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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.
Do you have to stain deck every year?
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 long does stain last on deck?
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 do I know if my deck needs to be restained?
Common signs you can look for that indicate the deck is ready to be refinished: Bad Ledger & Deck Frame. Split or Cracked Boards. Peeling and Flaking Paint. Wood Looks Dry and Old. Splintering Boards. Rotting (Mold & Mildew) Visible On Planks or the Deck Frame. Many Raised Screws, Loose Screw Boards. Faded and Discolored.
When should you not stain a deck?
Extreme heat or sun can work against you when you are staining your deck. The direct sunlight can cause the deck to dry too quickly which will leave water marks. If the weather is forecasting for no rain, and you can expect the temperatures to be below 80 or 85 degrees Fahrenheit, make a plan to stain your deck.
What is the best time of year to stain a 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.
Should you stain a deck twice?
Don’t coat more than twice since too much deck finish can encourage peeling by trapping moisture in the wood. Over coating is a common cause for deck finish failure.
Can you put 2 coats of stain 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.
How long is stain good?
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.
Is it better to stain or seal 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.
What happens if you stain over stain?
If one section dries and is then overlapped, you are effectively applying a second coat to that overlapped area, and this will lead to blotchy finish. If the stain pools during application, you are applying too much at once; cut back.
Can you Restain a deck over old stain?
Yes, it is possible to stain over the existing stain on a deck. It is recommended to do this at least once every 5-15 years, depending on how worn your deck is.
Why does my deck stain keep peeling?
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.
Should I stain my deck or leave it natural?
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. Your professional deck builder will recommend that instead of staining your deck every year, you allow the wood to naturally gray over time.
What is the best temperature for staining deck?
Apply stain only at the proper temperature. For most stains, 70 degrees Fahrenheit is the optimum, with the safety range from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Stains do vary, so check the label first. Avoid high humidity and staining on hot surfaces.
Do you seal a deck after staining?
Most of the time, stains also contain a protective sealant. It’s a good idea, though, to re-seal your deck (or check that it needs to be re-sealed) once a year. Water-based stains can adhere to water or oil-based coatings already present on the wooden surface.
How many dry days do you need to stain a deck?
You will want to set aside a minimum of two days, including drying time. If your deck needs to be power washed, or if the boards on the deck need replacing, you may want to set aside another extra couple of days. Be sure to have all of your supplies ready well ahead of time.
Can you stain a deck if it rains the next day?
It is best to never stain any exterior wood when inclement weather is forecasted, especially rain. Most deck stain brands will warn against the application of their product within 12-24 hours of rain being forecast. Some stains can handle rain shortly after being applied better than others.
Is it OK to stain deck in cold weather?
Avoid the Cold Low temperatures are also detrimental because they lengthen the drying time. If you’re staining your deck in the spring or fall, wait for a day with highs above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If it drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit before the stain has thoroughly dried, it can hinder the curing process.
Can you do a second coat of stain the next day?
Yes. You can apply an additional coat of stain after 24 hours if you want a darker wood color, especially if the first coat takes longer to dry. Just be sure to apply the stain coat the same way you did the first, and wipe off the excess.
Is one coat of stain enough?
Two coats are generally better than one If the deck has been properly cleaned, it should absorb the first of stain well in to the wood. By applying a second, light coat of material, you will fill up the cell structure of the wood (kind of like topping off the tank) and the project will last longer.
