Staining Your Deck: Important Steps To Follow

Decks are one of the best places to relax especially in a summery day. But as these decks are exposed to the exterior elements-as well as a lot of foot traffic, they need maintenance to keep them protected. Properly staining your deck can ensure that its beauty is maintained throughout the year. With these simple steps, you can learn how to stain deck and get professional looking results.

Prepare the deck surface first

Before staining your deck, ensure the wood is dry and free from any contaminants. Stain that is applied to damp surfaces won’t adhere well and can crack or peel. If the wood is clean and free from dust, then it will be better to wash it and let it dry for two to three days.

Before you start

Apply the stain when air and wood surface temperatures are between 50°—90°F. don’t apply under direct sunlight. If it is going to be rain in the next one or two day, don’t apply the deck stain and sealer. You can also test a small area first and let it dry to make sure you are pleased with the results.

Choosing the right stain

It is important to choose the right stain. There are wide range of high quality wood stains available these days, in variety of colors and opacities such as clear stain, semi-solids, solids, semi transparent and more.

How to apply deck stains

First one needs to choose the right brush to apply the deck stain and sealer. Then start with heavily coating the open eng-grain of the boards. Then one need to brush smooth strokes 2-3 times for a better finish.

Maintain your deck stain

Remember the decks take a lot of abuse so one needs to reapply stain from time to time. It the stain is repelling water, you just need to clean the deck. So, with these simple steps, you can stain your deck beautifully.