Deck Staining Help and Tips

Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood. This article is one of my best, as it fully explains all the different deck stains available. It is a must-read for any consumer researching wood and decking stains. See here for more info about me. What Type of Stain Should I Use on My Deck? Homeowners who are choosing a deck stain should find a high-quality product that is most suitable for your specific deck based on its condition. Among the primary distinctions is the transparency or opacity of the stain, as the options range from clear, transparent, semi-transparent, semi-solid, and solid. For example, a more transparent …

Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood decking. My Best Deck Stain 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. Elevate Your Deck with Premium Wood Coatings Whether preparing for a DIY deck-staining project or looking for the perfect stain to share with your contractor, I’ve got you covered. I have rounded up the eight best deck stains available in 2024, including oil-based stains, water-based stains, and semi-transparent and solid options. Scott’s Professional Guide to Buying Deck …

The Quick Answer: How to Stain a Deck   In truth, there is no “best or easy” answer for how to properly stain a deck. The process begins by choosing a stain suited to your deck’s current condition and your region’s climate. Next, you’ll choose the correct combination of application tools for the job. Although some deck stains provide substantial coverage, flaws and imperfections in the surface will likely remain visible at the end of your project. That’s why I tell people not to cut corners when preparing wood—the prep process is critical. I like to start by completely removing any existing coatings or stain, replacing any boards with severe damage, lightly sanding the surface to remove any splinters if …

Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in new deck staining and prep. My new wood stain reviews and help tips are based on my history as a wood and deck restoration contractor and actual hands-on testing, all designed to present you with the top product choices. See here for more info about me. Want to Stain A New Deck in 2024? Every spring, I get hundreds of questions about when to stain a new deck, wood fence, or exterior of a wood home. This is the second most popular question on DeckStainHelp.com, so I created an updated and comprehensive guide to staining a new deck, including some …

Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior deck staining. My reviews for semi-transparent wood stains 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 product choices. See here for more info about me. My Best Semi-Transparent Deck Stains Whether you’re getting ready to redo an existing deck or looking for the perfect semi-transparent stain for a new addition to your home, choosing the right product can significantly impact your stain’s durability and long-term appeal. In this guide, I compare the best semi-transparent deck stains of 2024 and answer some commonly …

I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in clear wood sealers. My 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 product choices. See here for more info about me. What is the Best Deck Sealer in 2024? What is the Best Deck Sealer for my exterior wood? This is a popular question I receive on DeckStainHelp.com. Deck Sealers typically come in two types: a clear sealer and a lightly pigmented Transparent Deck Sealer. Both types are penetrating and will thoroughly soak into the wood. In this article about the Best Deck …

I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior semi-solid wood and decking stains. My 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 product choices. See here for more info about me. What are Semi-Solid Deck Stains? See my Deck Stain Facts section with over 150 simple Q&A articles that answer all your questions regarding deck staining, cleaning, and prep. I have been using deck stains for 25+ years and reviewing them on DeckStainHelp.com since 2012. In the past 5+ years, I have used more and more semi-solid stains and colors. …

I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in solid-color wood stains. My solid-color stain 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 product choices. See here for more info about me. What are the Best Solid Color Deck Stains Some new solid-color stains have been introduced in the last few years and are better than previous products due to technological enhancements. Previously, solid deck stains were less reliable and could peel or wear over time. Luckily, newer products show less wear and peeling when tested. Read on for a closer look …

Building a deck is an excellent way to add functional outdoor space, enhance the look of your home’s exterior, and potentially increase its value. In all my years of helping people with decks and wood staining, I know the wood you choose is critical to your deck’s aesthetics and longevity. But there is no simple answer regarding the “best” wood to use. You should evaluate them based on your unique circumstances, such as aesthetic preferences, climate, budget, maintenance requirements, and more. I’ll help guide you through understanding the various types of wood, avoiding common pitfalls, some pre-staining tips, and the best maintenance practices. Why Choosing the Right Wood Matters for Exterior Decks As I said, constructing a high-quality deck requires …

At DeckStainHelp, we know staining is a critical maintenance task for the long-term preservation, protection, and appearance of wood decks. Deck stains can highlight the natural appearance of the wood, hide minor imperfections, and create a protective barrier against the potentially damaging effects of sunlight, water, dirt, mold, and mildew. But how do you decide which product you need? Deck stains are categorized according to their opacity: transparent (clear), semi-transparent, semi-solid, or solid. Further, deck stains are either water-based (acrylic) or oil-based. To help understand the differences, I’ll specifically compare solid (opaque) vs. semi-transparent stains for decks and explain the factors to consider when choosing between them. What is Solid Deck Stain? Before diving into the battle of solid vs …

For years now, TWP has been the brand of choice when it comes to professionals. TWP® stands for “Total Wood Protectant” and has been distributed for over 25 years. Offering Superior Protection from UV discoloration, rotting, and water, TWP® Wood Care, and Deck Stains can be used on virtually any exterior wood surface. Brand new is the TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series Stain! Available in 30 Custom Colors, the TWP® Semi-Solid Pro-Series will keep your wood beautiful, fresh, and looking new longer! The ease of application and maintenance will allow you to enjoy your investment for years to come. TWP® Semi-Solid Pro-Series provides a broad spectrum of weather protection, is water repellent, and aids in color retention. TWP® Semi-Solid Pro-Series resists water absorption that causes …

Hi, I am Scott Paul. I have been prepping and stripping exterior wood decks since 1993. To save time and money, we started using Restore-A-Deck prep and stains. These products allow my team to finish the entire deck restoration on the same day! See here for more info about me. Tips on Restoring Your Deck in One Day See our Deck Stain Facts section, which includes over 150 simple Q&A articles that answer all your questions about deck staining, cleaning, and prep. In recent years, a few new deck and wood stains have come to the market, allowing you to prep and stain your deck on the same day. As contractors in the deck restoration business, this allows us to …