How To Choose The Best Deck Stain

Stain and sealer are necessary. The best stain will depend on you and how you want your deck to look. However, the ideal stain will protect your deck from mildew growth. Before you build your deck, select the best wood and go from there. After you apply a stain, it should last two to three years.
After you install a cedar deck, for example, you’ll want to apply a wood stain. It will preserve the color and help it last longer. UV protection is important as exposure to sunlight, ice, and harsh weather will cause exterior wood to deteriorate.
Cons:
A semi-transparent stain has pigment, it will show wood texture and grain. The stain is water-repellent, and the coating resists mildew and UV-damage.
This deck stain comes in many colors and can be applied with either a sprayer, roller, or brush. No primer is required when you use this deck stain, and it’ll reach its true color in about two weeks. No back brushing is necessary, and it’ll also never leave runs, laps, or streaks. The product will seamlessly blend into the wood and can be applied in any seasonality. 

Types Of Deck Wood Stain

Related: Be Sure to Get the Best Deck Cleaner for Your Patio

Clear Deck Stain

These will impart some color to the deck but will also keep the wood grain pattern visible. They’re most used for external deck staining as it’ll soak into the wood and last longer than clear stains. It’s also less likely to peel off the surface, but you will need to reapply when it loses color. Semi-transparent deck stains are more suited for railings. 

It depends on the deck. Staining is easier than painting, but painting does a better job of filling cracks and offers more protection. 

Solid Deck Stain

One coat will last four years on a deck surface and almost six years on fences and house sidings. 

Semi-Solid Stain

Wood stains prevent direct sunlight from penetrating a treated wood surface and exterior wood areas. A wood stain repels moisture, protecting the wood from mold or becoming soft. Another benefit is how one coat will help prevent the surface from cracking. 

Semi-Transparent Stain

Cons:

Oil-Based Stain

Wood fibers need protection. On a new cedar deck or Douglas fir surface, for example, water-based stains would add to its natural beauty. With outdoor furniture, semi transparent colors are popular, so keep that in mind for your deck.

The Best Deck Stains

A clear stain is a deck water sealer. It doesn’t add color to treated wood. However, the stain penetrates the wood fibers and protects it from harmful natural elements. It’s also water-repellent and will prevent harmful UV rays from affecting the wood’s quality. With clear deck stains, you’ll need to apply a new coat every year. 
You want to use the best deck stain for your new backyard deck. When you preserve the natural look of your whole deck, you maintain its aesthetic appeal. Most wood stains offer maximum protection.

Cabot Australian Timber Oil

Penetrating stains can help an old stain, but you may want to consider removing the older stain. If you use a paint sprayer, you will save time but it might not be as effective as a roller or brush.

Pros:

• Great for exotic wood surfaces 
• Durable and water-repellent 
• Comes in different colors 
• Provides a rich color 

• Semi-transparent – has some color 
• Water-repellent 
• Resists both mildew and UV-damage 
• Fade-resistant color 

• Easy application 
• No back brushing is required 
• Can be applied in any seasonality 
• Penetrates deeply into the wood 

A paint brush will cause agitation and friction because the wood absorbs more stain. So, if you are spraying or rolling a stain, always back-brush it in with a brush while the stain is still wet; you’ll achieve much better penetration in to the wood

• Color fades quicker than some of the other deck stains

Deck Stain Vs Sealer 

Another feature is how it includes translucent iron oxide pigments that provide rich colors and dimensions, making it one of the best deck stains on the market today. 

What are the Different Stain Bases? 

Advanced polymers provide fade-resistant color, and you can apply it to freshly cleaned damp or dry wood.

You’ll want to use an oil based stain if your deck will be exposed to harsh weather conditions like wind, rain, and sunlight. An oil based stain is more durable than a water base stain.

If  the wood is still wet, it would be a waste of time to pressure treat it. If you are staining pressure treated wood with a clear wood sealant, wood toner, or semi transparent stain, apply one thin coat with a high-quality brush or sprayer. For solid color stains, you’ll need two thin coats and apply them with a paint brush or roller. 

Finally, for your convenience, it’d also be best to purchase deck stains that are easy to clean and require only water and soap. If not, you’ll have to buy additional cleaning materials or sand before applying the stain. 
The post How To Choose The Best Deck Stain appeared first on Homedit.

What to Consider

There are two different stain bases – oil and water. Oil-based stains are designed to repel water and condition the wood. They can also withstand various elements, are more durable, and require less maintenance.
Here are three stains that will help preserve your backyard deck. 

Related: How to Build a Deck Frame
The stain itself is oil-based and enhances the texture and grain of the wood. The formula will penetrate deeply into the wood while protecting it from UV rays, mold, and mildew.

How to Stain a Deck – Step by Step Guide

However, its downfall is that they’re flammable when wet and can take up to 2 days to dry.

• First, you’d want to sweep your deck thoroughly. If it’s dirty, you’d want to wash it as well. Though if you decide to clean your deck, you’ve got to wait for it to dry.
• Then, you’d need to take some sandpaper to smooth the wood and get it ready for absorbing the stain. 
• Before you stain your wood, it’s good to invest in a pair of knee pads since you’ll be on your hands and knees most of the time. 
• You’d then want to sand the deck floor thoroughly before using a leaf blower to remove all of the sawdust from your deck floor. 
• After that, it’s time to stain! You’d need a brush to help you with the staining, and you should select a brush with natural fibers. 
• While staining, you’d want to do it one board, at a time to avoid any overlap. 
• After you’re done applying, allow it to dry for at least 48 hours. 

Deck Stain Conclusion

Water-base stains maintain the color of the deck and dry faster. It also doesn’t have as strong of an odor and isn’t as flammable. Since they don’t emit volatile organic compounds (VOC), they’re also environmentally friendly.
Keep in mind not all deck stains are the same. Here, we’ll provide information on the different types of wood stains, what to consider before buying one, a short guide on how to stain your deck, and show you 5 of the best stains on the market. 
Moe transparent than a solid stain, but suitable for high-traffic areas. It’s durable and similar to a solid stains. 
You need to apply a semi-transparent deck stain evenly. The best tool to use is a roller. First, pour stain into a roller tray. When you use a roller, drip marks and excess stain will remain on the surface.
Deck stains come in different price points for price, so you’d need to figure out what works with your budget. However, if you buy a cheaper deck stain, you may need to apply a second coating as it won’t cover as much area.