Tips On Deck Staining & Sealing Maintenance
If you have a wooden deck, you may not be aware that it needs to be stained and sealed from time to time. While everyone knows that decks need to be cleaned, it will also need staining and sealing as a regular part of maintenance.
A good deck made of durable hardwood can last up to 50 years with the right type of maintenance. Staining and sealing the deck is something that has to be done at some point, but how do you know when? And what are the best products to use?
As professionals who have spent years working with wood stains and sealants, Bear Creek Log Home Restoration has the answers to these questions and more.
- Restores weathered decks
- Protects the structural integrity
- Lengthens the lifespan of the deck
- Waterproofs and protects
- Available in extreme climate formulas
- Protects against UV ray damage
- Stabilizes the wood color
- Inhibits the growth of fungi, algae, mildew
- Showcases wood grains
So How Often Should I Stain & Seal My Wooden Deck?
How often to stain and seal a deck depends on different variables such as climate, weather conditions, the location of the deck, how much it is used, the wood type, and the amount of cleaning, repairs, and maintenance you do.
Decks in Georgia with direct sunlight beaming down on them throughout the majority of the day will need to be stained and sealed more often than those in shade. This can mean that only a portion of the deck sealant is wearing more quickly while the rest is fine.
The best way to determine how often to stain and seal your deck is to read the instructions on the products that were applied last time. Follow their maintenance tips and keep an eye on your deck for signs of color fading, drying, mold, or mildew problems. In general, we recommend restaining the deck every two to three years.
You can do a water test on the deck lumber. Check the deck every few months by pouring a cup of water over a few different areas of your deck. If the surface color gets darker or the water is absorbed within ten minutes, it’s time to stain and seal your deck again.
To lessen the time between maintenance, consider staining your deck with a high-quality solid stain because the denser color is more protective than clear. Here is some info about the different types of deck stains.
Should I Choose Clear, Semi-Transparent, or Solid Deck Stains?
With a semi-transparent deck stain, the color of the wood can show through in varying degrees depending on what pigment saturation level you choose.
Whether you choose a more solid color or clear, deck stains vary in saturation of color. Semi-transparent deck stains are perfect for wooden decks as they allow the grain of the wood to show through. For exotic hardwoods like teak, Brazilian walnut or South American mahogany, the last thing you want to do is not show-case a wooden deck.
Solid deck stains offer you the option to darken the wood to a beautiful color that can go with your home’s decorative exterior color scheme better. You have a larger variety of color to choose from.
Semi-solid deck stains show part of the wood grain through but provide a more solid color than semi-transparent stains. You can use this type of stain to transform a less desirable wood type into a deck that looks like it’s made of expensive wood.
Clear stains are great for showcasing beautiful exotic wood decks. Bamboo, for instance, comes in a variety of colors from light to dark. Clear stain works perfectly to ensure the natural beauty of these woods shows through.
Premium Deck Stains & Sealants
Using premium quality deck stains and sealants offers you more options and protection that lasts longer. The better quality of product you choose, the better protected your deck will be.
Staining and sealing a deck takes a lot of prep work and effort. While you can do it yourself, you may find it’s better to hire a professional who will ensure it’s done right. Bear Creek Log Home Restoration, your restoration service experts, offers deck staining, cleaning, and sealing in the Northern areas of Georgia. If you have any questions or need service, please feel free to contact us.