How to Choose the Right Stain for Your Deck

The right treatment allows for years of outdoor enjoyment.

The right deck stain is extremely important for the life of your deck. Decks come in all different styles and types of wood, but no matter the type, you need a high-quality stain. High quality, of course, translates to higher cost, but you won't be sorry. Skimping on stain only means you'll have to refinish the deck sooner, and deck refinishing is not fun. The major consideration when staining a deck is what look you wish to achieve. Narrow your choices by deciding if you want to preserve the look of natural wood or color it.

Instructions

1. Show off the characteristics of the wood with a clear coat. Clear coats seal and waterproof the wood. The main drawback to clear coats is that they provide minimal UV protection, and when it comes to decks, UV rays can do more damage than water. For UV protection, choose a translucent stain with transoxide pigmentation, which provides UV protection, according to the website Extreme How-To.

2. Color the deck. Select a decking stain to add some color to the deck, but in a natural, earthy hue. Decking stains come in a small variety of colors and provide more UV protection because of their additional pigment.

3. Select one of the many colors available in solid-color decking stain. These have much heavier pigments, provide exceptional UV protection and allow you to match your deck to just about anything in the house or yard.

4. Choose a high-quality product specifically designed for decks. Decks are exposed to the weather in every season -- cold and hot -- and endure water, foot traffic, furniture being dragged across the surface, and food and drink spills. If you want to be able to enjoy your deck, start by treating it right.

References

• Extreme How-To: Tips for Maintaining Outdoor Wooden Decks