Should I paint my deck every year?

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.

How often do decks need to be repainted?

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

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.

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.

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

Is it better to stain or paint a 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.

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 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.

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.

Do painted decks last longer?

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. Because paint fills gaps and cracks, it hides the flaws of a weathered or old deck much better than stain does.

Is it worth painting old decking?

Paint is best for older decking that needs a TLC and has the added bonus of an injection of healthy colour. And finally, oil is best if your decking is greying and needs nourishing.

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.

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.

What month is best to paint 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.

How often should you reseal 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.

How much does it cost to paint a deck?

Prices for deck painting and staining run about $2-$5 per square foot, depending on the size and condition of your deck. The type of paint or stain you choose will also affect the overall cost. Most projects average between $300-$1,200.

What happens if you don't pressure wash 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.

How long to let deck dry after power washing before painting?

The deck must be dried for at least twenty-four hours before painting or staining; forty-eight hours is ideal. Do not paint or stain a deck if there is high humidity or the temperature is above seventy-nine degrees. Be sure to stir the paint or stain before applying and follow the directions on the can.

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.

What to do before repainting a deck?

What should you do before painting a deck?

Applying a deck wash product to completely clean all wood surfaces. Allow to dry thoroughly, at least 48 hours. Sanding any ridges or lifted grain with 80-grit sandpaper; cleaning up any dust. Protecting adjacent surfaces, such as siding, with painter's tape and plastic sheeting.

Does a deck need 2 coats of paint?

Whether you need one, two, or three coats of paint typically depends on the color of the paint and the coverage. If the old paint or the exterior wood putty is showing through, then you will need another coat of paint for complete coverage. Allow the paint to dry for 24 to 48 hours before resuming regular deck use.

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.

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.