For thousands of deck owners in Minnesota and Wisconsin, spring is the time for completing their deck maintenance checklist. Near the top of this list is the arduous task of deck staining. Staining a deck is easy to ignore as it is a time consuming and often-messy process, but the benefits far outweigh the work. Not only does deck stain give your outdoor deck a stunning appearance, it will also extend your deck’s lifespan by protecting it from everything the elements can throw at it.
Before you jump into a deck staining project this weekend, be sure you’re ready. The Minnesota deck builders at UglyDeck.com are ready to answer your questions and help you find the proper products and tools for the job. The most important things to keep in mind while deck staining include:
Don’t Rush: It’s important to take your time with every step in the deck staining process and not cut any corners. By thoroughly completing each step, your outdoor deck will stay looking great much longer.
Preparation is Key: Before you do anything, make sure you’re working on a clean surface. Use a wood cleaner to remove dirt, mold, and weathering or a stain stripper to remove old stains from the deck’s surface. This process will ensure a consistent application for the new deck stain.
Don’t Forget the Brightener: Wood brighteners help improve the stain’s penetration and restore the appearance of old wood. Simply spray onto your deck’s surface, wait, then rinse away.
Consider Water-Based Deck Stains: Water-based stains have improved greatly over the past decade and are better for the environment and your health than oil-based stains.
Always Follow the Instructions: Deck stains come with step-by-step instructions that should be followed precisely. It’s especially important to follow the posted time requirements to ensure the stain has enough time to set.