How Often Should You Restain Your Deck?
Stain does more than just keep your wooden deck looking nice.
By sealing the wood, it keeps it looking great while protecting it from the elements — but how long should you wait between staining projects?
Decks are a marvelous addition to your backyard. From summer barbecues and pool parties to enjoying family dinners in that fall sweet spot when it’s too cold for bugs but not too cold to enjoy watching the leaves change colors, a well-maintained deck is often the centerpiece to outdoor home activities. The keyword there, however, is well-maintained.
A deck that’s been left neglected can also become an unsightly safety hazard. With that in mind, a simple restain can make a big difference in how your yard looks and how well you can enjoy your outdoor investment.
In this article, we’ll explore how often you should restain your deck, signs to look out for, factors to consider depending on the climate you live in, and how to get the most out of each new coat.
When Should You Restain Your Deck?
While the warmer, sunnier months are usually the answer to this question, knowing exactly when to stain your deck depends on where you live. For instance, here in Sheboygan, WI, mid-to-late spring can be an ideal choice because it’s not too hot or cold. This can extend to early summer, provided it doesn’t get too muggy. Humidity and temperature affect how the stain sets. Too hot and the stain will evaporate before it can absorb properly into the wood; too cold and the stain sets too quickly before it can adhere, causing cracking and peeling.
With that in mind, if you can find a few days between the mid-50s to mid-80s Fahrenheit with a bit of clouds (since too much direct sunlight can also affect stain quality), you’ve found the perfect time to refinish your deck.
How Do You Know It’s Time to Restain?
The rule of thumb when it comes to deck restaining is every 2-3 years. However, this depends on a few factors, including climate and weather, traffic and usage, and what your deck is made out of (newer materials are easier to maintain than, say, older decks with weathered wood). Still, this rule is the base level for maintenance.
There are a few signs that it might be time to restain your deck sooner than later. These include:
Faded wood due to UV exposure (this is especially true in hot, dry climates).
Cracking, decaying, warping, or splintering wood (be sure to replace these boards before applying a new stain).
Water absorption (water should bead on top of the stain).
Worn stain (if the stain itself is cracked or peeling, it should be replaced).
Remember, wood stain isn’t just about appearances. A good waterproof stain keeps your deck safe from the elements as well as mold, mildew, and other pests that’d love to make a nice meal from all that wood left out in the sun and rain. That said, if your stain or the deck itself is starting to look worn, it’s better to address the problem while it’s still easily manageable before it grows into a much bigger issue.
Other Factors to Consider
Temperature, humidity, and frequency of refinishing are a few of the main factors when it comes to keeping your deck in tip-top shape. However, just as each deck is unique to the house it’s attached to, there are a few other considerations to make when deciding how and when to restain your deck.
New Deck vs. Old Deck Restaining
It goes without saying that a new deck should be stained as soon as possible. But when and how you stain it is dependent on a few factors. From soonest to latest, these are:
Kiln-Dried Lumber: the typical wood you might find at a hardware store; since it’s already dried, you can start staining in about a month or two.
Pressure-Treated Lumber: this kind of wood has had additives like fire retardants and preservatives injected into it at high pressures to increase its longevity. Though it’s mostly been dried, the process isn’t as effective as kiln-dried lumber. Stains should be applied after about six months.
Green Lumber: as the name implies, this type is fresh off the tree. Because of its moisture content, green lumber is prone to warping and cracking which doesn’t make it suitable for decks – but it’s cheap which makes it an attractive choice for would-be deck owners. This kind of lumber takes a year to thoroughly dry for every inch of thickness and may require additional prep such as sanding or pressure washing before stain can be applied.
As for existing decks, you can use the same 2-3 year rule of thumb with those wear-and-tear caveats as discussed earlier.
Additional Repairs
Whether you’re painting an interior wall, your home’s siding, or applying stain to your deck, these kinds of projects are great times for you to inspect whatever surface you’re working on properly. It might be tempting to just cover mold, dirt, and damage with a thick coat of paint or sealant, but this is a weak bandage for a problem that’ll only get worse.
Some splinters or superficial damage can be fixed with a quick sanding or pressure washing, but decay, damage, or old boards bloated from water absorption should be replaced as soon as possible. By letting these problems worsen, you risk the safety and structural integrity of your deck – and if mold problems are close to where the deck and your home meet, this problem might spread beyond the deck.
Choosing Wood Stain Colors
It may be tempting just to choose whatever color catches your eye, but there’s a trick to making the most of the stain and the wood it’s coating. For instance, if you’ve chosen a wood that looks beautiful on its own, using a light or even transparent stain and sealant can highlight its natural appeal. On the other hand, if your deck is worn with boards that have been replaced or stained at different times, a darker, solid stain will make everything look more uniform.
In a similar vein, if you prefer a more natural look, lighter stains work best, whereas darker stains (or even paint) can give a deck a more modern feel to it.
How to Increase the Longevity of Your Stain
Even if you really enjoy staining projects, you can save yourself a lot of time, money, and stress by maximizing the longevity of your stain. To make the most of whatever stain you choose, follow these steps:
Remove any traces of the old deck sealant either by scrubbing with a stiff brush or applying a deck finish remover. If you plan on using a lighter or different-colored stain than before, be sure to remove the original stain as well.
Once the old sealant, stain, and remover are removed, pressure wash the deck with the grain of the wood. Be sure not to have too high of pressure or angle to avoid damaging the wood – especially if the material is old.
Once the deck is dry, apply the stain and let it cure for 24-48 days.
Apply a fresh coat of sealant as necessary (some stains may have additional sealants added in so be sure to read directions on all containers you’re using).
In addition to these steps, keeping some shade on your deck can help protect it from premature weathering due to UV exposure or too much rain.
Leave Deck Staining to the Professionals at Icon Painting
While refinishing your deck can be a worthwhile warm-weather project, making sure you choose the right colors, sealants, and type of stain depending on the wood, climate, and other factors can get overwhelming. If you need help or are looking for someone to tackle this project for you, give the experts at Icon Painting in Sheboygan, Wisconsin a call today.