How to stain deck in 8 easy steps.

What do you need for deck staining?

Plan to stain your deck over the course of two days, and remember that you will need excellent weather for this project. The stain will need 24 rain-free hours to cure, and the best temperature in which to apply deck stain is 50° F to 90° F. Try to apply stain when the deck is not in full sunlight so it doesn’t dry too fast. This allows for even curing.

You can apply deck stain with a variety of tools and equipment, including:

• Exterior wood deck stain (optional: a combined stain-and-sealant product)
• Sealant (if stain doesn’t contain sealant) 
• Broom or shop vac 
• Roller
• Cloth
• Foam brush
• Stain pad
• Pole or extension handle
• Bristle brushes
• Airless paint sprayer
• Sanding tool 
• Pressure washer
• Large bucket(s)
• Stirring sticks
• Roller tray
• Painter’s tape
• Safety mask
• Goggles
• Clear plastic

Bristle brushes are excellent for accessing hard-to-reach areas, and a roller can cover larger surfaces quickly. Use a staining sponge or pad attached to the end of a pole for an even finish and to give you more control. An airless paint sprayer requires experience but is also an effective way to stain a deck with stunning results.

How to stain your deck.

With your deck stain and tools in hand, you’re ready to start staining. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Clear your deck and protect your home’s exterior. 

Remove any furniture, potted plants, toys and grills to expose the deck’s entire surface. Use painter’s tape and clear plastic to protect your house’s exterior, siding and landscaping.

Step 2: Sweep up.

Your deck needs to be thoroughly cleaned before staining. Clean wood absorbs the stain, and the stain in turn protects the wood. If the wood is still dirty from the outdoor elements, the stain may not spread evenly or stick properly. For best results, remove built-up mold, mildew and dirt — along with any previous coatings or stains.

Give your deck a good sweep to clear up debris and leaves. A shop vac is a handy tool for sucking up hard-to-reach debris in the cracks and crevices between boards.

Step 3: Apply a deck cleaning product, scrub and rinse.

The level of cleaning required will depend on the state of the deck. If the deck has layers of stains, mildew and weather damage, a high-powered pressure wash will quickly and easily expose the wood’s surface. A wood-cleaning product applied with a roller or pump sprayer may do the trick on a well-maintained deck.

A pressure washer has several sprayer options. Start in an inconspicuous area of the deck to find the best setting for the type of wood and level of cleaning required. Keep the nozzle about 8 to 12 inches from the deck boards and at a 45-degree angle. A pressure setting of 1200 to 1400 PSI (pounds per square inch) should be effective. Spray along the grain of each board to remove dust, dirt, wood fibers and grease.

While deck-cleaning products will have specific instructions to follow, you’ll generally need to wet the deck boards thoroughly ahead of applying cleaning agents. Dry wood may absorb cleaning products, which may degrade your wood’s color and limit the absorption of deck stain. 

Apply the cleaning product liberally with a pump sprayer or roller. Avoid contact with skin and eyes by wearing protective clothing and goggles. Brush the cleaner onto the wood with a synthetic-bristle brush for the best effect. Allow the cleaner to set for the required time, which is usually about 15 minutes. Rinse cleaner completely away with a garden hose. Any cleaner sprayed on plants or house finishes should be well rinsed off as well.

Step 4: Sand your deck.

Allow the deck to dry entirely. This may take 36 to 48 hours, depending on the weather and humidity. Next, use a sanding tool (like a rotary sander or sanding paper) to remove any remaining stains or damaged wood. If exposing new, lighter-colored wood, lightly feather the sanded area.

Step 5: Double-check for any deck damage and make repairs.

Before applying stain to your clean, dry deck, check for any damaged boards or raised nails or screws. Replace any problematic boards, and countersink nails and screws. This is also a great time to assess your deck’s integrity for any damage to the framing material. If in doubt, seek a professional assessment to ensure your deck is safe and reliable. 

After a final sweep of debris, it is time to start deck staining.

Step 6: Prepare the deck stain — and make a plan.

The stain should be thoroughly stirred each time you pour it into a paint tray. Avoid shaking the stain, which may cause bubbles to form and show up in your stained wood decking. Next, choose a patch of wood in an unnoticeable area to test. Test your stain to make sure you like the finished color and appearance.

Now it’s time to start planning out your deck staining sequence. Start at the farthest area from your exit to avoid staining yourself into a corner. Use a brush to cut in around the edges of your deck and access hard-to-reach areas. Finally, keep in mind that two thin coats are better than one uneven, thick coat when staining a deck.

Step 7: Apply the deck stain. 

Use a bristle brush, paint pad or airless paint sprayer to apply stain to railings, posts and balusters. Cover the deck surface to avoid drips and protect the deck from splotches. Use long, even strokes — and cover each side of spindles, railings and posts.

When staining your deck boards, cut in corners and edges with a brush. Stain any cracks and hard-to-reach areas. Apply stain in long sections, three or four boards at a time. Ensure an even coat by using a broom or roller to spread out any stain that collects or puddles. This will also help to work the stain into the wood.

Stain the deck’s stairs last, after you tackle the railings and deck surface. Using a brush or handheld stain applicator, apply a thin coat on stair risers and treads. Look for any missed areas. Walk around the deck, and make sure any out-of-sight areas are cleaned and stained as well. Allow the stain to dry for at least 24 hours between coats.

Step 8: Clean up and let the deck dry.

When the deck’s entire surface, railings and stairs are stained, clean your applicators, brushes, rollers and paint trays. Carefully remove your painter’s tape and clear plastic protection.

Allow the stain to dry for at least 24 hours before walking on the freshly stained deck or replacing furniture, grills, plants or toys.

If your deck staining product doesn’t contain sealant, you should apply a sealant after 48 hours. 

Deck maintenance tips to remember.

A well-maintained deck will last longer than a poorly maintained one. And now that your beautiful deck has been freshly stained, take these easy steps to keep it looking great:

• Keep your deck swept and free of debris. Piles of leaves can trap moisture and pests that are destructive to wood decks.
• Use outdoor mats or area rugs to protect high-traffic areas.
• Move furniture and mats around occasionally to keep areas from getting discolored by sunlight and moisture.
• Wash your deck in the spring to remove debris or residual de-icing salt.
• Inspect and repair your deck annually. Look for signs of rot, mold and mildew. 
• Check underneath the deck and where the deck attaches to the house and repair any damaged boards. If you’re unsure, call a professional to inspect and repair your deck.
• In the fall, prune shrubs and trees to avoid their contact with the deck during cold and wet seasons.
• Remove snow during the winter to avoid your wood buckling or sagging under the weight. Snow removal also helps prevent moisture from seeping into wood boards as snow melts.
• Add shade to your deck. Consider adding a pergola, umbrellas and other types of coverings to help protect your deck from the sun.
• Re-stain or seal your deck every three years or so. Depending on the type of stain you use (and your deck’s condition) you may be able to extend the time in between stainings.

When to contact a pro to stain and maintain your deck.

Great weather is required for staining a deck — and you may have many other demands on your time during great weather. In this case, many experienced professionals are experts at deck staining in your area. Professional deck maintenance will give you the professional results you are after. 

Here are a few reasons you might want to hire a pro to handle this task for you:

• You’ll save time. Time is of the essence for deck staining, and hiring a deck staining professional is the perfect way to take this necessary home maintenance task off your to-do list.
• A professional can also complete repairs. Not only will you get the results you desire, but a deck contractor will use their expert knowledge to assess and fix any safety issues and structural damage.
• You don’t have to buy new tools. Unlike some outdoor maintenance tasks, deck staining requires its own set of skills and tools. Hiring a professional rather than investing in tools (and contributing your own sweat equity), might be the more budget-friendly option.