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

Suggested Maintenance for Wood Decks and Patios

One of the most anticipated pastimes of spring is all the backyard fun and relaxation you finally get to enjoy. Springtime barbequing, badminton, croquet, or simply enjoying the view of everyone’s smiling faces from an attractive patio or deck is what the season is all about! But if your wooden patio or deck is not well-maintained, it isn’t such a charming place to spend time. Things like warped boards, wood rot, and moss infestations can not only make a deck unattractive, it can make it unsafe to use.

Continue reading to learn how to properly maintenance and repair a wooded deck so that you may enjoy your little piece of paradise all spring and summer long, and for many more springs to come!

Wood Deck Installation 317-454-3612

Wood Deck Installation 317-454-3612

Wood Deck Problems

It is important to regularly inspect your deck for problems so that you may solve them before they get out of control, become a hazard, or wind up being very costly to repair. A small problem can evolve into a major one over a short amount of time, which is why you must stay vigilant when it comes to routine deck maintenance and repair.

Here are a few common issues to look for:

Loose Nails – Replace damaged or corroded nails on floorboards, posts, sills, joists, railing, stairs, and more. Hammer down any protruding nails until they are even (or below) the wood surface. You may also replace protruding or loose nails with deck screws.

Warped Floorboards – Cracked, warped, splintered, or protruding floorboards are hazards. Replace them as needed.

Dry Rot – This type of fungal growth digests wood, rotting it from all over. Signs include soft or moist floorboards, musty odors, discoloration, or shrunken floorboards. Replace immediately upon discovery.

Mold and Mildew – Additional types of fungal growth, like mold and mildew, are hazardous for wood decks and patios. Also, mushroom growth, moss growth, green or black algae, lichen, and more make for dangerous patio conditions.

Debris – Leaves, twigs, branches, grass clippings, and more are examples of debris that needs cleared regularly from decks and patios. Accumulation can provide the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth, and more.

Wood Deck and Patio Care

All of the above problems, and more, should be addressed right away in order to maintain a safe and enjoyable deck or patio this spring. Nails should be hammered in or replaced with deck screws, organic growths should be sprayed with an eliminating solution, rotted or damaged floorboards should be replaced or patched, and debris should be swept away on a daily basis. All of this should prevent costly and hazardous wood deck problems.

In order to preserve your wooden deck or patio, it is important to implement certain strategies and chores that will safeguard it all year long. For example, dry rot can be prevented by painting a layer or two of wood preservative underneath the bottom of the wood deck.

Also, applying a quality sealcoat and deck protectant is vital for safeguarding against natural wear and tear. It is helpful to know that replacing boards with dry rot right away will evade the potential for it to spread to other boards. And last, continue to retreat your wood deck with fungal protection to keep it mold and mildew free all year.

Consult a professional general contractor for advice, information, and assistance with deck maintenance and renovation. They retain the experience, knowledge, and tools to get you and your patio ready for spring!

Looking For Professional Deck Repair?

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Call Restoration By L & B, LLC at 317-454-3612 for professional deck and patio repair services and information. We provide home remodeling, renovation, repairs, and more for homes and commercial properties in Indianapolis and throughout the Metro Indy areas. Request an estimate, today!