When it comes to beautifying your outdoor space, few things have as big an impact as refreshing your deck staining. A well-maintained deck not only enhances your home’s aesthetic appeal but also adds value to your home and increases your deck’s longevity. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of high-quality deck staining and sealing, plus tips for maintaining your newly-refinished deck.
Why Deck Staining and Sealing Matters
Decks need to be able to withstand a lot. From UV rays to rain to foot traffic to temperature fluctuations, your deck sees a lot. Over time, these things can take a toll on the wood, causing it to fade, crack, and become vulnerable to decay and rotting.
When you properly stain and seal your deck, you protect it from moisture, sunlight, and other wear and tear. Plus, the stain adds color and depth to the wood, enhancing its natural beauty. With special care and attention to detail, you can ensure your deck will remain in good condition for years to come.
Choosing the Right Stain and Sealant
Choosing the right stain and sealant for your deck is crucial. You need to consider many factors, including color, durability, and transparency. Depending on what type of wood you’re staining and your desired finish, you’ll need different products to get the best results.
With all the many stains and sealants on the market, you may be overwhelmed with choic
es and not know where to start. That’s where professional deck staining comes in. When you work with an expert team, you can be assured that your deck will be finished with the proper products and techniques.
The Deck Staining and Sealing Process
While it’s possible to refinish your deck by yourself, if you want the highest-quality results, it’s best to get some help from the professionals. With their expertise, they can perform all steps of the process with carefulness and precision, ensuring the job gets done right.
Preparation
Proper preparation is essential to creating the perfect finish.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the surface of the deck, removing dirt, debris, and any previous coatings. Power washing can be effective, but it should be done with extreme caution to avoid damaging the wood. This is another reason why hiring a professional team to help is a good idea.
- Sanding: After cleaning the deck, it’s time to sand it down, creating a smooth surface and opening the wood’s pores. This allows the stain to penetrate the wood more effectively.
- Repairs: If your deck is on the older side, chances are, it will need some repairs. Look for damaged boards, loose screws, or nails sticking out. To ensure your deck is structurally sound, you will need to repair or replace these components before staining and sealing.
- Protection: To prevent getting stain and sealant all over the surrounding area, protect nearby plants, furniture, and other surfaces by covering them with sheets of plastic or tarps.
Applying Stain and Sealant
After all that preparation, it’s finally time to get down to business and apply the stain and sealant to your deck.
- Staining: There are many different ways to stain a deck. You can use a roller, brush, sprayer, or a combination of tools. It’s important to work in small sections to ensure even coverage, then allow the stain to penetrate the wood. After waiting the recommended amount of time, wipe off any excess stain to prevent an uneven finish or sticky surface.
- Sealing: After the stain has dried, it’s time to seal the deck. Sealants are applied the same way as stains. For maximum protection, ensure complete coverage, paying special attention to corners, edges, and high-traffic areas.
Maintenance
After the deck staining and sealing process is complete, it’s time to enjoy your new and improved outdoor space. To preserve your deck, regular maintenance is essential.
- Cleaning: Periodically clean your deck using mild detergent and water. Removing dirt and debris helps prevent more serious damage to your deck.
- Inspection: Make sure you regularly inspect your deck for signs of damage, including pooling water, faded stain, and rusted nails or screws. Promptly address these issues to keep your deck in good condition.
- Reapplication: Depending on what products you use, you may have to re-stain and reseal your deck every few years to keep it well-protected and looking fresh.
Deck Staining by Brush Brothers
If you want to revive your old deck, you need help from the professionals. At Brush Brothers, we take pride in our high-quality deck staining and sealing expertise. Contact us today to get started!
