Stain Your Deck Like a Pro
Fall may be just around the corner, but everyone knows that here in Texas, those warm, sunny, summer-like temps (perfect for hanging on the porch) last well into the fall season. If you missed your chance to show your back deck a little TLC this summer—or if it was just too darn hot to be out there—now is the perfect time to give it a go.
Like we’ve mentioned before, staining a deck is important because it prevents moisture from getting into the wood and causing it to rot. It can also help protect against intense, direct sunlight, which dries out the wood and makes it crack and fade. Ewww. Before you whip out the paintbrush and start slathering on the stain, take a minute to assess the current condition of your deck. When was the last time it was sanded? Or power washed? If the answer to either of those questions is longer ago than last week, then prepping the deck is your first step.
Start by sanding, then power washing at least a day or two before you add stain. Then grab a roller (not just a paintbrush) to easily glide over the railings, steps and boards. A brush is great for corners and edges (think detailed areas and smaller spaces) but if you want to do it like a pro, a roller or even a paint sprayer will come in handy.
As you apply the stain, remember: easy does it. You can overpaint a board when working with regular paint and the board will be just fine—maybe a little thick. But if you’re overly applying stain to a board, it isn’t going to absorb it all. Eventually the stain will begin to collect and drip everywhere and make a frustrating mess. In most cases, two coats of stain should do it.