Deck stain is similar to deck sealer, except it offers more protection from the sun, minimizing the graying of the wood. Stains are water or oil-based and range from semi-transparent to opaque, with darker, more solid colors offering better UV protection. A stain can enhance the color of the wood and provide a more consistent pallet.
After applying the solution, remove dirt with a scrub brush, working in small sections. Finish by using a water hose to clear away the grime and the solution from the deck. Let your deck dry for two to three days before replacing furniture and resuming using it. i, Stock, This one project will make a huge difference.
A simple job on a small deck could cost around or alarge job that includes repairing and sealing could cost as much as . The size of your deck influences the cost of staining more than almost any other factor. More deck space means more labor, materials, and work, all of which have a price tag.
You don’t want to apply deck stain to damp wood because it’s saturated with moisture and the stain won’t soak in properly. On the other hand, the summer season can be far too hot for staining your deck. Temperatures in excess of 90 degrees F cause the deck stain to evaporate much faster.
Wooden decks require regular maintenance to help preserve its color, grain, and longevity. All year round, your deck is exposed to rain, snow, sleet, ice, and direct sunlight. It’s important to restain your deck to help prevent the impact that these elements may have on the wood. But as with staining or painting any surface, it’s important to take the necessary preparation and application procedures to ensure you get the protection and the look that you desire.
If spots of stain are left on the deck, they will show through the new finish and detract from the deck’s final appearance. Allow the deck to dry for one week after cleaning before applying stain. First, it’s important to read the stain can. Every stain can be slightly different, so it is very important that you adhere to the written directions.
Pros Last up to 5 year Rot, mold and mildew resistant Protects against UV and sun damage Multiple color and tint choices and hides wood discoloration Cons Surface to be stained should be washed and let dry Hides wood grain May take multiple applications to get desired tone or color A deck sealer is a clear or slightly tinted water or oil-based product.
It won’t provide any protection for your decking boards. Not only that, the stain won’t mask any blemishes on your deck. It will actually make it look worse. So, never stain over a painted deck… Whenever you paint a deck, the most important part is the preparation. If you want the paint to stick to the surface of your decking boards then you need to make sure all previous coatings are removed and the surface is cleaned then primed before you paint.
Be sure to ask your professional for the cost per square foot when obtaining a quote. Before embarking on any home improvement project, it’s important to break down the cost for every aspect of the job, and deck staining is no different. Among the things to consider are: A professional may want to inspect for damage before staining the deck.
Quick Navigation A deck sealer protects wood from moisture, precipitation, insects, mildew and mold, and rot. Most sealers go on clear and dry clear, showing off the wood grain. However, they don’t have a pigment to protect against wood graying UV rays and sun damage. The sun can dry the natural oils found in wood, causing it to gray, dry out, split, crack, or check.
Pressure washing your deck once a year should be sufficient to keep it looking great. Decks can also sustain damage from certain types of shoes. Boots and dress shoes may leave scuffs on your decks, but high heels are the most damaging. These shoes can scratch, scuff, or ding the surface of your deck.
At an average cost between , the biggest factor in the cost of staining a deck is the size. A 100 square foot deck will cost between while a 500 square foot deck will cost between in staining costs. Depending on the state of your existing deck, the treatment required before staining can be simple and affordable, or it may be more costly and complex.
There are many hard choices to face in life, some serious, some not so serious. How to treat your deck may not seem the most serious choice you’ll ever have to make, but over time it can have a significant financial impact. Should you stain, seal, or paint? Well, we can’t help you with some of the other hard choices in life, but we should be able to give you a few pointers on just what you should do with your deck.
Another no-no for decks is applying the wrong sealants, stains, and paints. You should always make sure you use the best types of each. For paints, consider using KILZ Low-Lustre Enamel Porch & Patio Latex Floor Paint. If you need a quality sealant or stain, try Ready Seal Exterior Stain and Sealer.
Let the wood putty dry two to eight hours. Once your deck is ready, you can begin staining, sealing, or painting it. Stick with oil-based stains to enhance the natural wood color and prevent mold and mildew growth. Oil-based stains also help prevent cracking and warping. Water-based stains may dry too quickly and may wear more quickly than oil-based stains.
To give you a real world example, the photos to the right is a two year old deck and fence here in Des Moines. The deck was stained with a single coat of Cedar-colored Ultra Premium Red Label Penofin. The fence in the background was stained with a water-based, semi-transparent, Covered Bridge-colored stain called Deckscapes from Sherwin-Williams.
Certain kinds of wood act as a natural repellent for many types of pests. For example, redwoods, cedars, and cypress are great woods that suppress wood-destroying insects such as termites. So you can rest assured that if your deck is made of one of these types of wood, the worst kinds of pests will want to avoid your deck.
Staining a deck is usually a relatively affordable process, but with rising labor and material costs it can become a bit more costly. The national cost to stain a deck averages about for a 200 square foot deck or about . This cost includes staining materials, as well as labor.
Give at least 24 hours to let the deck boards dry out completely. Sanding and staining are best done with as little moisture in the wood as possible. Take a careful look at all of the sections of your deck. If pieces are starting to rot, cut them out and replace them.
Using an oil-based stain will help keep necessary moisture in the wood while keeping excess water out, preventing both cracking and moisture buildup or warping.
Termites, paper wasps and other insects that find a home under your deck may use the wood as a source of food or to build a nest. In addition to ruining your deck’s appearance, they become a nuisance to your family and can make your home unsafe. When your wood boards become infested with mold and mildew, it can aggravate allergies, ruin the look of your deck and cause the wood to rot.
