Staining A Deck For Beginners

8-3-2022
By
Expert Tips for Staining a Deck

Water takes a toll on a wood deck’s finish, whether it’s pounding rain or piles of snow. You can tell whether your deck stain is still protecting the wood if it repels water. If it doesn’t, it’s time to stain again.

Decks are often the centerpiece in a backyard. A great place to enjoy time outdoors with friends and family, cook and enjoy meals with a cold drink. Our decks go through a lot, and to keep them looking their best, regular staining or painting is necessary. Not only does staining protect your deck’s finish and extend its lifespan, but it allows you to explore colors that really compliment your backyard. Staining a deck brings out the natural beauty of the wood and can take the appearance to an entirely new level. For old decks, painting can provide a new lease on life.

For an aging deck with splintered wood, applying a solid stain may buy you a few more years. The stain will hold the splinters in place and fill in small cracks. Before you stain, do a safety inspection using the 10-point checklist from the North American Decking and Railing Association. Then follow these tips for staining your deck from the paint pros at NorthCraft.

Check the Forecast

Wood stain won’t adhere well to damp wood and can crack and peel. Apply stain to dry wood when it hasn’t rained for several days and the forecast calls for at least a day of dry weather between 50° F and 90° F. Low to average humidity promotes faster drying. Staining in direct sunlight can also be a problem. The stain will dry too fast before the wood is able to absorb it.

Prep the Surface

The wood needs to be free of dirt and stains for the stain to adhere properly. Start by sanding splintered spots, wearing a safety mask to avoid inhaling the dust. Sweep the deck and use a putty knife to clean between the boards. Clean the wood by applying a deck cleaner. Or use a pressure washer, but if you do, the wood will need two to three days to dry.

For a deck built before 2004 that’s flaking, we suggest hiring a pro equipped to safely remove the finish, dust, and debris. That’s because before 2004, most decks were made of lumber pressure-treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) to fight rot and insects. Sanding this wood releases the toxic arsenic into the air and surrounding soil.

Use the Right Brushes and Tools

Synthetic brushes are ideal for working a water-based stain into the wood. Natural bristles, on the other hand, are hollow and can lose their rigidity, going limp as they absorb the water in the finish. Prefer a roller? Use one with a nap that’s 1/4 inch or shorter. That lets you apply a thin layer of stain that adheres to wood without pooling.

Match the Stain Type to Your Wood

Each type of stain has its advantages, and the type of stain already on your deck will affect your choice. Solid stain plugs up the wood pores, preventing a semitransparent or clear stain from soaking into the wood. A solid stain can be applied over any type of stain.

Apply Thin Coats

If you’re using several gallons of stain for your project, first mix them together to be sure the color is consistent. Then use long, smooth strokes to stain two or three boards at once. Apply solid stains in thin coats and semitransparent stains or clear sealers in even thinner coats. This prevent puddles, which don’t soak into the wood and cause the stain to flake off when dry. Whatever type of stain you use, apply two coats to ensure there are no missed spots and to get a more uniform finish.

As you well know, deck maintenance is an ongoing battle. We have a lot of rain and when water is left standing on a horizontal surface it can cause rot, mildew and a whole lot of other problems. Deck maintenance and painting doesn’t have to be a hassle. NorthCraft provides deck staining and maintenance services to clients for safer and more beautiful decking. We can clean decks, paint and stain decking, and ensure details are looking their best.

Call (630) 489-6970 or schedule a free estimate online and restore the look of your deck today.

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