What kind of stain is best for an old deck?

Semi-solid stains offer more color with less wood grain peeking through. This is a good option for older decks or if there are imperfections in the wood that you'd rather cover up. Solid stain is the most opaque of the stains. You'll get a deep, rich color, but none of the natural grain will come through.

Can you stain an old weathered deck?

Using clear or translucent stains on weathered wood will result in a splotchy, uneven look. Instead, the best deck stain for weathered wood will have at least some pigment. A semi-transparent stain will impart a little color to the deck wood while still allowing the grain to show through.

Should I stain an old deck?

Exposed decks require re-staining every few years. Three to five years is the expected longevity of an oil-based semitransparent stain. Staining doesn't hide the imperfections of an older or weathered deck, like paint does. Some woods don't hold a stain well, like birch and maple.

How do you make an old weathered deck look good?

How do you rejuvenate an old wood deck?

You can restore your existing deck by applying a deck paint restoration product. Deck paint restoration coatings are thick enough to fill all cracks, knotholes, and splinters, and they provide a completely new textured surface that can last as long as 13 years without additional applications.

How to Stain a Deck the Easy Way (Best Tools to Refinish)

Can you stain an old deck without sanding?

You don't even have to sand unless you want or if it could really use one. The reason you want to clean the wood first is to remove any dirt, mold or mildew spores to make sure the stain has a clean surface to bond.

Should you sand an old deck before staining?

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.

Should you power wash an old 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.

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 you stain over weathered wood?

Weathered wood must be removed from the surface prior to staining or painting.

Is it better to brush or roll stain on a deck?

The first and most obvious reason to roll on deck stain as opposed to brushing it on is that the former allows you to cover a much larger surface area in less time. Rollers are wider, more efficient, and easier to operate. Additionally, using a roller helps you achieve a smoother finish.

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.

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.

Is it ever too late to stain a deck?

Is It Too Late to Restore Your Deck? If it's been much longer than the recommended three years since you last stained your deck, you might wonder if it's even worth getting back on track. Fortunately, unless your deck is in a total state of disrepair, it's virtually never too late to provide it with a fresh coating.

What is the best time of day to stain a deck?

Applying a deck stain in direct sun will cause the stain to dry to quickly and can result in premature stain failure. In the summer, stain your deck in the morning or evening so the deck surface isn't too hot. Remember, the surface temperature of the deck can be much hotter than the air temperature.

What happens if I don't power wash my deck before staining?

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 it better to sand or power wash a deck?

That being said, sanding is a lot of work. You can get the same clean, fresh surface with a good pressure washing. A pressure washer removes the deteriorated finish and some of the decayed wood fiber leaving a like-new surface after the wood dries.

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.

Do you have to strip deck stain before restaining?

Strip and Renew Wood Before Restaining

Solid-color stains protect wood decks and look great when new, but even the best solid color deck stain eventually flakes and wears away. At that point, they need to be scraped and stripped off before the deck can be recoated.

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 stain over old stain?

Can I stain on top of old stain? Yes! In fact, applying stain over stain is a fairly simple process. It works especially well if you're applying a dark stain over a lighter stain.