Professional Tips for Staining Wood Decks

It’s that time of year when we all want our backyards and outdoor leisure spaces to be fixed up and ready to go for the warmer Indiana seasons. If you are not happy with how your wood deck is looking this year, why not try staining it? Staining a wood deck is one of the easiest and most effective strategies for instantly reviving or refreshing the look and performance of a wood deck.

Continue below to learn the tips you need to know for staining your own wood deck, and who to trust for local Indianapolis handyman service if the project turns out to be too much for just yourself.

Indianapolis Deck and Patio Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612
Indianapolis Deck and Patio Remodeling Contractors 317-454-3612

How Often Should I Stain My Wood Deck?

The frequency at which you reapply stain to your wood deck depends on various factors, including the degree of wear and tear, weather patterns, type of wood, type of stain previously used, and more. The general rule of thumb, however, is to re-stain a wood deck every 5 to 7 years or so.

But if your wood deck is looking a little ragged, you can re-stain for an instant, updated look. At the same time, it is important that you do not reapply stain to your wood deck if you do not have to. This can lead to a build of chemical layering that can actually cause more deterioration.

Do a water beading test to see if your wood deck needs a new coat of stain. Simply pour one cup of water onto the deck surface and watch how the water dissipates. If the water soaks right in, you definitely need a new coat of stain. But if the water is still beading after 10 minutes or so, your deck should be adequately protected for another year.

Seasonal Deck Staining Tips

Do not use a poor quality deck stain. Ask your home improvement store clerk for recommendations on the highest rated products within your budget.

Always read the directions on your stain in full before getting started. Don’t even unpack your supplies until you have read through the entire set of directions.

Be sure to clean the surface of your deck well before you apply your first coat of stain. The instructions on your stain product will likely prompt you to do this too.

You need to prepare to fend off moisture during and after your deck staining project. Moisture is the ultimate enemy to your deck stain results. Be sure there is no rain in the forecast. After you clean your deck to prepare for stain application, be sure it is totally dry before getting started.

After applying your first coat of stain, wait at least 24 or 48 hours before applying another coat. Then wait another 24 or 48 hours before walking on the surface.

Do you need some professional handyman work done around the house this season? Contact Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for affordable home renovation services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve commercial clients, too.

You Should Also Read:

A Routine Cleaning Guide for Composite Decking
Suggested Maintenance for Wood Decks and Patios
The Proper Climate for Deck Staining

Indianapolis Indiana General Contractors
Indianapolis Indiana General Contractors 317-454-3612

The Proper Climate for Deck Staining

Can it be too cold or too hot outside to stain your deck? Continue reading to learn which outdoor temperatures are best suited for deck staining and sealing.

Deck Restoration 317-454-3612

Deck Restoration 317-454-3612


Summer is here, and we are spending more time outdoors. We finally get to utilize our grills, Adirondack chairs, cocktail tables, porch swings, and more! One of the most habituated outdoor areas of a home is the patio or deck, which is why routine maintenance is so vital to the value of your home. Deck staining and sealing is an important part of exterior home maintenance, and also one of the most cost-effective and easy upgrades you can do; however, if you choose to stain your deck yourself, it is important to have the proper knowledge of the process in order to achieve good results.

Ideal Temperatures to Stain a Deck

Is it ever too hot or too cold to stain a deck? The answer is yes. One of the most significant elements to deck staining is weather. It is vital that you choose a mild day to stain your deck so that you can avoid a botched job.

If it is too hot outside, the stain will dry too fast. This leads to uneven permeation and visible lap marks. Avoid deck staining projects in temperatures near or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If you must stain your deck during a time when temperatures are consistently high, try completing the project very early in the morning before the temperatures get too high. Once the stain is applied and begins to dry, rising temperatures shouldn’t affect the finished result.

If the weather is too cold, staining a deck is a challenge. In contrast to hot temperatures, cold weather will extend the drying time. This has many disadvantages, primarily in terms of time and schedule. For this reason, stick to days with temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Furthermore, you must also check the forecast for overnight temperatures. If they drop below freezing, it could be detrimental to the quality of the stain adhesion and the curing process. If you have no choice but to stain a deck in colder temperatures, you can try to use space heaters to speed up the drying time.

Sun Exposure

Not only do you need to be cautious of the temperatures, it is equally important to avoid staining a deck in direct sunlight. This will cause flash drying, which inhibits stain penetration and leads to blotchy appearances. Instead, choose a day that is mildly sunny or partly cloudy to ensure good results.

Professional Deck and Patio Restoration

Home Repair Service 317-454-3612

Home Remodeling
317-454-3612

Call Restoration By L&B, LLC at 317-454-3612 to inquire about written estimates or to schedule an in-home consultation for deck restoration and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Lee Elliot, and his team of licensed general contractors are happy to answer your questions about restoring your patio or deck back to its former glory. And we guarantee to BEAT any competitors’ prices! Call 317-454-3612 to get started, today!