We stain dozens of decks each year, but there are a few things you should consider before getting your deck stained. Is this something that you wish to withstand the test of time? How often do you want to get your deck stained? In most cases, decks normally need to be re-stained every 3 or 4 years. To tell if your deck is ready for stain pour some water on horizontal boards. If the water beads up, it should not be stained. On the other hand, if the water spreads out and absorbs into the wood, it will accept another coat of stain.

Water-based or oil? Solid or Semi-transparent?

How do you make sense of it all? The good news is you don’t have to, we can help you with those decisions.

Generally speaking, water-based materials are the go-to product today. The EPA mandated multiple changes to the industry in the past decade, leading coating companies to place more research and emphasis on waterborne materials. Some companies even make a water-soluble oil-based stain.

Most painters use water-based products on their decks because they are less toxic to humans, pets, and plant life and due to modern technology tend to outlast their oil-based counterparts.

The type of stain you choose (semi-transparent or solid) is also heavily dependent on the age of your deck. Once a deck reaches 12 – 15 years old, it typically will not hold a semi-transparent color very long. You may see extensive fading after only one year.

As a result, for older decks, we recommend a solid stain for maximum color retention. You’ll lose the look of the wood grain, but at that age, you need to be focused on maximizing the life of your investment. It becomes less about appearance and more about preservation.