Summer is here, and that means you get to spend more time outdoors with your family and friends. If you want to spruce up your outdoor areas for entertaining guests, staining your deck is a great way to create a beautiful transformation.

To help you stain your deck like a pro, here are some useful tips:

  • Applying stain to your deck will require at least a day or two for preparation, application, and drying. That means you need to wait for a time period with no rain and moderate temperatures.   Make sure that the air and wood surface temperatures are between 50 degrees to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Choose the right stain for your wooden deck. There is a variety of colors of stain to choose from, ranging from light pigmented stains to rich, darker tones. To ensure that you have picked the right kind of stain, tests a small area first.
  • Avoid buying cheap tools and stains. Yes, they may appear like a good deal, but tha does not guarantee a quality outcome later on. Search for tools and materials that are high-quality and guaranteed effective at a reasonable price.
  • Gather all of your tools ahead of time to avoid taking frequent breaks during the staining process.  Having to stop midway through sections to go get something from the garage can risk making your stain uneven. Make sure you have your wood stain, brushes, clean rags, power washer, and cleanup materials. You will also need your tools in case any repairs are needed prior to staining. And, last but not least, wear work clothes that you don’t mind getting stained.
  • Always prepare your deck before applying stain. This means cleaning your deck and getting rid of any furniture, lighting, decor, and dirt. Also check to see if you need to make any repairs first because you don’t want to have to stop in the middle of staining to fix a wood panel.
  • Read the instructions first. If it is your first time to stain your deck or any type of wood, then this is especially recommended.  By reading the instructions, you will prevent a lot of trial and error or, worse, damages to your deck due to unskilled work. Take the time to understand what to do and follow the steps carefully.  Different types of stains require different processes, so don’t become impatient and skip this step.  A few minutes of preparation up front will likely save you effort and money later on.
  • If you’re covering a large area and using multiple gallons of stain, mix them together rather than using them one at a time to ensure color consistency.
  • Take your time. Yes, you need to finish your work and have it fully dried before the rain arrives or your cookout occurs, but that is the reason you need to check the weather ahead of time and plan far enough in advance for parties. Staining takes time – time to prepare, time to apply, and time to dry.

–Superior Hardwoods & Millwork
Premier hand-hewn timbers, reclaimed wood flooring, and more!