How often should I stain my deck?

Q: How often should I have my deck painted?

Your deck can also be painted. Here at CertaPro Painters®, we have transformed many decks with a fresh coat of paint. Having your deck painted is a great way to add a pop of color to the exterior of your home. When you have had your deck painted, there are a few signs that can mean it’s time for a new coat of paint. These include peeling, bubbling, flaking, and color fading. Our painters can make your deck look like new in no time! However, paint will sometimes not last as long as a stain depending on where you live. You will often need a few yearly repairs or touch ups to any areas that are showing signs of age. It is also imperative that you work with painters who use professional-grade painting brands like we do at CertaPro Painters®.

Interior And Exterior Home Maintenance > How often should I stain my deck?

How often should I stain my deck?

Deck staining is a great way to add an extra bit of visual appeal to the exterior of your home. Investing in deck staining and other maintenance is also vital to extending the life of your deck. For the best results, your deck should be stained every 2-3 years. This will ensure that it has lasting protection from the outdoor elements.

When it comes to deck maintenance, there are many influential factors. The most common are the kind of wood your deck is made out of and even the current condition of your deck. Climate will also play a role in regards to how often you will need to stain your deck.

Your deck is one of the most relaxing outdoor entertainment spaces at your home, and it is important to maintain it through specialty services like staining. A quality staining project will help your deck last for years to come. Let us help you get your deck ready for your next family cookout today!

What You Need to Know About Staining a New Deck

Staining a new deck will have different requirements than an older deck. It is imperative that a new deck has been allowed to dry out for a good 30 days before any stain can be applied to its surface. However, the climate will also play a role in when you should have your new deck stained as well. This is why we recommend working with our staining professionals at CertaPro on your next staining service.

Pressure Treated Lumber

This type of wood will need a longer drying time than most prior to staining. After 6 months a finish or stain can finally be applied to pressure treated lumber. You can test your deck by seeing if it absorbs water or it stays on the deck’s surface. If it absorbs, your deck is ready for a staining service.

Kiln-dried Lumber

The majority of wood available for deck building will be Kiln-dried. This type of wood should only need two months before stain can be applied.

Green Lumber

Green lumber is simply wood that has been newly cut. This type of wood will need the longest time to dry before your deck can be stained. The general rule for green lumber is that it should have 1 year per inch of thickness for drying. So the amount of time before staining will depend on how thick your deck is.

How often should I have my deck painted?

Your deck can also be painted. Here at CertaPro Painters®, we have transformed many decks with a fresh coat of paint. Having your deck painted is a great way to add a pop of color to the exterior of your home.

When you have had your deck painted, there are a few signs that can mean it’s time for a new coat of paint. These include peeling, bubbling, flaking, and color fading. Our painters can make your deck look like new in no time!

However, paint will sometimes not last as long as a stain depending on where you live. You will often need a few yearly repairs or touch ups to any areas that are showing signs of age. It is also imperative that you work with painters who use professional-grade painting brands like we do at CertaPro Painters®.

What to Know About Staining an Older Deck

Once your deck has been stained, it will need to be freshened up every 2-3 years. Below are a few of the signs that your deck could use a new coat of stain.

Color Fading
Mold or Mildew Buildup
Moisture Damage

When a deck needs to be stained, it can’t be simply patch treated. The entire surface of your deck will need to be stained at the same time to ensure that the color completely matches. An oil-based stain will often be best for protecting your deck from excess moisture.

Deck Maintenance and Staining Services

Deck staining and painting services take a lot of dedication and hard work. Instead of wasting your entire weekend on deck maintenance, consult with your local professionals here at CertaPro Painters®. We have updated many decks in our local communities with a new coat of paint or stain, and we’d love to help repair yours. All you have to do to get started on your next deck maintenance project is fill out our online form to request a free estimate. We look forward to hearing from you!