Deck Staining, Sealing & Painting

Why Your Deck Needs Protection

Wood is a natural material that breaks down when exposed to the elements. Water seeps into the wood, causing it to swell when wet and shrink when dry. This constant expansion and contraction leads to cracking and splitting. UV rays break down the lignin in wood, turning it grey and making it rough and splintered.

Stain and sealer create a protective barrier that slows this deterioration. Quality products penetrate the wood and repel water while still allowing the wood to breathe. They also contain UV blockers that prevent sun damage. Think of staining as sunscreen for your deck.

Here is what happens when you neglect deck maintenance:

• •Wood turns grey: This is the first visible sign of UV damage to the wood fibers
• •Surface gets rough: Raised grain and splinters make the deck uncomfortable and unsafe
• •Boards start cracking: Deep cracks allow water to penetrate and accelerate rot
• •Mold and mildew grow: Damp, unprotected wood is a perfect environment for growth
• •Rot sets in: Once rot starts, it spreads quickly and requires expensive repairs

Regular staining and sealing prevents all of these problems. It is much cheaper to maintain your deck than to repair or replace damaged boards later.

Choosing the Right Stain for Your Deck

Not all deck stains are created equal. We use professional-grade products that are specifically formulated for horizontal surfaces that get foot traffic. Here are your main options:

Clear Sealers

Clear sealers provide water protection without changing the color of your wood. They are popular for cedar and redwood decks where you want to showcase the natural wood color. Clear sealers need reapplication every one to two years because they break down quickly under UV exposure.

Transparent Stains

Transparent stains add a hint of color while letting the wood grain show through completely. They provide better UV protection than clear sealers and typically last two to three years. These work well if you like the natural look but want more durability.

Semi-Transparent Stains

This is the most popular choice for deck staining. Semi-transparent stains add color while still allowing the wood grain to show. They provide excellent UV protection and water resistance. You can expect three to five years of protection with quality semi-transparent stains.

Solid Stains

Solid stains completely cover the wood grain, similar to paint but with better penetration. They provide maximum protection and hide imperfections in older wood. Solid stains can last five to seven years but require proper surface preparation to prevent peeling.

Deck Paint

Paint creates a film on top of the wood rather than penetrating. It offers the longest-lasting protection but completely hides the wood grain. Paint works best on older decks that are past their prime or when you want a specific color that isn't available in stain. However, paint requires more maintenance because any peeling needs scraping and repainting.

When you work with us, we will help you choose the right product based on your deck's age, wood type, sun exposure, and how you want it to look. We can show you sample boards with different finishes so you can see exactly what you are getting.

Our Professional Staining Process

The key to a long-lasting finish is proper surface preparation. This is where many DIY projects and cheap contractors cut corners. We don't. Here is how we ensure your stain job looks great and lasts as long as possible:

Step One: Inspection and Repairs

Before we start cleaning, we inspect your entire deck for damage. Loose boards get tightened, popped nails get removed and replaced with screws, and any damaged wood gets repaired or replaced. There is no point staining over problems.

Step Two: Deep Cleaning

We use professional deck cleaner to remove dirt, mildew, old stain, and grey weathered wood fibers. Then we pressure wash the deck at the right pressure to clean without damaging the wood. Too much pressure gouges the wood, too little doesn't clean properly. We have the experience to get it just right.

Step Three: Brightening

After cleaning, we apply a brightener that neutralizes the cleaner and restores the wood's natural pH. This step also brings back the wood color and opens the pores so stain penetrates better. Most contractors skip this step, but it makes a big difference in the final results.

Step Four: Drying

Wood needs to be completely dry before staining, typically 48 to 72 hours depending on weather. We check moisture levels with a meter to make sure. Staining wet wood causes all kinds of problems including bubbling, peeling, and premature failure.

Step Five: Application

We apply stain using a combination of brushes, rollers, and sprayers depending on what works best for your deck. Two thin coats provide better protection and appearance than one heavy coat. We pay special attention to end grain and areas that are more exposed to weather.

We also protect your house, landscaping, and any outdoor furniture. We use drop cloths and tape off areas where stain shouldn't go. Our crew cleans up thoroughly when we are done so your property looks better than when we started.

When to Stain Your Deck

Timing matters when it comes to deck staining. Here in Schenectady, we have a relatively short staining season. The best time to stain is late spring through early fall when temperatures are consistently between 50 and 85 degrees.

You want a stretch of dry weather, ideally three days without rain before staining and two days after. This gives the wood time to dry properly before application and lets the stain cure before getting wet.

For new pressure-treated decks, wait at least three to six months before staining. The wood needs to dry out from the treatment process. You can test if it's ready by sprinkling water on the surface. If water soaks in quickly, it's ready. If water beads up, wait longer.

Existing decks should be restained every two to five years depending on the product used and sun exposure. If water no longer beads on the surface or the wood looks dry and grey, it's time for a new coat. Don't wait until the wood is severely damaged to maintain it.

DIY Versus Professional Deck Staining

Many homeowners try to stain their own decks to save money. While it's certainly possible, there are good reasons to hire professionals:

Equipment: We have professional pressure washers, stain sprayers, and other tools that make the job faster and produce better results. Renting this equipment for a weekend DIY project costs quite a bit and you might not use it correctly.

Experience: We know how to prepare surfaces properly, which products work best, and how to avoid common mistakes. We have stained hundreds of decks and know what works.

Time: Staining a deck properly takes most homeowners an entire weekend or more. We can usually complete the job in one to two days including prep work.

Results: A professionally stained deck looks better and lasts longer. Poor DIY jobs often need redoing within a year or two, which ends up costing more in the long run.

If you do decide to stain your own deck, at least hire us for the cleaning and prep work. Proper preparation is the most important part and also the hardest. Then you can apply the stain yourself and still get good results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Deck Staining