How long will a deck last if you don't stain it?

After 6 months, the wood will start to lose its color and will begin to fade. Ultimately it will fade to grey or silver.

How long can a deck go without staining?

Experts recommend re-staining your deck every 2-3 years – this is just a rule of thumb, and failing to adhere to it won't immediately put your deck in dire straits. That said, getting loose with your deck maintenance routine can contribute to larger problems down the road.

Can you leave your deck unstained?

The good news is that treated lumber is generally more than ready to hold up against wind, rain, sun, and snow for quite a while before wearing down, and many home owners do choose to leave the wood untreated for one reason or another.

How long will an unpainted deck last?

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.

Is it necessary to stain a deck?

It's important to restain your deck to help prevent the impact that these elements may have on the wood. But as with staining or painting any surface, it's important to take the necessary preparation and application procedures to ensure you get the protection and the look that you desire.

🍒 Wood Deck Staining (Again)➔ How Long Will 2 Coats Last?

Can you just seal a deck and not stain it?

A: It's really up to you. Just staining the deck will give you the color you want, although in high-traffic areas the stain could wear away quickly. Many deck companies recommend using a combination stain/sealer product, which is basically a sealer with pigment added.

Can you seal a deck without staining?

Conversely, clear sealants offer little to no UV resistance, while the pigment in many stains can act as a UV barrier for the wood. To protect your deck from both moisture and sun damage, you need to first stain it, then follow that with a clear sealant.

How long can you leave untreated wood last outside?

But on average, you should treat your outdoor wood every 12-18 months. So, it should be an annual job! This is the best way to keep your furniture and fixtures safe from the elements, and looking lovely. However, if you haven't treated your wood yet… the answer is; to start treatment ASAP!

Can I leave my deck unstained over winter?

Sealing or staining your deck is one of those upkeep items that should be done at least every 2-3 years to protect your deck's lumber from rain, snow and ice. An unsealed deck is subject to moisture penetration, which can cause warping, cracking, splintering and - more than likely - rot.

Is it worth staining an old deck?

Staining a deck will lead to less work in the future. 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 long does unstained pressure treated wood last?

In general, pressure-treated wood can last anywhere from nine to 40 years, depending on a few factors. Keep reading to learn more about pressure-treated lumber, its lifespan, and how to extend it as long as possible.

Why do I have to stain my deck 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.

Is it OK to pressure wash a deck before staining?

Taking your time is key to power washing a deck successfully. Now that the wood has been cleaned and stripped of grime, you can sand it and apply your stain of choice. Power washing a deck before staining will allow the wood to absorb the stain better and deeper.

What happens if you dont oil your deck?

What can Happen when Regular Deck Oiling isn't Performed? If regular oiling and maintenance is not performed on your deck, there can be some unpleasant consequences. In most circumstances, it's just a case of natural deterioration over time resulting in fading, warping and weakening of the timber.

Can I wait a year to stain my deck?

Some stain manufacturers suggest you should wait 3-12 months to let the wood dry while others say to stain the deck right away. The answer can be both just as long as you prep the new wood properly for the application of the stain.

Can I stain my deck after 2 years?

As a general rule, your deck should be stained every 2-3 years. This can change, however, if you are in an area of high-humidity or especially volatile weather. The signs to look for when determining if you need deck staining are: The stain color of the wood is wearing off.

What temperature is it not good to stain a deck?

If it's too hot, the stain may dry too quickly, potentially causing lap marks and uneven penetration. Avoid staining your deck if it's above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure this, either choose a cooler day or stain your deck in the morning before it gets too hot.

What temperature is too low to stain a deck?

Most stains can be applied from about 50° F to 90° F — but many people don't realize this range refers to the temperature of the wood surface, not the air. A day that's 70°F and sunny can push deck surface temperatures above 90°F leading to application challenges and shortened open times.

At what temperature should you not stain outside?

Temperature. The ideal temperature range for application is between 50 and 80 degrees. And, it is important to choose a day when no rain is expected for 24 hours.

How long can wood be exposed?

Some timber may need to be replaced after a few months of exposure where other parts may be sufficient for use after 12 months of exposure. Where timber has 20% or more of moisture content for prolonged periods of time, fungal degradation or decay may be present, especially in untreated timber.

Can you leave wood bare?

Wood can be left unfinished if it won't encounter weather, water or significant handling. If your project is placed outside, will be somewhere wet, or will be used on a regular basis, then you should apply wood finish. There's a bit more too it, though, so let's dive in!

How do you keep untreated wood from rotting?

We recommend mixing authentic pine tar with purified linseed oil. These two products can work well to ensure the wood substrate is properly nourished. They can protect the wood against rot and damage.

Can you permanently seal a deck?

The Only Permanent Wood and Concrete Sealer

PermaSeal® will restore and keep your deck protected for 25 years after just ONE treatment.

Does stain protect wood from rotting?

Protect Against Rot and Bugs

Applying stain is a simple way to help protect wood surfaces and keep out termites, mold, mildew, and other pests that cause rot.

What happens if you don't seal stain?

Wood is dried-out and dull if you do not apply some sort of sealer. Staining and finishing are two very different things. By applying pigments, a stain is meant to darken or dye wood, but the wood is not preserved by staining.