How to stain a deck in 8 easy steps
By Sherra Vorley•Last updated May 17, 2022
Last updated May 17, 2022
Some people consider a deck a must-have for outdoor entertainment, grilling, or just kicking back with a cup of tea and a good book. However, without knowing a bit about how to properly care for and maintain your deck, you could inadvertently be shortening its lifespan.
A wood deck is exposed to the elements 24 hours a day, all year round. Rain, snow, sun, wind — they all take a toll on wood decking. High humidity and shade can damage your deck with moss, mildew and rot. Fluctuating temperatures and moisture levels can cause wood to shrink and expand, deteriorating your surface. Dry winds and hot sun can make the wood brittle. Oh, and don’t forget about those pesky stains from spilled wine, melted popsicles, and greasy burgers.
If you haven’t stained your deck, now may be the time. Staining a deck not only protects the wood from weather and wear and tear but also looks fantastic and improves your outdoor enjoyment. Plus, a perfectly stained deck will improve your property value.
What do you need for deck staining?
You can apply deck stain with a variety of tools and equipment, including:
- Exterior wood deck stain (optional: a combined stain-and-sealant product)
- Sealant (if the stain doesn’t contain sealant)
- Broom or shop vac
- Roller
- Cloth
- Foam brush
- Stain pad
- Pole or extension handle
- Bristle brushes
- Airless paint sprayer
- Sanding tool
- Pressure washer
- Large bucket(s)
- Stirring sticks
- Roller tray
- Painter’s tape
- Safety mask
- Goggles
- Clear plastic
Bristle brushes are great for hard-to-reach areas, and a roller can cover larger surfaces quickly. Use a staining sponge or pad attached to the end of a pole for an even finish and more control. An airless paint sprayer takes experience, but it can also be an effective way to stain a deck with impressive results.
How to stain your deck
With your deck stain and tools ready, you can start staining. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Clear your deck and protect your home’s exterior
Remove furniture, potted plants, toys and grills to expose the deck’s entire surface. Use painter’s tape and clear plastic to protect your home’s exterior, siding and landscaping.
Step 2: Sweep up
Your deck needs to be thoroughly cleaned before staining. Clean wood absorbs stain, and stain helps protect the wood. If the wood is still dirty from outdoor exposure, the stain may not spread evenly or stick properly. For best results, remove built-up mold, mildew and dirt — along with any previous coatings or stains.
Sweep the deck well to remove debris and leaves. A shop vac is helpful for sucking up debris in the cracks and crevices between boards.
Step 3: Apply a deck cleaning product, scrub and rinse
The level of cleaning required depends on the condition of the deck. If the deck has layers of stain, mildew and weather damage, a high-powered pressure wash can quickly expose the wood’s surface. A wood-cleaning product applied with a roller or pump sprayer may be enough for a well-maintained deck.
A pressure washer has several spray options. Start in an inconspicuous area to find the best setting for the type of wood and level of cleaning required. Keep the nozzle about 8 to 12 inches from the deck boards and at a 45-degree angle. A pressure setting of 1200 to 1400 PSI (pounds per square inch) should be effective. Spray along the grain of each board to remove dust, dirt, wood fibers and grease.
While deck-cleaning products have specific instructions, you’ll generally need to wet the deck boards thoroughly before applying cleaning agents. Dry wood may absorb cleaning products, which can degrade the wood’s color and limit stain absorption.
Apply the cleaning product liberally with a pump sprayer or roller. Avoid contact with skin and eyes by wearing protective clothing and goggles. Brush the cleaner onto the wood with a synthetic-bristle brush for the best effect. Allow the cleaner to sit for the required time, usually about 15 minutes. Rinse it away completely with a garden hose. Any cleaner sprayed on plants or house finishes should be rinsed off well, too.
Step 4: Sand your deck
Allow the deck to dry completely. This may take 36 to 48 hours, depending on the weather and humidity. Next, use a sanding tool, like a rotary sander or sanding paper, to remove any remaining stains or damaged wood. If you expose new, lighter-colored wood, lightly feather the sanded area.
Step 5: Double-check for any deck damage and make repairs
Before applying stain to your clean, dry deck, check for damaged boards or raised nails or screws. Replace any problematic boards, and countersink nails and screws. This is also a good time to assess your deck’s integrity for any damage to the framing material. If in doubt, seek a professional assessment to make sure your deck is safe and reliable.
After a final sweep to remove debris, it’s time to start deck staining.
Step 6: Prepare the deck stain and make a plan
Stir the stain thoroughly each time you pour it into a paint tray. Avoid shaking the stain, which may cause bubbles that show up in the finished wood. Next, choose a patch of wood in an unnoticeable area to test. This helps you make sure you like the final color and appearance.
Now it’s time to plan your deck-staining sequence. Start at the farthest area from your exit so you don’t stain yourself into a corner. Use a brush to cut in around the edges of your deck and reach hard-to-access areas. Keep in mind that two thin coats are better than one uneven, thick coat when staining a deck.
Step 7: Apply the deck stain
Use a bristle brush, paint pad or airless paint sprayer to apply stain to railings, posts and balusters. Cover the deck surface to avoid drips and protect the deck from splotches. Use long, even strokes, and cover each side of spindles, railings and posts.
When staining deck boards, cut in corners and edges with a brush. Stain any cracks and hard-to-reach areas. Apply stain in long sections, three or four boards at a time. Ensure an even coat by using a broom or roller to spread out any stain that collects or puddles. This also helps work the stain into the wood.
Stain the stairs last, after the railings and deck surface. Using a brush or handheld stain applicator, apply a thin coat to stair risers and treads. Look for any missed areas. Walk around the deck to make sure any out-of-sight areas are cleaned and stained as well. Allow the stain to dry for at least 24 hours between coats.
Step 8: Clean up and let the deck dry
When the entire deck surface, railings and stairs are stained, clean your applicators, brushes, rollers and paint trays. Carefully remove painter’s tape and clear plastic protection.
Allow the stain to dry for at least 24 hours before walking on the freshly stained deck or replacing furniture, grills, plants or toys.
If your deck staining product doesn’t contain sealant, you should apply a sealant after 48 hours.
Deck maintenance tips to remember
A well-maintained deck will last longer than one that isn’t cared for. Now that your deck has been freshly stained, take these simple steps to keep it looking great:
- Keep your deck swept and free of debris. Piles of leaves can trap moisture and pests that are destructive to wood decks.
- Use outdoor mats or area rugs to protect high-traffic areas.
- Move furniture and mats around occasionally to keep areas from getting discolored by sunlight and moisture.
- Wash your deck in the spring to remove debris or residual de-icing salt.
- Inspect and repair your deck annually. Look for signs of rot, mold and mildew.
- Check underneath the deck and where the deck attaches to the house and repair any damaged boards. If you’re unsure, call a professional to inspect and repair your deck.
- In the fall, prune shrubs and trees to avoid contact with the deck during cold and wet seasons.
- Remove snow during the winter to avoid your wood buckling or sagging under the weight. Snow removal also helps prevent moisture from seeping into wood boards as snow melts.
- Add shade to your deck. Consider adding a pergola, umbrellas and other types of coverings to help protect your deck from the sun.
- Re-stain or seal your deck every three years or so. Depending on the stain you use and your deck’s condition, you may be able to extend the time between stainings.
When to contact a pro to stain and maintain your deck
Great weather is required for staining a deck — and you may have many other demands on your time during good weather. In this case, many experienced professionals are experts at deck staining in your area. Professional deck maintenance will give you the professional results you’re after.
Here are a few reasons you might want to hire a pro to handle this task for you:
- You’ll save time. Time is of the essence for deck staining, and hiring a deck staining professional is a good way to take this home maintenance task off your to-do list.
- A professional can also complete repairs. Not only will you get the results you want, but a deck contractor will use their expert knowledge to assess and fix any safety issues and structural damage.
- You don’t have to buy new tools. Unlike some outdoor maintenance tasks, deck staining requires its own set of skills and tools. Hiring a professional rather than investing in tools — and your own sweat equity — might be the more budget-friendly option.
FAQs
When is the best time to stain a deck?
Typically, the best time to stain your deck is in the spring or fall when temperatures are between 50° F and 90° F, and it won’t be raining over the next couple of days.
You may be able to stain your deck in the summer. Just make sure you don’t attempt this project in direct sunlight or when it’s too hot. Otherwise, you risk having the stain evaporate before it can penetrate the wood.
You should also avoid staining after it has rained. If you apply stain to wet or damp wood, it won’t absorb well and may crack or peel.
Pro tip: It may be time to stain deck boards if water no longer beads on the surface.
What is the best way to apply stain on a deck?
A brush and roller are the two most common applicators for deck staining. A roller helps you get the job done faster, but a brush is a more effective and accurate way to stain a deck.
If you have enough experience, stain can be applied quickly and evenly with an airless paint sprayer. For small decks, stain can be applied with just a brush. Larger areas can be efficiently covered in smooth, even layers of deck stain with a roller or stain pad attached to an extended handle.
Should I use a brush or roller to stain my deck?
You can stain your deck using a brush or roller. A brush is ideal for hard-to-reach areas, cutting in edges and brushing stain into cracks and crevices. The downside is that it can be labor-intensive for large areas.
A roller is better for staining a deck with a large surface area. Rollers can also be attached to extended handles, which can make the job easier because you can stain from a standing position.
Both tools are useful for achieving professional results. It never hurts to consult a professional, as they’ll know the best ways to stain a deck in your area.
Do you have to sand a deck before staining?
Deck stain will adhere best to wood that’s clean, dry and free of stains and splinters. After you clean your deck thoroughly, you may find areas where the wood is damaged or stained. Residual stain or paint on areas of the deck will need to be removed. Sanding those areas is a fast and effective way to remove old stain, smooth rough damaged wood or clean up grease spots or spills.
It may not be necessary to sand the entire deck. A small orbital sander or a handheld sanding tool will help buff out damaged areas. Feather sanded areas for a consistent look across the deck boards.
However, a thorough sanding of the entire deck may be needed when a complete restoration is required for an old, neglected deck.
Do you wipe off deck stain?
Deck stain needs to be applied in thin, even layers to cure properly. You can wipe off deck stain when it is too thick. Overapplication of deck stain will not cure well.
When staining a deck, work in small sections. Even better, have a partner help you. As deck stain is applied, you or your partner can use a tool such as a synthetic-bristled broom to spread any thickly applied stain and work the excess into the wood.
Remember: it’s important to avoid staining a deck in the hot sun. The stain will dry too quickly, making it difficult to spread out or wipe off areas that are too thick.
Can you stain over stain on a deck?
There are a few things to consider if you want to stain over an existing stain on a deck. In short, yes, you can stain over the same stain on a well-maintained deck surface. A deck that was stained in the last year or so and is in good condition may be perfect for a maintenance coat of stain. This can help extend your deck’s life and keep it looking new.
However, do not stain over an existing stain if the deck wood is damaged and needs repairs. And a new coat of stain applied over an old coat of a different color or type may not adhere properly. In the worst case, you might end up needing to strip off the new stain along with the old stain to get the professional-looking results you want.
How many coats of stain should you put on a deck?
One to two coats of stain are usually enough for your deck. As a rule, stain the deck until it no longer absorbs stain.
Clean, dry wood decking will absorb the first layer of stain deep into the wood grain. This may be enough to protect the wood deck from the elements. Different types and ages of wood may need a second coat of stain. While newer or denser wood may require only one coat, follow the product’s directions. Deck stain manufacturers will recommend how many coats to apply for your situation.
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