What is Deck Staining?

Would you leave the front of your house empty of siding or paint? Would you consider your home’s exterior complete at its plywood stage? Probably not. And your deck is not complete at that stage, either. Your deck needs a tone and a sealant – it needs to be stained. CertaPro Painters franchise owner Dan Mahaney explains.

What is deck staining?

Staining your deck is a process just as important to your home’s exterior as the front of the house’s paint job. The stain is necessary for your deck both aesthetically and logistically. You want your deck to have a rich tone of wood that you can choose to complement the color of your home. You also want smooth, splinter-proof wood that withstands all weather and all elements. A stain is not only a deck makeover, but also a guard and protector.

A deck stain is sort of like a gloss, or a clear, tinted paint, for the wood of your deck. There are water-based and oil-based stains. While oil-based was formerly the stain of choice, water-based stains have been developed to be more of a frontrunner. They are easier to clean, simply with soap and water, and they let the wood breathe so it stays clean and good as new for years to come. It is best to choose a synthetic water-based stain, as synthetic stains have a much higher resistance against mold, erosion, and general wear and tear.

Deck staining is something you can do on your own. However, you want this job to last for years. It should look good and protect the wood as strongly as it did the day it was applied. Simply, this is most assuredly achieved with a painting contractor. A painting contractor has in-depth knowledge and expertise that only years on the job can provide. What stain will really last and protect the wood against the signs of weather? What stain will achieve a color that nicely matches the color and tone of the rest of the home’s exterior? A painter will also take all of the necessary steps. Staining a deck is not just applying stain. The wood needs to be completely stripped and cleaned down to its bare minimums. That means no leftover paint or old stain, no mold, no dirt, no nothing! You want a blank, pure canvas, and this involves vigorous rinsing and even sanding. A painter will then apply brightener, a sort of proactive primer that keeps the wood looking healthy and fresh. Then the stain is ready to be applied. A painter will do this with the sort of skill necessary for a beautiful, lasting job. The application should be the right balance – not too thick, not too thin.

What are the benefits of having a painter stain your deck?

Your deck will look professionally done and beautiful. Your painting contractor will work with you to choose a color that fits with your home’s exterior and the look you want for your deck. The painter will also make sure the process fits in your budget by offering a detailed proposal that will reliably be the price you pay at the end of the job, no surprises. The process will then be done with painstaking attention to detail and expertise. The job will last and last, and will help your deck withstand all sorts of weather. This is truly the way to ensure your deck looks flawless for years.

What are the risks?

The only risks that can be incurred can just as easily be avoided by choosing a reputable, well-reviewed painting contractor. By going with a company that values customer service and close attention to detail, you’re ensuring that job well done.

Bottom line?

If you’re planning on having your deck stained, it’s really best to call in the pros. If your deck was just built, added on to, or has a stain that is in a state of disrepair, it’s a good idea to give it a new stain, not just because it looks nice and ties the home’s exterior in beautifully, but because it is vital for protecting your deck and keeping it safe.