Liquid decking goes by many names: deck coating; roll-on membrane; liquid rubber; and liquid-applied membrane.
While its title varies, its purpose and benefits are clear: Liquid decking seals your deck, creating a waterproof, safe, and easy to clean surface.
Here are some more details on exactly what liquid decking is, how it works, and how to know if it’s the right choice for your deck:
What is liquid decking made of?
It’s important to know what liquid decking is made of. Generally, it’s a polyurethane with optional pigment and texture added. Polyurethanes are naturally flexible, making them scratch resistant and accommodating to large temperature fluctuations. With natural UV inhibitors, this material stands up well to sunlight. Plus, some liquid decking products offer additional beneficial features, such as algae and mildew resistance.
How does liquid decking work?
Liquid decking is applied to a smooth wood surface. First, the surface is cleaned and leveled. To ensure adhesion and flexibility, Citywide Sundecks uses an epoxy primer under a polyurethane topcoat. Epoxy is much harder than polyurethane, but effectively seals and binds to various substrates and the polyurethane. The resulting combination is a durable, flexible, non–porous, well–bonded, waterproof membrane.
Texture can also be added between coats of polyurethane to create a slip–resistant surface. And you can even choose to give your deck a colorful makeover by adding pigments to the polyurethane mix, or customizing it with detailed designs.
How does it compare to other types of decking?
Liquid decking is a smart option for homeowners looking to waterproof their deck and those who want a low–maintenance solution. It’s easy to clean, and easy to repair – where vinyl decking often needs a noticeable patch over damaged areas, liquid decking can be spot applied with a top coat. Plus, liquid decks are seamless, reducing the risk of water leaks.
For more info, read about the pros and cons of popular types of decks.
What does liquid decking cost?
Price–wise, liquid decking is affordable. Citywide Sundecks charges an average of $14-$16 per square foot, with additional deck preparation costs varying.
Can I do it myself?
While it has numerous benefits, liquid decking requires specific conditions for application. Direct sunlight, excessive moisture, and cold temperatures complicate adhesion and curing. On the west coast, liquid decking is best installed in summer months.
Although some homeowners may choose to take the project on themselves, we recommend you hire a professional to install your liquid decking. DIYing may save you money up front, but it could lead to costly water damage later on. There are dozens of products available at hardware stores for waterproofing your deck making it hard to pick and choose the right one for your application. Please keep in mind that if your deck is over living space, there is little room for error when you install your liquid decking.
Our team at Citywide Sundecks use industrial grade products and have decades of experience. We can ensure your liquid decking is done right the first time, saving you time and headache. So, if you’re looking for an easy to maintain, waterproof deck, consider liquid decking. You’ll be glad you did!