Should I Stain or Paint My Deck?
Decks are exposed to extreme elements all year. Sunlight fades the wood, while humidity and rains break down the lignin that holds the fibers together. Paints protect a deck from these conditions and offer an array of color choices.
Stains highlight the natural wood design and come in solid and semi-transparent styles. Painting a deck is more time-consuming initially and costly than staining one.
Cost
Although they both may be applied in the same way and contain many of the same materials, stain and paint are very different. Stain seeps into the wood and can be transparent, semi-transparent or opaque allowing the grain and texture to show through while paint creates a top layer that covers the surface with thousands of color possibilities.
With the right choice of color, you can use paint to match your home or complement other outdoor fixtures and furnishings. It can also be easier to wash dirt off a smooth, painted surface than a rough, stained one. However, painting can make your deck slippery when wet or icy, which could be a concern if you have kids or pets.
If you opt for stain, it is important to choose a product that is rated for floors, contains mildewcides and UV protection to prevent fading. It should also be water, weather and mold resistant. Stain may last longer than paint, but it is still a more labor-intensive option because it needs to be reapplied more frequently.
It is best to have a professional perform a general inspection of your deck before you stain it, as they can identify potential problems like wood rot or damage from insects and recommend repairs. They can also help you determine the best color options and provide a detailed estimate for the project.
Appearance
Stain is a popular choice for decks because it can be more natural-looking than paint. It’s available in a wide range of opacities and colors, and it’s easy to apply with a brush or roller. It’s also available in a water-based formula, which reduces the amount of chemicals released into the environment.
The only downside of stain is that it’s not as durable as paint, and may need to be reapplied in a few years. It can also be difficult to clean, as dirt tends to cling to the surface of the wood. However, stains do offer some protection against weather damage, such as rot and mold, which is not always the case with paints.
Paint, on the other hand, offers a more uniform appearance. It can hide cracks in the wood, and it’s available in a wide range of color options to match your home or create a bold statement. Paint is thicker than stain, so it’s able to fill in gaps and ridges on the surface of the wood. It also dries more quickly than stain, and can be used on other outdoor surfaces like fences or unpainted wood siding.
However, it’s important to remember that if you choose to go with paint, you’re stuck with that color for the life of your deck. If you ever want to change the look of your deck, you’ll have to completely strip the old stain and repaint.
Maintenance
A good painting or staining company can give you the results you want for your deck. It is important that the wood is clean and dry before applying any coating. If you power wash a deck in the morning, and then paint or stain it that same day, there is a chance of moisture trapping within the wood and causing peeling or flaking. Using an oil-based stain is best as it will last longer than water-based products. A solid stain will also hold up against UV damage better than semi-transparent or transparent stains.
Staining your deck takes less time than painting, but it is important to apply it properly. A stain pad will make the job easier and faster. A stain sponge will help you get into corners and other trim areas that are difficult to reach. It is best to stain your deck when the weather is dry and clear, but if you cannot do it that way, it is still possible to stain your deck with the right techniques.
Environment
Wood decks are one of the great outdoor living spaces that many homeowners enjoy. They can be places to entertain friends and family, or quiet retreats for personal relaxation.
Regularly staining or painting a deck can help it endure the elements and last for years to come. Staining, which is more forgiving than painting in terms of misses and mistakes, also allows the natural beauty of the wood grain to show through, something that many people like. Stains also tend to be less slippery than paint, which can be a concern if you have young children or elderly guests who might fall.
Some top-quality woods, particularly tropical hardwoods, don’t hold stains well. If you’re going to stain a deck made with these dense and beautiful materials, be sure to use a penetrating stain that’s suitable for the type of wood. Stain can damage grass and plants, too, if it gets on their leaves, preventing them from absorbing water, nutrients, and sun.
It’s generally best to paint a deck in early spring, before the weather starts getting warmer and hotter. When the temperature starts to rise, the wood can expand and contract more than it does when it’s cold, causing the paint to crack or peel. It’s important to do this work on a cloudy day, as direct sunlight interferes with adhesion and color uniformity.
When choosing whether to stain or paint your deck, it is also important to consider the color and style you want. Paint offers more color options, and can be applied in a wide variety of finishes. It will not fade in direct sunlight like a stain, but it may fade over time. Paint can withstand the freeze/thaw cycle of colder winter states better than stain as well, but it will need to be reapplied more often.
