Proxy Hulk Blog

Why use a deck stain? Decks can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars to build and install. It is always a wise decision to find the best way to maintain the beauty and durability of your deck to ensure years of use. Staining a deck helps to protect the wood from harmful UV rays as well as water absorption. Both can turn your deck into an unsightly mess and create a less durable and long lasting deck.

Different types of deck stain include,  Transparent, Semi-Transparent, Semi-Solid and Solid color. Each type of deck stain will also have degrees of tint and color associated with each. The general rule to deck stain types is that the darker the tint, the longer lasting and more protective it will be. Because one of the main reason for staining a deck is to protect it from the sun’s rays and heat, if the tint is darker it acts like a dark pair of sunglasses and it will protect the deck longer. This does not mean though that you can just stain your deck once and forget it. All decks need to be maintained on a regular basis, anywhere from 12 months to 2 years depending on the type of stain you decide on. Cheaper is not better when making your staining choice as it can just lead to more maintenance in the nearer future, creating twice the work and cost to you. Always choose the best deck stain you can possibly afford.

Preparing for a deck stain or re-stain is one of the most important parts to ensuring a good protective coating. If you skimp on time and resources on this first step, you will find that the stain will not last as long and the stain will not do the job it’s meant to. Preparation should include a good washing of the deck, almost always a power washing is best. Stripping of the old deck stain if previously stained, preferably with a eco-friendly stripping agent. The use of deck washes and wood brighteners also are an important step in preparing your deck as they will help the wood hold the stain longer.

Always follow the decking stain manufacturers instructions when staining. Each will have different recommendations and drying times created for that specific stain. Always let your deck stain completely dry before attempting to use it. Premature traffic will deteriorate the protective barrier you have just created.