Residential Services

Spruce Up for Spring: Deck Staining Service Before Summer

Posted on February 15, 2019

Weather and seasons are rough on a wooden deck. When snow and rain pile up, your deck can buckle under the pressure. A good stained deck should last you three to five years. Get your backyard ready for summer with a fresh deck stain.

Is my time for a deck staining?

Water is the enemy of your wooden deck. A good stain will protect your investment and help it look good for years. You will know it’s time to re-stain when the water no longer is repelled by the deck.

If your deck is older, with cracks and splintered wood, a good stain might buy you a few more years of use. The finish can hold in splinters and fill in smaller cracks.

For your deck staining project:

1. Weather forecast

Damp wood will repel stain and can crack and peel. Check the weather forecast to find a few days of no precipitation and temperatures between 50° F and 90° F. A low humidity factor will help the stain dry faster. Conversely, direct sunlight can cause the stain to dry too quick, before the wood can absorb it.

2. Time to prep

A clean surface allows stain to absorb evenly and last longest. Sand down splinters and cracks. Be cautious and wear a safety mask to keep from inhaling dust. Sweep the deck thoroughly and use a putty knife to clean in the board joints. Use a deck cleaner or pressure washer to do a final clean. If you choose to pressure wash, the dry time is two to three days.

Safety note:

If you deck was built before 2004, it’s a good idea to consult a professional. Many woods from before 2004 were treated with a chemical to fight rot and insects. Sanding it can release toxic chemicals into the air and soil. A professional can help refinish your deck safely.

3. Get the right brush

Natural bristle brushes lose rigidity quickly. It’s suggested that synthetic brushes are better off in the water-based stains. If you are using a roller, a nap that is ¼ inch or shorter will work best to create the thin layer of stain that doesn’t pool.

4. Match stain and wood

Depending on the stain you last used on your deck, your options for restaining might be limited. If there is a solid stain down, a semi-transparent one will not work over it. Solid stains are made to plug the pores of the wood, a semi-transparent or clear one is made to soak into pores. If you have concerns about what to use for your project, a pro can help with color choices.

5. Keep coats thin

Use long, smooth strokes of stain covering several boards for best color consistency. If the deck requires more than one gallon of stain, mix them together to avoid color changes. Even thin coats will yield the best results. Pooling and puddles will give you a flaky stain that comes off, even after it dries. Two coats are always recommended, with complete drying in between, to make sure you get an even finish with no missed spots.