Staining your deck will allow you to bring out the rich colors and textures of the wood’s surface. However, applying wood stain does more than enhance a deck’s appearance. Exterior stain helps waterproof a deck and provides vital protection from the elements to keep the lumber from warping.
Benefits of Staining and Sealing Your Deck
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 stain and seal 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. Here are the top three reasons to stain your deck, and some helpful hints for prepping and staining:
Prevent sun damage
Untreated and/or unsealed wood takes a lot of damage from the sun. Its color changes, its shape warps, and it dries out much faster than it would naturally, making it much more susceptible to cracks. Putting a high-quality stain, like DeckScapes by Sherwin Williams, on your deck prevents the sun’s rays from penetrating the wood completely and ensures the deck’s longevity.
Repels Moisture
Just like the exterior paint of your home, deck stain can help prevent moisture from soaking into the wood. Although stain doesn’t cover the wood in the same way that paint does, deck stain acts as a barrier between moisture and wood. Water-soaked wood can begin growing mold or mildew, and may also expand and grow soft, causing you to have to replace planks and repair the deck.
Avoid Cracking
Many people fall victim to the false notion that sealing a deck with deck sealant will solve all potential wood issues, but cracking is one thing that sealants alone won’t help or prevent. Between the sun and the natural drying process, your exterior wood can easily become cracked. 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.
Deck Staining
If you don't stain your deck on a regular basis, it will wear out before it's time, which could lead to costly repairs or replacement.
To use the proper deck stain for your deck and apply it so it will last for years to come.
Not much. Just enjoy your deck and if there is any issue, give us a call.