Six Ways to Prepare for Deck Staining This Fall
Proper preparation is the key to achieving a beautiful, long-lasting stain finish, whether on a new or old deck. If you're ready for deck staining this fall, below are a few preparation tips and steps you can follow.
1. Examine the Deck's Condition and Make Any Necessary Repairs
Before anything else, remove any furniture or items from the deck so it's easier to move around.
If you're staining an older but structurally sound deck, you may need to start the preparation process with repair. Inspect the deck for damage. Pay special attention to parts in direct contact with the ground, such as the stair stringers and posts. Check the handrails and balusters as well. Fix anything damaged before staining.
2. Strip Away Previous Finish
For the best staining results, you must bring the deck down to bare wood. This means stripping will be necessary for decks that have been previously painted or stained.
Wear protective gear, including goggles, gloves, and rubber boots, when you spray or apply the stripper. Ensure you watch your footing, as your deck will likely be slippery.
3. Sweep Leaves and Other Debris
Since cold days will be around the corner, you may wonder whether you can stain a deck in the fall. Fall is an ideal time for this home improvement project because the climate is neither too hot nor too cold. The temperature typically falls within the recommended range for using deck staining products outdoors, which is between 50°F and 90°F. However, this season also comes with leaves from surrounding trees piling up in your yard.
You will need to sweep the leaves after repairing any damage to the deck. You may also proceed to this step if you're staining a new deck. A leaf blower will make the job easier, especially if you need to sweep a large deck. But you can also use a broom if you have the time to sweep the deck manually. Make sure to remove dirt, dust, and debris while you’re at it.
4. Wash the Deck
Next, wash the deck with a wood deck cleaning product to remove dirt, grease, and mildew. Liberally apply the cleaner and let it set for a couple of minutes. Afterward, manually scrub the deck with a bristle or long-handle scrub brush. Rinse with a garden hose.
If you're looking for the best way to clean a deck before staining, pressure or power washing is the way to go. A pressure or power washer can get your deck clean in no time. However, using a pressure washer can be tricky for beginners. There's the risk of "cutting" the wood if you get too close or set the pressure too high.
5. Brighten or Neutralize the Deck
If your deck looks a little weathered or the wood color is uneven in some areas, brightening or neutralizing products can help restore the natural beauty of your exterior wood. These products are also rather easy to apply. It's just like applying wood cleaner but without having to rinse off the product.
6. Sanding
If you feel the dry deck is still too rough after washing or you notice splintered areas, you can go ahead and sand it. You can lightly sand your deck for extra traction or do heavy sanding for a smooth deck stain finish.
Once the deck is clean and dry, it's ready for staining this fall.
Are You Up for the Job? Or Should You Leave It to the Experts?
Depending on the size and condition of your deck, the preparation stage can take a lot of time, effort, and money, especially when purchasing cleaning products and tools. Once you're ready to stain the deck yourself, you must choose the right stain for the wood, determine the best day and time to apply the product, and learn proper staining and sealing techniques.
DIY projects can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. Despite all your efforts and expenses, there's always the risk of getting subpar results or even damaging your deck. Why go through all these hassles if you can hire professionals and get your deck stained this fall without lifting a finger?
The Anderson Painting team consists of experts in deck staining. We use only top-notch products to ensure a quality finish. If you want to know whether our team can stain your deck in the fall, the answer is yes! Feel free to talk to our staff to schedule your project.
