What Is The Easiest Way To Stain A Deck?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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You should use a

roller brush or sprayer

to apply a steady coat of quality stain, such as Olympic Elite stains or Olympic MAXIMUM stains. If you see that too much wood stain has been used in an area, use a roller or brush to fix the imperfections.

Should I use a brush or roller to stain my deck?

You should use a

roller brush or sprayer

to apply a steady coat of quality stain, such as Olympic Elite stains or Olympic MAXIMUM stains. If you see that too much wood stain has been used in an area, use a roller or brush to fix the imperfections.

How do you stain a deck yourself?

Dip

paint pad

into tray, apply solid coat of stain to entire surface of deck. Once surface is complete, apply stain to sides of deck with paint pad. TIP: If paint pad doesn’t cover inside spaces between boards, use a 1” paintbrush for proper coverage. Allow 24 hours for stain to dry before placing furniture on deck.

Can I use a roller to stain my deck?


A paint roller can

be used to roll stain on. … A wide 18-inch roller may work well for staining a few fence or deck boards at a time but a mop or stain pad will hold more stain lessening the amount of time you have to dip back into the stain bucket.

When staining a deck What should you do first?

Prep the Surface

Start by sanding splintered spots, wearing a safety mask to avoid inhaling the dust. Sweep the deck and use a putty knife to clean between the boards. Clean the

wood

by applying a deck cleaner. Or use a pressure washer, but if you do, the wood will need two to three days to dry.

How many coats of stain should you put on a deck?

The general rule of thumb is to apply only as much deck stain as the wood can absorb. Typically this will be

2 coats

, unless your dealing with extremely dense hardwoods which may only be able to absorb 1 coat of wood stain.

What type of roller is best for staining deck?

For staining a deck, go with a

standard 9 inch napped paint roller

. A napped roller will apply the stain in much the same way as a lambswool pad, but in a much more efficient way.

How much does it cost to stain a deck yourself?

The average cost to stain a deck starts at

about $0.65 per square foot for DIY

and up to $4.15 per square foot when hiring a pro. Restaining a deck costs roughly the same. The stain a deck cost from most contractors include cleaning the deck, making minor repairs such as fastening loose boards and filling wood gouges.

Is it hard to stain your own deck?

Staining a deck will protect your deck from fading, natural wear and water damage. Make staining easy and get professional results by prepping and cleaning your deck in advance. Once you have learned how to stain a deck, you can refresh its appearance every few years so that your deck stays long-lasting and beautiful.

What happens if you stain over stain?

Fix Your Stain Color By Going

Darker

If you have yet to apply a finish to your piece, applying another, darker stain can change the shade of your project. Obviously staining over stain can be a bit of gamble as to what color your piece will ultimately become.

Should I pressure wash my deck before staining?

There is a common misconception that just pressure washing a deck prior to staining is all you need to do in order to prep your deck for stain. Pressure washing can help, but if you want your stain to last, using

a good deck cleaner and brightener on the deck prior

to pressure washing will provide you the best result.

How often should you stain your deck?

Many homeowners wonder, “How often should I stain my deck?” To keep a deck looking great and prolong the life of the wood, a deck should be stained

every two to three years

. Other signs your deck needs staining are: The deck has mold or mildew buildup. Water soaks into the deck boards and no longer beads up.

How do I know if my deck is dry enough to stain?

  1. One way to clear way to check if the deck is dry enough for staining is by using a moisture meter. …
  2. A second way to test lumber for dryness is put the edge of the wood into a black garbage bag and leave it in the sunlight for an hour or two.

Is it better to stain or seal a deck?

Sealing a deck is best for

cedar, teak, mahogany

, or other quality woods as it enhances the wood grain and natural color. Staining a deck protects the wood from mold, mildew, moisture, and rot, and UV rays and sun damage.

What if it rains after I stain my deck?

If it rains within 48 hours after you apply the stain,

the water will soak into the wood pores and try to displace the stain

. This will result in a splotchy surface rather than an even tone. If it rains right after you apply the stain, the stain will peel and flake off.

Do I need to prime my deck before staining?

As with any painting job, it is also very important to prime the surface before applying paint or stain. Your deck

boards need to be properly primed

because they are constantly exposed to varying temperatures, moisture, humidity, and lots of foot traffic.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.