Mother Nature can be cruel. Wind, rain, snow, and sun can damage your deck, leaving it dull, lifeless, and even rotting. But if you know how to stain your deck, you’ll have a worry-free platform for barbecues, lounging, and get-togethers for years to come.
Start by cleaning your deck and repairing any damaged boards. Then, apply stain, beginning with the railings and working your way down to the deck boards and stairs. Follow these steps to stain your deck the right way.
| Project difficulty: Intermediate Estimated time to complete: 3 days for 300-square-foot deck, counting prep work Drying time: 1 day Project cost: $100 to $150 |
What You Need
| Tools | Materials | Safety Gear |
|---|---|---|
| ● Broom ● Paint scraper ● Power sander (optional) ● Claw hammer and screwdriver ● Wire scrub brush ● Drop cloth ● Pressure washer ● Paint roller ● Paint brush ● Extension pole | ● 80-grit sandpaper ● 120-grit sandpaper ● Nails and screws ● Deck cleaner ● Painter’s tape ● Exterior primer ● Exterior paint | ● Close-toed shoes ● Pants ● Long-sleeved shirt ● Gloves ● Safety glasses ● Mask |
Once you gather the tools, make sure to check the weather forecast for a few days. Aim for days with little to no wind and no chance of rain for at least two days before and after you apply the stain.
Ideally, you want to stain your deck when the temperature is between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and with low humidity.
Clean Your Deck
Always have a clean surface before working. Remove all furniture and plants from your deck and sweep off all pebbles, leaves, dirt and other debris.
Check for Damage
Check your deck for broken or warped boards and replace them. Imperfections and rot can affect how well stain adheres to the wood.
Sand the Surface
Before sanding, check for exposed screws or nails and replace them to avoid damaging the sander.
Use 80-grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections from the deck’s surface and 120-grit sandpaper to remove sanding marks. If you stain a large area, use a palm sander or handheld belt sander to significantly speed up the sanding process. Work in the direction of the wood grain. Afterward, sweep the deck to remove the wood dust.
Wash the Surface
Having a clean surface to work with is important. Even the tiniest specks of dirt can interfere with your finish.
Use a pressure washer or a hose with a high-pressure nozzle to clean the deck. You’ll remove any stains, dirt, debris, and mildew accumulated throughout the years. Be careful not to spray too close to the wood surface, or you could damage it. For more information, check out our article on how to pressure wash a deck.
Let the deck dry for 12 to 24 hours before applying a deck cleaner.
Deck cleaner penetrates the boards and uncovers dirt that you missed with the pressure washer. Failing to use it will cause the stain to peel. Put on your gloves and goggles before applying.
- Mix the wood cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use a paint roller to apply it to the entire deck.
- Scrub tough-to-reach areas with a brush or broom.
- Let the cleaner soak into the wood for 10 minutes.
- Rinse the deck with your pressure washer or garden hose.
- Let it dry for 24 hours.
Stain the Raised Areas (Handrails and Railings)
Always stain handrails, railings, balusters, and spindles first, as they take less time to stain than the rest of the deck. If you stain the floor first, you’ll have to wait until it dries, which can slow down the process.
- Stir the stain thoroughly and pour it into a paint tray.
- Apply a small amount of stain on a piece of wood and let it dry to be sure you’re satisfied with its appearance.
- Apply painter’s tape to areas you don’t want stained.
- Place a drop cloth under the railings to capture drips and specks. If any drips get onto the wood, you’ll see them later as you stain the decking.
- Load your paint roller with stain and cover the raised areas (both inner and outer sides) in long, even strokes along the direction of the wood grain.
- Use a brush for tight spots where the roller can’t reach.
- Let the first coat dry for 24 hours before applying a second coat. The second coat enhances the look and provides better protection against the elements.
You can apply a second coat after staining the entire deck and letting it dry for 24 hours to save time.
Stain the Deck Boards
Before staining the deck boards, ensure you have an exit (like a door or staircase). You don’t want to stain yourself into a corner.
- Starting from the corner, use a roller to apply a coat of stain in long, even strokes along the direction of the wood grain.
- Work in sections and keep moving towards yourself.
- Overlap each stroke slightly to prevent streaks and create a more natural look.
- Dip the roller into the tray if necessary to refill it.
- Use a paint brush for corners and tight spots.
- Repeat to apply a second coat.
Stain the Stairs
Start at the top and work your way down to avoid stepping on freshly stained surfaces.
- Use a paint brush to apply a coat of stain in long, even strokes along the direction of the wood grain.
- Use a smaller brush to paint hard-to-reach areas.
- Repeat to apply a second coat.
And you’re done! Clean up your workspace and wait 24 to 48 hours before adding your furniture back.
How to Choose a Stain
There are different types of stains on the market:
- Clear: These stains work best for new wood surfaces. Start with a clear stain, then go darker as your deck ages.
- Semi-transparent: Also known as translucent stains, semi-transparent stains hide imperfections while still allowing the grain to shine through.
- Semi-solid: Semi-solid stains cover most of the wood grain but still let some grain peek through.
- Solid: Because it’s the darkest stain, solid stains hide imperfections quite well. Use it if your deck is old and beaten down from years of use.
FAQs
You should typically wait three months before staining new wood. If you’re unsure whether your deck is dry, perform a water test. Sprinkle some water on the surface, and if the wood absorbs it quickly, your deck is ready to be stained.
Yes, but doing so increases the risk of overspray. If you use a sprayer, cover nearby surfaces with plastic to protect your home’s siding and plants.
Most stains have sealers in them to protect against water and UV rays. If you use a stain without sealant, wait 48 hours to ensure the surface is bone-dry before adding a thin coat of sealant.
Oil-based stains penetrate wood deeply, but they breed algae and mold and come with harmful chemicals, making the deck dangerous to walk across barefoot. Because of this, many people prefer water-based stains, which are easier to apply and don’t have chemicals.
We recommend staining your deck every three years to maintain its look and protect it from the elements. For more information, check out our article on how often to stain decks.
For more information on staining a deck, check out these guides:
Hire a Professional
Staining your deck isn’t the easiest of DIY projects, as it requires a lot of planning. The weather needs to cooperate over several days, you need to have the right tools, and you need to pick the right stain. But when it’s time to use it, you’ll be glad you did.
If you find all this too much, contact Home Gnome and let us take over.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled painting services and leave the rest to us.
Written by Stuart Kushner / Updated by Abdul Wadood
Main Photo Credit: ronstik / Adobe Stock Free / License
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