Is it cheaper to paint or stain a deck?

Stain is more budget-friendly.

Stain runs between $20 and $35 per gallon, while exterior paint suitable for decking ranges from $30 to as much as $60 per gallon. Plus, if painting, you'll have to factor in an extra $15 to $40 per gallon of wood preservative and $15 to $30 per gallon of primer.

Is it better to stain or paint your 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.

What lasts longer on a deck stain or paint?

Better, Lasting Coverage

While staining may take less time than painting, painting often does a better job of filling the cracks, covering imperfections, and provides longer lasting protection. Paint also is typically more rot resistance and does a better job of preventing mold and sun damage.

Is it cheaper to paint or stain wood?

Stain is typically less costly than paint and comes in fewer colors and options. It is typically used for wood projects but there are some options available for concrete as well. However, stain is easier to apply and often does not need more than one coat.

Is staining or painting more expensive?

Paint is only more expensive than stain when compared as stand-alone products, but when it comes to cabinetry, there are always other variables (ie. material and door style) to consider.

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

Should I paint or stain wood first?

Stain before paint is usually the norm! Why? Because if you mess up, you can easily paint over stain, but it's not as easy to stain over paint… often sanding/stripping is required.

Can you stain over paint?

While you can stain over paint, realize that you are creating a unique look, not an authentic stained wood-grain look. For that, first strip off all of the paint, then apply the stain. Paint with greater gloss means that the surface is less porous. The stain will more easily slide off, resulting in a lighter color.

Which lasts longer exterior paint or stain?

Done right, an exterior paint job can last 10 years; stain needs to be reapplied more often, anywhere from two to 10 years, depending on the type of stain. One key to how long an exterior finish lasts is how well the surface is prepared.

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.

How much does it cost to paint a deck?

The cost to paint a deck ranges from $600 to $1,500 or about $2 to $5 per square foot. Painting a 300 square foot surface is $1,050 on average, but many factors can increase the price. The labor rate, material condition, and paint quality, for example, can all drive up the total.

Why You Should Never paint a deck?

To get the most out of a wood deck it needs to be protected from the environment and harsh weather conditions. Harmful UV rays and moisture can lessen the longevity of a wood deck in no time.

What is the best time of year 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.

Do I need to seal my 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.

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.

Is painting decking a good idea?

Deck paint is a great garden decking idea, it will not only refresh your outdoor space, but it will also help form a protective barrier around the timber. To ensure you can continue to enjoy your decking area for years to come, we've put together some maintenance tips, along with a guide on how to paint decking.

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.

What happens if I don't stain my deck?

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. This is not a problem in and of itself, and some people prefer this look for their decks.

How much do painters charge 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 pressure wash my deck before painting?

If you decide not to power wash beforehand, not only will your new paint not stay for very long, but your old paint will still be underneath. Pressure washing will not only remove the dirt and grime, but it can also remove old, chipped paint that may cause discrepancies in you new paint job.

Is paint or stain better for outside wood?

staining the deck, paint generally comes out as the more durable and colorfast finish, lasting 10 years or longer before requiring re-application. Oil-based paints offer the best protection from moisture, whereas latex paints provide the best defense against UV-related fading.

How many coats of paint does a deck need?

Apply 1-3 coats of paint.

Paint the floor of the deck a few boards at a time, making sure you have a clear path on and off the deck so you do not paint yourself into a corner. Applying 3 coats will ensure the paint is durable and make the paint easier to maintain.

Can you stain over paint on a deck?

Deck stains will not cover deck paint. To stain over a painted deck, you will first have to remove any current paint from your deck, either by using a deck stripper or by sanding the surfaces of your deck boards. Once the paint has been removed, you can then stain the deck.

What happens if you put wood stain over paint?

The stain gets deep into the wood and locks in color. In contrast, paint adheres to the wood by sitting on its surface, forming a masking layer on top of it. This means if you were to apply wood stain over a painted surface, it would only form a weathered, somewhat aged look rather than the even color of stained wood.

How do you stain a painted deck?