How to Stain a Wood Pergola 4.9/5 (8)

by Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 04/04/2025

written by Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 04/04/2025

This post was updated on April 4, 2025

Stain a Wood Pergola Tips

We at Deckstainhelp.com offer tips for a plethora of projects besides deck staining. In this article, we offer our insight on how to best approach a pergola staining project when it comes to prep and stain application. We always appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below with pictures of your pergola stain projects.

A wood pergola can be a great way to reduce the amount of sunlight heating up your wood deck surface. It can offer shelter from the smoldering sun on extremely hot days without fully enclosing your deck. A pergola can also stand alone in a garden, over landscape features, over a hot tub, and more. Like any exterior wood surface, a pergola should be protected with a wood stain to increase its appearance and lifespan. Knowing how to stain a wood pergola is key.

To stain a wood pergola it should first be cleaned using a scrub brush or pressure washer. If the wood is only moderately dirty and grayed, a wood cleaner can be used to loosen any contaminants during washing. However, if an old existing wood stain is present, a deck stain stripper should be used. This will not only loosen natural contaminants like a wood cleaner but will soften and break down any old stain so it too can be washed from the wood surface. A clean wood surface is the key to a long-lasting refinish.

After the wood has been cleaned with either a wood cleaner or stripper, it should be coated with a wood brightener. This will neutralize the darkening effects the cleaner has on the wood and will help to enhance the wood’s natural beauty. Brightening also creates a more acidic surface and opens the wood pores for optimal stain absorption. After applying the brightener thoroughly rinse the surface with fresh water.

Allow the wood pergola to dry for a day or two. Prepare the area for staining by covering any surfaces you do not want to get the stain on such as concrete, landscaping, windows, etc. It is best to start at the highest point of the wood pergola and work your way down. Following the stain manufacturer’s recommendations for applying stain, coat each board using a stain pad, brush, roller, or sprayer.

Be sure not to over-apply the stain, which can lead to peeling and flaking problems. Apply as much stain as the wood will soak up and wipe away any excess after several minutes. To eliminate lap marks coat one board at a time from one end to the other before moving to the next board. This technique will give you more professional results. Continue until all the wood pergola is stained and allow it to cure for several days.

Using a quality wood stain will make application and maintenance much easier. The stain should last several years but once it is in need of attention you can simply perform a light wash and recoat with the same wood stain product.