Is it better to paint or stain a deck?

Paint allows you more color options, as where stain is limited to shades of brown. Because paint fills gaps and cracks, it hides the flaws of a weathered or old deck much better than stain does. It's easier to clean a painted deck rather than a stained one.

Why should you not paint a deck?

Painting traps moisture in the wood.

Decks are horizontal, so the paint simply lies on it, which leads to water pooling in certain areas. Over time, this traps moisture in the wood. As the deck naturally expands and contracts with the outdoor elements, the paint will eventually begin to chip and peel.

Is it better to paint or stain treated wood?

And how can you apply it without having to watch your hard work come undone in short order? Experts recommended that you stain pressure treated wood rather than paint it. The primary reason for this is that paint rarely adheres to pressure-treated wood very well because of the process used for the pressure treatment.

What lasts longer solid stain or paint?

Another notable difference between solid color stain and paint is that paint will last longer than stain.

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

A 12x12 deck costs $226 to $582 to stain when paying someone, or $59 to $176 to stain it yourself. A gallon of stain costs $20 to $50, which covers 200 to 300 square feet. Get free estimates from deck staining companies near you or view our deck stain cost calculator below.

Home Improvement Tips: Should I Paint or Stain My Deck? | FIX.com

What does it cost to stain a deck?

Average 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.

Should I paint my pressure treated deck?

We often get asked for our painting recommendations for pressure treated wood. Our recommendation is short and simple: Don't. We do not recommend the use of a conventional multi-coat paint system or varnish. The performance is nearly always disappointing, and repainting often has to be preceded by scraping and sanding.

Do you seal a deck after staining?

Most of the time, stains also contain a protective sealant. It's a good idea, though, to re-seal your deck (or check that it needs to be re-sealed) once a year. Water-based stains can adhere to water or oil-based coatings already present on the wooden surface. Water-based stains can be cleaned up with water.

Can you stain green pressure treated wood?

Yes, it's ok to stain pressure-treated wood, but you'll want to wait until the wood is completely dry.

Can I paint a deck over stain?

A stained deck can be easily painted over or given a new shade of stain by dulling the old finish with sandpaper, wiping down the deck with de-glosser, and then priming and painting or topping with the new shade of stain.

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 can I make my pressure treated deck look good?

Wash the pressure-treated wood with a deck cleaner, scrubbing the wood surface with a brush while wet. Use a pressure washer if the wood has tough stains. Allow the wet cleaner to soak into the wood for about 10 minutes or to manufacturer's directions. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose or pressure washer.

Is water based or oil based stain better for decks?

Oil decking stains penetrate wood very well and provide excellent protection. Oil molecules are smaller than water molecules so it penetrates better in comparison. The better a wood decking stain penetrates the better it performs and lasts. By nature, oil based deck stains are easier to apply than water based.

How long should I wait to stain a new deck?

New wooden decks should always receive a coat of paint or stain. Generally, all new decks should dry out for at least 30 days before stain or paint is applied. Although a finish can be applied immediately after construction, more work is involved, so it's best to let the wood fully dry before finishing.

Why does stain peel off my deck?

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.

Should I sand my deck before staining?

Sand the Deck

If you plan to stain the deck, sand the surface before application to make the wood better absorb the coating. Use an orbital sander to remove any old gloss and smooth out any rough areas on decking boards. You may need to use a sanding sponge on the railings or balustrades.

Is it too late to seal my deck?

DO wait 30 days before sealing a new deck. If you've just built a new deck, you're probably itching to finish the job by sealing it. But preservatives in the wood often require about 30 days' dwell time before the deck can soak up the sealant.

Should I stain pressure treated wood?

So, even though the wood is treated, it is best to apply a stain--or at least a water repellent--as soon as your project is dry enough. The first tip for working with pressure-treated lumber is to let it dry before using it.

How can I make pressure treated wood last longer?

To make your pressure treated wood last longer, you'll want to apply water-repellant sealers annually and use a mildewcide cleaner at the first signs of any mildew growing on your wood.

Can you paint old pressure treated wood?

Yes, you can paint or stain pressure-treated wood, but for a long-lasting and great-looking finish evaluate the wood's moisture content first, then use the correct paint and primer. Keep reading for detailed how to tips.

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

The cost to paint a deck ranges from $600 to $1,500 or about $2 to $5 per square foot.

How much stain do I need for a 20x20 deck?

To stain a 20x20 ft² deck area, you'll need approximately 2 and 1 quarter gallons (2.25 gal). You can get this result by assuming that 1 gallon can cover up to 175 ft². Also, consider this amount is for one coat of stain.

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.