staining a deck

Staining a Deck

You may be wondering if staining a deck is the best way to protect it. Before you stain your deck, you should remove the old film-forming stain and prepare the wood. A high-quality stain will not leave a film but will penetrate the wood pores and provide the necessary UV and water protection. You should also thoroughly research the best stains for your deck so you can make an informed decision.

Before You Begin

Before you stain your deck, you must thoroughly clean it. If you are using new lumber, make sure to remove the mill scale from it. Mill scale is the result of the crushing of grain during the milling process and can prevent wood stains from penetrating. To achieve a smooth surface, use lighter grit sandpaper to remove any rough edges. Once you’re satisfied with the overall look, wipe up the excess stain using a microfiber cloth.

Start by applying the stain by brushing it over the surface with a roller or paintbrush. If possible, use a long-handled car-wash push brush to evenly apply the stain to the wood. The back-brushing action will help the stain to penetrate the board pores. Make sure you have a drop cloth ready before you start staining. This will prevent spills from damaging your deck.

While you are staining a deck, you should test the colour of the stain on a small area first. Then, try the stain on a piece of scrap wood to see how it will look after it dries. Besides, if the stain is not a light colour, you might need to sand the wood. Also, if you are using semi-transparent deck stains, you should apply less stain.

Staining Process

After cleaning and priming your deck with the wood cleaner, you can proceed to the actual staining process. Make sure to leave the deck surface to dry for at least 48 hours. Make sure to keep the weather forecast clear if the rain will be falling within the next 12-24 hours. Also, be sure to wait at least 24 hours before using a power washer to remove any leftover stain or sealer from the wood.

If you live in a humid area, natural oils may not be the best option for your deck. Natural oils can be conducive to mildew growth. If you are concerned about the health of your deck, you can opt for synthetic resins. They are usually waterborne and exhibit an even colour and sheen. Waterborne stains can be applied to slightly damp wood, and can even be used over previous stains. They also have a shorter drying time than solid colour stains.

staining a deck

Hiring Professionals

While hiring a professional to stain your deck may be the cheapest option, you may want to consider the time and effort it will take you. In addition to the cost of the materials and labour, you may make mistakes. These mistakes can be costly and could end up costing you more in the long run. You should carefully study the process before you hire a deck staining professional to ensure the best results. You can even do most of the prep work yourself and save money.

For the best results, you should use high-quality brushes and roller covers. For the railing work, a two-inch tapered brush will do the trick. A three-inch brush will work for the deck boards, but a four-inch brush might be too big for you. Roller covers should be tested before use so you know they are safe and effective. And remember to use protective clothing and a sturdy ladder to avoid any accidents.

Professional deck staining typically costs about $2 to $3 per square foot. However, this price does not include special attention, such as latticework. If you have a small deck, you may be able to save money by staining it yourself. A gallon of stain will cost you only about $25 to $30. A power washer will cost you around $200, and supplies like sandpaper and brush can add another $25 to $75 to the total.

Whether you choose to stain or paint your deck depends on your needs. Staining takes much less time than painting, so it is a better option for a quick deck cover. However, paint covers up imperfections, whereas stain leaves the natural look of wood. Additionally, paint can be slippery when wet. If safety is your concern, you may want to consider staining instead of painting. You can save money by staining your deck rather than paying to hire a professional to do the job.