This post was updated on October 21, 2024
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 needed, thoroughly cleaning/stripping with a deck cleaner/stain stripper, applying a wood brightener, and allowing the surface to dry.
The stain must deeply penetrate the wood to achieve a quality and long-lasting finish. The key is to have the wood absorb the maximum amount of stain possible and remove any excess. Always carefully review the instructions of the product manufacturer. Lastly, allow the deck to dry completely before walking or putting furniture on it.
1st, Here Are the Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Wondering how to apply stain to decking? Check out this posting regarding stain applicators.
Being properly equipped is critical for getting the job done right, so review the following applicator options.
Deck Stain Brushes
For applying stain to edges and other hard-to-reach areas, a wood stain brush is the best choice. To apply oil-based stains, sealers, or toners, choose a China bristle brush, which is composed of natural, animal-based material that provides an even finish. For large areas, a 4 to 6-inch China bristle brush allows you to easily “backbrush” and achieve a uniform finish.
Deck Stain Pads Applicators
Applicator pads or mops are great tools for easily staining large areas. For example, Padco and Shur-Line make quality stain pads of different sizes with replaceable pads that get the job done much quicker. Padco stain pads absorb plenty of stain, which makes them great for large areas. In most cases, we prefer to use a stain pad for the railings and edges. They allow you to “push” the stain into the wood when applying.
Deck Stain Flooring Brushes
Flooring brushes that attach to threaded poles have recently appeared in the realm of deck staining and have shown promise, particularly with clear, transparent, or semi-transparent products. Consider the 5-gallon Wooster Wide Boy Buckets for holding the stain during application.
Paint Rollers for Decks
Often composed of foam or polystyrene fibers, paint rollers are another option for staining your deck. Wide paint rollers are useful for covering large surface areas in a short time.
Paint rollers are less suitable for coating hard-to-reach areas and may waste stain, as excess liquid often drains through the cracks. Rollers generally hold less stain than pads and are not suitable for use with transparent or semi-transparent deck stain products.
Paint rollers vary in thickness based on the “nap.” Rollers with a 3/8 to 1/2-inch nap are best for rougher deck surfaces; otherwise, those with either a 1/4 or 3/16-inch nap are fine.
Deck Stain Sprayers
Pump-up style deck stain sprayers are effective for use with transparent or semi-transparent stains. Models such as those made by Chapin feature three adjustable nozzle settings that work well. Airless sprayers are another option. Despite being more expensive, these work well for most stains, but some people find them more challenging to use at first. Check out these handy spraying tips.
2nd, Pick Out the Right Deck Stain
What is the best deck stain to choose? It depends. You should choose a stain that is best suited for your deck and environment. Some of the variable factors include your climate, the condition of the wood, and the availability of certain stains based on the VOC regulations in your state.
Color and Transparency
The following three types are the most commonly used.
- Transparent: Having a very light tint, transparent stains clearly show the natural grains in the wood (and any imperfections).
- Semi-transparent: With more color options, semi-transparent stains offer more flexibility, such as if you are trying to match the home’s existing trim.
- Semi-solid: They offer superior UV resistance without fully masking the wood grain. Make sure to choose an oil-based version whenever possible.
- Solid: Similar to the texture of paint, solid stains create a uniform coating that hides the wood grain.
Durability
In general, solid stains have the best UV protection, and transparent stains require more frequent reapplication. For example, solid stains should last roughly 2 to 3 years on walking surfaces and 4 to 6 years on vertical surfaces and trim, but since they dry on top of the wood, they can be prone to peeling. Fully transparent stains often need to be applied annually, while semi-transparent stains offer a good balance between the two when it comes to UV protection and durability, lasting roughly 2-3 years on a deck surface when choosing a high-end brand.
Condition of Deck
Decks that are only a few years old will work well with transparent, semi-transparent, or solid stains. Older decks with more wear are best coated with a semi-transparent, semi-solid, or solid stain. For new decks, check out my posting, which explains how long to wait before staining and the surface prep details for new wood.
Climate
Decks in hot and dry climates need strong UV protection, and regions with heavy rainfall need to resist moisture and stop the development of mold or mildew. Be wary of any film-forming stains that dry on top of the wood in a cold weather state where freeze-thaw is an issue, as these stains may be prone to peeling and making reapplication more difficult.
See My Recommended Deck Stains.
A Concise Guide to Different Stain Types
Water-Based vs Oil-Based
In response to environmental restrictions regarding VOCs, the number of water-based stains has dramatically increased. The most stringent states include California, Connecticut, Delaware, D.C., Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont. Parts of these states also have stringent regulations: Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Virginia.
Water-based stains generally lack the capability of deeply penetrating the surface like an oil-based product can. Some benefits of water-based stains include being eco-friendly, resistant to mold and mildew, and usually dry quickly. Oil-based products penetrate and result in a natural-looking finish; however, they take longer to dry and are more odorous.
Solid Color Stains
Known for providing superior UV protection, solid color stains are mostly water-based. Because of their “paint-like” coated finish, solid stains help mask flaws. After applying a solid stain to the deck, it’s unlikely that you could transition to a transparent stain again.
Semi-Solid Deck Stains
Both water and oil-based types of semi-solid stain exist, but significantly fewer manufacturers produce them. Like solid stains, semi-solids hide most of the wood grain and offer excellent UV protection.
Semi-Transparent Deck Stain
Available in water or oil-based formulas, semi-transparent stains offer the “best of both worlds.” Semi-transparent stains will allow for the natural wood grain to show and provide adequate UV protection.
Transparent Deck Stains
Because they have very little pigment, transparent stains create a natural wood finish. You will typically need to stain your deck each year if you choose a transparent stain.
Clear Deck Sealers
Clear deck finishes are easy to apply but are primarily used for repelling water. They offer very minimal to no UV protection and will need to be applied every 6 to 12 months since they gray naturally.
3rd, Choose the Right Day and Time
The time needed to complete the project will vary based on the size of your deck, but typically, I like to set aside a weekend. If you’re replacing damaged boards and performing substantial sanding work, set aside two to three days.
Check the weather forecast for the upcoming days for any chances of rain within 48 hours. The ideal temperature range is between 50 and 90 degrees F. Avoid staining during periods of extreme heat or direct sunlight.
You’re Ready, Here’s How to Stain Your Deck
Wondering how to properly stain a deck? Use the following series of steps.
Lightly sand your wood deck to remove any splinters.
Step 1: Prep Work
Remove all furniture and other belongings from the deck. It is important to remember that old stains, paint, and other imperfections will likely be visible after you stain the surface; thus, always ensure the surface is clean, dry, and smooth. If needed, lightly sand the deck to remove any splinters, moving in the same direction as the wood grain, using 60 to 80-grit sandpaper. Remove all dust and particles by sweeping or using a leaf blower.
Step 2: Clean or Strip Your Deck
Clean or strip your deck using products intended for this purpose and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply the appropriate prep products and agitate the surface thoroughly by scrubbing with a firm brush in the same direction as the wood grain.
After scrubbing the surface, wash with moderate pressure using a power washer around 1500 to 2000 psi. Immediately after cleaning or stripping, rinse thoroughly and apply a deck brightener, which is often called a neutralizer. The brightening process helps open the “pores” in the wood and neutralizes any remnants of the cleaning product you previously applied.
Step 3: Cover, Protect, Control Where the Stain Goes
If necessary, use drop cloths or tarps to cover any surrounding lawn and garden areas. Painter’s tape or cardboard is an excellent means of protecting siding, trim, or fixtures near the deck.
Step 4: Use a Small Paintbrush or Pad to Stain the Edges
Use a brush to paint smaller surfaces and details.
Start by using a small pad or brush to stain railings, spindles, edges, corners, and other tight or hard-to-reach surfaces. Place cardboard on the floor below to catch any drips of stain when working on vertical areas such as railings.
Move Fast!
When edging the deck by the home, be careful not to let the stain dry and keep a wet edge. You want to make sure your stain on the floor will blend properly. Having an extra person help when staining the floor will make the process easier, and the end results much better.
Step 5: Apply the Stain to Large Areas
Start staining the surface areas within 2 feet of the house or other adjacent structures first using a stain pad or large flooring brush. If the manufacturer’s instructions suggest applying two coats, use a sprayer to complete the first and then a wide stain pad or brush affixed to a pole for the second coat. Solid stains are not compatible with pump sprayers; therefore, apply both coats with rollers and brushes. When doing two coats, follow the manufacturer’s dry time instructions in between.
Step 6: Stain the Finer Details
If the manufacturer recommends two coats, you can use a sprayer to apply the first coat.
Check the edges of the floorboards for stain that appears to be running or dripping against the grain, and perform any touch-ups with a brush. Always finish any stairs (steps) last before exiting the deck.
Insider Tip:Touch up any missed or thinly applied areas with a brush or stain pad before the stain dries. This will make the stain blend much better.
Step 7: Wait for the Stain to Dry
Allow the stain to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions before walking on the deck, which should take approximately between 24 and 48 hours.
Should You Add a Sealer on Top of Your Deck Stain?
Good quality deck stains already function as a sealant; therefore, an additional sealant coat is not necessary. Clear sealers provide very little UV protection and cannot be applied over the top of a deck stain as that will lead to adhesion issues and peeling.
Additional Tips Before You Get Started
- Allow the stain to absorb properly and then remove any excess stain, which will likely dry blotchy or uneven if overapplied.
- Avoid applying stain in direct sunlight because the heat might cause the stain to dry before it fully absorbs into the wood.
- Don’t sand new decks because it will create a smoother surface that will prevent the stain from absorbing into the wood. See our new deck stain article for more tips.
- Buy a little more stain than you think you’ll need—just to be sure you won’t run out near the end.
- If changing brands, color, or type of stain, always completely remove any existing coatings first and use a deck stain stripper if needed for any stubborn material.
- Important Safety Note: When applying an Oil-Based Stain, canvas tarps and any rags should be saturated with water and allowed to dry before disposing of. DO NOT leave tarps or any rags in direct sunlight or in/near the house. They can cause a fire!
At the end of the day, preparation is king when staining your deck. To reiterate, simply choose a stain appropriate for your deck and climate, use the application tools I recommended, and remember to follow the instructions provided by the stain manufacturer, who is most knowledgeable about the specific product. Your deck will be pristine in no time!
Have Questions? Ask Below, I’ll Answer
Have further questions about how to stain your deck? I encourage you to comment below in our question-and-answer section or visit our forum. This interactive platform is useful for consumers and industry pros. You can share photos of your work, check out Q&As on applying stain to decking, product reviews, and much more.
