Benefits of Staining Outdoor Decking

If you have a wood deck you may be wondering what options are best for maintaining it. Staining is the ideal way to protect and transform your wood decking. Stain can be used on all sorts of outdoor materials including railings, stairs, enclosed porches and more. Staining helps to protect your wood and extends the life of your decking.

Benefits of Staining:

One of the biggest advantages of staining is that it protects your wood from water damage. Water can cause wood to rot, splinter and age prematurely but stain helps to block water from penetrating the wood. Staining also protects wood decking from fading and accelerated wear and tear. If you have a wood deck, staining is the ideal option for protecting your investment.

Stop Weather Damage

The harsh Idaho and Nevada weather can damage raw wood, treating or staining the wood is a great way to squash this issue. The summer sunshine is great for enjoying your deck but can dry out the decking causing splintering, warp the wood and fade the color. In the winter months the snow, ice and increased moisture can cause a variety of different problems. The rain fall in spring and fall can be a nightmare for wood left unprotected. Weather damage can be slowed and prevented with staining.

Moisture Barrier

Stain is a great material for protecting wood because it works as a moisture barrier. The stain seeps into the wood pores and blocks moisture from being soaked into the wood. Moisture in wood can cause mold and mildew, and eventually rot. When wood has too much moisture, it’s more susceptible to pests like termites, which can burrow into your deck and ruin it. Moisture intrusion can cause warping and splintering over time.

Protecting the Color

Stain is needed to protect your deck but also helps keep it looking good. When wood is left untreated, it turns a worn gray color due to moisture intrusion and sun fading. Stain helps stop sun fading and allows you to choose a color for your decking that matches your aesthetic. The sky’s the limit when it comes to stain color options. A solid color stain is another option if you want the look of painted wood with the protection of stain.

Staining a wooden deck sounds like a simple project, but it requires a great deal of work. The preparation process is intense. Many contractors start by thoroughly cleaning the deck with an acidic solvent that cuts through grime and other buildup. Once the deck is cleaned, any damage must be addressed. Boards may need to be sanded or fully replaced.

After the decking is cleaned, repaired and allowed to dry its time to apply the stain. Depending on the material and how long it has been since it was stained this may take several coats. It’s hard to tell how many coats the deck will need before starting the process because there are many different variables that affect how “thirsty” the material will be. Depending on the type of stain used there are a variety of ways the stain can be applied. Some stains can be run through a paint sprayer while others need to be brushed or rolled on.

It goes without saying that proper stain application is integral to its protective qualities. If the stain is applied to thin, it won’t offer the level of protection you may be looking for. Furthermore, if the stain is applied over grime or without proper preparation, it may not adhere properly and wear away prematurely. Professional stain services are a great resource for ensuring proper application and adhesion.

Decks need to be stained every few years to protect the wood properly. These maintenance applications help preserve the color and durability of the material. The weather will impact how frequently you need to re-stain your deck. If your deck is covered by an overhang, you may find that less maintenance is necessary than decking left in direct sunlight.

If you are looking to have your decking or other outdoor area stained, Roe Paint can help. Our team uses high-quality equipment and materials to provide top-tier results. Deck staining is a big process, but our team has the tools and skills to get the project done quickly. Roe Paint offers staining services for new construction as well as re-staining services for existing woodwork.