Staining the deck when is the best time

Staining or maintaining a deck may seem like an easy weekend project, but it can be more complicated and time-consuming than you imagine. Although it can be done in a few days, staining a deck requires the proper cleaning, preparation and application processes to ensure a smooth, even finish.

If you want your deck to look great and enjoy the peace of mind that the stain will last, give Five Star Painting a call. When to Stain a New Deck New wooden decks should always receive a coat of paint or stain. Pressure-treated lumber Pressure-treated lumber should be allowed to dry for at least six months before stain or any wood treatment is applied.

Kiln-dried lumber Most lumber you buy at a hardwood store is kiln-dried. Green lumber Wood that is freshly cut is called green wood. Other signs your deck needs staining are: The deck has mold or mildew buildup. Water soaks into the deck boards and no longer beads up. Spring and summer days offer not only warmer temperatures, but also a significant amount of precipitation that can ruin a stain.

Because stain requires a dry deck for a secure application, a week of dry fall weather is ideal for staining your deck than in summer or spring humidity. More specifically, the moderate temperatures of early fall are optimal for staining, as the later fall weeks may bring colder days that are too chilly for your stain.

By starting your deck maintenance in the fall, your deck will be protected from weather such as snow, excessive rain, and fluctuating temperatures that may otherwise cause the wood to crack and warp over time. Staining in direct sunlight can also be a problem.

The stain will dry too fast before the wood is able to absorb it. The wood needs to be free of dirt and stains for the stain to adhere properly. Start by sanding splintered spots, wearing a safety mask to avoid inhaling the dust.

Sweep the deck and use a putty knife to clean between the boards. Clean the wood by applying a deck cleaner. Or use a pressure washer , but if you do, the wood will need two to three days to dry.

Sanding this wood releases the toxic arsenic into the air and surrounding soil. Synthetic brushes are ideal for working a water-based stain into the wood. Natural bristles, on the other hand, are hollow and can lose their rigidity, going limp as they absorb the water in the finish. Prefer a roller? That lets you apply a thin layer of stain that adheres to wood without pooling. Here are five questions you should ask yourself before investing in a DIY remodel project that could lead to disastrous results and a devalued home.

In today's interview with Cabinet Specialist Eric Jaeger, we learn how to start a successful design project and the resources available to you through Dunn Lumber. Master carpenter Daniel Westbrook outlines the planning steps necessary to get the most value per square foot out of your bathroom remodel. Allow New Wood to Dry Although it's tempting to skip this step, start by allowing new wood to properly dry or season before applying a stain product.

In Every Scenario, Clean Your Deck First From clean-looking decks to surfaces caked with dirt, you will never create challenges by doing an extra cleaning—but skipping this step could lead to trouble! We'll share more about mill glaze in Part 3 of this series. Be Mindful of Temperature and Weather Many deck stain manufacturers say their product works best when applied in temperatures between degrees, but shouldn't be applied in conditions below 50, or if the temperature drops below 32 degrees within 8 hours.

General Tips for a Quality Result Follow the above recommendations. Morning application can be a safer choice to help avoid any contact with dew that sets in overnight. Over-application is the most common problem people experience.

More is not always better, and puddling stains can turn into a gummy mess that will create hours of additional work to rectify. Consider staining the entire length of boards before moving on to a new section. Wipe off any excess stain after allowing the recommended time for penetration. Should you do any sanding of your deck surface, make sure that the dust is completely removed before applying your stain.

This is especially important when working with hardwood decking.