About Deck Stains
Deck stains protect and beautify your wooden deck. Paint can do the same thing, but the difference between stain and paint is that when you use stain, the grain is still visible; with paint the grain is obscured.
You can stain your deck with any color wood stain imaginable. You can use a stain that will cover the wood almost like paint, or a semitransparent type that will allow more of the wood grain to show through. There are some brands where you can use a small amount of stain to allow the grain to show through and then the more stain you use, the more coverage is achieved. With this type of stain the grain is not as prominent, though still visible.
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The Facts
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Deck stains make your deck look beautiful, but aside from the aesthetic value, deck stains serve to protect the wood. Unprotected wood will succumb to the ravages of sun, water and insects much faster than wood that is treated with a stain.
Some deck stains have a water sealer incorporated into them. This saves time, so you don't have to apply the water sealer separately.
Depending upon the wood, the stained color may or may not be what you bargained for. Different wood stains differently. For example, if you stain pine with pecan--a particular color of stain--it dries to a very pink color. Be sure that you test a piece of your deck wood, in a hidden place, so you know what color it will be when it dries.
Function
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Deck stains can add life to your deck. A stained deck will be more resistant to insect attacks, sun damage, and rot caused by water seepage.
Deck stains also allow you to personalize your deck. The myriad colors available give you vast flexibility.
Staining your deck will make it stand out better, as well. The color you choose for your deck can either complement or contrast with the color of your house. Be sure you check with your homeowners association for any rules as to color of decks. -
Effects
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Deck stains may be applied in one coat or several. Either way, the wood grain will be highlighted and your deck will be protected from the elements. If you are applying more than one coat, make sure the first coat is dry, or almost dry, before applying another; that way the stain will perform the best it possibly can. If you are applying a water sealer separately, again be sure the stain is completely dry before applying the water seal.
Time Frame
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The time required to complete a stain project depends upon the size of your deck and the weather.
You will need 1 gallon of stain for 250 to 300 square feet of deck. Make sure you have enough to complete your project, because, different cans of stain will have subtle differences in color--they won't match exactly.
Weather is another factor; if it is too humid, it will take much longer for your first coat to dry. Thus, you may not be able to apply your next coat until the next day or even later.
Do not apply stain in the rain. It will run and not adhere.
If the weather is too hot, the stain may dry too quickly and won't cover the deck evenly.
If the weather is right, and your deck is a moderate size--8 feet, by 8 feet--then the staining project should take you about a day, including the drying time between coats.
Risk Factors
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Deck stains are dangerous, even fatal, if swallowed. Be sure to keep them away from animals and children. Call poison control immediately if ingested.
Do not get deck stain in your eyes. Wear safety glasses to prevent this.
Many deck stains wash off your brushes with water but they do not come out of clothing. Wear old clothes or coveralls when applying stain.
Deck stain kills grass. Put a drop cloth over the grass and any shrubs to protect them.
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