House painters - wood deck staining and painting tips and tricks

House painters can show you wood deck staining and painting tips and tricks. A wood deck is a great way to create an outdoor living area at your home or office. However, wood decks are exposed to extreme weather elements and need regular maintenance if you want to continue enjoying them. 

Here are some expert answers from house painters to questions we often get asked about deck staining: 

Q: How often should I have my deck stained or painted? 

A: We usually recommend having your deck re-stained every two or three years to keep it in good shape and looking its best. 

Also, inspect your deck every spring to make sure it does not have any immediate maintenance needs, like loose boards, rot, splinters, or protruding nails. 

Your staining schedule and frequency will depend on a few things. 

The first thing is what kind of weather conditions your deck sees. Decks that experience a lot of direct sunlight, snow, ice, and rain will likely wear down more quickly. 

The type of stain you use will also affect how often you will need to re-apply the deck stain. Oil-based deck stains typically last a little longer than water-based deck stains, but there is no exact timeline to know when a deck stain will need a refresh.

Q: When is the best time of year to have my deck stained or painted?

A: Choose a time of year, usually the spring, when weather conditions are ideal for deck staining. Deck stain should be applied when the air temperature and wood surface temperatures are between 50 degrees and 90 degrees. 

Skip the deck stain any time there is rain in the forecast within 48 hours before or after you plan to have your deck stained. Also, it is best to apply deck stain when there is no direct sunlight. 

Q: What should I expect if I am staining my deck for the first time? 

A: If you are having your deck stained for the first time, you should wait for a few days of good weather conditions. Confirm that there is no rain in the forecast for two days before and after you plan to have your deck stained. The temperature should also be somewhere between 50 and 90 degrees. That is why we usually recommend you have your deck stained in the spring when the weather is mild.

The staining process begins by sanding the deck surface and then sweeping away any debris. 

Once the deck is clean, the deck stain gets applied in small sections using a paint roller or a sprayer. It is best to apply one or two thin coats rather than one thick coat, so you will need to wait a while the first coat dries. 

Once the stain is applied, You will need to stay off the deck until it is dry. Drying time will depend on the type of deck stain and the weather conditions. 

Q: What are the benefits of using deck stain?

A: Deck stains help protect your deck from the outdoor elements, and they look nice. 

Applying a good quality deck stain will help the deck repel water and allow the wood to dry more efficiently. It will also protect the deck surface from sun damage. 

Deck stains also enhance the deck’s overall appearance. Since wood tends to turn gray and discolor, a deck stain keeps it looking well-maintained. 

Q: What is the best deck stain to use? 

A: You have two main choices when it comes to deck stain: Oil-based deck stain and water-based deck stain. Each of these deck stains have their advantages and disadvantages. 

Oil-based deck stains usually last longer than water-based deck stains, and they are better at penetrating deep into the wood than water-based deck stains are. Oil-based deck stains are ideal in harsher climates that see cold winters. 

Water-based deck stains will allow more of the deck’s natural coloring to show through. Water-based deck stains also have fewer chemical odors, they are more environmentally friendly, and water-based deck stains are not flammable. Water-based deck stains dry more quickly than oil-based deck stains, but they do not hold up as well over time. 

There are also a few different options for the levels of deck stain transparency. You can choose between clear deck stain, transparent deck stain, semi-transparent, semi-solid, and solid deck stain. This decision boils down to how you want your deck to look and what type of deck stain is already on your deck. You cannot put a clear deck stain over a deck already treated with something like a solid deck stain. 

Q: What can I do to maintain my deck between stains? 

A: Always keep an eye out for maintenance issues with your deck. You can also periodically do a simple water test to confirm your deck is repelling water as usual by dripping some water on the deck surface and seeing if the water beads up. If it beads up, your deck is repelling water like it should. If not, you should consider having your deck stained before winter. 

Also, sweep off any dirt or debris from your deck. If you allow leaves or other grime to accumulate on your wood deck, it can lead to wood rot and pests.  

Q: How much does it cost to have my deck stained by a professional? 

A: On average, it costs about $750 to have your deck stained. Prices range between $540 to $1,050 around the country. That means it costs about $2 to $4 per square foot for materials and labor. 

If you need to strip and stain your wood deck, a contractor will typically charge about $50 per hour, and the project can take between 10 and 20 hours. 

If your deck needs to be sanded and stained, a contractor will charge about $50 per hour, and the job takes about five to 10 hours. 

Wood deck stain alone costs between $20 and $120 per gallon, depending on its quality. 

If you are in the greater Boston area, Spectra Painting Contractors can help you with any deck staining project. Our team of dedicated professionals would be happy to get your deck in great shape for the summer.