Don’t wait a decade to redo your deck stain, and steer clear of scorching sunny days
Late spring and early fall are typically the best times to stain a deck.
Stain your deck every few years to keep it looking tidy and protect it from the elements.
Fading, cracking wood that’s absorbing water readily likely needs restaining.
Pick a dry day when temperatures are mild and the deck isn’t in direct sun.
It’s disheartening to watch your beautiful deck lose its luster with age. Staining is an excellent alternative to painting your deck that helps protect it from the elements and spruce up its appearance; however, you have to keep up with regular maintenance to keep your deck stain looking its best.
So, how often should you stain your deck to keep it looking dapper, and when should you bust out the brushes? Generally, you should schedule deck staining every 2 to 3 years, picking a mild, dry, and not overly sunny day. Learn more about the best time to stain a deck and why you should avoid staining during certain times of the year to ensure your deck is always in tip-top shape.
Although professionals recommend restaining your deck every two to three years, much depends on your climate, deck material, and footfall. Restaining isn’t just about upping your curb appeal, either. Leaving your deck too long between restaining can expose the wood to problematic pests, moisture, and UV rays, leading to permanent deck damage.
Rather than sticking to a strict schedule, watch out for these signs your deck needs staining.
Over time, the sun’s rays will dull and fade the finish of your wood, even when there’s a layer of stain. If you live in a hot, dry region, you’ll likely see this phenomenon happen sooner than it does in rainy, humid climates.
If you spill water on the deck and it soaks into the wood rather than beading on the surface, it’s likely a sign that the waterproofing qualities of the stain are diminishing.
Splintering, warping, and cracking deck boards are signs that moisture is getting into the wood. When boards have severe cracks, rot may have set in, and you should replace the boards before applying a new waterproof stain to the deck.
If you notice peeling, uneven layers on the surface of your deck, the old stain could be lifting off the lumber. Not only is it not the nicest to look at, but it also means that moisture may be getting into the wood.
Mold and mildew can still build on top of a deck stain, but if they’re forming more quickly than normal and are difficult to clear away, it could be because the stain is rubbing off.
After a fresh deck stain application, sweeping and mopping your smooth deck should be a breeze. When the stain surface lifts, dirt and dust stubbornly cling to the wood surface.
A new deck should be seasoned (left alone to dry out) for about 30 days before staining, but that timeframe can vary based on the materials used. You should give pressure-treated lumber at least six months to season before applying a stain. Kiln-dried lumber (most common) needs one to two months, and green lumber (just-cut wood) needs to dry out for one year per every inch of thickness before being stained.
The best season for staining your deck will depend on where you live. Ideally, you want a cloudy, dry, calm day when temperatures are between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity is low. You have two safe timeframes if you want to stain your deck soon.
If you want to spruce up your deck in time for summer soirees, you could tackle the task as the days get drier and warmer in the late spring. Just be sure to avoid any April showers or random frosty days in your region.
When autumn arrives, it’s often the perfect time to stain a deck. However, you’ll want to get in there before the frigid temperatures and damp winter conditions arrive. If you’re still lucky enough to get warm weather and plenty of sun in the fall, consider staining in the early morning before the hottest part of the day. Hot, direct sunlight can evaporate the deck stain before it fully absorbs into the wood.
Always check the forecast. You want the deck to be fully dry for at least 24 hours before you start staining. The stain won’t stick well to damp wood, and it needs dry weather for a couple of days after staining to allow it to cure fully.
Before we dive into when you shouldn't stain your deck, it's important to note that these rules aren't absolute. They depend on many factors, like your location, but they offer some guidance as to why winter and summer aren’t the best times to stain your deck.
Winter isn't the best time to stain a deck, even if you don’t have a layer of snow covering the boards. While you can apply some oil-based types of exterior wood stains in temperatures as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit, freezing conditions prevent efficient curing. Plus, these oil-based options take up to 48 hours to dry, making planning during the snowy season difficult.
It’s not unusual for spring to start damp. Wet wood doesn’t absorb stain well, so it’s best to wait for the weather to dry up and humidity levels to decrease before breaking out the stain. Spring winds can be a nuisance for your project, too. They can blow leaf litter and other debris onto the deck—not ideal if you’ve just put down a coat of sticky stain.
Why wouldn’t you want to do outdoor DIY jobs when the sun is shining? It may seem like a good idea, but hot, direct sun dries the stain out before the wood fully absorbs it. Dried out, partially absorbed stain can lead to unsightly watermarks, and the stain won’t do its job effectively. If you do this work in the summer, you might have to apply more stain sooner than every two or three years, so it’s best to stick to sunning yourself on the deck instead.
If you don’t want to get stuck inside during the summer, pick an overcast day or break out a canopy to provide shade for your deck staining project.
Deck staining costs typically fall from $550 to $1,250, averaging $850. The price per square foot for deck staining ranges from $1 to $2.50. The primary determinant of staining expenses is the deck's size, with smaller decks, around 100 square feet, costing around $100 to $250 for materials, excluding labor charges.
If your deck exceeds 500 square feet in size, engaging the services of a pro may result in expenses reaching up to $2,500. Remember that your exact out-of-pocket costs will vary based on your location.
Even if it’s a job that only comes around every few years, when it’s time to stain your deck, you might not relish attempting this back-breaking task yourself. Hiring a local deck staining company means they’ll pick the best time to stain the deck and ensure good coverage.
The pros can also inspect the deck and make timely repairs before they become more costly and complex. A thorough job done by professionals can be the difference between restaining in one year or three.
Kate Erker and Deirdre Sullivan contributed to this piece.
The longevity of deck stain depends on various factors, including the type and quality of the stain, weather conditions, maintenance, and foot traffic. On average, a well-maintained deck stain can last 2 to 5 years. Transparent and semi-transparent stains tend to wear out faster, while solid stains or paints can last longer, often up to 5 years or more. Remember, harsh sunlight, heavy rain, and high foot traffic may cause the stain to degrade more quickly. Regular cleaning, resealing, and touch-ups can prolong a stained surface’s life span.
Removing old stain before restaining a deck is not always necessary. If the previous stain is in good condition and compatible with the new stain, you can re-stain over it after thorough cleaning and surface preparation. However, if the old stain is flaking or damaged, it's advisable to strip it entirely to ensure a smooth and uniform finish. Testing a small area and consulting stain manufacturer guidelines can help you determine the best approach.
Pressure washing your deck before staining is important. Pressure washing effectively removes dirt, grime, mildew, and old flaking stain or sealant, providing a clean and smooth surface for the new stain to adhere to. However, using the right pressure setting and technique is essential to avoid damaging the wood fibers. Also, ensure that the deck is dry completely before proceeding with the next steps in the process.
