Guidelines For Transforming Your Porch Deck With The Perfect Deck Stain

June 13th, 2009

A deck stain needs to be able to do several things. It needs to give your deck protection from abrasion, UV rays, moisture, and heat. 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 itself is very important it is not the only factor to think about when determining a stain’s longevity.

You also need to think about the condition of the deck and its exposure to light and water. Water and UV light are the two main things that create failure in an exterior coating. Most of the time decks are located on the sunny part of a home and receive several hours of sun exposure on most days.

You will get the best protection from sunlight exposure when you use a dark stain. Another important component of stain longevity is water exposure. Damage can be caused over time by exposure to rain, snow, and dew. Any cracks in your decks surface will allow water to seep in. 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 correctly prepared prior to the stains application. Prior to putting on your deck stain you should replace or repair any damaged or rotten wood. Before putting your new stain on you should also thoroughly clean the decks surface. You should consider power washing and sanding your deck if there is an old coat of finish still partially on. This can help prevent future problems with stains that are not compatible. Your end result should be a deck that is free from any damage and splinters. Learn more about some of the best deck stains on the market.