How to Stain a Deck

Staining your deck will keep it looking good - it will restore its natural oils and protect it from ultraviolet rays and water damage. Here are a few steps to help protect your deck from extreme climates and improve its overall appearance.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pressure Washers
• Rollers With Long Handle
• Brushes
• Rags
• Safety Glasses
• Rubber Gloves
• Wood Stain
• Paint Roller Pans

1. Choose a wood stain in your desired color.

2. Thoroughly clean the deck. Use deck cleaner (see Related eHows) or a pressure washer - which uses forcefully ejected water to clean surfaces - for this.

3. Let the deck dry completely.

4. Fill a small bucket or rolling pan with the stain.

5. Immerse a brush or long-handled roller into the stain. Absorb only enough stain for a few strokes.

6. Roll or brush stain deck. Make sure you apply the stain evenly.

7. Wipe excess stain or dark spots with rags.

8. Let stain set for 24 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a paintbrush for hard-to-reach places.
• Avoid staining the deck in extreme (hot, cold, windy) weather.
• Make sure your cleaner is the one designated for the type of wood you are using. For best results use wood bleach to ensure original pigment of wood is acheived in preparations.
• Use extreme care when using a pressure washer - the force of the water can cause injury to people and animals. Follow all the rental company's instructions when using this piece of equipment.
• Wear safety glasses and rubber gloves.
• Dispose of stain according to disposal rules listed on the container or disposal sites in your area.
• Never leave used rags, brushes or containers of stain in the direct sun, or they could combust, creating a fire.

[halapenyoharry]

on 8/9/2009 Shouldn't this tip also include keeping a wet edge?

[showbaby]

on 8/2/2009 how long do you wait after you build the deck to stain/seal?
i've heard to wait a few weeks, and i've heard to let it sit over the winter to 'season'..

[afrobacon]

on 7/11/2009 Kameleoncore: What are you using to apply the stain? A mop? If you are at all careful, there is no need to tape off the siding or other parts of the house.

[kameleoncore]

on 5/30/2009 What about taping off the house? Or am I just slopping stain on that too?

[johnrapp]

on 5/22/2009 if you're going to stain a deck, it's important to first know how to stain a deck. fortunately, there exists this eHow article, written by the H