Are you interested in keeping your deck in the best possible condition? If so, you may want to consider deck staining. Deck staining is the process of adding a pigmented exterior wood treatment to the deck, transforming the structure’s appearance and even helping wooden boards and planks last longer. If you want to learn how to stain a deck on your own, you’ll need to do your research. Discover more about this process with us!
Larry’s Pressure Washing outlines the basics of deck staining below, helping you make headway on your project. Deciding against DIY? Then give us a call—our Houston, TX experts will happily do the work for you.
First, Prioritize Deck Cleaning
If you want to learn how to stain a deck, you’ll need to clean the structure first. But why is this a necessity? Decks that haven’t been recently pressure washed are almost certainly covered with debris. This debris will interfere with the application of liquid stain, forcing an uneven layer. Additionally, debris will prevent the wood from absorbing the stain. This compromises the quality of the final results.
Ensure uniform results by always cleaning your deck first! Either research DIY pressure washing or schedule deck cleaning services from Larry’s Pressure Washing. And remember that your deck needs time to dry before you can stain it. Moisture can also negatively impact the staining process.
Gather the Necessary Tools
To learn how to stain a deck, you’ll need to get the necessary equipment. But what exactly does this entail? We’ve included a handy bulleted list below. Which of these items do you already own, and which ones do you still need to pick up?
- Deck Stain. There are a variety of different deck stains to choose from. Choose one that will provide you with the color/finish you desire. You also need to compare price point and quality (and make a compromise between the two, in some cases).
- Brush and Paint Tray. Applying a liquid stain to a deck isn’t much different from painting a wall. A simple brush or roller will help you efficiently stain the deck. You can even pour liquid stain into a paint tray.
- Tarps/Drop Cloths. Protect any areas near your deck with tarps and drop cloths. That way, you don’t have to worry about them catching any stray droplets of liquid stain.
- Safety Gear. Always wear goggles during this work to avoid getting liquid stain in your eyes. We also recommend wearing “work clothes” that you don’t mind getting messy.
Clearing the Deck Before Staining
Before you can learn how to stain a deck, you’ll need to remove any objects from its surface. This includes furniture, potted plants, grills, and decorations. If you don’t move these items, they will get in the way of your work. Not only that, but they are at risk of being damaged. The last thing you want is for your nice lounge chair to wind up splattered with droplets of liquid stain.
Make sure you find a safe, temporary location for these items. And if you need help carrying these items, reach out to a friend or family member. You’ll be surprised at how much assistance you can get by simply offering cold drinks and a pizza.
Applying Stain to the Deck
Now that you’ve made it this far, it’s time to apply stain to the deck. First, make sure the liquid stain has been stirred. Then, pour a generous helping of it into your paint tray. After wetting your brush, you can put a thin layer of the stain directly onto the wood. We recommend working in a series of rows; that way, you can easily keep track of what you’ve already stained and what still needs your attention.
Don’t forget that there are hard-to-access parts of your deck, such as between boards and underneath railings. You may want to consider using a detail brush to stain these areas, too. That way, no part of the deck is left unprotected.
Giving Stain Time to Dry
Don’t mess around with the stain after you apply it. It needs time to dry before you can use the deck again. We recommend that you don’t walk on the deck for two days after applying stain. Even after that, it may take longer to fully cure. Wait up to a week to see the final results of the staining process.
What is the visual difference between an unstained and stained deck? The most obvious change is that a stained deck looks much richer than before. Stained decks have deeper, more vibrant tones; compare this to the faded, grey-ish look of an unstained deck that has been damaged by ultraviolet light. Additionally, stain highlights the texture and character of the wood, making it more visually appealing to you and your guests.
Challenges of DIY Deck Staining
Learning how to stain a deck isn’t exactly easy. As you’ve learned, there are many steps you’ll have to take. You’ll have to dedicate your time and energy to the work, and you’ll also need to accept the fact that you might make a mistake. If you accidentally get liquid stain on the wrong surfaces, make sure to clean it up with a wet rag. Otherwise, it might dry and cause discoloration to your property.
If you are looking for an easy alternative to DIY deck staining, consider professional services! By scheduling an appointment with Larry’s Pressure Washing, you’ll skip all the hard work and leave it in the hands of our fully trained experts.
Get Started With Larry’s Pressure Washing
Are you interested in a deck staining appointment with us? If so, don’t wait to let us know about it! Simply contact us online with information about your project, and we will send you a free cost estimate. Then, you can choose a time and date for our arrival.
We’ll be there soon to serve you! We’ll give your deck the all-around makeover it needs, bringing new life to your home or business.
