If your deck is looking a little worn, dull or is getting slippery, it might be time for a stain – but be sure to clean it first. A stain won’t work on a dirty deck.
Deck stain is designed to soak into wood.
But if the wood is covered in algae, mildew, pollen, and leaf stains then the stain will bond to the grime layer instead.
We often see decks that were stained less than a year ago already coming apart because the surface was never prepped.
What cleaning does for your deck
We use a cleaning solution made for wood decks that breaks this stuff down into the grain, not just on the surface. Then we wash at the right pressure to clean the wood without tearing it up.
Using too much pressure on would can create splinters which would make staining even harder. It’s important that the deck is cleaned professionally so there’s no damage done.
After cleaning, some decks benefit from a brightener to restore the wood’s natural tone and balance the pH. This opens up the grain so stain can really penetrate.
We clean composite decks the same way!
After the deck is clean
Once it’s clean, it needs to dry completely for at least 48 hours of dry weather before any stain goes on. Staining damp wood traps moisture and shortens the life of the finish.
After it’s dry, you might not even want stain. A lot of people see their deck after a good cleaning and realize the wood looks great on its own. A clear sealer can protect it without changing the look.
If staining is the right call, it’ll actually work now. It’ll soak in, bond properly, and hold up the way it’s supposed to.
Our sister company Davis Painting handles deck staining in the same area — so if you need both cleaning and staining, we can make that happen pretty easily.
If you’re planning to stain this year
Get the deck cleaned first. It’s not optional if you want the stain to last.
Reach out and we’ll get your deck ready.