This post was updated on April 4, 2025
How to Stain a Gazebo in 2025
We at Deckstainhelp.com offer tips for more than staining decks. In this article, we offer our insight on how to tackle a gazebo staining project. We always appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below with pictures of your gazebo stain projects.
Gazebos have become a popular choice in recent years for many homeowners. They can be built from scratch or purchased already built and delivered to your home. Gazebos come in many sizes and designs but most will provide a shaded place to sit and even a bug-free zone if they are screened. Like most exterior wood surfaces, a wood gazebo will deteriorate if it is neglected. Harsh UV rays and moisture can cause cracking, splitting, splintering, and graying in a short time.
If you know how to stain a gazebo it is highly recommended to do so. This will not only enhance the natural beauty of the wood but will provide protection so you can enjoy your gazebo for many years to come.
Before starting a gazebo staining project it is vital to have a dirt-free surface. Use a wood cleaner, or wood stain stripper if an old failing stain is present, to clean the wood thoroughly. Apply the cleaner to the wood according to the directions then use a stiff brush or pressure washer to remove dirt, grime, and gray wood fibers. If the gazebo has window screens it may be a good idea to remove them prior to washing and staining.
Once you are convinced that the wood is clean, apply a wood brightener while the wood is still wet. This does several things. It will lighten the wood and cause the wood grain to “pop” enhancing the natural beauty. It will also make the wood surface more acidic and open the wood pores for better staining results. After applying the brightener and allowing it to sit on the wood for 10 minutes or so rinse the wood with clean water. Allow the wood gazebo to air dry for a couple of days before applying the stain.
Once dry the gazebo is ready for stain. You may know how to stain a gazebo but a few simple guidelines may help. Use a brush, roller, stain pad, or sprayer to apply the stain. It is best to work from the top down. Work in small areas or sections. The biggest mistake people make is to over-apply the stain. A deck stain is not like paint. You are not trying to slop as much on as possible. The stain is meant to penetrate the wood. Once you apply some stain watch for it to soak in. Only apply as much stain as the wood will absorb and then wipe away any excess stain. Do not allow the excess stain to dry on the wood surface as this can jeopardize the stain’s performance.
Your newly stained gazebo should last several years before the stain will need some attention. Every couple of years lightly wash the wood surface using a cleaner, allow it to dry, then apply a recoat of stain using the same techniques as before. Staining a gazebo and keeping up with maintenance will ensure your gazebo has a long life.
Any Questions on this Topic? Please Ask Below!
Hi, we need to clean and stain our cedar gazebo, the wood is very dark, we attempted to do it last year without success as you can see. There is mildew on our gazebo. We live in Canada where winters can be harsh, what is the best way in doing this? Is a pressure washer good or too harsh for the wood? Here are some pics
You will need to strip and brighten for prep. Then use a penetrating stain after. Try TWP 200 series or Armstrong Clark.
Even for a gazebo, I see that they sell TWP restore a deck kit, would that be good to clean and brighten before staining
Strip and brighten all, not clean and brighten.
Okay, so I am confused on what is the difference between clean and strip, when would I clean the wood then to remove the mold?
You need to strip to remove the previous coating and it will also remove the mildew when stripping.
Hi, I’ve stripped the gazebo and now I will sand some of the rough spots. Not sure if we will be able to stain it before the winter because it’s getting too cold. Can I wait until spring even if it’s stripped?
Yes, but you will need to clean and brighten in the Spring prior to staining.
Definitely, would you recommend a solid paint color or a stain. I feel that with a stain, it’s more maintain.
Use a semi-transparent stain like TWP 200 Series or Armstrong Clark for Canada.
Thanks, will definitely do that next spring. How long does the stain last and will I need to strip again when the time comes to put another coat of stain.
2-3 years. Clean and recoat as needed.
Thanks, I also have another gazebo with the Cabot Australian Stain on it, would I need to strip it before applying TWP 200
Yes.
How many coats can be put before restripping, I imagine that you can’t put coat after coat?
As long as you clean and brighten for prep when reapplying you will not have to strip.
Ok and the clean and brighten products, are they included in the Gemini Kit
Yes.
I just put a colored stain on my gazebo because some bottom boards had to be replaced, and much of the rest were wearing in color. I used a stain from Cabot. Do I have to put some kind of sealer over the stain now?
You cannot topcoat a deck stain with a sealer. No need as well.
Our cedar gazebo has never been stained and is approx. 12 years old. The wood is getting dark in some areas. Best way to proceed to stain
Prep with this cleaner: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-cleaner-system-review/
Brighten after. Stain with one of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Question can I apply a lighter stain to a dark color gazebo ?
What color I should use to stain my baby gazebo the way it was before .
Our gazebo shows some discolor of previous stain.Kind of gray look. Also it has screen all around. there is some mildew can it be bleached
Post a picture.
i bought a 10×10 gazebo in my son memory in 2014 and it had a beautiful natural color but my brother decide to change color and now is dark my question is how i can get the natural color o ineed help to change that ugly color and how much is going to cost me i paid around 6,000 dollars can you give some advices please my phone number is 267 340 8051
Need some pictures.
The. Last picture have the original color witch is the one I want it to put it back
Sorry I am to familiar with this just I need to know what kind of stain I can used to apply in my baby gazebo to look the way it was .
How much stain should I buy for a 12′ octagonal gazebo? I am doing the floor in AC chestnut and the posts and bottom rails/slats in AC mahogany.
What is the sq footage for all the wood?
After much figuring, I think the total wood sq. footage is about 450 sq ft. The floor is 97 sq. ft. and the rest is close to 350.
One gallon for the floor and 3 for the rest.
Hello. I stripped my gazebo but obviously some of the old stain remains—and quite a lot in some parts. Can I stain right over top of it or will it be ineffective? I am using a very dark stain to cover. Thanks.
Proabably not. Depends on what stain brand and type is on there now and the stain brand and type you are going to use?
On a newly installed Gazebo, how long should I wait to stain it ? Thank you. In full sun most of the daylight hours.
Hello Debbie, see this for tips on new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Our gazebo has been stained once, two or three years ago. We have had some severe weather so it looks like it needs re-treated. The only problem is there are flowers and bushes around the gazebo, making it a bit challenging to re-stain. I think spraying would be more expeditious, however my husband thinks using a brush would be best. He brushed it the first time and it took days!! Any suggestions???
Brush it.
where can we buy a good stain sprayer in Ontario Canada
Sorry but no sure.
Do you recommend water or oil base stain for gazebo?
Does not matter. Use a penetrating semi-transparent stain.
I purchased the following Yardistry gazebo with a “Mocha Brown” stain:
The manufacturer’s site recommends the following:
“We recommend applying a water sealant approximately 3 months after assembly and on a yearly basis after that. This will help maintain the wood and protect against weathering. Please note: We do not recommend using an oil based product.”
I have ready that BEHR semi-transparent stain in “Tugboat” color is almost an identical match to Yardistry’s “Mocha Brown.” The gazebo has been exposed to the elements for less than a year. Can I go over top of the water based stain the manufacturer applied with the new semi-transparent water based stain without significant preparation? The manufacturer’s aforementioned recommendation is sort of vague.
This is bad advice. You cannot apply a sealer over a deck or exterior stain. It will not penetrate or adhere and will peel. It also will not keep it in the same condition. When it starts to fail, just prep and restain. You will have to remove the current stain when switching brands.
You can’t go over a semi-transparent water-based stain with another semi-transparent stain (regardless of brand)? Multiple manufacturers (Sherwin Williams, Behr, etc.) have told me that it would be okay as long as the factory stain is cleaned beforehand.
Remvoed, not cleaned. It has to do with proper penetration and adhesion.
It sounds like Thompsons sealer over top is not an issue:
It will not work, trust me. Thomsons is useless anyhow.
Okay. What about going over a semi-transparent water-based stain with another semi-transparent stain (regardless of brand)? Multiple manufacturers (Sherwin Williams, Behr, etc.) have told me that it would be okay as long as the factory stain is cleaned beforehand.
No, will not adhere or penetrate leading to premature product failure. You have to remove current stain if switching brands of semi-transparent penetrating stains.