How to Stain a Deck Surrounding a Pool

Wood decking makes a long lasting poolside surface for much cheaper than concrete or brick.Staining a wood deck that surrounds a pool is essentially the same as staining any other wood deck, with a few extra considerations.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hose and long handled scrub brush
• Five gallon bucket
• Deck cleaner and brightener
• Hammer
• Oil based stain
• Four inch natural bristle brush
• Paint thinner for cleanup

How to Stain a Deck Surrounding a Pool

1. Scrub wood decking by hand rather than powerwashing it. Power washing a deck raises the grain and creates lots of splinters which aren't good for little bare feet. Use a brush sold specifically for scrubbing siding and decks on the end of an extension pole or broom handle, along with commercial deck cleaner and brightener. Follow the directions on the product label.

2. Wet the deck and dip the scrub brush into a bucket of water and deck cleaner mixed to manufacturer's specifications. Scrub vigorously with the grain of the wood, and rinse completely.

3. Hammer down any nails you see sticking up until they are flush with the decking. Keep the hammer handy, because proud nails are easy to miss and you'll probably find more as you are staining.

4. Let the deck dry completely. Three consecutive dry, sunny days is sufficient. Using oil based stain over damp wood can cause the wood to split and crack as the moisture forces its way through the stained surface. If it is extremely humid where you live, consider using a moisture meter to check the wood, or switch to a water based latex stain. Latex stains don't typically hold up as well as oil based stains but they can be used over slightly damp wood. Choose a nice sunny dry day to stain and hold off if rain is likely.

5. Mix the stain well. Depending on how porous the wood is, you should get between 300 to 400 square feet of coverage per gallon. Don't be tempted to thin the stain with paint thinner. If you should find that the stain is too dark or intense, buy some clear stain to dilute the color instead of using thinner.

6. Use a four-inch natural bristle brush to apply the stain. Rolling the stain will leave a stippled finish and won't penetrate the wood and the edges of the boards well and is not recommended. Brush with the grain of the wood, and work as much stain as you can along the edges between the planks. Work the stain in well and don't let it puddle or pool on the surface. If you have rails to stain, do those first.

7. Let the decking dry overnight before use, or before putting any furniture on it.

Tips & Warnings

• If staining new pressure treated wood, ask the lumberyard for an appropriate stain. Pressure treated wood usually has to cure for at least sixty days before finishing.
• Don't use a dark colored stain as this will get much hotter in the summer sun. Use the lightest stain possible. Consider an off-white or gray stain.
• Be careful when brushing the edges. Stain is runny and can drip over the edge easily. Use paint thinner to wipe off drips before they dry.