Keep your deck in good shape by staining it to preserve its structural integrity and aesthetic. Generally speaking, it’s recommended to stain your deck every one to three years. However, there are several factors that may require greater frequency. These include:
● Sun and weather exposure. Decks with constant UV exposure or homes close to the mountains or areas that receive a lot of moisture may need to re-stain their decks more often to freshen up the look and keep the deck’s beauty intact.
● High foot traffic. If you frequently use your deck for entertaining and/or it’s a high-traffic area for the family and pets, it can also increase the staining frequency.
● Looks tired. Sounds simple, but it’s true. The more natural wear and tear, the sooner it’ll likely start looking dingy. If your deck or railing isn’t as vibrant as before or starts to take on a gray-ish tone, consider it time for a refresh.
Getting Started with Wood Stains
Once you’ve decided it’s time for an update to your deck’s exterior, make sure you select the right stain for the project. Oil-based stains penetrate wood from the inside out and won’t chip like paint or some water-based deck stains.
Also, check the specifics of whether the stain is made for hardwood or softwood. Softwoods like western red cedar decking and redwood decking are popular among homeowners.
These lumber materials both have similar lifespans, and the costs often teeter back and forth, so the decision is left up to personal preference. However, the beauty of these woods is they can absorb deck stains well and look brand new.
Pro tip: If building a deck for the first time, stain the boards before installation to make the process easier.
Prepping for Restaining
Wood stains not only provide an aesthetically pleasing update to your deck, but they also provide UV and moisture protection to keep it looking good.
To ensure even, complete coverage and to keep the rest of your home’s exterior intact, make sure to properly prep your deck.
● Clean – Start with a low-pressure washer and/or use a deck cleaning product. Don’t set the water pressure too high because it can damage the wood fibers.
● Sand – Let dry completely after washing and sand down the boards, if needed, before applying stain.
● Brighten – Use a wood brightener to remove graying and stains, and allow the wood to absorb the stain better.
● Protect – Cover any surrounding plants and parts of the home that may be exposed to the stain with plastic so they don’t get damaged or altered.
Wood stains make a difference in maintaining the lifespan of your deck. They protect the boards from UV damage, rot, and pests, plus maintain the warm and inviting look you’ve created for your backyard.