Deck staining and fence staining is one of the easiest ways to freshen your outdoors for Spring. When deciding to stain your deck or fence, there are some important considerations.

When do I need to Re-stain my deck or fence?

If you live in an area like Denver, the combination of lots of sunshine, snow and, of course, hail, lead to some pretty tough conditions for the exterior parts of your home. Most homes need their exteriors painted  at least every 5-7 years.  Some stained surfaces can even need to be re-stained every 2 years. Decks and fences are no exception. If your stain has worn away, the wood on your deck or fence is exposed to moisture intrusion and likely to begin rotting. A water test is the easiest way to see if your deck or fence need re-staining or sealing. Sprinkle water on the deck. If the water beads up or stands on the deck, your deck is protected from moisture absorption.  If it soaks in immediately, the deck needs to be treated. In this scenario, it is time to re-stain your deck or fence.

Who will do the job?

Are you planning to hire someone to complete the work or are you planning to complete it yourself? While there is always the allure of doing it yourself to save money, this is one DIY project that can often be tougher than you think. Cleaning and sanding the surfaces before staining is much more time consuming than people expect. Cutting corners or not using the proper preparation techniques is the most common reason for deck stains and sealers to fail. If you decide to DIY this project, do not skimp out on this part of the process. You can learn more about deck staining from Sherwin Williams or your favorite paint company. If you decide to hire someone to do the work, be sure to discuss how they will prepare the surfaces beforehand. Many companies will not warranty work done on horizontal surfaces (due to the potential for water to puddle on horizontal surfaces), so it is important to make sure the job is done right the first time.

When is the best time to Stain a Deck or Fence?

Decks and fences need to be stained when the weather is warm and dry. Most stains are best applied when the temperature is between 50 and 90 degrees. Additionally, it is best if you have a window of a few dry days for this project. You’ll need to have prep done on one day and staining on the following day. Ideally, it would be best to not have rain for 24 hours after a staining to allow for the paint to properly dry.

What kind of stain should I use?

Choosing the wrong stain could result in a final product that disappoints. The type of stain you choose depends on the appearance and durability you want to achieve. It should also be influenced by the condition of your current wood. If your wood has hail damage or major variations in color, a clearer stain will show these imperfections more than a solid stain. The main stain types are:

• Clear – Clear stain shows the natural wood grain best, but offers the least UV protection.
• Toners – Toners provide a light color that highlights wood grain and provides good durability.
• Semi-Transparent Stains – Semi-transparent stains provide very good durability and add a rich, pigmented color, but still allow the natural wood grain to show through.
• Solid Color Stains – Solid color stains help cover up wood blemishes or unsightly grain and offer maximum durability.

Now that you know a bit more about deck staining and fence staining, it is time to get outside and test your wood decks and fences. If they are absorbing moisture or looking worn, it is time to prioritize this project. You can learn more about Helix Painting’s deck staining and fence staining services on our website. You can also book a free estimate online or call us at 720-445-9856.