Advice For Renovating Your Porch Deck With The Right Deck Stain

A deck stain needs to be able to do several things. It should protect against UV rays, moisture, heat, and abrasion. You also want a deck stain that will last. There are several factors that go into how long a deck stain will give you the protection you need. While stain quality is one important component it is not the only thing that counts when determining a stain’s longevity.

Some other things that need to go in the equation are the deck’s condition and how much water and light it is exposed to. Water and UV light are the two main things that create failure in an exterior coating. Usually decks will be placed on a home’s sunny side and receive several hours of sun exposure on most days.

Darker stains will give you greater protection against sunlight exposure. Another important component of stain longevity is water exposure. Exposure to snow, dew, and rain can cause damage to your stain over time. Cracks in the surface of the wood will allow water to soak in. You want a stain that will be able to protect your deck from damage caused by water.

In order for a stain to last as long as possible the wood on your deck needs to be properly prepared before the stain is applied. Before applying the deck stain you will need to repair or replace any damaged or rotten wood. The surface of the deck should be thoroughly cleaned and dried before the new stain is applied. You should consider power washing and sanding your deck if it has an old coat of finish. Not all stains are compatible and you want to prevent problems down the line. You want to end up with a deck that is smooth and free from splinters and damage. Learn more about buying deck stains.