What Is a Good Stain for a Deck?

A good deck stain is not just a cosmetic product. It must extend the life of the wood by protecting it from weather as well as from abrasion. Your major priority in choosing the stain is its durability.

Sunlight

The more exposure to the sunlight your deck receives, the sooner your stain will wear out. Light-colored stains will allow more of the wood to show through, but they fade more quickly. Protection against ultraviolet rays depends mostly on how dark your stain is.

Moisture

A good stain must also protect against moisture, whether it's rain, snow, dew or spills. Wood is a material that develops cracks, which allows penetration by water.

Environmental Concerns

Water-based stains are more durable than oil-based stains, especially if they are a solid color. They contain fewer volatile organic compounds, which makes these stains more environmentally friendly. They also dry faster and clean up more easily.

Wood Preparation

If you are refinishing a deck, the new stain may not be compatible with the old one. No matter how durable your new stain, it may be necessary to completely remove the old stain by sanding or power washing to ensure the surface is clean and smooth before refinishing.

Damaged Wood

Replace any wood that shows rot or damage before you apply stain. Otherwise, your new stain will fail sooner.

References

• Your Guide to House Painting: Wood Deck Stain