How to Stain a Redwood Deck

The California Redwood Association recommends deck stains with fungicide and UV protection.

While a redwood deck has more natural protection than a deck constructed of treated pine, it's still important to protect your investment. Regular deck cleaning is important for the long life of a redwood deck. It's also important to apply an appropriate deck stain to give the redwood additional protection. The California Redwood Association recommends that the deck stain include both fungicide and ultra violet protection. Choose a deck stain with the finish you desire. Some products help the wood retain its red color, while others allow the wood to naturally turn gray.

Things You'll Need

• Soft bristled brush
• Garden hose
• Detergent
• Bucket
• Bleach
• Trisodium phosphate (TSP)
• Rubber gloves
• Stain
• Paintbrush
• Roller
• Garden sprayer

Instructions

1. Clean the deck with a soft bristled brush and running water. If the wood needs more cleaning than water alone can provide, mix a capful of dish detergent in a bucket of warm water and use that to clean the deck with the brush. Rinse the deck well with water from a garden hose.

2. Scrub mildew spots and rust stains from the deck with a mixture of one part bleach, one part trisodium phosphate and four parts water. Wear rubber gloves. Rinse the wood well.

3. Restore the color to the wood. Mix 4 ounces of oxalic acid in a gallon of warm water. Scrub the wood. Rinse well.

4. Allow the redwood deck to dry well after cleaning it before applying the deck stain. Depending on temperature and humidity, it may take up to three days for the wood to dry properly.

5. Apply stain to the handrails, vertical surfaces and deck railing with a paintbrush. Take your time and get into every nook and cranny. Do not put an excessive amount of stain on the wood and try not to overlap the product.

6. Use a paint roller or garden sprayer to apply stain to the horizontal surfaces of the deck. Avoid overlapping marks if possible. Use the paintbrush to cover any horizontal spots you can't reach with the roller or sprayer.

Tips & Warnings

• While a new deck doesn't need intense cleaning before staining, the wood should air-dry for at least a month before you apply stain.

• Reduce the frequency of restaining the redwood deck by keeping it clean.

• Apply stain on days when the temperature is in the 50 to 70 degree Fahrenheit range.

• While you may use a pressure washer to clean a heavily soiled deck, using the washer tips incorrectly may cause damage to the wood.

• Read and follow all directions on the stain label.

References

• California Redwood Association: Redwood Exterior Finishes
• California Redwood Association: Restoring Faded Redwood
• Saver Systems: 11 Keys to Staining Your Deck Like a Pro