Summer is just around the corner and backyard BBQ’s and family gatherings are sure to fill your summer weekends. If you have an outdoor deck, you want it to stand up to the weather and traffic. Gathering on your deck should be a joy and easy on the eyes. Rosewood Remodel would love to help you with your deck staining. Whether you are looking to re-stain or paint your deck here are some common deck staining questions to help you get started.
How Long Should I Stay Off Of My Deck After Staining?
While you may want to get right to entertaining, it is recommended that you stay off a newly stained deck for 24 hours. Just like any other paint job, letting the stain or paint dry will yield the best results. Allowing the stain to soak into the wood, set properly and have some time to dry will allow you to enjoy your newly painted deck for a lot longer.
Oil Or Water Based Stain?
Now it’s time to choose a stain, we can help provide tips on what stain to use for your particular deck. Choosing between an oil based stain and a water based stain also comes with choosing if your stain will be transparent, solid or somewhere in between.
Oil based stain may take longer to dry but often provide a smoother finish and sink deeper into the wood. These stains also require less long term maintenance because they are highly durable. Water based stains are easier to clean, non-flammable and don’t release harmful fumes or obnoxious odors compared to oil stains. Water based stains also are resistant to mold and mildew which can be great for places where it rains or snows.
Deck Stain Or Deck Paint?
To add to the choices when it comes to staining your deck, there are multiple options for deck stain and deck paint. Choosing this can depend on the material of your deck and other factors. We can help assess your situation and help you choose the best option for your deck. The biggest difference is that deck stain seeps into the wood and penetrates deep, while paint just adheres to the surface.
Paint provides surface level protection but is also thicker which can be a good option to mask imperfections. But as temperatures fluctuate and moisture comes to your deck, the paint can start to peel and chip. Multiple layers of paint can help combat this problem.
Deck staining helps to emphasize the natural grain of the wood. While it may provide less protection than painting it is better than implementing untreated wood. Adding stain adds some protection and keeps the natural beauty of the wood that you have chosen for your deck.
Should I Sand My Deck Before Staining?
Even if you have a professional coming to stain your deck, they may tell you that it is not a bad idea to sand down your deck first. While sanding is not necessary if you are wanting your deck to look and feel smooth, then you will definitely want to sand down the rough texture of the wood.
If you choose to paint your deck, sanding beforehand will help the paint to adhere in an even coat.
Should I Wash After Sanding?
If you choose to sand your deck, you may want to pressure wash the remaining dust or paint particles away. Once you wash your deck, you should let it dry for at least 24 hours before staining it or having a professional come in to stain. Wood is porous and will open up to the water and soak it in. If your wood is full of water it will not be able to suck up the stain or paint and will cost you extra money to redo the job.
If you do pressure wash your deck, be careful to avoid chipping or leaving indents in the wood. Rinsing the wood off with a lighter pressure hose can also do the trick and avoid damage.
How Many Coats?
It is typical for solid color stains to require two coats. It is important to paint the stain or paint in thin coats in long smooth strokes. Hiring a professional can help you get an even coat and spend less time on your hands and knees making sure you don’t miss a spot. 2 coats helps to ensure that nothing was missed and that there is a good layer of protection for your deck.
How Is The Weather Going To Impact My Deck Staining?
This is an important question to consider when staining or painting your deck. If your deck is in direct sunlight a stain will provide more protection from the UV rays of the sun. Transparent stains are better for wet surroundings because they allow moisture to escape.
In colder temperatures and snow, staining will protect your deck. If you do live in a lower temperature area, you may want to consider applying a water repellent finish every few years to upkeep the look and keep moisture out of the wood for longer. Cold and wet temperatures allow the wood to expand and contract causing it to warp. Applying a stain adds an extra layer of strength and can make your deck more durable and strong.
It is also best to not hire for deck staining in direct sunlight or when it is going to rain. The stain and paint needs time to set and soak in and this will not be possible if weather gets in the way.
How Do I Choose A Color?
Choosing a color is honestly mostly a personal preference and can add a personal touch to deck staining. If you choose a gray or blue this can provide a more modern or coastal look. More natural colors like red, brown, or taupe can look rustic and more natural with the landscape of your yard. You can choose many colors from bold to more natural.
Some stains only come in certain colors so know your options for oil or water based before getting your heart set on a color. Rosewood painting can also provide a color consultation to help you choose paint for your deck or your home. Getting your deck ready for summer with Rosewood Painting and Remodel. Contact us today or request an estimate.
