Deck Staining and Fence Staining

You should use a roller brush or sprayer to apply a steady coat of quality stain, such as Olympic Elite stains or Olympic MAXIMUM stains. If you see that too much wood stain has been used in an area, use a roller or brush to fix the imperfections.How often should you stain your deck?

Many homeowners wonder, “How often should I stain my deck?” To keep a deck looking great and prolong the life of the wood, a deck should be stained every two to three years. Other signs your deck needs staining are: The deck has mold or mildew buildup. Water soaks into the deck boards and no longer beads up.

However, as a natural material, wood on an outdoor deck means it is constantly exposed to the elements, which can degrade the material over time. That’s why applying finishing is crucial, as it adds a layer of protection over the wood against UV light, moisture, and other elements and prolongs its life.

Durability. Because paint forms a thicker, more protective film on the surface of the wood, it is generally considered to be more durable than stain. However, stain is known for its ability to preserve the natural beauty of the wood, which makes it a better choice for some types of wood and some aesthetic preferences.

Preparation for restaining a deck involves removing old stain. If you simply stain over a weathered stained deck without preparing the surface, you cannot expect the stain to look good and last long.

Over time, the sun’s rays will dull and fade the finish. When this happens, a fresh coat of stain can quickly restore your deck’s beauty. If you decide to leave your deck alone instead, expect the loss of color and shine to progress until your deck takes on a gray-ish, green-ish hue.

Shorter life span: On average, decks need to be stained every other year. A quality, professional paint job will last longer than a quality, professional deck staining. However, an oil-based semi-transparent stain can last for three to five years, which makes this option worth exploring for peace of mind.

Protective Benefits: Staining your fence extends its life by protecting against UV rays, moisture, and temperature changes, reducing warping and deterioration. Aesthetic Enhancement: A well-chosen stain can transform your fence into a statement piece that complements your home’s architecture and boosts curb appeal.

Transparent stain is best for new fences, or fences that have a great grain that you want to highlight. The stain will provide subtle color accents, but let the natural beauty of the wood really come through. This is often the most cost-effective choice.

There’s a difference between stain and paint. Stain penetrates into the wood, and it enhances the beauty of raw wood, while paint sits on the surface of the wood. You’ll need to reapply fence stain at least every three years, while you can reapply fence paint every five to six years.

Painting or staining a fence typically costs around $3 to $14 per linear foot or $1 to $3 per square foot. There are a few different factors that come into play when you’re calculating the total price of the job.

The chemicals and/or natural oils in the wood eventually dry out, causing the wood to grey and wear down. Fence staining replenishes the shield on the pickets and creates a barrier against precipitation and sun rays.

To enhance the wood’s color, staining should be fine. But to protect the wood against any chipping from impact, or from the elements, varnishing is your best choice. Many woodworkers decide to stain and varnish a wooden surface at the same time. Note if you use a water-based stain, use a water-based varnish.

You will still need to remove any gloss finish with 240-grit sandpaper so the box has a dull appearance, but you don’t need to remove the varnish completely.