How to Stain Your Deck this Spring

Guest Blogger #936, Entry #2325, April 22, 2013

Spring is here, and what better place to spend time with family and friends than lounging outside on your deck? Decks are a great place to entertain, and staining your deck helps maintain its quality and appearance for outdoor gatherings.

Your deck has been long forgotten over the cold winter months and exposed to harsh weather conditions. Now is the time to give it some TLC.

Stain your deck this spring with these helpful tips

Image via: Millennium Construction

Read the following steps to stain your deck like a pro:

Clear off your deck.

Move everything off of your deck, including any and all furniture and plants that will get in your way. Get out a broom or leaf blower and sweep away any leaves and debris that are hiding on your deck.

Powerwash the deck.

Your deck should be powerwashed at least once a year. If you do not own a powerwasher, you can rent one from your local home improvement store. All wood needs to be thoroughly cleaned before staining. Allow at least 24 hours to for the deck to dry after powerwashing so that the stain adheres properly to the wood.

Prep your deck.

Preparation is key in deck staining. Add painter’s tape along the area of the deck that meets your home’s exterior to protect your walls. Don’t trap yourself into a corner. Start from one end of the deck and work your way out towards the stairs.

Ensure your prep your deck this spring

Image via: Siemasko + Verbridge

Apply stain minimally with a paintbrush along the grain of the wood.

When too much stain is applied, it creates a thin film along the wood. Apply minimally going with the grain of the wood. There are many different ways to apply stain, but the paint brush is still the best as it allows the wood to absorb the stain.

Taking care of your deck will ensure your outdoor entertaining space looks great for years to come, and adds value to your home in the long run. For more deck maintenance tips from the experts, contact the Manhattan IL painters today at 815-485-5091.

For more maintenance tips on Stagetecture, click here.