Does a deck need to be stained every year?

Many homeowners wonder, “How often should I stain my deck?” To keep a deck looking great and prolong the life of the wood, a deck should be stained every two to three years. Other signs your deck needs staining are: The deck has mold or mildew buildup. Water soaks into the deck boards and no longer beads up.

Do I have to stain my deck every year?

Typically, homeowners should restain horizontal surfaces such as decks every two to three years. Poor deck upkeep will decrease the time you have to enjoy the deck before restaining it, while good deck upkeep may give you another year or two before you need to restain the deck.

How long will a deck last without stain?

Which material lasts longer? A deck made of untreated wood can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years. Decks made of treated wood and composite materials can last as long as 50 years.

How often should you stain and seal a deck?

For most decks, sealing once each year is a good rule of thumb. Depending on the condition of your deck this can be adjusted, but keep in mind that you should never go beyond three years maximum before re-sealing and staining.

Is it OK not to stain a deck?

One of the main reasons the professionals don't recommend staining wood decks is because of the amount of time and energy involved. Stains don't generally last more than a year. This means yearly cleaning, staining and, if necessary, sanding of your deck every year.

How To Protect Your Deck | Never Sand Again!

Is it better to seal or stain a deck?

Sealing a deck is best for cedar, teak, mahogany, or other quality woods as it enhances the wood grain and natural color. What is this? Staining a deck protects the wood from mold, mildew, moisture, and rot, and UV rays and sun damage.

What time of year is best to stain a deck?

The best time to stain your deck is either the spring or the fall. If you stain your deck in the summer, make sure you do it out of the direct sunlight. Applying a deck stain in direct sun will cause the stain to dry to quickly and can result in premature stain failure.

How often should you treat wood decking?

Decks should be refinished every two to three years. Deck maintenance, and when you should do it, depends on variables such as the type of deck material, the current condition of the wood, and more.

How much does it cost to stain a deck?

The cost to stain your deck typically ranges from $540 to $1,050 with an average of just over $700. This equates to an average cost of $2 to $4 per square foot for labor and materials. Higher-quality stains will run up the price, as will washing or sealing the wood prior to staining.

Do decks need to be sealed?

A backyard deck can be the perfect platform for good times, but a wooden surface needs a proper sealant to protect it against the ravages of sun, rain, and temperature fluctuations.

What is the lifespan of a wood deck?

THE AVERAGE LIFESPAN OF A WOOD DECK: Typically 10 to 15 years. The actual lifespan of your wood deck will depend on the type of wood you've chosen and how well you keep up with wood's rigorous maintenance schedule.

Can you leave hardwood decking untreated?

Weathering your deck

Leave your deck to weather or oil it straightaway? The professionals say that you should leave it exposed for three to six months as this will give the timber time for the tannins to leach, which will prevent staining caused by extractive runoff when you oil it.

How many years does a deck last?

While the average wooden deck has a lifespan of around 10 to 15 years, composite products far exceed wood decks due to the engineered nature of the product. Composite deck boards are made by molding real wood and synthetic fibers into boards and capping them with a vinyl shield.

Why does my deck stain peel every year?

Deck stains will generally peel for two basic reasons: over application and poor adhesion. This is simple — too much stain on the surface of the wood. With deck stains, specifically with semi-transparent finishes, more is not better. You only want to apply as much product as the wood can easily absorb.

Can I stain over old stain?

Yes! In fact, applying stain over stain is a fairly simple process. It works especially well if you're applying a darker stain over a lighter stain, and while working with raw wood. You can even mix 2 or more stains together and make your own custom stain!

Do you have to remove old stain before restaining deck?

If the stain on your deck is weathered and peeling, the first step in renewing your deck is to remove all the stain. Solid-color stains protect wood decks and look great when new, but even the best solid color deck stain eventually flakes and wears away.

Should I power wash my deck before staining?

There is a common misconception that just pressure washing a deck prior to staining is all you need to do in order to prep your deck for stain. Pressure washing can help, but if you want your stain to last, using a good deck cleaner and brightener on the deck prior to pressure washing will provide you the best result.

Can I use a roller to stain my deck?

Short Answer, Yes. But there are some other things to consider when using rollers or sprayers. Rollers are a great way to apply wood stain as well for the speed at which you can apply the stain. However, when using rollers can be a disadvantage when you have hard to reach areas.

How much does it cost to stain a 10 x10 deck?

A 10'x10' deck covers 100 square feet, with a typical staining cost of $300. A 12'x12' deck covers 144 square feet, costing an average of $432. 8'x10' works out at 80 square feet, with a final cost of $240. A deck measuring 10'x20' covers 200 square feet for a typical cost of $600.

How do I keep my decking looking new?

If you're happy with how your deck looks and just want to keep it from getting grey and weathered, try a decking protector. It'll protect your decking from sunlight and rain, as well as resisting damage from foot-traffic, and being translucent it won't change the appearance of the wood.

What is best decking protection?

When it comes to treating and protecting decking, you have two different options; decking oil and decking stain. Oils often come in natural colours or clear and enhance the natural appearance of your wood. Decking oils soak deeply into the wood and penetrate the grain to provide protection from the inside out.

What temperature is too cold to stain a deck?

Avoid the Cold

If you're staining your deck in the spring or fall, wait for a day with highs above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, make sure freezing temperatures aren't in the forecast for that night. If it drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit before the stain has thoroughly dried, it can hinder the curing process.

How many coats of stain should you put on a deck?

We always recommend two coats of stain for any wood project, but you should only apply as much stain as the wood can absorb. Extremely dense hardwoods may only be able to absorb one coat of wood stain. The general rule of thumb is to apply only as much as the wood can absorb.

Is it OK to stain a deck in the sun?

Extreme heat or sun can work against you when you are staining your deck. The direct sunlight can cause the deck to dry too quickly which will leave water marks. If the weather is forecasting for no rain, and you can expect the temperatures to be below 80 or 85 degrees Fahrenheit, make a plan to stain your deck.