Stain Your Deck

With year-round exposure to sun, rain and snow, the weather takes its toll on your deck. Your deck’s finish can start to wear off, leaving the wood looking old and battered. It’s not just the appearance of your deck that suffers; if the wood loses its layer of protection, the elements can eventually rot and split the boards.

To prevent this, stain your deck regularly. It's a home project you can tackle in a weekend.

Go to your local True Value hardware store to get the expert advice, tools and products you need to protect your deck and freshen its appearance.

Step 1. Test Your Deck 
Besides any obvious signs your deck is ailing, you can also do a simple test to see if your deck needs a fresh coat of stain. Drop several drops of water onto the deck. If the water beads up, the deck is still protected and doesn't need to be refinished now. If a drop soaks into the wood, it means the old finish has worn away leaving the wood unprotected. It's time to stain.

Step 2. Prepare the Surface
Before you start, remove everything from the deck including furniture and potted plants. Loosely cover any delicate or fragile ground plants adjacent to the deck with tarps or drop cloths. Sweep off loose debris with a broom and clean between the cracks using a slender stick or tool. Sand splintered areas with a pole sander, repair damaged boards and hammer in popped-up nails.

Use a garden hose or a pressure washer to spray the surface of the deck, forcing away dirt, dust, oil and grease. Begin at one end of the deck and continue until you have rinsed the entire surface and removed as much dirt as possible. If you use a pressure washer, keep the pressure set to less than 1,000 pounds per square inch and leave a few feet between the spray nozzle and the deck to avoid damaging the wood. Set it to spray a fan of water so it pushes dirt and debris away faster. Spray between the decking boards to eliminate any remaining debris.

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Step 3. Apply Cleaners & Brighteners
Deck cleaning products or deck “brighteners" are available in a variety of types and strengths. Some offer a special chlorine bleach formula for eliminating mold, mildew and algae. Before you start, you should know chlorine bleach formulas might require more frequent cleanings. Consider using a non-chlorine bleach cleaner instead.

Make sure your deck is compatible with whatever cleaner you choose, especially if your deck is made of soft wood like redwood or cedar. Check the manufacturer's instructions to see whether you should start with a dry or wet deck. Try to clean on a calm day to keep wind from blowing the cleaning agent around the yard. Use a deck stain applicator to apply the cleaner to the entire deck, being sure to not allow cleaner to puddle anywhere.

Scrub tough areas with a stiff brush or a broom. Don't use any wire brushes — wire bristles can break off into the wood and cause rust spots. Follow the product's instructions regarding how long to let the cleaner soak into the wood, usually about 10 to 15 minutes. After the cleaner has been allowed to soak, rinse the deck thoroughly with a hose.

• Cleaners contain bleaching agents, so wear protective clothing, safety goggles and rubber gloves.

Step 4. Choose a Stain
Inexpensive deck sealers, such as clear or tinted water repellent, provide only basic protection. These options generally don't last as long as semi-transparent or solid stains. Semi-transparent stains last about three to four years; solid stains can last five years or more depending on the weather. What's more, solid stains come in a wide variety of decorative colors. Because they contain a significant amount of pigment, they are useful for covering up the damaged wood fibers of weathered wood.

• When choosing a stain, remember the finished color varies based on the wood itself. If you are applying a new stain over an old one, choose a color that is similar to or darker than the original. Test the stain in an inconspicuous area to ensure you are satisfied with its color and appearance on the wood.
• Do not apply a liquid-resistant sealer prior to deck staining or the solution will be unable to soak into the wood.

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Step 5. Apply Stain
Apply a thin, even coat of stain using a paint roller with an extension handle, covering three boards at a time. You might also consider using a spray applicator — this provides the most even application. Do not allow stain to puddle. Repeat the process until the entire deck is covered. Use a paint brush to cover corners and other difficult areas such as steps, railings, board ends and cracks. Apply two coats if needed.

• Never leave used rags, brushes or stain containers out in the direct sun; they could combust and start a fire.

• The best temperature range for refinishing a wood deck is between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not apply stain in direct sunlight — you don't want it to dry too quickly and not absorb properly.
• Speed up the application process by enlisting an assistant to follow you with a paint roller to spread any puddles, a process known as "back rolling."

Allow stain to dry completely before replacing furniture and potted plants. Wait a couple of days before letting people walk on the deck.

Step 6. Clean Up
Rinse your roller covers and brushes with water or paint thinner until the water or solvent runs clear. Store applicators in plastic bags or hang them on nails or hooks to dry. Pick up drop cloths.

Step 7. Maintain Your Deck
A new deck needs to be refinished every six to 12 months. As your deck gets older, the stain lasts longer so you don't have to refinish as often. Do the water test every year and remember that the best time to refinish your deck is in the fall or spring.

Congratulations! With a little work, you've given your deck a fresh new look and protected it for the upcoming winter. For all your projects around the house, head to your local True Value hardware store to get the tools, products and expert advice you need to start right.

For more projects, go to TrueValuePaint.com. >

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