Decks and Patios - Deck Stain
About Deck Staining
Introduction
Decks are a great way to extend your home entertainment to the outdoors. Creating an outdoor living space, decks are the perfect place for a gathering with family or friends where one can enjoy the view of the surrounding landscape. To ensure continuous enjoyment of your deck, it is important to care for it like any other part of your house, if not more so.
A deck is exposed to a high amount of foot traffic, sun, rain and other outdoor elements making it a demanding area to protect and maintain. To keep your deck looking good, one must choose the correct deck stain which will do more than any ordinary house paint in keeping your deck looking flawless.
The Different Types of Deck Stains
When choosing between deck stains, you will need to consider the opacity of the deck stain which will in turn determine its longevity. The opacity is the balance of color and protection which could vary greatly between one deck stain and another. The greater the opacity of the deck stain, the more color pigments there are, and the longer the stain will last. Deck stains are classified in the following categories: transparent, semi-transparent, semi-solid and solid. Read on for an explanation of each.
- Transparent deck stains: Offers the least amount of pigments and UV protection. Because it is clear, you get a great view of the natural wood grain and texture. Refinishing needs to be done on a yearly basis. It is available in a few colors.
- Semi-transparent deck stains: These stains provide a rich, pigmented color that at the same time will show the grain and texture of the wood. The typical life span is two years, however if two coats are applied, it could last longer. There are many colors available.
- Semi-solid deck stains: A semi-solid has more pigments than a semi-transparent but still lets some wood grain show. If two coats are applied then it will be the same as a solid color stain. Lasts for three to four years if the deck is prepared properly.
- Solid color deck stains: Covers the grain completely and helps cover wood blemishes while offering maximum durability. It will give a painted look and could have a nice gloss depending on the manufacturer. Colors vary greatly, and you may be able to have a color custom made. This stain lasts for four years or more depending on the color chosen and on the exposure to outdoor elements. Also a good choice for composite decks.
The important thing to remember is that any lightly pigmented stain will degrade rapidly with exposure to sun, rain, snow and other weather conditions. The pigments in the deck stains act as the main defense against these elements. So, the more color a deck stain has, the higher its durability.
All deck stains come with either a water base formula or an oil base one. Oil base stains are known to penetrate better into the wood, and as a result, weather slower and are less likely to peel. Beware though that they have a bad smell and are flammable.
Preparing Your Deck
Before applying your deck stain, it is vital that you thoroughly clean the deck. You can use a pressure washer which forcefully ejects water in order to clean surfaces, or you can use a deck cleaner. Make sure all dirt, dust and wood fibers are removed otherwise the stain may not stick properly and may end up peeling.
Applying the Deck Stain
After the deck has been cleaned and is completely dry, fill a rolling pan or small bucket with your chosen deck stain. Place your brush or roller into the stain, but only enough for a few strokes. Roll or brush stain your deck and take care the stain is being applied evenly. Using a rag, wipe off any excess stain or dark spots. Once finished, let the stain set for twenty-four hours.
