How to Stain Your Deck

U.S. homes are now more valuable than ever. Short supply and high median prices are giving homeowners larger assets than people are aware of.

Others who are informed about the high value of their home and property are looking for ways to reinvest. There has never been a better time to shore up value and beautify your home.

Staining your deck is an inexpensive way to protect your investment and beautify your real estate. But before you stain your deck it’s important to know the best approach.

Did you know that nearly 40% of people regret doing a home improvement project themselves? You can avoid regrets when you stain your deck using this guide.

Prepping to Stain Your Deck

A clean deck is the first step to a successful deck staining project. Without a clean deck, you will be asking for problems down the road.

The bubbling, cracking, and poor appearance of deck staining projects may be a result of poor preparation. By cleaning your deck properly you can make the project successful and long-lasting.

What could be worse than working to stain your deck only to find cracks and bubbles in a short period of time?

Cleaning your deck should include pressure washing and sanding. If there are lose wood fibers or splinters, it may be necessary to lightly sand the wood. After pressure washing the deck, you can apply the stain properly. Follow these steps to ensure your refinishing gives you great results.

Stay Safe

Unintentional injury-related deaths have recently been reported at all-time highs. When approaching any home improvement project it’s important to put safety as the first priority.

Before you clean and sand your deck for staining you may want to consider a contractor. With pressure-treated wood and construction prior to 2004, you may release toxins while prepping to stain.

Even if you’re comfortable that you’re safe while sanding and cleaning the deck, take the proper precautions. Both eye protection and breathing protection may help you stay safe.

Sanding and Chemical Clean

After you have cleaned and pressure washed your deck there still may be issues. If persistent stains or discoloration remain, make sure you take care of them before staining.

When staining your deck most of the success is tied to the proper preparation and products.

Sand away any spots. There are also wood cleaning chemicals that can remove graying from the sun, mildew, and stubborn spots.

Check the Weather to Stain Your Deck

The weather report can be your best friend when staining your deck. Ideally, you will want to stain your deck after several days of dry weather. Most deck brands suggest not applying their products within 12-24 hrs of potential rain.

A dry deck will allow for better stain application. Further, you will want there to be dry days in the forecast for after you are finished staining.

Make sure you have at least 2 dry days to let your deck stain set and dry properly. You want to make sure the stain soaks into the wood and protects it for years to come.

Temperature is also a factor. Days that are between 50 and 90 degrees are best for staining your deck.

Watch out for high humidity as well. Lower humidity days are better for a quality stain.

Wood Deck Brighteners Help

You’ve cleaned your deck and checked the weather. Maybe you’re itching to knock out that staining project.

Not so fast. Have you considered applying a wood brightener first?

Applying wood brightener prior to staining your deck can make the wood look brand new. The application is easy, brightens the wood, and revitalizes the deck.

Wood brighteners can be sprayed on and rinsed off. It’s that simple to use and apply to your deck.

Pick the Best Stain for Your Deck

As important as the preparation is choosing the right stain product. The best products are well-reviewed, recognized in the industry, and proven to last.

Even with the best precautions and prep, you can be disappointed with the results if you don’t invest in good products.

Your local supplier can help you decide between clear, semi-transparent, and solid. Each will provide a different aesthetic for your deck.

Prepare Around Your Deck

If you have plants and greens around your deck it is important to take precautions before starting. Water your plants thoroughly before starting your staining project.

Also, you want to cover the plants and landscaping with plastic sheets. Too many staining projects result in ruined plants and lawns without these precautions.

Keep a Close Eye On the Sun

Depending on the time of year and the sun’s position in the sky you need to pick a time of day that is best for your staining project. Beyond the weather for the day, the sun’s position can also impact the success of your project.

Direct solar exposure can cause stains to dry out faster than intended, making the deck stain dry with a blotchy appearance. This can potentially lead to premature failure of the wood stain. This can happen with all deck stain types, including water and oil based stains.

Pick a time of day when there is no direct sunlight on your deck. Slower drying allows the stain to soak into the wood and protect it thoroughly. Study the sun’s path on your deck on the days prior to starting.

Choose Your Tools and Read the Label

Once you are prepared it is important to follow the guidelines of the stain you choose. Some professionals swear that a brush is still the only way to apply a stain.

When using a brush, opt for a synthetic construction. These respond best.

But your product manufacturer might have other ideas. Some stains respond well to nap rollers.

In any instance, a thin application is the key to a quality, long-lasting stain.

Start with the Best Materials

Before you start that deck staining project it’s important to assess the quality of your deck. Without the best materials and construction for your deck, you could be investing in the wrong project.

The best deck stains won’t make up for a less than stellar deck. The safety of your deck and the beauty of your property demand that you start with the best.

Decks & Docks Lumber Construction Company supplies the marine construction industry across Florida and the southeast U.S.

Come talk to us before you stain your deck. We are the experts in the niche of marine construction. We can help inspire you.

Don’t wait. Contact Decks & Docks today.