is 7.83 inches and the height is 10.3 inches. The full weight of the container with the product is 8 pounds.
In-Depth Details
Tired of wood maintenance – damage due to frequent mildew and UV attack?
Thomas water Seal Clear Wood Protector helps to maintain the natural color of the wood in this regard. The Garden area, especially the wooden part, including fences, decks, and sheds, often gets damaged due to weather changes, UV effects, rains, fog, and others. Thomas Water Seal Wood Protector has an excellent tendency to work against ultraviolet and mildew damage.
The protective layer of this exterior wood preservative is waterproof, therefore preventing water damage. Enhances subtle colors in Desert Brown, Rustic Red, Nutmeg Brown, Honey Gold, and Natural Cedar. In addition, it can work both as a finishing coating or stain. It is a transparent wood preserver coating that brings out the real beauty of the wood. Oil enriched formula helps it penetrate deep into the wood and leaves a long-lasting impact on all wood types.
Specifications
The liquid formula inside the package has no color, it is transparent.
This product comes under the name of the well-known brand Thompson Waterseal.
The company advises applying it over wooden surfaces.
The item container has a length of 6.75 inches, the width is 7.83 inches and the height is 10.3 inches.
The full weight of the container with the product is 8 pounds.
Long-lasting exterior wood protection owing to the high-end quality of product maintaining quality standards.
Is a product that bears the nature of being Eco-friendly, Safe to use around people, pets & plants.
Due to the hydrophobic components, it is Water Repellent works as a shield against water.
Dries quickly in less than 2 hours as it has evaporative components so that you are saved from additional hassle.
When combined with freshwater, it yields 1 gal of commercial-strength water repellent.
This substance is vapor porous, evaporates clear without affecting the surface look.
Dries clear with little to no alteration in the look of the surface.
Pros
Cons
✅ Water-Based formula
❌ A bit too watery
✅ Odorless
✅ Commercial grade water repellent
✅ 16 Fl Oz quantity
✅ White color but dry clear
Comparison with other Preservatives
The manufacturer of this wood preservation liquid formula is Eco Advance, which is a renowned company. The total item weight of the package is 1 pound, which comes in the container of 2 inches x 4.12 x 6 inches in Length, width, and height respectively. When dissolved in freshwater, it makes up 1 gallon of the applicable final product. Dries clear and covers a total of 240 sq. ft. area of wood.
In-Depth Details
Refreshing Texture & waterproof
Looking for a wood preservative oil having a safe, simple, long-lasting formula?
Eco Advance 16-oz Exterior Wood Liquid Concentrate is a complete package with non-toxic, non-flammable, and water-based composition. Work best against pool/spa chemicals, de-icing salts, mildew, mold, stains, oil, and water damage. As it dries, the color of the surface doesn’t get affected. Applicable for new and green wood as it is vapor permeable.
Customer feedback indicates that people like its odorless formula as mostly wood preservatives come with a pinching smell.
It is safe to use on wood shingles, wood siding, wood fences, wood decking, and plywood. Quick to dry properties let you walk on in less than two hours.
Acts as the best outdoor wood sealer due to its water repellent properties. In other words, it not only provides a waterproof layer but repels water to stay on it.
Specification
The manufacturer of this wood preservation liquid formula is Eco Advance, which is a renowned company.
The total item weight of the package is 1 pound, which comes in the container of 2 inches x 4.12 x 6 inches in Length, width, and height respectively.
When dissolved in fresh water, it makes up 1 gallon of the applicable final product.
Dries clear and covers a total of 240 sq. ft. area of wood.
It acts to be A perfect rotted wood restorer due to the high-end protective covering.
Easy to apply with a built-in brush, which makes sit even easier for the buyer to apply the preservative by themself.
The restorer surface is waterproof and paintable because the finish coat is water repellant.
After the application and drying, it also Hardens the soft-spongy wood and stops the rot for a long.
It sets in far less than two hours, so you won’t have to wait long.
Bondo® Wood Filler is applied to a solid base created by this formula.
It also tends to be long-lasting to a greater term as compared to the product.
Pros
Cons
✅ Stop and repair wood rot
❌ Relatively expensive
✅ Smooth and elegant finishes
✅ Stainable and paintable
✅ Dries clear
✅ 8 Fl Oz
Comparison with other Preservatives
Deep Penetration in wood
The total dimensions of the container are 9 inches x 6 inches x 8 inches in length, width, and height respectively. The total weight of the package is 9.6 ounces made by Bondo, a greatly known company with a rich history in making products like pesticides, insecticides, and preservatives.
In-Depth Details
Get rid of spongy and soft rotted wood with the use of the right product! Wood rot is a form of wood decay caused by the combination of fungus and water. To resolve this issue 3M presents Bondo Rotted Wood Restorer 3M 20131. 3M is one of the top-rated brands for adhesive and sealers.
Bondo Rotted Wood Restorer has a stabilizing liquid that has the tendency to penetrate into the spongy, soft rooted wood fiber and create a hard surface. In addition, this wood restorer surface is sustainable and paintable, along with fine-smooth finishes. A built-in brush with the lid is for the convenience of the applicator. All you need is to dip in the liquid and apply it to the damaged surface.
You don’t need to wait long as it dries in less than 2 hours.
Specifications
The total dimensions of the container are 9 inches x 6 inches x 8 inches in length, width, and height respectively.
The total weight of the package is 9.6 ounces.
Bondo, a greatly known company with a rich history in making products like pesticides, insecticides, and preservatives.
Well-matched with aqua-based dyes due to the hydrophilic nature of the formula.
It is totally safe from all kinds of biohazards so it has no harsh fumes which may affect the people nearby
Protect wood from leaching, special thanks to the insecticides added in it.
Safe for livestock yards, animal shelters, and others such as workers at the farms, other animals.
It has no chemicals that are dangerous to health at its stated concentrations.
Since it dissolves entirely and doesn’t leave any sticky residue.
It is very shrill as well, which helps it become easier to spread.
Pros
Cons
✅ Non-Toxic and VOC free
❌ Slow leaching improvement
✅ Easy and simple to apply
✅ Dries fast
✅ 1 Gallon quantity
✅ 3 times more long-lasting
Comparison with other Preservatives
Non-toxic exposure
The wood sealer and preservative are made by the ever-famous TriCoPolymer VOC brand. It comes in a container that is 9 inches x 9 inches x 9 inches in length width and height. The total weight of the item is 9 pounds.
In-Depth Details
Adopt Modern Zero-VOC Non-Toxic Tripolymer wood protection coatings! It stabilizes, maintains, and waterproof your new and existing wood-oriented surfaces. People prefer Zero-VOC paints as they are safe for the environment, health, and pets. It carries a water-based solvent instead of traditional petroleum; therefore, less vapor pressure will rise to affect the environment.
Best to use on renovation damaged out, framings, wooden subfloors. Other than that, Lumber seals are important for ocean water damage, river flood repairs, and hurricane repairs to any structure. The add-ons of the lumbar seal are vital for the proper cover-up before and till the completion of the whole task. This one of the best wood preservatives is compatible with water-based paints. Avoid using on decks as once you apply it on deck, it should be proper paint afterward.
Specifications
The wood sealer and preservative are made by the ever-famous TriCoPolymer VOC brand.
It comes in a container that is 9 inches x 9 inches x 9 inches in length width and height.
Compatible for maximum woodworking projects due to the high versatility in nature.
Non-toxic when dried and is extremely safe for humans, animals, and plants in the surroundings.
Exceptional adhesiveness even works on tile, brick, stones, and others.
Waterproof, long-lasting, and versatile product due to all the above-stated reasons.
For better color and hydro confrontation, you’ll need lesser applications.
A natural, micro-porous waxy grease that permeates deeply into the wood.
Pros
Cons
✅ For both interior & exterior wood projects
❌ Require multiple coats
✅ No thinning required
✅ Quick dry
✅ Medium shine appearance
✅ Durable waterproofing
Comparison with other Preservatives
Smoothest Finish
This wooden surface preservative and stain are made by Waterlox, which makes the product in the packaging 2.16 pounds of weight. The dimensions of the package are 6 inches x 4 inches x 2 inches of Length width and height. It is the most recommended to be used on floors.
In-Depth Details
If you are looking for the perfect preservative that works for all, Waterlox 5284qt Stain TB5284 is best recommended for you.
Yes! It works for maximum wooden surfaces. Apply it on interior wood surfaces without worries, including gun stocks, woodwork, desks, furniture, kitchen cabinets, picture broken frames, fly fishing rods, and others. You can utilize it in the most amazing possible way as it serves as paint, sealer, primer, and tie coat. Moreover, it provides excellent adhesiveness to the exotic, dense, and oily woods. Waterlox 5284qt Stain TB5284 works effectively on porous wood structures as stone, tile, cement, brick, and stones.
1 gallon is enough for five hundred square feet per coat. However, the number of coating layers depends upon the nature of the surface. Apply two coats on the substrate to seal perfectly; afterward, you can use Waterlox Original Marine finish.
Specifications
This wooden surface preservative and stain are made by Waterlox, which makes the product in the packaging 2.16 pounds of weight.
The dimensions of the package are 6 inches x 4 inches x 2 inches of Length width and height.
It is the most recommended to be used on floors.
This wooden surface preservative and stain are made by Waterlox, which makes the product in the packaging 2.16 pounds of weight.
The dimensions of the package are 6 inches x 4 inches x 2 inches of Length width and height.
An invisible impact on the wood surface because of the translucent coating so it is always clear and clean as new.
Excellent water repellent for interior and exterior wood as it has hydrophobic constituents.
Ready to use a wood sealer as it evaporates within 1 hour of the application.
Protect against water, rain, ice, and snow for extended periods of time
UV stabilizers give non-yellow, lengthy timed sun protection.
Environmentally friendly — safe for plants, humans, and pets.
The company behind this item is “Rain Guard,” and the title alone demonstrates the company’s ardor.
Pros
Cons
✅ Environment friendly
❌ Strong Odor
✅ Cover up to 150 sq.ft
✅ 1-hour dry time
✅ Clear invisible appearance
✅ Helps prevent efflorescence
Comparison with other Preservatives
Advanced Waterproofing
The water repellant wood surface preservative is made by the Rain Guard Water Sealers, a famous company. This model is available in clear and transparent, with no color. The total weight of the deliverable item is 2 pounds, while liquid volume is 32 fluid ounces.
In-Depth Details
Do you know? You can protect your wooden fences, deck, and sheds using this wood water sealer. Let’s explore the exciting features of RainGuard Water Sealers. The brand behind this product is “Rain Guard”- the name is enough to indicate its enthusiasm for its water repellent products. Don’t need to worry about rain, ice, or snow weather changes. Nothing is going to affect the wooden surface after the application of RainGuard Water Sealers.
The company claims that it provides satisfaction for up to 5 years. The best thing about the preservative is that it will not alter the wood’s overall appearance and provides a perfect shine. UV stabilizers provide non-yellow long-lasting protection from the sun. Eco Friendly – safe for plants, people, and pets Use a brush, roller, or spray to coat it well as it’s a water-based wood preservative. It does not require any sort of maintenance.
Specifications
The water repellant wood surface preservative is made by the Rain Guard Water Sealers, a famous company.
This model is available in clear and transparent, with no color.
The total weight of the deliverable item is 2 pounds, while the liquid volume is 32 fluid ounces.
One coat layer provides powerful protection, so more and more coats aren’t needed.
It also works against water damage, mildew growth, and UV rays due to the strong and dense use of quality components.
This wood preservative is made on Water-based formula means easy to clean up after application.
It also is great to be used in household settings as it offers very Low Odor and Low VOC.
If the preservative is damaged, the firm offers a two-year warranty.
Aside from shielding, it has a sleek, shiny appearance
Pros
Cons
✅ Single coating waterproofer
❌ Relatively expensive
✅ Instant dry
✅ Long-lasting
✅ Natural wood protector
✅ Works for pressure-treated wood
Comparison with other Preservatives
Long-term protection
This wood protection film made by Thompson water seal is an effective product that weighs 8.35 pounds. It is available only in the item package dimensions of 7.5 x 4 x 12.25 inches in length width and height respectively.
In-Depth Details
Fed up from multi-coatings of wood preservatives?
Yes! Thompson’s WaterSeal Natural Wood Protector is an excellent one-coat waterproofer. “Thomas WaterSeal has attained a good market customer ratio since 1920, due to its performance. You can find out the best paints, finishes, sealers, stains, and others. Protect your natural wood against UV damage and mildew. Shows clear results for Sequoia Red, Maple Brown, Harvest Gold, Woodland Cedar, and Acorn Brown. Apart from protection, it provides a shiny glossy finish. One coat of this clear preserver provides maximum powerful strength against fungus, rot, water, and others.
One can apply Thompson’s Water Seal Natural Wood Protector on exterior wood, furniture, fences, and decks. One coat layer works efficiently against wet or dry wood. The one-day project takes a whole day to dry. The company provides a 2-year warranty in case the preservative gets ruined.
Specifications
This wood protection film is made by Thompson water seal.
It is an effective product that weighs 8.35 pounds.
It is available only in the item package dimensions of 7.5 x 4 x 12.25 inches in length width and height respectively.
No more decay and rot issues because of almost a decade-long-promised protection and preservation.
Resist fungi, molds, and mildew to grow on the wooden surface or nearby.
Water and moisture resistance due to added hydrophobic components in the formula.
Allow the wood to get gray naturally and don’t distort or delay the natural wooden process.
It happens to be the best-selling product of the brand.
Pros
Cons
✅ Easy to use
❌ Above-ground use only
✅ Durable
✅ Dries fast
✅ .9 liters in one can
✅ Excellent compatibility to any paint or primer
Comparison with other Preservatives
With a total package weight of 1.98 pounds, this great wooden surface protectant made by rust oleum is quite popular with consumers. The item dimensions of the deliverable package are 4 x 4 x 4.7 inches in length width and height respectively. The finish is transparent.
In-Depth Details
Easy application
Are you seeking a wood preservative that works for pressure-treated exterior wood? Here we go then!
“Rust-Oleum” is a paint spray company that protects and transforms anything from outside and inside. It has the skill to modify, customize, renovate, and personalize any surface. Rust-Oleum Wolman Classic Wood Preservative is one of its remarkable products leading in the market.
Apply it on pressure-treated or untreated wooden surfaces. The protective coating will defend the wood from fungus, mold, mildew, and other attacks. Other than this, it has water-resistant properties that resist moisture damage like swelling, shrinking, end check-in, and wrapping People having front lawns with wooden decks, sheds, or fences should consider this product due to its long-lasting performance.
Specifications
With a total package weight of 1.98 pounds, this great wooden surface protectant made by rust oleum is quite popular with consumers.
The item dimensions of the deliverable package are 4 x 4 x 4.7 inches in length width and height respectively.
The finish of this product is clear & transparent.
Solid stain wood preserver with amazing long-term staying properties.
Six natural wood colors will provide smooth coatings. This is unique to this preserver.
Waterproof paint along with fade-resistant properties make it a consumer choice.
Act as a sealer against mildew and UV rays with amazing preservation properties.
Aside from providing a smooth, clean coating, it also protects the hardwood surface.
It’s ideal for use as well before adding epoxy paint, oil, or another wood finisher.
Pros
Cons
✅ Perfect wood stain and sealer
❌ Pungent smell
✅ Fade-resistant
✅ Waterproof
✅ Least grain on the surface
✅ Long-lasting up to 5 years on deck and 15 years on fences
Comparison with other Preservatives
Yet another amazing product by Thompson water seal with the ever-amazing results is this surface protectant for wood and wooden surfaces. It is available in 9.3 pounds heavy package that has 6.63 x 4.19 x 10.25 inches in length width and height respectively in dimensions. It is made in China and delivered around the globe across many countries.
In-Depth Details
Convinient to Use
Avail of the beautiful natural color ranges come with Thompson’s WaterSeal Solid Stain, Woodland Cedar, best outdoor wood sealer. This solid wood preserver will retain the color of your wood and provide it with a protective coating. Therefore, fewer wood grains.
Thompsons Waterseal Solid Stain, Woodland Cedar is composed of advanced polymers that have fade color resistance. Advisable to use for outdoor or exterior wooden surfaces. Available in Acorn Brown, Harvest Gold, Maple Brown, Sequoia Red, and woodland Cedar colors. Thus, choose the color according to your wood nature and apply a coating of this wood sealant. Apart from smooth, clean coverage, it provides Mildew, UV damage, water damage resistance to the wooden surface.
One can apply it on dry or damp wood with ease. It is simple to spread on and dry in a day.
Specifications
Yet another amazing product by Thompson water seal with the ever-amazing results is this surface protectant for wood and wooden surfaces.
It is available in 9.3 pounds heavy package that has 6.63 x 4.19 x 10.25 inches in length width and height respectively in dimensions.
It is one of the most top-selling products in its category & sold across many countries.
Oiling can not serve the purpose of preserving your wood from damage, algae, wood-boring insects, and mold especially. So all you need is the best wood preservative that is safe to use. Keeping this in view, each of these wood preservers is carefully selected to live up to the safety standards even.
You can blindly invest in any of these products as per your personal preference and give your wood the care and attention it deserves.
Buying Guide for Wood Preservative
Let me address some of your concerns regarding wood preservatives so that you can confidently buy a great preserver for your residential or commercial needs.
Preservatives for wood come in a variety of forms that you need to know before buying:
Numerous wood preservative products are now based on similar formulations as a result of tighter restrictions on the substances that can be used. They might also have somewhat varying formulas and components, but they all preserve wood in the same way. Whether one transparent or colored preservative is required, as well as whether moisture or solvent-based solution is selected, is generally the decisive element from the user’s perspective.
Clear preservers aid to keep the wood’s natural beauty, whereas colored preservers double as a stain and a preserver. Most preservers were formerly solvent-based, but as rigorous V.O.C (Volatile Organic Compounds) laws are enforced by the UK, European, and global governments, more and more firms are switching to water-based solutions.
What happens if wood preservative isn’t used?
Irrespective of whether you install your posts on the pavement or not, if you neglect to put the wood preservative, your posts will decay within 6 months.
What protects wood from rotting?
The most common causes of wood rotting can be mold, algae,wood-boring insects, fungi, or in some cases, harsh weather conditions. The wood preservative can easily prevent these situations to help the wood not to rot quickly. Ideally, the preservative contains a little amount of wax that offers good protection against weather conditions. There are other sealants that can be combined to give complete protection to your wood, such as wood oil or wood varnish.
What is the difference between wood preserver and wood treatment?
The treatments are mostly used for commercial use on a larger scale. Yet, both add great resistance to the material against insects or weather conditions to help it last longer.
Doug is a passionate woodworking enthusiast and the founding editor of the popular woodworking blog WoodyManReviews. With a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and a love for working with wood, Doug has dedicated his career to sharing knowledge and expertise with fellow woodworking enthusiasts. To this day, he still leads writing efforts on the blog, supervising the team of talented writers at his disposal.
