The Best Deck Stain For Your Backyard Deck - DIY Painting Tips (2023)

FAQs

The Best Deck Stain For Your Backyard Deck - DIY Painting Tips? ›

Is it better to stain or paint your deck? It is better to stain your deck if you want a natural look and paint your deck if you want to add color. Stain is easier to apply and easier on the wood, but painting gives a more protective barrier and lasts longer.

Is it better to stain or paint your deck? It is better to stain your deck if you want a natural look and paint your deck if you want to add color. Stain is easier to apply and easier on the wood, but painting gives a more protective barrier and lasts longer.

Opaque: Sometimes called “solid deck stain,” this product contains the highest percentage of pigment and can protect wood the longest, requiring a recoat every 4 to 5 years. Opaque stain, also the densest, completely hides the wood grain.

Cedar is by far one of the most popular deck colors and will fit on any deck and in any garden. As a rule, it is wise to take the most dominant color in your yard and work from there but with cedar, it is hard to go wrong. The color is not too dark for warm summer days and is perfect for those cozy winter evenings.

Paint lasts longer.

Oil-based paints offer the best protection from moisture, whereas latex paints provide the best defense against UV-related fading. Stain finishes on decks are more short-lived, lasting from one to eight years before requiring re-application.

Done right, an exterior paint job can last 10 years; stain needs to be reapplied more often, anywhere from two to 10 years, depending on the type of stain. One key to how long an exterior finish lasts is how well the surface is prepared.

Fall Temperatures are Optimal for Deck Stain Application

Deck stains should be applied between temperatures above 50 and below 90 degrees Fahrenheit. These last weeks of September, as well as the upcoming weeks of early October, are ideal for completing this maintenance step for your deck.

The first and most obvious reason to roll on deck stain as opposed to brushing it on is that the former allows you to cover a much larger surface area in less time. Rollers are wider, more efficient, and easier to operate. Additionally, using a roller helps you achieve a smoother finish.

Contrast the deck color with the house

Consider deck paint that will contrast with the exterior of your home – particularly for a small deck. It will help define the exterior seating area. Black and white is a classic combination, but you could get a similar look with any dark and light pairing.

Whatever type of stain you use, apply two coats to ensure there are no missed spots and to get a more uniform finish.

How many gallons of stain do I need for a deck? ›

If your deck or patio measures up to 550 square feet, you will need to buy 2 gallons of stain. For very large decks and patios, up to 700 square feet, you will need 3 to 4 gallons of stain to complete the project.

When it comes to choosing the right type of deck stain, you must consider the weather conditions. Water-based stains offer great waterproofing and protection against UV rays while oil-based stains are better suited for resisting mildew buildup and repelling water.

Darker decks are easier to clean since they show less wear and tear than lighter-colored decks. Brown, black and gray are the best choices for easy-cleaning colors.

Valspar One-Coat Semi-Transparent Stain and Sealer

This semi-transparent stain lets the beauty of the natural wood stand out while also protecting it from harmful UV rays. It provides lasting color that won't fade in the sun, and it protects the wood from cracking and peeling in the cold weather.

A penetrating wood deck stain ages and begins to wear it does not peel or flake but instead, it just fades and begins to disappear. They are also normally much easier to remove using a deck stain stripper so a recoat can be applied.

Consumer Reports notes the best time to paint or stain a deck is late spring when temperatures are between 60 and 85°F and the nights are cool. You'll need four dry days for preparation, for application, and for a finish to completely dry.

The ideal temperature range for application is between 50 and 80 degrees and it is important to choose a day when no rain is expected for 24 hours.

You should wait at least two days after pressure washing your deck before you consider staining it, to give time for it to dry.

We always recommend two coats of stain for any wood project, but you should only apply as much stain as the wood can absorb. Extremely dense hardwoods may only be able to absorb one coat of wood stain. The general rule of thumb is to apply only as much deck stain as the wood can absorb.

As with any painting job, it is also very important to prime the surface before applying paint or stain. Your deck boards need to be properly primed because they are constantly exposed to varying temperatures, moisture, humidity, and lots of foot traffic.

What stain is good for outdoor? ›

Water-based and acrylic stains are durable and easy to apply. They're better suited for fences or furniture than decks: They offer a choice of solid, vibrant colors and can be comparable to house paint. They're lower in VOCs (volatile organic compounds) than the alternatives.

Avoid the Heat

If it's too hot, the stain may dry too quickly, potentially causing lap marks and uneven penetration. Avoid staining your deck if it's above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure this, either choose a cooler day or stain your deck in the morning before it gets too hot.

Most oil-based stains must dry for at least 12 hours before they are exposed to any moisture/rain; however, Ready Seal, if properly applied to prepped and dried wood, can get wet within a couple of hours, and it won't wash away. Oil-based stains will generally take 24-72 hours to fully cure.

Avoid applying stain in wet weather or high humidity. Do not stain in direct sunlight. It will dry too quickly and cause the stain to become tacky. Follow the shadow of the sun and stain in the shade.

You can use an airless paint sprayer to apply stain quicker than is possible with a roller or brush. While staining your deck with a sprayer is the fastest way, it helps to have some experience in using a sprayer for the best results.

Applying stain with a sprayer is good too. But, if you are going to use a spray, be sure to set it on low pressure and stay close to the wood. Sprayers are extremely quick and can get into tight spaces – BUT the overspray is one of the biggest downfalls of using a spray gun.

Apply Paint to the Deck

Apply two to three coats to the deck, leaving at least two days between each coat.

But good news – using the wrong wood stain color can be fixed! The easiest thing to do when you don't like your wood stain color is to grab a darker stain, and apply it on top of the initial stain job. If you don't want a darker shade, sanding down the piece and re-staining is also an option.

Gray wood stain colors are the hottest trend in deck décor. From dark to light, you can find a way to make any deck look modern or classic by just giving it a touch of gray. These are our recommendations for the top 4 gray deck stain colors. Beige Gray enhances the appearance of many different kinds of wood.

If a home is clad in lighter gray siding, then a dark gray deck can look absolutely stunning. However, for darker gray designs, you'll want to consider a lighter deck color like tan or a lighter wood hue as it creates a truly one-of-a-kind look.

What is the best time of day to stain a deck? ›

Applying a deck stain in direct sun will cause the stain to dry to quickly and can result in premature stain failure. In the summer, stain your deck in the morning or evening so the deck surface isn't too hot. Remember, the surface temperature of the deck can be much hotter than the air temperature.

To stain a 20x20 ft² deck area, you'll need approximately 2 and 1 quarter gallons (2.25 gal). You can get this result by assuming that 1 gallon can cover up to 175 ft². Also, consider this amount is for one coat of stain. If you plan to apply more than one coat, multiply by the number of stain coats.

If it rains within 48 hours of applying a treatment, the water will soak into the wood, and try and displace the stain. This can cause a blotchy, flaky look, rather than a smooth, even, coat. If it rains immediately after you've stained the wood, the stain will peel and flake off.

A contractor will charge around $1 to $2 per square foot to stain a new deck while refinishing and restaining a deck can cost between $4 and $6 per square foot or more. If your deck is quite old or crumbling, expect structural reinforcement or partial replacement.

Semi-solid stains are a better choice for decks that have seen their share of cookouts. You'll still see some grain, but you'll hide more of the wear and tear your deck has endured. Solid wood stains are for deck surfaces that have a lot of imperfections, or you just want to add a splash of color.

Oil-based stains are not easily penetrated by the elements and are much more durable than water-based stains. These types of stains require less long-term maintenance. While oil-based stains dry more slowly, they maintain a more even finish, making the stain look nicer in the long run.

A wooden patio may turn green when excess moisture is held inside the pores for a long period of time. Mild, mildew and algae thrive in moist conditions such as this. If the wooden patio doesn't dry out, it may develop a slimy film while simultaneously turning green.

Black and other dark-colored vehicles tend to accumulate water spots after rainstorms. They also tend to attract large amounts of dirt, bird droppings, pollen, and other grimy substances that are easily visible.

Why does my deck stain always look dirty? ›

The biggest reason for a deck stain turning black is mildew. All wood surfaces need to be cleaned correctly prior to staining. The use of a quality wood cleaner and pressure washer or scrub brush is necessary to remove all the contaminants like dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and graying.

Opaque: Sometimes called “solid deck stain,” this product contains the highest percentage of pigment and can protect wood the longest, requiring a recoat every 4 to 5 years. Opaque stain, also the densest, completely hides the wood grain. It offers the most coverage short of applying a deck paint.

Clear finishes and transparent stains are fine for new wood, but for older decks, using a semi-transparent stain is commonly recommended. The grain still shows through, but the pigment gives the old wood a clean, uniform color and helps any new wood blend in.

One of the key solutions for how to stop deck paint from peeling is to avoid over-application of the paint and not layer it on too thickly. Use the right paint brush or roller for the job as poor application or painting too thinly can prevent a strong cohesive bond, which can lead to blistering and peeling.

Cleaning a deck before you apply stain ensures that the surface is clean (no dust, dirt, wood fibers or grease), dry and free from mildew. When a surface is not clean, stains and other finishes have trouble sticking and may end up peeling.

While solid stain can resist fading from the sun, it won't resist eventual cracking, peeling, or blistering. This is especially true if the wood is often wet or in direct sunlight. No matter how good the solid stain or the painter, solid stain will eventually peel and need recoated.

Benefits of Deck Stain vs. Paint. If the deck is made with pressure-treated woods, the stain will adhere better than paint. If pressure-treated woods are used, stain seeps into the deck, becoming a part of the deck rather than an added layer, which means that it won't chip, crack or flake.

Staining will prolong the life of my deck.

This will not provide a seal and, therefore, will not give your deck the protection you're looking for. A deck that is elevated may be an exception. It's recommended that your wood be kiln dried and pre-stained on all sides and edges before construction.

Which material lasts longer? A deck made of untreated wood can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years. Decks made of treated wood and composite materials can last as long as 50 years.

You can't stain a wet deck, and you also shouldn't stain your deck just before it rains, so you will need to find a good window of time when your deck is dry and your new stain will have enough time to set.

Should you pressure wash deck before staining? ›

Should I Pressure Wash My Deck Before Staining? Yes, pressure washing your deck before applying a new stain is a good idea. This will provide a much cleaner surface to work with, which should prolong the life of the stain.

Because you want to wait for days that aren't excessively hot or humid, the best times to apply deck stains are in the late spring and early fall, when the weather is moderately warm and dry. Check the weather and find a time when it's not expected to rain for two days before and following the deck treatment.

We always recommend two coats of stain for any wood project, but you should only apply as much stain as the wood can absorb. Extremely dense hardwoods may only be able to absorb one coat of wood stain. The general rule of thumb is to apply only as much deck stain as the wood can absorb.

Deck stains should be applied between temperatures above 50 and below 90 degrees Fahrenheit. These last weeks of September, as well as the upcoming weeks of early October, are ideal for completing this maintenance step for your deck.

Whatever type of stain you use, apply two coats to ensure there are no missed spots and to get a more uniform finish.

In most cases a full body stain or aryllic deck finish will be dry to touch within an hour in dry, hot weather. After two hours you could take a chance and walk on it with shoes, though I'd recommend barefoot. After about 4 hours you should be able to safely walk on your deck.

You'll know if you've over-applied your deck stain because there will be sticky patches or puddles that just aren't drying—the wood has absorbed all it can so the remaining stain has nowhere to go.”

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.