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Your deck is one of the hardest-working parts of your home—constantly exposed to sun, rain, snow, and heavy foot traffic. Over time, these elements can cause your wood deck to fade, crack, or warp. But with the right care and maintenance, you can keep it looking fresh and new for years to come.
In this guide, we'll walk you through how to stain your deck or seal it properly, so you can protect your investment and enhance your outdoor space.
Why stain or seal your wood deck?
Before we dive into the process of how to stain your deck, you might be wondering why it's even necessary. While staining or sealing can enhance the appearance of your deck, the benefits go beyond looks.
A high-quality finish helps:
- Repel water and prevent moisture damage
- Minimize fading and cracking caused by UV exposure
- Extend the life of your wood deck
Whether you're sealing, staining, or painting your deck, a protective finish helps maintain the wood’s integrity and durability.
Are you a visual learner?
Check out our video on staining wood decks:
Step 1: Choose the right finish – Stain, Sealer, or Paint
Before you get started applying your finish, you first need to determine what type of finish to use.
Sealer
- Clear, UV and water-repellent protection
- Preserves the natural color and texture of the wood
- Great for a raw, natural appearance
Stain
- Adds color while showcasing the wood grain
- Offers strong UV and moisture protection
- Available in a variety of tones and transparencies
Paint
- Offers solid color and hides wood grain
- Sits on top of the wood (rather than soaking in), making it more prone to peeling and chipping
- Not recommended for decks in high-traffic or extreme weather areas
For sealers or stains, always select an exterior-grade product that is water repellent and includes UV stabilizers. If you choose paint, make sure it’s specifically formulated for decks and always use a primer for better adhesion.
Step 2: Make sure your deck is dry
One of the most important parts of applying a finish to your deck is starting with dry wood. If the deck boards are too moist, they won’t absorb the stain or sealer effectively. Pressure-treated lumber can take months (up to a year) to season and dry after installation. Use the Sprinkle Test to check if your deck boards are dry enough.
Try the Sprinkle Test:
Sprinkle a few drops of water on the deck surface.
- If the water soaks in within 10 minutes, the wood is dry and ready to finish.
- If the water beads up or stays on the surface, the wood needs more time to dry
Step 3: Prepare the deck’s surface
Now that your deck is dry, it’s time to prepare the surface:
- Sweep off dirt, leaves, and other debris
- If dirt or mildew remains, clean the deck with a pressure washer and cleaner (make sure to allow for additional drying time)
- Remove any furniture, plants, or grills
A clean surface will ensure better adherence for the applied finish.
Step 4: Check the forecast
Deck staining, sealing or painting requires the right weather conditions. You need your deck to be dry and a temperature that isn’t too cold or too hot:
- Look for a dry window of at least 48 hours during and after application
- You want a temperature between 55°F and 95°F
- Avoid overly windy days. You don’t want debris, dirt, and dust blowing onto your deck during application
The better the weather, the better your results will be.
Step 5: Apply the stain, sealer or paint
You’re ready to get started applying your finish! The process should be similar no matter what finish you have chosen, but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Here’s how to stain, seal, or paint your wood deck like a pro:
Before you start:
- Stir your stain, sealer, or paint thoroughly
- Test the product in a small, hidden area to ensure color and finish are what you expect
- Choose an applicator: brush, roller, or sprayer
During application:
- Work in the direction of the wood grain
- Apply thin, even coats
- Avoid overlapping strokes to prevent streaks or blotches
- Stain railings and balusters first, using drop cloths to protect deck boards
- Don’t forget stairs and edges
- Work backward toward your exit to avoid getting boxed in
Let the finish dry completely before walking on or replacing furniture. Drying times will vary—always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Enjoy your refinished deck
Now that you’ve learned how and applied your finish to your deck, it’s time to enjoy your refreshed and protected outdoor space. With regular maintenance and periodic reapplication every few years, your deck will stay in top shape season after season.
Have other outdoor projects in mind? Find a local ProWood dealer near you!