Any tips for staining my deck?

4 Tips for Staining Your Deck

Spring is a terrific time for DIY projects. If your deck is showing signs of wear and tear, restoring it to its former glory is a fun and rewarding task that isn’t difficult for homeowners. If you decide to tackle a deck-staining project, remember these 4 tips.

1. The weather plays an important role in the success of the project. Wood stain won’t adhere well if the wood is damp. Stain should be applied to wood when it hasn’t rained for at least two days; make sure the forecast calls for at least two more days of dry weather with low to average humidity. Temperatures shouldn’t be below 50° F or above 90° F. If you apply stain in direct sunlight, the stain may dry before the wood can absorb it.
2. Preparing the deck surface is key. The stain will only adhere to the wood if dirt and stains are cleared away. Sweep well, and use a putty knife to clean in between boards. A good deck cleaner and pressure washer will help prepare the surface. Remember to let the deck dry completely before staining. Sand any rough areas where feet and hands come in contact.
3. Choose the right product and the right tools. If your deck already has stain, it may limit your new stain choice. If the wood currently has a solid stain, you can’t apply translucent or semitransparent stain on top of it. Solid stain fills the wood pores, so another type of stain can’t soak into the wood. A solid stain can be applied over top of any other type of stain. Keep in mind that solid stains generally do not last as long as translucent or semitransparent stains and require more work to refinish. Synthetic brushes work best for staining, or try a roller with 1/4 inch or shorter nap to keep stain from pooling.
4. Apply stain in thin coats to prevent puddles. Apply two coats of stain for a uniform finish, with a minimum four-hour wait between applications.

For more tips and ideas for staining your deck, please contact us!