Semi-Transparent allows the wood grain to show through while noticeably adding the desired color. It will last 2 to 3 years between applications. Semi-Opaque or semi-solid hides most of the wood grain beneath the rich pigment. It should be repainted every 3 to 4 years. Solid Stains (Opaque) has the richest color and hides the grain the most.
Expect to pay between but that could be higher or lower depending on the complexity of the job and the materials required. And if you’d rather pressure wash your own deck, a good pressure washer will set you back about , although you can spend as little as for a small electric oneor as much as for a commercial-grade one.
Hopefully, you have a better understanding of deck sealing vs. staining, what they do, and what will protect your deck better. If you found this article of value, please share it with others. Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated. Eugene has been a DIY enthusiast for most of his life and loves being creative while inspiring creativity in others.
Enhance and protect your outdoor design by learning how to stain a deck with these simple steps using deck stain.
However, wood that is sealed will still fade over time but will continue to show the natural wood grain. Adding a sealer over a stain isn’t advisable. The stain will protect the wood the same as the sealer. However, since the stain has already sealed the wood grain, the sealer won’t penetrate, or penetrate well, and will peel and flake.
A sealer will have the least impact, preserving the natural look of the wood in your deck, making it ideal for projects where you’re using a fresh milled high quality wood. It simply serves as a clear coat that helps the wood repel water and everyday stains and spills. This allows the wood to resist mildew growth and rot, keeping it’s fine appearance.
Alright, you’ve completed this project and you’re in luck. A properly stained deck required very little maintenance. As you would with other outdoor surfaces around the house, keep your deck free of dirt and debris. A full wash won’t hurt either. In short, if you properly care for a well-stained deck, you’ll enjoy 3-5 years of beautiful protection.
Depending on the frequency of use and weather conditions you might have to reapply yearly. A semi-transparent deck stain will give your home’s exterior a modern, creative touch. You can still see the wood grain and enjoy its beautiful appearance without losing any of that traditional appeal. The clear sealer is a thin layer that just covers the wood.
However, grilling on the deck may not be the safest idea. The paints or stains that you use on your deck could be flammable. Even if your deck doesn’t have paint or stain, the wood could ignite if flames touch the dry surfaces. It generally isn’t recommended to grill on your deck.
Not only does it help remove dirt and mildew, but also helps restore wood back to its natural color. One of the most labor-intensive steps in maintaining a deck is cleaning it. Pressure washing not only gets rid of that nightmare of a mess you know awaits, but also allows for quick and easy removal of stains.
You don’t want to apply deck stain to damp wood because it’s saturated with moisture and the stain won’t soak in properly. On the other hand, the summer season can be far too hot for staining your deck. Temperatures in excess of 90 degrees F cause the deck stain to evaporate much faster.
Wooden decks require regular maintenance to help preserve its color, grain, and longevity. All year round, your deck is exposed to rain, snow, sleet, ice, and direct sunlight. It’s important to restain your deck to help prevent the impact that these elements may have on the wood. But as with staining or painting any surface, it’s important to take the necessary preparation and application procedures to ensure you get the protection and the look that you desire.
If spots of stain are left on the deck, they will show through the new finish and detract from the deck’s final appearance. Allow the deck to dry for one week after cleaning before applying stain. First, it’s important to read the stain can. Every stain can be slightly different, so it is very important that you adhere to the written directions.
Quick Navigation A deck sealer protects wood from moisture, precipitation, insects, mildew and mold, and rot. Most sealers go on clear and dry clear, showing off the wood grain. However, they don’t have a pigment to protect against wood graying UV rays and sun damage. The sun can dry the natural oils found in wood, causing it to gray, dry out, split, crack, or check.
Pressure washing your deck once a year should be sufficient to keep it looking great. Decks can also sustain damage from certain types of shoes. Boots and dress shoes may leave scuffs on your decks, but high heels are the most damaging. These shoes can scratch, scuff, or ding the surface of your deck.
At an average cost between , the biggest factor in the cost of staining a deck is the size. A 100 square foot deck will cost between while a 500 square foot deck will cost between in staining costs. Depending on the state of your existing deck, the treatment required before staining can be simple and affordable, or it may be more costly and complex.
Give at least 24 hours to let the deck boards dry out completely. Sanding and staining are best done with as little moisture in the wood as possible. Take a careful look at all of the sections of your deck. If pieces are starting to rot, cut them out and replace them.
Using an oil-based stain will help keep necessary moisture in the wood while keeping excess water out, preventing both cracking and moisture buildup or warping.
Termites, paper wasps and other insects that find a home under your deck may use the wood as a source of food or to build a nest. In addition to ruining your deck’s appearance, they become a nuisance to your family and can make your home unsafe. When your wood boards become infested with mold and mildew, it can aggravate allergies, ruin the look of your deck and cause the wood to rot.
