DIY Staining the Deck

Did you know that a deck can improve your home’s resale value? Buyers are attracted to homes with an attractive and functional outdoor living space. If you’re wanting to list your home this fall, and the deck is looking dull and in disrepair, repairing and staining it could help with the sale.

Edmonton painting contractors can take care of this project quickly and professionally, but if you have the time, you can save by not hiring painting companies and tackling the job yourself. Here’s how:

Sand down splinters and replace boards.

Remove all your patio furniture and other items on the deck and check the surface for any damage or protruding screws. Replace those screws or nails and sand down any splintered areas. You should also replace any rotting boards. Then sweep the deck and remove large debris.

Use deck cleaner.

Cover all the plants around the deck. Then follow manufacturers instructions on how to properly use the deck cleaner. Scrub the boards with a brush or broom to get the cleaner in the grooves and let it sit for a bit. Then rinse it away with a high-pressure hose. Read the instructions for how long you need to leave it to dry before staining.

Test the stain.

Choose a small section of the deck to test the stain out and practice your staining skills. Apply one thin coat of the section with a roller on an extension pole. Make sure it doesn’t pool or puddle. If it does, clean that up with a small paint brush. Having a second person follow you and smooth out the little pools is helpful. This is where hiring paint contractors comes in handy, as they typically arrive with an entire crew.

Continue staining the whole deck.

Focus on a set of boards and roll stain on them carefully along the entire length of those specific boards. Again, having a person come behind you with a paint brush to smooth things out is helpful. House painters will typically use a paintbrush to stain the corners, railings and poles, so you should do so as well.

Let the first coat dry, then apply the second.

Be patient and let the first coat of stain completely dry before applying a second coat. Depending on the state of the deck and the type of stain, a second coat might not be needed or you might need a second coat in specific areas. Check out these deck stain colour ideas.

Let the deck dry.

Before you start walking on it or moving furniture back in place, make sure the stain dries completely. There should be a recommended drying time on the label for the stain you’re using. When dry, remove the coverings from your plants and rinse them.

Looking to replace your deck? Contact >> Edmonton Deck Builders