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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. Other signs your deck needs staining are: The deck has mold or mildew buildup. Water soaks into the deck boards and no longer beads up.
What time of year is best 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.
How long should you wait to stain deck?
Depending on the wood and drying conditions, you should usually wait 4 to 8 weeks after installation before staining a deck.
Should a new deck be stained right away?
You can stain a new deck immediately after installing your deck, but this is not the best time to do it and here’s why: the lumber is still too wet. The best time to stain a new deck is 3 to 12 months after installing it.
What happens if I stain my deck too early?
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.
What is too cold to stain a deck?
Avoid the Cold If it drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit before the stain has thoroughly dried, it can hinder the curing process. Penetrating stains may fail to penetrate, and the stain’s adhesion could be compromised.
What is the best temperature for staining a 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.
Can you use a roller to stain a deck?
A paint roller can be used to roll stain on. A wide 18-inch roller may work well for staining a few fence or deck boards at a time but a mop or stain pad will hold more stain lessening the amount of time you have to dip back into the stain bucket.
Do you need to pressure wash a new deck before staining?
If you’re staining a newly-installed deck, you probably don’t need to power wash it. You can also use a cleaning solution in the same way on an old or dirty deck that could be damaged by high-pressure spray, although you will need to scrub the deck with a stiff brush after letting the solution sit for a few minutes.
Can you stain treated wood right away?
Kiln dried pressure-treated lumber: Dry treated wood is ideal because you can confidently stain it right away with either oil- or water-based exterior stains. To recognize it, look for a tag or stamp that says KDAT (kiln-dried after treatment) or ADAT (air-dried after treatment).
How many coats of stain should 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.
When Can I stain pressure treated wood?
It’s important to wait until your pressure-treated wood is completely dry before applying stain, as the chemicals used to treat the wood often leave additional moisture behind. Drying times range anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on such factors as weather and climate.
How do I know if my deck is dry enough to stain?
Another way of checking if your wood is ready for stain is to pour a little water on the wood. If the water beads up, the lumber still too wet to be stained or painted. If the water is absorbed into the wood easily, it’s ready to be sealed or stained.
How long does deck stain need to dry before rain?
Also, try to avoid staining your deck right before it rains. Most stains require at least 2-3 hours for drying.
Can new pressure-treated wood be stained?
New pressure-treated wood needs to dry after construction before it can be stained or sealed. Without waiting for the wood to dry, stain and sealant would not penetrate the wood properly, diminishing its ability to protect the wood from weather damage.
What if it rains after I stain my deck?
If it rains within 48 hours after you apply the stain, the water will soak into the wood pores and try to displace the stain. This will result in a splotchy surface rather than an even tone. If it rains right after you apply the stain, the stain will peel and flake off.
Can you stain wood in 40 degree weather?
Wood stain works in a wide range of temperatures. Staining at temperatures ranging from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit usually works, but the optimal temperature is around the mid-70s, not too hot and not too cold. Give the wood time to warm up if it’s colder than the room air.
How long should you wait to put on a second coat of stain on a deck?
If a second coat is required, wait 4 hours between applications. Depending on temperature and humidity, allow 24 – 48 hours of dry time before using your beautifully restored deck or porch.
When should you not stain a deck?
Apply stain when the temps are between 50 and 90 degrees, and avoid staining in direct sunlight if possible. Sun dries out stain quickly and can create uneven color or brush marks. Check the weather forecast to make sure you have several dry days ahead.
How do I keep my wooden deck from getting hot?
4 Ways to Cool Down Your Decking Protect Your Feet from the Hot Decking with Rugs. Cool Wood decking by Painting a lighter Cool. Cooling the Deck with Air Movement. Using Fans to Cool Down Your Deck. Cooling Your Deck with Misters. Decorating a Deck to be Cooler. Using Plants and Trees to Cool Your Deck.
What is the best way to apply decking stain?
Deck stains can be applied in several different ways. Using a pump-up garden sprayer and roller are two popular methods. Regardless of how you apply your wood stain, keep a paint brush at hand. A paint brush will work the stain deep in to the pores of a board.
How can I stain my deck without streaks?
The easiest way to avoid lap marks is to purchase and use a stain that takes longer to dry. One TIME™ Wood Preservative takes time to cure into the wood, so it is the perfect stain to apply in this situation.
Is it better to sand or power wash a deck?
Splintered, cracking, or just plain rough wood should be sanded first, then pressure washed to open the wood’s pores and allow penetration of the stain. Deeply grooved wood that has mold, moss and other growing things filling the cracks will need treatment with a deck and siding cleaner.
