Do I need to seal my deck after staining it?
Most of the time, stains also contain a protective sealant. It’s a good idea, though, to re-seal your deck (or check that it needs to be re-sealed) once a year. Water-based stains can adhere to water or oil-based coatings already present on the wooden surface. Water-based stains can be cleaned up with water.
How often do you need to stain your deck?
You should stain your deck as often as it needs. A good rule of thumb would be every two to three years, regular maintenance, cleaning, and observation will help support this and maybe take it to the three-year mark, depending on the location of the decking. If you neglect your decking, don’t maintain it or clean it, and it is in a location ...
How often should I apply a sealer on my Deck?
how often should a deck be stained and sealed? Applying a sealer and/or stain typically is recommended every one to three years, depending on the finishing product, deck use, weather conditions, and sun exposure. Furthermore, can you put sealer over stain? And actually, the answer is YES—you can use our EMTECH water-based sealer or top coat over the oil stain.
Is it too hot outside to stain my deck?
Too Hot. If it’s too hot outside, specifically above 90 degrees, you run the risk of the stain drying too quickly and causing the stain to improperly penetrate the surface, distribute unevenly, and will appear blotchy. The stain becomes less effective in this case. Try to stain your deck on a cooler day, or start early in the morning to avoid ...
Is it a good idea to stain decking?
Staining a deck will lead to less work in the future. One of the main reasons the professionals don't recommend staining wood decks is because of the amount of time and energy involved. Stains don't generally last more than a year. This means yearly cleaning, staining and, if necessary, sanding of your deck every year.
Can you just stain a deck?
Can I stain over a stained deck? If your deck is in good condition and you're looking to apply a maintenance coat to keep your deck looking new, then yes… you can stain over a stained deck. It's the same if the surface of your boards are starting to look really worn and faded.
Is it better to stain or paint a deck?
A quality paint job can last for up to 10 years when it's done right. Paint allows you more color options, as where stain is limited to shades of brown. Because paint fills gaps and cracks, it hides the flaws of a weathered or old deck much better than stain does.
Can you stain a wood deck?
Clear and Sweep the Deck Thoroughly clean the deck surface before staining to ensure the stain coats are applied evenly and do not peel when dry. Remove patio furniture and potted plants from the deck. Sweep the deck to remove all leaves and other debris. Apply wood cleaner to the surface of the deck.
How long does deck stain last?
three to five yearsThe best stains should last three to five years on a deck and even longer if applied to siding or fences, which don't get as much abuse.
Can you stain a deck without sanding?
Do I need to sand the deck before staining? The answer to this is “it depends.” You won't hurt the deck by applying a light sanding. It really depends on the age of the decking and it's condition. Sanding is more for the feel of the deck than to prepare it to accept a new stain.
Why You Should Never paint a deck?
To get the most out of a wood deck it needs to be protected from the environment and harsh weather conditions. Harmful UV rays and moisture can lessen the longevity of a wood deck in no time.
How much does it cost to stain a deck?
The cost to stain your deck typically ranges from $540 to $1,050, with an average of just over $700. This equates to an average cost of $2 to $4 per square foot for labor and materials. Higher-quality stains will run up the price, as will washing or sealing the wood prior to staining.
How many coats of stain should you put on a deck?
two coatsWe always recommend two coats of stain for any wood project, but you should only apply as much stain as the wood can absorb. Extremely dense hardwoods may only be able to absorb one coat of wood stain. The general rule of thumb is to apply only as much as the wood can absorb.
Is it better to brush or roll stain on a deck?
The agitation and friction caused by a paint brush will cause the wood to absorb more stain. So if you are spraying or rolling the stain, always back-brush it in with a brush while the stain is still wet; you'll achieve much better penetration in to the wood.
Can I change the Colour of my decking?
If your existing deck stain is: Light: Apply a similar or darker color of stain with no additional preparation required. Dark: This will be hard to 'cover' with a lighter semi-transparent color, as the old/dark color will come through. If you want to lighten up the color of a dark deck, consider a lighter solid stain.
What if it rains after I stain my deck?
If it rains within 48 hours after you apply the stain, the water will soak into the wood pores and try to displace the stain. This will result in a splotchy surface rather than an even tone. If it rains right after you apply the stain, the stain will peel and flake off.
Do you have to prep a deck before staining?
Before you apply stain, make sure the surface is clean (no dust, dirt, wood fibers or grease), dry and free from mildew. When a surface is not clean, stains and other finishes have trouble sticking and may end up peeling. 1. Thoroughly sweep the deck to remove all leaves and other debris.
Is it better to brush or roll stain on a deck?
The agitation and friction caused by a paint brush will cause the wood to absorb more stain. So if you are spraying or rolling the stain, always back-brush it in with a brush while the stain is still wet; you'll achieve much better penetration in to the wood.
Do I need to strip my deck before staining?
Staining a previously stained deck Quickly peel up the tape. If there are flakes of your stain on the tape, then you will need to strip your deck before restaining.
What is the easiest way to stain a deck?
4:4912:33How To Stain Your Deck Quickly And Easily - Environmentally FriendlyYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure good wet coats of the point of refusal. Or the woods no longer absorbing any material. ByMoreMake sure good wet coats of the point of refusal. Or the woods no longer absorbing any material. By applying a really saturated coat you'll avoid overlap as the wood will only absorb.
Testing the Wood
A water test is the easiest way to ensure that the wood can absorb sealer or finish. Sprinkle water on the deck. If it soaks in immediately, the deck can be sealed. If the water beads up or stands on the deck, your deck may not need sealing yet.
Applying Deck Cleaner
Ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate wood, which causes graying. A wood deck cleaner can help remove dirt, nail stains, algae and mildew. If your deck isn't brand-new, always use a cleaner before applying finish. Lack of preparation is the most common reason why deck stains and sealers fail, so don’t skip this very important step.
How to Stain a Deck
When learning how to re-stain a deck, always read the manufacturer's directions for your deck stain and sealer. Drying times differ based on air temperature and humidity. Before you start, check the deck boards for needed repairs to splits or popped-up nails. Here are some additional tips to make the job go more smoothly.
How long does it take to stain a deck?
The amount of time it will take up depends on how big the deck is. You will want to set aside a minimum of two days, including drying time.
When is the best time to stain a deck?
You are likely to find such days in either late spring or early to mid-autumn.
Why is my deck stain peeling?
If you stain your deck too soon, in the spring season, it may result in cracking and peeling, the wood pores saturating, making it extremely difficult for them to take in the treatment. The summer month is problematic for another reason; in summer, the temperature, being high, may result in the stain evaporating far too quickly, ...
Why do decks peel and crack?
The reason for this is that humidity is absorbed by the wood in these seasons, whereas it is best receptive to new stain treatments when it is dry. If you stain your deck too soon, in the spring season, it may result in cracking and peeling, ...
What does it mean when water is absorbed on a deck?
If, however, the water instead beads up, standing on the deck, it means that the deck doesn’t need to be stained as yet. Unless your just trying to improve the overall appearance .
Why is it important to take care of a deck?
It is very important to take care of your deck, helping it withstand the harshness of the elements, the obstacles which Mother Nature puts in its way. The wind and rain, snow and sun can all damage your deck, making it look worn and old.
When to apply stain to wood?
You want to apply the stain when the wood surface and air are in the temperature range of 50° – 90°F. You also want to avoid the direct application of sunlight. Lastly, do not apply a stain if there is a forecast of rain in the following one to two days, or all your hard work could end up being washed away. You want to pick a day that’s warm ...
What to use instead of staining a deck?
Additionally, if the deck is VERY old and the wood is cracked or falling apart - instead of staining you should use a deck resurfacer. Deck resurfacers fill in the cracks on the wood and create a sort of shell around the wood of the deck itself. Check out our de ck resurfacer for older wood below. See Deck Resurfacer. Deck Stain Color Advice.
Can you stain wood after it rains?
Additionally the temperature outside should not be 'too hot' or 'too cold' or the stain will not apply properly to the wood. Check out Olympic Maximum - a wood stain that can be applied after it rains and even in temperatures down to 50 degrees. See Weather Ready Stain.
Can you stain an old deck?
Newer wood, treated wood - both absorb moisture in different ways. If your deck is really old it may be more porous than a smooth treated younger deck and so it may absord more stain depending on the temperature of the wood.
Why do you need to stain a deck?
Stain protects the surface of the wood through penetration. When you stain a deck, it is absorbed into the upper layers of the wood, providing a weatherproof barrier between moisture and UV rays and the interior of the wood. If you don’t stain your new deck, it will weather into a gray, rustic look.
Why Stain a New Deck?
Staining a new deck is critical to its longevity and protecting your investment. While you’ve most likely used treated lumber or cedar, which is guaranteed to stand up to the elements, no lumber lasts forever. However, you can make it last for a long time with regular staining.
What is the Best Time to Stain My New Deck?
Spring or fall are the best times to stain your deck. You want to avoid the temperature extremes that summer and winter offer, even if you live in a moderate climate.
When is My New Deck Dry Enough to Stain?
It is possible to stain your deck too soon. Pressure-treated lumber comes with more initial moisture than cedar because the treating process involves lots of moisture.
How Do You Prepare a New Deck for Staining?
The key to proper preparation is opening the pores of the wood so it will accept the maximum amount of stain.
How long does sealer last on a deck?
Sealer does not last as long as stain either, because it only stays on the surface of the wood. Therefore it deteriorates faster. This makes the reapplication of most sealers necessary after only 1 year. On the other hand, applying a sealer is about the easiest deck maintenance task you could do.
Why do people stain cedar?
An oil-based, semi-transparent stain is best because it maintains the natural look of the cedar while protecting it from moisture.
Staining a New Deck for the First Time
Every Spring we get many 100’s if not 1000s of questions about when to stain a new deck, wood fence, or exterior wood home. Outside of our Deck Product Reviews and our Best Deck Stain articles, this is the second most popular question on DeckStainHelp.com.
Tips on How Long to Wait to Stain A New Deck
These new deck staining tips are relevant and will work for all exterior, new smooth wood, such as decks, cedar framed homes, log cabins, wood fences, and other wood structures.
The 3 Best Deck Stains For New Decks
Used for new wood and decks such as Pressure Treated Pine, Cedar, Fir, IPE, and other Exotic Hardwoods. Months to Weather New Wood: 2-3 Months for Transparent and Semi-Transparent colors.
New Deck Staining Questions
If you have any questions about this article on How Long Should you Wait to Stain a New Deck, please ask below.
How to get rid of pooling on deck?
If that happens, use a brush to remove and smooth out excess stain. Keep the spray tip about a foot away from the surface of your deck while staining for best coverage.
Can you mix stain containers together?
If you have multiple containers of stain, mix them together before you start to spray. That way, you can be absolutely certain that you’ll have a consistent color across the board.
Can you use a paint sprayer to stain a deck?
Although the job is simple, you won’t get anywhere unless you know what you’re doing. We’ll walk you through the basics of staining your deck with a paint sprayer to give you a head start.
Can you stain a deck?
It’s very important that you clean your deck thoroughly – stain should only settle on the deck, not any dirt or debris. Wait for the deck to dry completely before moving forward. If there’s anything on your deck that you can’t move or do not want to stain, make sure that you cover it.
Can you spray deck stain with a pump sprayer?
Make sure that you read the manufacturer’s specifications and take the appropriate steps before you fill your pump sprayer with deck stain. The lid on your sprayer should be screwed on completely and the pump sprayer should be pressurized.
How do I clean a deck?
It’s important to make sure you have a clean surface to work on before beginning. Use a deck wood cleaner to prep the deck. While it’s not necessary, I highly recommend using a pressure washer to make the cleaning process easier and more effective.
Why use a roller for deck stain?
Why use a roller? It’s widely regarded as the best way of applying stain to a deck. Rollers do the best job of distributing stain evenly . And because it also happens to be the fastest way to stain your deck, choosing a roller to do the job is a no-brainer .
How to roll a stain?
Now that you’ve finished cutting in, it’s time to get rolling. Begin by pouring stain into a paint tray, which is the best way to evenly load the roller. Load the roller up, then wipe off excess using the edge of the tray.
What does it mean when your deck is black?
Also, check for black spots while the wood is wet. These spots indicate the presence of mildew . Use a deck cleaner to eliminate any mildew stains.
How to get cracks out of a board?
Make sure to back brush every time you roll out a new section. While back brushing, use your brush to get the cracks between each board. After reloading the roller, start at an area a few inches away from the wet part. Roll out a new section and blend it with the wet section.
What does mill glaze mean on a deck?
While the wood is wet, check for parts of the deck where water is beading, which indicates that the wood is no longer porous in these locations. This effect is commonly referred to as mill glaze. You’ll want to lightly sand or scrub mill glaze to ensure that the wood evenly receives the stain during application.
What is the quality of a stain?
The quality of the stain affects several factors, including the stain’s finish and durability, as well as its resistance to water, mold, and mildew. With that in mind, skip the cheap stuff and go with high-quality brand name stains.
What is the best stain for composite decking?
Adding deck stain for composite decking or a topcoat of paint can help restore the color and beauty while extending your deck’s already long lifespan. Here’s what you’ll need: Pressure washer (cleaning) Soft bristle brush (cleaning) Vinegar and baking soda (mold/mildew cleaning) Sandpaper (240-grit)
What is the best product to remove paint from a composite deck?
If you were painting your house and you accidently got some paint splatter on your deck, no worries! To remove paint from your composite deck, your best option is a product called Krud Kutter. This versatile product will help you remove any paint drip or splatter without damaging the surface.
How to clean mold and mildew off a drywall wall?
For removing mildew and mold, you’ll want to mix in two parts vinegar and one part water into a bucket and sprinkle some baking soda on the infected areas. Rinse thoroughly and let dry.
Do you need to paint a composite deck?
Sometimes a full deck stain or paint job isn’t necessary. After all, your composite deck was specifically made to prevent you from having to do such intense maintenance. But for smaller spot jobs, such as grease or rust stains, you may need to do some touching up.
Can Trex decks be painted?
While composite decks like Trex aren’t designed or required to be paintable or stainable, like their natural wood counterparts, they can and will accept paint under certain circumstances – if properly cleaned, prepped and primed.
Is composite decking durable?
So, you’ve got a composite deck. You love your composite deck. With its low-maintenance upkeep, long-lasting durability and natural wood-like appearance, there’s nothing you’d change about it. Right?
