Guidelines For Adjusting Your Deck With The Perfect Deck Stain

May 7th, 2009

Deck stains perform several functions. It should protect against UV rays, moisture, heat, and abrasion. You need a quality deck stain that will hold up for as long as possible. There are several things that determine who long a deck stain will give you the desired level of protection. While the quality of the stain is important, it is not the only thing to consider when figuring out the longevity of a stain.

Other things to consider are the overall condition of the deck and the exposure to light and water it will receive. The two main things that cause an exterior coating to fail are UV light and water. Most decks are located on the sunny side of a home and receive several hours of sun exposure on most days.

Darker stains will give you greater protection against sunlight exposure. Another important component of stain longevity is water exposure. Exposure to snow, dew, and rain can cause damage to your stain over time. Water can seep into any cracks you may have in the surface of the wood. You want a stain that will be able to protect your deck from damage caused by water.

In order for a stain to last as long as possible the wood on your deck needs to be properly prepared before the stain is applied. Prior to putting on your deck stain you should replace or repair any damaged or rotten wood. You also want to thoroughly clean the surface of the deck before applying stain. You should consider power washing and sanding your deck if it has an old coat of finish. This can prevent problems down the line with stains that are incompatible. Your end result should be a deck that is free from any damage and splinters. Learn more about preparing your deck for staining.