Deck staining is a great way to protect your deck from the elements and extend its life. But how long does deck staining actually add to the life of your deck? Deck staining can extend the life of your deck by up to two to three years. 

In some cases, it may even add more years onto its lifespan if the deck is properly maintained and cared for. The main benefit of staining your deck is that it helps protect it from moisture and UV damage, which can cause wood to rot, splinter, or fade over time.

Additionally, staining your deck will protect against mold growth and discoloration due to environmental elements. Staining also enhances the beauty of your outdoor living space by creating a stunning color palette. By investing in deck staining now, you can enjoy many years of protection for your outdoor space!

How Often Should My Deck Be Painted? 

As soon as the surface of your deck begins to exhibit indications of damage, such as peeling, bubbling, or flaking, you should paint it. However, despite the fact that paint works wonderfully for finishing off walls and other vertical surfaces, we do not advise using it on decks.

Regardless of how well the wood has been cured, different parts of the wood will contract and expand at different speeds. Because paint on the wood can’t always keep up with this process, you’ll find that it peels off the wood far more easily than stain does most of the time.

Paint is not a good choice for a deck finish for a number of reasons, one of which is that the horizontal surfaces of decks are constantly subjected to the elements and experience a significant amount of wear and tear. 

If your deck has previously been painted, routine maintenance should involve lightly sanding the surface and adding a new coat of paint to any areas where the previous paint has begun to peel. This should be done on an annual basis.

For decks that have never been painted, a penetrating wood stain should be used instead. Penetrating wood stains are created to work with the natural movements of wood and can provide better protection against the elements in comparison to paint. Stains will typically last longer than paint, and they don’t require as much maintenance and upkeep. Depending on the type of stain used, many wood surfaces should only need recoating every two or three years.

No matter what type of finish is used, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of damage or wear on your deck’s surface. In order to keep your deck looking its best and protecting it from future damage, regular maintenance is important regardless of which type of finish you choose.

Finally, when selecting a paint or stain for your deck, always make sure to read the manufacturer’s directions thoroughly and follow them closely. This will ensure that you are using the product correctly and getting the best results possible. 

Additionally, it’s important to use the right tools for the job so you don’t cause any damage to your deck. A good quality paintbrush, roller, or sprayer is essential for applying finish and making sure that it adheres to the wood in a uniform manner.

Signs That It’s Time to Refinish/Stain Your Deck

If the surface of your deck appears to be worn, thin, or spotty, this is a strong indication that it is time to restrain it. Damage to the wood, such as warping and splintering, are additional indicators that the wood needs to be stained. In the event that you do observe this, however, it is highly recommended that you change out a few boards before beginning your work.

You can also perform a straightforward water test to see whether or not additional staining is required. To accomplish this, simply sprinkle a tiny bit of water on your deck. In the event that it beads up and rolls away, this indicates that the deck is in good shape. In the event that the water begins to absorb, maintenance will be required.

When Is the Best Time of Year to Stain a Deck? 

Restoring a deck necessitates a dry work surface. Fall is therefore the optimal time to stain your deck. Spring and summer can be rainy and muggy, and winter temperatures are too low for staining. Aim for many days of dry weather between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and avoid staining in direct sunshine. The stain will dry before the wood can absorb it.

In addition to ideal weather conditions, fall is also the best time of year to ensure maximum deck staining success. During the summer months, decks and fences are often damp from rain or morning dew that may cause problems with the stain. Fall provides a drier surface for better absorption and longer lasting results.

Finally, in order to avoid heavy foot traffic from family barbecues and outdoor parties, fall can be a good time to apply a new coat of stain to your deck. After you’ve given it plenty of time to dry, your family and friends can enjoy its beauty without worrying about tracking dirt on their way out!

Staining New Construction 

If your deck is fresh, you will want to stain it quickly, but not immediately. Before applying stain, a new deck should cure for around 30 days, however this timeline might vary depending on the materials utilized. 

Before applying a stain, pressure-treated wood must dry for a minimum of six months. Before staining, kiln-dried lumber (the most popular) requires one to two months, while green lumber (freshly cut wood) requires one year per inch of thickness. For instance, a 4-inch thick board needs to dry for at least four years.

To determine if the wood has had enough time to cure or season, sprinkle a few drops of water on it. If the beads soak in within 10 minutes, the wood is ready to be stained. If the water doesn’t soak in and instead just beads up on top of the surface, you should wait longer before staining.

As long as you give your new deck plenty of time to fully cure before applying stain, your outdoor space will look beautiful for many years!

Bull Mountain Outdoor Living & Construction is the leading company to choose if you are in need of professional help with refinishing and staining your deck. Our experienced staff is adept at helping you choose the perfect stain for your outdoor space, as well as providing tips and techniques to ensure you are getting the best results possible! Get in touch today to get started!