How to Stain a Deck: 4 Tools for Deck Staining

Deck staining involves covering the wood of a deck with a liquid (usually possessing a tint) that will protect the wood from the sun and prevent it from graying over time. The processes of staining a new deck for the first time and re-staining a worn finish are similar—both require repairing any imperfections and then coating the wood with stain.

Homeowners can usually take on this home improvement project themselves because it requires little work time and few tools for application. A successful staining will prolong the life of your deck, enhancing both your outdoor space and the curb appeal of your home. Compared to deck paint, deck stain generally results in a more natural-looking finish, as it still allows some of the wood’s natural grain to show.

Before you apply the first coat of stain, it’s necessary to replace any damaged boards and smooth the wood as much as possible so you can apply the stain evenly. Use eighty-grit sandpaper to eliminate any imperfections in the surface of the deck. A palm sander or handheld belt sander can help you save exponential amounts of time if you will be staining a large area.

If your deck has stains or blemishes that you can’t remove with a deck cleaner, you can rent a pressure washer for quick cleanup. Ensure you do not hold the nozzle of the power washer too close to the deck surface because the pressure might damage the wood beneath the top layer of old stain. Plan for a full day of dry time after rainfall or pressure washing—your wood deck must be free of moisture to absorb stain properly.

Plan every step of your workflow to prepare the area before you begin staining your deck. You can usually glean valuable information from the manufacturer’s instructions on the stain can. Additionally, consider gathering the following materials and tools before you launch into your staining process.

1. 1. Paintbrush: A bristle brush or foam brush are good tools for applying stain to difficult-to-reach areas like deck railings or in between boards.
2. 2. Paint roller: To minimize the time you spend on your DIY project, you can use a paint roller to apply an even coat over large surface areas. When coating your roller with stain in a paint dish, roll it a few times on the edge of the pan to reduce the chance of drips or streaking.
3. 3. Painter’s tape and drop cloths: If you have chosen a solid stain with a bold or bright color, you should do your due diligence to cover nearby walls or trim with painter’s tape. You can also place drop cloths underneath the deck to catch any drops from falling between the boards and staining surfaces below.
4. 4. Sprayer: Using a paint sprayer can save you time with application, but the chances of overspray could make this a messy technique. If you prefer to use a sprayer, ensure that you completely cover nearby surfaces and plants with plastic sheeting in case the wind carries your stain toward the exterior siding. Read the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that your selected stain is compatible with a sprayer.

Before you begin staining your deck, gather all the necessary tools you will need and choose a day with good weather. You should complete your project during dry, warm weather to facilitate proper drying of the stain and to minimize potential messes. When you are ready to start the process of staining your deck, consider following these seven steps:

1. 1. Clear the deck. Remove all furniture and other items from your deck surface. You can sweep away any leaves or debris with a broom or garden hose. Inspect the deck while you wash it and take note of any areas that form puddles, as you will want to smooth these out with the sander later.
2. 2. Repair the deck if necessary. If you have previously used a semi-transparent stain, it might be difficult to tell whether your deck needs refinishing. A sign of diminished sealer is water that soaks into the wood instead of beading on top of it. Years of moisture and UV rays can eventually damage the wood, so you might need to replace certain boards. If there is mild warping or scratches, you can remedy this by sanding the surface.
3. 3. Test the stain. Varying species of lumber will interact with stain differently. Testing a small section and letting it dry will allow you to preview what you can expect from the final product. If you already enjoy the aesthetic of your natural wood, there are many sealers and brighteners that will highlight the natural grain and color while protecting the wood.
4. 4. Cover plants and the exterior. A common mistake (even by professionals) is failure to protect other elements of the home’s exterior from overspray or drips. You can eliminate significant cleanup time and touch-ups by using painter’s tape and drop cloths to protect any surfaces you do not want to stain.
5. 5. Apply the stain. Once you have prepared your work area and the deck has had twenty-four hours without seeing any moisture, you can apply the first coat of stain. Focus on smooth and consistent application as you work. Note that you should have an exit off the deck, by way of a door or staircase, as you want to avoid staining yourself into a corner.
6. 6. Let the deck dry. Prevent people and pets from walking over the newly stained surface for at least twenty-four hours.
7. 7. Inspect your work. After a full day has passed, allowing your first coat of stain to dry on your deck surface, you can inspect your work. This will help you decide whether you want to repeat the process to apply a second coat to fix any streaks or inconsistencies.

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