Why Stain a Deck?

• Stain protects decking and railings from the damaging effects of sunlight and the elements. Water, whether from melting snow or tropical rain, causes wood decks to rot, joints to loosen, and nails to pop. Even woods that are resistant to rotting, like cedar and redwood, will rot eventually if they are unprotected from water damage. The ultra violet (UV) rays from strong sunlight dry and weaken the wood fibers. Fungus and mildew may not damage the wood but will discolor it. A good deck stain contains additives to retard mildew and soak into the wood fibers to prevent sun and water damage.
  
  

Types of Stain.

• Stain is available in clear, semi--transparent and solid finishes. Clear stains are usually tinted in natural colors to allow the wood grain and character to show through. Although it seems a contradiction in terms, clear sealers are sometimes refered to as "clear stain." Semi--transparent stains have more pigment and more opaque coloring, while still allowing the look of the natural grain. Solid stains are completely opaque, much like paint, although unlike paint, they are also designed to penetrate the wood instead of coating the surface. All types of stain are available in oil and water bases.
  
  

How Stain Protects a Deck

• Stain penetrates the wood fibers, essentially turning the outer layer of the wood into a protective coating. Oil-based stains contain petroleum based solvents which soak into the wood, while water-based stains contain silicone or stearate (wax) additives to repel water. UV protection is usually added with the pigments, although a small amount of UV protective additive is in the better clear stains. Typically, vertical surfaces like the deck edges and rails will last twice as long as the horizontal decking and handrails, because they are less exposed to full sun and standing water.
  
  

What is the Best Stain for my Deck?

• The best type of stain for your deck is determined by the amount of traffic it gets, the surrounding conditions and even your geographical location. Though solid stain penetrates and grips the wood better than paint, it can still peel. Coating a deck with solid or opaque stain is usually an irreversible step, since it is impractical and extremely time consuming to remove. Solid stains do not hold up as well under heavy foot traffic or in very wet conditions. Using a clear or lightly tinted stain will not provide great UV protection, so in very sunny areas heavier pigmented stains work better, or the stain should be recoated every 12-18 months. Shady and damp decks are susceptible to mildew, so using a stain with mildewcide and fungicide added will keep a deck new--looking longer. Asking local painters and suppliers for recommendations on durable deck stains may be a good idea. The best advice is usually found at independent paint stores that deal with local painters and get feedback on their products, rather than big box hardware stores.
  
  

How to Get the Most Out of Deck Stain

• Follow the product label directions. New decks may need to be washed with a deck prep solution to open the pores of the wood so the stain can penetrate properly. Old decks usually need to be washed, either with a power washer or with deck cleaning solution. Although it may be tempting to save time by spraying or rolling deck stain, the best method of application is by brush or stain pad, which will force the stain deeper into the wood and give a better looking, longer lasting job.