Deck Staining for Improved Look and Deck Life
During the winter months, you’re probably not thinking too much about your deck. And if it snows enough, you might not even be able to see it! This time of year can take a toll on a wooden deck. If a deck isn’t properly sealed, moisture from snow and rain can seep into the grain and cold air can cause it to contract and freeze. When the season ends, your deck might be in bad shape. To avoid this potential damage and rot, you should seal or stain your deck every two to three years, especially before the cold season enters. Doing so won’t just prolong your deck’s life, it will keep it looking great for the spring and summer to come.
What Does Stain Do?
Deck stain has two main functions. First, it beautifies a wooden deck, adding color and shine and bringing out its natural grain. Second, the stain acts as a seal, which helps prevent moisture from getting inside the wood. Stain and sealers are similar products, then, except the latter doesn’t add any coloration to your deck. Both keep away negative environmental impact.
When Should You Stain Your Deck?
There’s no hard and fast rule determining when or how often to stain a deck. Most experts recommend that it be done every 2 to 3 years. If your deck has taken a particularly bad beating, it might need staining or sealing sooner. Before staining, make sure your deck is dry and clean. Otherwise, moisture, dirt, and other debris may get trapped between the wood and stain, leading to problems. Clean it with a proper wood cleaner to ensure that no mold or mildew survives. It’s also best to apply stain on a temperate day, between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit with minimal sunlight.
How Do You Stain a Deck?
Once you’ve cleaned and cleared the deck, let it dry, and chosen the perfect day, the staining process isn’t much different than painting any other surface. You’ll want to tape off the areas you don’t want stained and then use flat brushes or stain pads for application. For parts of the deck that aren’t wide and horizontal or are hard to access, a spray applicator can be used for coverage. Small brushes might do the trick, too. If you’re still unsure of how to stain a deck properly, call a professional to do the job.
What Stain Should I Use?
Do some research online to find the best deck stain for your purposes. Stains vary in composition, quality, ideal application conditions, longevity, and, of course, color and finish. Consider what you want your deck to look like before choosing a deck stain. If you still need help deciding, consult a reliable staining contractor like Anderson Painting for advice.
Staining your deck regularly is an important step in maintaining its appearance and lifespan. Of course, you should also check your deck’s foundation and support for signs of damage and rot as well. Just because your deck looks great doesn’t mean it’s safe for use. If you need help preparing your deck for the harsh weather, or revamping it after winter’s over, Anderson Painting contractors can help you every step of the way. Contact us today at 919-610-1855, or email us at info@www.andersonpaintingnc.com!
