5 Tips for Staining Your Deck

Staining your deck can make a world of difference to its appearance and it can help your deck last longer, too. While anyone can apply a coat of stain, there are some things that you should--and shouldn’t--do if you want it to look great for longer. Here are five tips for staining your deck like a pro.

Preparation is key

While it might be tempting to just sweep of your deck and slap some stain on it, please don’t. You’ll only be doing yourself, and your deck, a major disservice. Prepare your deck by sweeping, washing it (pressure washers are brilliant for this), and sanding down any rough spots. Look for any stains on the wood--these should be treated with stain stripper so you’ll get a nice, even finish when the deck is stained.

Use a brightener for a lighter, cleaner look

Brighteners can really lift the look of the wood, helping the stain soak in evenly and thoroughly. A good brightener can bring old wood back to life and can make a huge impact on the finished look of your newly stained deck. Just make sure you read the directions carefully--in fact, make sure you read all of the instructions on every product careful, since not every stain or brightener is applied the same way.

Buy the best you can afford

The old adage ‘you get what you pay for’ rings true when it comes to stains. Don’t try to skimp on the stain by buying a product that offers less protection. Cheaper isn’t always better when it comes to protecting your wooden deck from the elements.

Nothing beats a brush and some elbow grease

Many products claim that they can be sprayed on or rolled on easily. That’s all well and good, but you won’t get the even finish that a paint brush provides if you use these other methods. You may be able to compromise and start with a roller, but use your brush to make sure the stain penetrates every crevice for complete, even coverage.

Patience is everything

You can rush through the job of staining your deck, but if you do, you won’t get the results you’re looking for. Not only could your deck look awful, but it could leave the wood with inadequate protections against the elements, meaning you’ve just wasted your time. Be patient, take your time, and your deck will look great all season long.

For more tips on caring for your Halifax deck, visit Windows Plus today.