How to Finish a Hardwood Deck With Stain

Finish a deck with wood stain.

Applying a stain to a hardwood deck gives the wood a darker tone. Before staining a deck you should remove furniture and plants, then clean the surface thoroughly. Staining a dirty deck locks in dust and grime, leaving a pebbly appearance in the stain. After sweeping and washing the deck, allow it to dry completely before staining.

Things You'll Need

• Wood stain
• Paint pan
• 3-inch paint roller
• 3-inch paintbrush
• 6-inch paint roller

Instructions

1. Pour a portion of the stain from the can into a paint pan. Wet a 3-inch paint roller in the stain. Cover any railings or posts with the stain and work the roller with the direction of the wood grain. Roll the paint roller back and forth, covering the surface evenly and generously with the stain.

2. Dip a 3-inch paintbrush into the stain. Use the brush to stain areas that were not covered with the roller, such as tight corners at the tops or bottoms of posts.

3. Stain the floor, beginning at the rear of the deck and working toward the outer edge or the steps. Wet a 6-inch roller in the stain. Start at the end of one deck plank and roll the stain down the length of the wood. Re-wet the roller as needed, and continue to finish the same plank. Start with the next deck plank and continue in the same manner, working toward the outer area of the deck.

4. Roll the stain onto any steps on the deck, covering the tops and sides. Brush the stain generously onto the rough ends of the deck planks, as these areas soak up more liquid. Avoid walking on the deck for 24 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not apply stain to wet or damp wood.

• Avoid staining the deck in direct sunlight.

• Avoid leaving puddles of stain, as it will leave dark circles on the hardwood deck.

References

• House Painting Info: How to Stain Your Wood Deck - the Right Way