Now’s the Time, to Clean, and Stain Your Deck!

Springs in the air and those summer time parties are just around the corner. It’s time to spruce up that deck. Does your deck look dingy? Does it have cracks, splits? Is it warped and faded? Cleaning it can help. A well-maintained deck looks better and it last longer.

I can tell you this does help. Our deck was terrible. It faces the west so we get the late afternoon and evening sun. We cleaned, and used a solid stain last summer and it still looks great. So lets get started! First thing, you might want to enlist a friend or your spouse. This is a multi-day job but it will go faster with help.

You need to test your deck first to see if it needs a sealer. Sprinkle water on it and if it beads up you don’t need a sealer yet. But if it soaks up immediately, the deck can be sealed.

Follow these steps and with regular maintainces your deck will last for years and years.

1. Clean Your Deck.

Deck cleaners help remove dirt, algae, nail stains and mildew. If your deck is not brand new, always use a cleaner before applying finish. Remember to wear safety goggles, a long-sleeve shirt and pants. Do not wear sandals.

You need to remove all your deck furniture. Sand splintered areas. Repair all damaged boards. Sweep off loose debris and clean between the cracks of the boards. If you have plants under and beside your deck, water and cover them with clear plastic. Follow the directions to a tee on the back of the cleaner. You’ll want to us a paint roller, garden sprayer, or a stiff-bristled push broom to apply the cleaner. Don’t allow the cleaner to puddle. Use the stiff-brush for the tough areas. Don’t allow the deck cleaner to dry. Let soak in time to pass then rinse the deck thoroughly. Allow the deck to dry at least two days before applying a sealer.

2. Sealers or Deck Stain.

Make sure to pick a sealer that repels water, resist mildew, and prevents fading. Sealers are either water-base or oil base. Oil-base tends to hold their color longer, but water-based tend to be more durable and last longer. There are four major sealants and stains. Each of them contains increasing amount of pigment. The more pigment you apply, the less wood grain is visible, but the better protection.

Clear Water repellent often provides basic protection, waterproofing, minimal UV protection, and sometime mildew prevention. Because of the minimal amount of UV protection the wood will begin to gray with in a few months and you will probably have to reapply every 6 months.

Toner or Tinted water repellant is very similar to a clear sealant, except additional pigment or color is added. This does provide an additional protection against sun damage.

Semi-transparent stains contain additional pigment, providing subtle color while still showing the grain and texture of the wood. Plus additional protection against, water and sun damage.

Solid stain provides the most amounts of pigment or color, and the best protection for the wood. However, it does hide the wood grain, only allowing some of the texture of the wood to show through. Solid color stains are often used for heavily weathered wood, covering up damaged wood fibers. There is more color choices and is more attractive. This stain will hold up for 5 years or more, depending on the level of direct sun exposure and weather.

3. Applying a Sealer or Stain.

Always read the directions before starting. Drying times differ base of humidity and temperature. Do not apply the stain in direct sun. The finish will dry too quickly and will not absorb into the wood. Apply a thin coat of stain or sealer to three-board sections with a paint roller at a time. Do not allow the finish to puddle. Use a paintbrush to apply the sealer/stain in corners and other difficult areas, such as steps, railings, end grain and cracks.
A second oat is optional.
Allow the deck to dry completely before putting your patio furniture and plants back on the deck.

Now you can set back, relax and enjoy your deck with your friends and family.