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*Staining a Deck*

Staining gives your deck a strong layer of protection from wear and tear. With the right staining products, prepared and applied correctly, you can maintain and enjoy your deck for many years to come.

Water stain is easier to work with and is usually cheaper. As you probably already know you get what you pay for. Oil stains are more expensive but they are more durable and they provide better protection for your wood. I always recommend an oil based stain. It's just as easy to work with but harder to clean up which is why it's important to protect the surrounding areas.

Contrary to the beliefs of many builders and even some inexperienced paint store managers or employees, it is NOT advisable to let your new wood go a season or two before protecting it. Every reputable stain mfr. that I have ever talked to have all told me you need to protect your wood as soon as possible after construction to prevent the natural oils from drying out. Today's lumber is usually kiln dried which means that most of the moisture from the wood has been removed.

You should never and I mean never use a paint of any kind or a solid stain on a deck. Trust me when I tell you that you are creating more problems than you are solving. Use a semi-transparent stain. Take your pick as to oil base or water base but don't use a solid stain or paint. It will look great for several months, but it will soon start to peel and become a real maintenance headache.

Staining is the more common approach when it comes to decks as many homeowners, (myself included) prefer to enhance the natural look of the wood rather than hide it beneath layers of color. If you choose to stain your deck you should take extra care that you have pressure washed your deck and removed dead fibers, dirt, and any mildew spots that may be present before beginning to stain the wood.

Staining will work to protect your deck from not only the damage that can brought on by rain and standing water but also the damage the sun can bring through UV rays. Staining your decks does require some degree of maintenance and your decks will probably need to be reassessed every 2-4 years in order to ensure the maximum protection for your deck.

Preparing Your Deck for Staining

Remove as many items as you can and cover other items with drop cloths. Examine the deck for surface wear, cracked boards, and popped nails and any other maintenance issues. Make any necessary repairs before you stain your deck.

Applying the Stain

Decks are often subjected to extreme environmental conditions (direct sun, cool damp shade, etc.) as well as heavy foot traffic. Proper care of your deck will help ensure the longevity of the finish.

Step 1

After properly preparing the wood, select an inconspicuous place on the actual wood you will be staining and test the stain to be sure you will be pleased with the final color results.

Step 2

First stain the vertical sections of the deck, such as the rails and posts, so that drips will not land on previously finished areas.

Step 3

Once the vertical surfaces are completed, proceed to the deck surface. For deck boards, stain two to three boards at a time to avoid lap marks. Do not stop in the middle of a board, or you will risk developing lap marks. Make sure to wipe up any excess stain.

Deck-Staining Tips

Do not let stain puddle on the surface of the deck. Use a brush to apply stain. This will afford better penetration. If you roll or spray, always back brush.

Stain does not stay mixed the same way paint does. You will need to stir the stain frequently during application. To ensure proper stain penetration and even drying results, avoid applying stain in direct sunlight.

If the stain is doing its job water should bead up much the way it does on a car that has just been waxed.

Staining the bottom of your deck

If you have access to the underneath of your deck it's a good idea to seal it from below also. This will keep the moisture from under the deck from deteriorating the deck from below. A garden sprayer can help make this job a lot easier.

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