Why Stain a Deck?

Summer barbecues can be much more enjoyable with a deck. If you have a wood deck, keeping it protected from the weather is essential in maintaining its look and integrity. Wood can rot or fade if not protected with a stain. After building your dream deck, protect it. Stains are a key component of how long the deck lasts and looks.

Rain

Rain is one reason why you should use a stain. Rain water can add too much moisture to wood causing mildew and mold and weaken the wood itself.  It begins to deteriorate over time and eventually rot. Staining the deck not only protects from this problem, it also increases the life of the wood because it can be costly to repair or replace. You may even need to replace the entire deck if the wood rots in several places. Use a petroleum based product to repel water on contact. It will bead rather than soak through the wood.

Snow

Like rain, snow damages unstained decks. But unlike rain, snow remains on the deck until it slowly melts away. This slow process can do more damage than any other.  This is especially true in places where snowfall is constant and heavy such as northern states that see snow the entire winter. When spring arrives the damage may be extensive. Most people protect with clear or petroleum-based stains to avoid costly repairs as cracking or lifting.

Sun

The harsh rays of the sun dry out wooden decks and a protective stain prevents this and fading of the wood by keeping the UV rays off.  Dark stains work well in protecting a deck because they reflect rays just as wearing dark clothing.

You should not confuse staining with sealing a deck. Sealants only protect the surface of the deck from damage. It does not reach into the wood's fibers to prevent interior damage. Once the water dries, so does the wood and loses its natural look.  Sealants are not protectors of wood as stains are.