3 Tips for Staining Your Deck

Having a quality stain on your deck could be the difference between having a Maryland deck that lasts 10 years and one that lasts 20. But how can you know which stain is right for your deck? And how can you ensure it’s being applied properly? As a professional Maryland decking company, we wanted to take some time today to give you a few tips to help the stain on your deck last.

What’s the Weather Look Like?

Wood stain doesn’t stick to damp or wet wood and it will crack and peel. For this reason, it’s important that you apply deck stain after you’ve had a couple of days of dry weather. You’ll also need to check the forecast and make sure you will have at least two days of dry weather and that the temperature will be between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, keep in mind that lower humidities promote faster drying and that staining in direct sunlight can lead to mixed results.

Prepare Your Surface

Before you can begin to apply your stain, there’s some prep work you need to do to your Maryland deck. First, the wood on your deck will need to be clean and dirt-free, otherwise, the stain won’t adhere properly. You should start by sanding splintered spots, making sure to wear a safety mask to avoid dust inhalation. Next, you should sweep the deck and use a putty knife to clean between the boards. Lastly, you should either apply a deck cleaner or use a pressure washer to completely clean your Maryland deck before staining.

Use Thin Coats

If you plan on using several gallons of stain, you should first mix them all together to ensure you’re getting a consistent color. When applying the stain you want to use long smooth strokes, dispersing out all of the stain. If you put too much stain down at once it can cause pooling and bubbles. Semitransparent and clear stains should be applied in even thinner coats than those applied with a solid stain. You should also make sure to apply two coats to prevent the possibility of any missed spots.

Get Help From an Experienced Maryland Decking Company

Here at North American Deck and Patio, we’ve been providing Marylanders with our decking services for years. Whether you need us to design and construct a deck, or you simply have a question about staining, we’re here to help. You want to ensure that your deck is protected and that your stain is applied perfectly, and the best way to do that is to work with a professional Maryland decking company. Give us a call today if you have any questions.

“Jim at North American patio and deck's came up with the most ingenious way of utilizing our small very slanted very water drained environment and turned it into a virtual oasis. Making this deck the envy of all our ambitions and gem for the community.”

– C. Cross