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The best stains should last three to five years on a deck, and even longer if applied to siding or fences, which don’t get as much abuse. “The sun and water beat down on a deck, snow can pile up, and even dirt and mildew spores can settle on the flat surface,” says Rico de Paz, Consumer Reports’ wood stain tester.
How long is deck stain supposed to last?
Many homeowners wonder, “How often should I stain my deck?” To keep a deck looking great and prolong the life of the wood, a deck should be stained every two to three years.
How often do you need to stain your deck?
Typically, homeowners should restain horizontal surfaces such as decks every two to three years. Poor deck upkeep will decrease the time you have to enjoy the deck before restaining it, while good deck upkeep may give you another year or two before you need to restain the deck.
How can I make my deck stain last longer?
The easiest and most effective way to prevent your deck stain from peeling is to go over your deck with a proper sealant. Deck sealers essentially waterproof your deck, keeping moisture from contacting the surface directly.
How long does wood stain last on wood?
How Long Does Stain Last on Wood? Exterior wood stains generally last about three to five years on wood due to the effects of sunlight. However, the UV rays tend to shorten the lifespan of stains on wood.
Does stain go bad over time?
Oil-based stain can be kept for 1 year if the cans have been opened, but unopened cans will last 2 – 3 yrs. Water-based stain will last 1 year, if opened, and 2 years, if unopened. Oil-based varnishes will be good for 1 year, opened or unopened.
What time of year should I stain my deck?
The best time to stain your deck is either the spring or the fall. If you stain your deck in the summer, make sure you do it out of the direct sunlight. Applying a deck stain in direct sun will cause the stain to dry to quickly and can result in premature stain failure.
Is staining a deck worth it?
Staining a deck will lead to less work in the future. One of the main reasons the professionals don’t recommend staining wood decks is because of the amount of time and energy involved. Stains don’t generally last more than a year. This means yearly cleaning, staining and, if necessary, sanding of your deck every year.
How many coats of stain do you put on a deck?
The general rule of thumb is to apply only as much deck stain as the wood can absorb. Typically this will be 2 coats, unless your dealing with extremely dense hardwoods which may only be able to absorb 1 coat of wood stain.
What happens if you stain a new deck too soon?
Staining too soon can lead to the stain not being absorbed by the wood and result in a patchy and failed upgrade for your deck. Make sure the wood has dropped all of the excess moisture before trying to apply stain. Test to make sure that water is absorbed by the wood which ensures this drying process is done.
Why does my deck stain peel every year?
Deck stains will generally peel for two basic reasons: over application and poor adhesion. This is simple — too much stain on the surface of the wood. With deck stains, specifically with semi-transparent finishes, more is not better. You only want to apply as much product as the wood can easily absorb.
Is it better to seal or stain a deck?
Sealing a deck is best for cedar, teak, mahogany, or other quality woods as it enhances the wood grain and natural color. Staining a deck protects the wood from mold, mildew, moisture, and rot, and UV rays and sun damage.
Can you stain over stain deck?
Can I stain over a stained deck? If your deck is in good condition and you’re looking to apply a maintenance coat to keep your deck looking new, then yes… you can stain over a stained deck. It’s the same if the surface of your boards are starting to look really worn and faded. Applying more stain won’t hide the damage.
Can I use old stain?
If the stain is dry, then it’s still good to use! If the wood stain didn’t dry properly, that’s a huge problem, and it’s time to throw your stain away.
Will deck stain lighten over time?
Stains come in semi-transparent colors and opaque colors. So, while the color will lighten over time, the effect is less noticeable and the deck looks better between staining sessions. Flaking opaque stain on a treated wood deck. An opaque stain or a paint also requires more prep time before refinishing your deck.
Why is my deck stain clumpy?
“A sticky or tacky deck is usually due to over-application or failing to wipe the excess stain from the surface of the wood. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose and spray nozzle, and let the wood dry. This removes any tackiness or residue.”Aug 31, 2011.
Can deck stain go bad?
Unopened cans of deck stain – just like regular paint – have a shelf-life of up to 5 or 6 years before they start to deteriorate. So if you didn’t have time to start your project this year then there’s no reason to worry. Make sure to store the deck stain in a temperature-controlled room. Do not let the stain freeze.
What happens if wood stain freezes?
Most stains will be fine because freezing doesn’t affect color. Some of the dyes will coagulate.
How long does exterior wood stain last?
The best stains should last three to five years on a deck, and even longer if applied to siding or fences, which don’t get as much abuse. “The sun and water beat down on a deck, snow can pile up, and even dirt and mildew spores can settle on the flat surface,” says Rico de Paz, Consumer Reports’ wood stain tester.
