How To Stain a New KDAT Deck DeckStainHelp.com has become the Internet’s go-to site for all things wood deck restoration-related. As before, we recommend you wait 1-2 months to stain new 2026 KDAT wood surfaces to allow the wood to weather, creating an ideal porous surface that will hold the stain better. We encourage customer interaction on our site, so if you have stained a new KDAT surface, we want to hear from you. Feel free to leave us a comment with pictures of your projects if you have them. When to Stain a New KDAT (Kiln Dried Wood) Deck? Right away or wait? Although pressure-treated lumber is protected against fungi and insects, regular maintenance is required to achieve optimal …
Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993
Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993
As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior wood and deck restoration. Scott and his Deck Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 decks in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the deck restoration industry and has contributed to numerous wood restoration forums and informative sites.
In the spring of 1996, Scott opened his first Brick and Mortar storefront in Rochester Hills, MI. Scott relied on his experience and stocked the store with the best wood restoration products available. The store quickly became the go-to place for contractors and homeowners seeking the best products possible for their deck maintenance needs. In 2002, Scott opened his first eCommerce site selling the products he sold through his retail store. This allowed him to offer eCommerce solutions to both contractors and homeowners alike.
Over the years, Scott has used and sold enough decking and wood stain to cover over 100 million square feet. In the past 10 years alone he has helped over 30,000 contributors on his sites with their wood restoration questions and concerns. He has written hundreds of articles on the subject and loves to help homeowners. His goal has always been to help consumers achieve better results through better products and better service than provided by a local big box store.
Scott is only biased toward the products that perform the best based on his own personal experience using the products and in his 20+ years of helping others. Scott has been approached about selling numerous different deck restoration products through the years but selects only the products he has used and trusts to perform.
All the products he suggests through this site are sold through numerous online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott's eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them. You can also contact the manufacturer(s) directly for help in locating products.
eCommerce Deck Stain Sites Operated By Scott:
- www.opwdecks.com
- www.TWPStain.com
- www.DeckStain.com
- www.ArmstrongClarkStain.com
- www.Restore-A-Deck.com
DeckStainHelp.com was conceived by Scott and is his way of giving back and helping promote the use of quality products for better results.
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Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood decking coatings. My Best Deck Stain Canada reviews and help tips are based on my history as a wood restoration contractor and actual hands-on testing, all designed to present you with the top deck stain choices. See here for more info about me. The Best Deck Stain for Canada in 2026 DeckStainHelp.com has become the Internet’s go-to resource for wood deck restoration-related information. Since this article was first released, Restore-A-Deck Wood Stains has been introduced. It is a high-quality, durable, semi-transparent stain ideal for Canadian climates. Our go-to stains for Canada’s climate are: My Top-Rated Deck Stains Canada …
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Hi, I am Scott Paul. I have been staining new and old decks for over 30 years. My Wood Filler help tips for decking are based on my history as a wood restoration contractor and actual hands-on testing. See here for more info about me. Wood Filler for Decks: What Actually Works (and What Doesn’t) Wood filler for decks is one of the most common mistakes I see homeowners make before staining. After 30 years of restoring wood decks, my answer is consistent: exterior wood filler does not work on deck flooring. It cannot handle the seasonal expansion, contraction, and foot traffic that deck boards endure. Even the best “exterior” fillers will crack, pop out, or discolor quickly. This page …
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Preventing Mildew on a Deck Mold growth is a common problem that can arise during the deck staining process. Today we talk about what causes your deck to turn black from mold and how to prevent it. If you have encountered mold during your deck staining project, we want to hear from you. Feel free to leave a comment below with pictures of your deck stain projects. How to Prevent Mold on a Deck from Returning. One of the biggest enemies of a deck is mildew and mold. With moisture being ever so present outdoors, the mold is bound to find its way onto your deck. Typically, mold will begin to appear on the more shaded sides of a deck. …
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Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood. This article fully explains how to stain exterior rough-sawn wood with helpful time-saving tips. See here for more info about me. Staining Exterior Rough Sawn Wood Rough-sawn lumber adds a touch of rustic charm to your home’s exterior —and offers an opportunity to highlight the warmth and texture of natural wood. However, working with rough-sawn lumber differs slightly from staining and preserving smooth wood. Fortunately, the process isn’t difficult, especially when you follow the proper steps to get a long-lasting finish. At DeckStainHelp.com, we’re experts at wood deck restoration, and we’re always glad to help homeowners with their …
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How To Match Different Wood Types with Deck Stains DeckStainHelp.com has become the Internet’s go-to site for wood deck restoration tips. In this article, we offer tips for matching different wood types with deck stains for the best results. If you have used a combination of different wood types for your project, feel free to leave us a comment with pictures. How to Match Two Different Wood Types when staining exterior wood and decking. There are many different types of wood that can be used for exterior applications. Pressure treated pine, cedar, and hardwoods are some of the most common types of decks and other outdoor wood structures. To protect any type of wood from Mother Nature it needs to …
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Hi! I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood staining and restoration. My tips on how much deck stain to buy are based on my history as a wood restoration contractor and actual hands-on project experience. See here for more info about me. How Much Deck Stain Should I Buy? Before staining a deck you need to figure out the deck’s total square footage. Once this calculation is considered, you can figure out how many gallons of deck stain you need by reading the coverage rate of the stain you are buying. On average most deck stains cover 150 to 300 sq ft per gallon depending on …
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Pre-Stain New Wood Decks Before Install? DeckStainHelp.com has become the Internet’s go-to site for professional wood deck staining tips. As before, we recommend you do not stain new wood prior to installation. Instead, wait 3+ months after installation before staining new wood surfaces. This will allow the wood to weather, creating an ideal porous surface that will hold the stain better. We encourage discussion on our site, so feel free to leave a comment. Should you Pre-stain New Wood Before Install? The simple answer is No. Wood decks are a great way to add extra outdoor living space to any home. Not only do they provide a place for the family get-togethers, but they can also add value to your …
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Redwood Deck Staining Tips for 2026 DeckStainHelp.com has become the Internet’s go-to site for wood deck staining tips. As with all different types of wood surfaces, we recommend you properly prep your Redwood before staining. Feel free to leave us a comment with pictures of your completed Redwood projects if you have them. Contents What Makes Redwood Different for Staining Tannin Bleed on Redwood: What to Know Redwood vs. Cedar for Staining Staining a Redwood Deck: Help and Advice Best Stain Colors and Types for Redwood Coverage and Cost for a Redwood Deck How to Apply Stain to a Redwood Deck Frequently Asked Questions What Makes Redwood Different for Staining Redwood has several natural properties that set it apart from …
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Mill Glaze on Wood Decks DeckStainHelp.com has become the Internet’s go-to site for professional wood deck staining tips. We often hear about mill glaze on new wood surfaces. We offer tips on how to remove pesky mill glaze and prep new wood for an ideal surface. We encourage discussion on our site, so feel free to leave a comment below. What is Mill Glaze on Decking and How to Remove? When using new wood to repair or construct a deck it is important to know that the wood will not stay new for long. When wood is exposed to sun and rain it quickly turns gray and begins to soften. The wood will have to be protected with a deck …
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Should You Apply Polyurethane to a Wood Deck? Welcome to DeckStainHelp.com, the internet’s number one resource for wood deck restoration. Over the years, we’ve tested and reviewed countless deck stains and sealers, and we do not recommend using polyurethane on outdoor decks. Key Takeaways Skip the polyurethane – It forms a film that traps moisture, leading to peeling, cracking, and expensive repairs. Polyurethane isn’t built for the outdoors – Sun, rain, and fluctuating temperatures break it down quickly, making maintenance a nightmare. Use a penetrating stain instead – Semi-transparent stains soak into the wood, providing superior UV and moisture protection without peeling. Easier long-term maintenance – Unlike polyurethane, which requires full removal before reapplication, penetrating stains fade naturally and can …
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Bleach to Clean Decks Here at DeckStainHelp.com, we take pride in the fact that we have become the Internet’s go-to source for all things exterior wood and deck restoration-related. Since we’ve published this article, we have received some input on the best deck cleaner to use on wood decks. Like before, we do not recommend cleaners with bleach. Instead, opt for a high-quality cleaner without bleach. We always appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below with pictures of your deck stain projects. Bleach and Wood Decks. Is it a good idea? There is a lot of debate as to whether or not bleach or bleach-based products can be used to clean a wood deck. After all, …
