Precision Staining | Choosing the Best Deck Stain: Expert Tips

How To Choose The Best Deck Stain

Josh Richards • Mar 09, 2023

Introduction

When it comes to backyard design, few features are as quintessential as the deck. There's something about a deck that makes a backyard feel cozy and complete. Whether it's used for entertaining, relaxing, or simply enjoying the outdoors, a deck is an excellent addition to any home. And with so many different styles and designs, there's sure to be one perfect deck for your backyard.

As the weather changes, so do the condition of your deck. If you don't take care of it, your deck will become old and dull. Snow, rain, and pets can all damage your deck. The sun can also cause fading and discoloration. Walking on your deck can also lead to scratches and scuffs.

Deck stain is a great option to transform any old outdoor structure from rough to stunning. It is common to re-stain your deck every two or three years. The right deck stain will bring out the beauty of the wood grain on your deck and prolong its lifespan by shielding it from the sun's rays and water damage. The stain on decks can also defend your deck from problems such as mold and rot.

If you want to give your deck a fresh look this spring, you'll need to choose the right stain. The type of stain you choose will depend on the look you're going for and the condition of your deck. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best deck stain for your space.

Avoid confusion while choosing the stain.

Have you ever purchased a wood deck stain, only to be overwhelmed by all the different types and brands? You are not alone. Many people have the same problem. The good news is that there are only a few basic types of stains, and if you understand the differences, it will be much easier to choose the right one for your project. But don't worry - we're here to help! In this article, we'll give you tips on choosing the right stain for your deck.

A good stain for wood decks will bring out the beauty of the wood grain on your deck and prolong its lifespan by shielding it from the sun's rays and water damage. Choosing the correct stain is challenging due to the sheer number of alternatives. You may visit store nearby or an online store, you will find a wide selection of semitransparent, transparent, and solid staining options with water and oil formulations. Let’s move on to the next step of few considerations to keep in mind while selecting stain.

TYPES OF DECK STAIN AND CONSIDERATIONS

There are a few different types of deck stain to choose from, each with its advantages and disadvantages.

The selection of the best stain for your deck is based on various factors, including the condition and age of the wood as well as what kind of stain was employed in the past. It is also essential to consider how long you'd like your stain to last in relation to the work and time you're prepared to put into the preparation work and the application.

There's also the issue of weather. Some deck staining products require a 72-hour No-Rain period, starting with the cleaning process and extending until the stain is completely cured and ready to be used. We'll help make the process easier by showing how these elements can reduce the options to just two Behr products: Behr Premium Semi-transparent Waterproofing and Behr Premium Transparent Quick Dry Oil-Base Wood Finish.

Factor in the Preparation and Application Time Commitments

If you're considering staining your deck, consider a few things before making any commitments. First, the preparation time commitment will depend on the type of stain you choose. Second, the application time commitment will depend on the weather conditions and how detailed you want your finish to be—finally, factor in any potential repair or restoration work that may need to be done afterward.

Depending on the size and condition of deck, the preparation process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Once you have prepared your deck, the actual staining process will take approximately 2-4 hours. If your deck is currently sporting a base finish of water or acrylic, count at least half a day (or greater) to strip the previous finish. It is then advisable to allocate several days in 72 hours No-Rain period for the cleaning, drying, application, and curing phases before you can move your furniture back into the proper place and begin walking.

If your deck is currently coated with an oil-based stain, you can wash and then recoat it within a single day by using Behr's Quick Dry product. You'll need to remove the old finish if you wish to coat it with a lighter color Quick Dry finish or when you're looking to switch to a water-based finish. Sanding the rails and floor is something that professionals should do.

Deck Stain Color Opacities

When deciding on the perfect deck stain for your decking, understanding the opacity of your deck stain is crucial.

Understanding opacity can be essential if you're deciding on the best stain for your wood deck decking. Understanding the kind of wood your deck is made of will help determine the level of opacity you need to select. In general, the word "opacity" is used to describe the transparency of an object. For stain for decks, the opacity will determine how much of the natural wood's features, such as the grain of it, shine through the stain. The majority of wood stainings fall into the following categories of opacity.

Clear or natural: The opacity level isn't much different from the color of the wood. It's recommended that If you have new or expensive wood, you probably want to see the grain, so use a clear stain. The lifespan for a natural or clear deck stain can be about 1 to 2 years.

Translucent: A step from clear, transparent staining allows the wood grain to shine through. However, it adds a tiny little bit of color to the blend.

Tinted: Tinted stains provide only a tiny amount of color, so you can expect the natural tone of wood to show through and change the color of the stain. The subtle shift in hue is the ideal choice for newcomers to outdoor color. The typical life expectancy of stained deck staining tinted is 2 to 3 years.

Semitransparent: This opaque opacity displays the grain of wood but has a darker pigmentation. If your deck is older and you've replaced a board or two, use this to make it more uniform. The lifespan of semitransparent deck stains is about 3 to 5 years.

Semi-solid: The next step in the opacity of a stain is to use a semi-solid. They allow the wood's natural grain to be visible while providing more excellent coverage of color. Semi-solids are ideal if you wish to bring out some specifics and cover up some imperfections. They are more vibrant, which means you can alter your deck's appearance just as you would choose the color of paint.

Solid: Solid stain obscures the grain of your deck. If your deck has staining or other cosmetic damage, consider a stain with an opaque solid. It covers most imperfections and provides better UV protection to the wood. The average life of solid deck staining is usually 5 years or more.

CHOOSING THE COLOR STAIN FOR YOUR DECK

The colors you choose for your deck can make a big difference in how your deck looks and feels. There are a lot of different colors to choose from, and it can be challenging to decide which one is right for you.

Some people like to use light colors to make their decks look brighter, while others prefer darker colors to make their decks look more imposing. Whether you're searching for a subtle tint or a solid stain for your deck, here are a few suggestions for staining your deck to hide its age.

1. Match the primary home color:

Remember the color wheel from grade school? Choose the most dominating, constant shade in your backyard (likely the exterior of your house) and select it as a match to be a stain. For example, tan siding begs for a smoky blue counterpoint.

2. Know Your Deck's Wood Type

Each wood species has a natural casting to it. For instance, pressed wood, commonly used to build decks, is green when it is not finished. If the wood's natural hue does not appeal to you, you can try using a semitransparent or solid stain that covers it up. You can also match the stain color to the wood, such as the stain is green for pine, for instance.

3. Choose a different coordinating color:

Choose an entirely different hue from the primary and trim hues for the most bold appearance. But, to get the most effective outcomes, choose a color that blends in with the colors of your home. Selecting a hue that's too different will not appear well together, and at the worst, it could be in conflict against the other colors in your home.

4. Test It Out

Once you've chosen a colored deck stain, try it out as you paint. Apply the stain to some small areas of feet on your deck. If you're not happy, you can employ the deck stripper to remove the stain instead of sanding that causes unevenness in the deck. Ensure your deck is clean (including the power wash) before applying the stain.

Final Words

Whichever stain color you pick, You'll want it to add a fresh look to your deck. You'll have to consider the kind of wood you have, the style of your deck, and the condition of the timber. If the deck is brand new or made from expensive wood, choose a stain that highlights the beautiful wood. As the deck ages, select a stain that will conceal the signs of aging.

You've got a few questions that require expert assistance. Don't hesitate to call us. Precision Staining experts will be happy to assist you in picking the perfect color.