How To Stain A Deck

Staining your deck is a rewarding project that enhances the appearance of your deck while extending its lifespan. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or a beginner looking to tackle your first outdoor project, staining a deck can be manageable and satisfying with the right preparation and guidance.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from gathering supplies to applying the final sealant—all of which should be completed every 2-3 years.Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of staining your deck!

Staining Your Deck: Project Overview
How to Stain A Deck
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Staining Your Deck: Project Overview

Time: 2-3+ Days
Skill Level: Beginner

How to Stain A Deck in 6 Steps

Ready to get to work? Follow this deck staining guide for a successful outcome:

1. Gather Your Supplies

Grab all of the tools and materials we listed above. It’s important to grab extra cleaning supplies—like rags and drop cloths—to help you with those inevitable spills.

2. Plan Around the Weather Forecast

Staining a deck is more time-intensive than most people think. You’ll need:

• Time to clean the deck.
• Time to spray the deck.
• Time for the deck to dry completely (at least 24 hours).
• Time to apply the stain.
• Time for the stain to dry (at least 24 hours).

At a minimum, you’ll need two full days of sunshine to complete your deck project—though three days is much more ideal.

3. Create A Schedule

Even after you have your days picked out, you should decide exactly when you’ll work on your deck. 

Stain is easier to apply in the early morning and late afternoon when you’re not in direct sunlight, but it can be tough to complete a deck in that window if you have a lot of ground to cover.

4. Clean the Deck

Cleaning the deck and stairs is a multi-step process. Steps to take:

1. Remove all furniture, rugs, flower pots, and other physical items from the deck and sweep away leaves, debris, and dirt.
2. Inspect the deck for broken screws, protruding nails, warped lumber, and other imperfections. Make any necessary repairs before proceeding further.
3. Use a wood cleaner to clean the deck.
4. Rinse the deck with a garden hose or pressure washer, spraying at 45° along the grain.
5. Allow the deck to dry over 1-2 days.
6. Use an orbital sander with 60-80 grit sandpaper to remove any remaining residue.

5. Identify the Correct Stain Type

Next, you’ll need to choose the correct stain type based on what sort of stain your deck already has. If you have a water-based stain, you should use another water-based stain. If you have an oil-based stain, you should use another oil-based stain.

Here’s how to identify what your deck currently has:

1. Apply deck stripper to a small, inconspicuous area.
2. Wait 15 minutes.
3. Wipe away the deck stripper with a rag.

If the stain comes off, you have a water-based stain. If it doesn’t, you have an oil-based stain.

6. Stain the Deck

Once you have your deck and stairs completely ready, it’s time to start staining. In many ways, it’s a lot like painting. Here are the steps to take:

1. Pick your strategy. You don’t want to stain yourself into a corner. Before you start applying your stain, figure out whether you’ll work toward the stairs or the door to the house.
2. Pick your applicator. Your typical options:
   • Brush — It’s OK to use a brush to apply stain, but using a brush typically isn’t recommended as it’s time- and labor-intensive.
   • Spray — A paint sprayer can provide a quick method of applying an even layer of stain, but comes with a learning curve. It’s not recommended unless you have previous sprayer experience.
   • Paint Pad Applicator and Roller — A paint pad and roller allows you to cover more surface in less time when compared to a simple brush, which makes it the best way to stain a deck.
3. Apply the stain. Give your deck a first cost using long, even strokes. Done correctly, one coat is typically enough.
4. Get the cracks. Use a brush to stain in between floorboards and any other cracks.
5. Let it dry. Most stains take about 24 hours to fully dry, so avoid hosting cookouts until the stain has completely died!
6. Apply a sealant. A layer of sealant will protect your deck for even longer than a stain alone!
7. Stain the Stairs

Stain the stairs just as you did the deck. Here, using a large brush or paint pad applicator would likely be ideal, as a pole may be too difficult to work with in such a limited space. 

Find Additional Deck Staining Support

If you need support on your deck staining project, jump into the Frontdoor® app! The app is loaded with helpful how-to guides and gives you immediate video chat access with experienced professionals who can help you through your issues. Download the Frontdoor app today!