How often does a deck need to be repainted?

On average, decks should be refinished every 2-3 years.

How long does paint last on a deck?

Deck Painting

Paint doesn't require frequent refinishing. A quality paint job can last for up to 10 years when it's done right. Paint allows you more color options, as where stain is limited to shades of brown.

Is it OK to paint over old deck paint?

“All loose paint must be removed, and the surface must be clean and dry,” Jantz said. Once existing paint has been scraped away, and rough patches have been sanded smooth, the deck must be thoroughly cleaned. Only then is it ready to accept paint.

Is it OK to stain a deck every year?

Staining Existing Decks

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.

Do I need to remove old paint before painting deck?

Scrape off Old Paint

Old chipped and peeling paint will prevent the new paint from bonding with the deck, so before you can start painting, it's necessary to prepare the deck.

Deck Painting

Can I pressure wash old paint off deck?

Pressure washing is one way to remove paint from wood, metal, concrete, and other exterior surfaces. Because of the high pressure levels, it can be very efficient and can drastically cut the time to complete this task.

Should you pressure wash deck before painting?

But, by painting a dirty exterior, you will almost certainly shorten your paint's lifespan. This is why you should pressure wash before painting. Exterior house painting is an expensive and time-consuming endeavor, so you will want to make sure to get the job done right the first time.

What lasts longer on a deck paint or stain?

A quality paint job, finished by a trusted professional, can last for ten years before needing repainting. Conversely, stains need reapplied every few years because they don't offer the same protection against outdoor elements.

Should you power wash your deck every year?

Most home maintenance contractors recommend power washing your deck once a year. An annual wash will keep your deck in optimal condition, cutting down on accumulation of dirt, mildew, or algae growth.

Is it better to paint or stain old wood deck?

If the deck is made with pressure-treated woods, the stain will adhere better than paint. If pressure-treated woods are used, stain seeps into the deck, becoming a part of the deck rather than an added layer, which means that it won't chip, crack or flake.

How much does it cost to have your deck painted?

A small 10-foot by 10-foot deck can cost between $200 and $500 to paint, while a much larger deck measuring 16 feet by 16 feet can cost between $500 and $1,500. On average, one can expect to pay between $2 and $5 per square foot when painting a deck.

What happens if you don't paint your deck?

However, choosing not to stain or paint the deck is simply a preference of the homeowner. The effects that can occur due to a lack of treatment are aesthetic in nature. After 6 months, the wood will start to lose its color and will begin to fade. Ultimately it will fade to grey or silver.

Should I power wash my deck?

Beware Pressure Washing Damage

Using a pressure washer may seem like a quick and easy way to clear out all the accumulated dirt and grime; however, you need to be aware of the damage it may cause. If you have timber deck boards, a power washer's pressure may cause splintering and damage to the timber fibres.

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.

Is it better to roll or spray paint a deck?

If you have a covered deck, try using the roller to reach those high spaces. For your wide surfaces, like the main surface of the deck, consider using the sprayer. This will allow you to make sure that your whole deck is covered with the paint or stain of your choosing.

How much does it cost to powerwash a 12x12 deck?

Power washing helps to remove dirt and grime from a deck's surface, improving its appearance and extending its lifespan. Homeowners can expect to pay between $90 and $770 to power wash their deck, with the average pressure-washing cost coming in at $150.

What weather is best to clean deck?

The Best Time To Clean Your Deck

A solid standard is to aim for cleaning your deck when the outside temperature remains at 52 degrees fahrenheit or above both at night and during the day, and when it likely won't rain for a period of at least several days.

What time of year should you stain your deck?

Because you want to wait for days that aren't excessively hot or humid, the best times to apply deck stains are in the late spring and early fall, when the weather is moderately warm and dry. Check the weather and find a time when it's not expected to rain for two days before and following the deck treatment.

What time of year should you paint a deck?

Consumer Reports notes the best time to paint or stain a deck is late spring when temperatures are between 60 and 85°F and the nights are cool. You'll need four dry days for preparation, for application, and for a finish to completely dry.

What color deck hides dirt best?

Black or chocolate brown. These darker tones are great for high traffic areas, since they hide dirt well. They're still neutral, which means they are easy to pair with just about any color scheme.

When should you not stain a deck?

You want to apply the stain when the wood surface and air are in the temperature range of 50° – 90°F. You also want to avoid the direct application of sunlight. Lastly, do not apply a stain if there is a forecast of rain in the following one to two days, or all your hard work could end up being washed away.

Can I use Dawn dish soap to clean my deck?

Liquid dish soap (ammonia-free) is safe for use on cleaning your deck when mixed with a little warm water.

How often should a deck be stained?

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.

What happens if you don't clean deck before staining?

Cleaning a deck before you apply stain ensures that the surface is clean (no dust, dirt, wood fibers or grease), dry and free from mildew. When a surface is not clean, stains and other finishes have trouble sticking and may end up peeling.