Deck Staining Tips

Here are some useful best practice tips for staining your deck:

1. Use the drop test to determine if your deck needs staining. Splash a little water on the deck. If the liquid collects into droplets that sit on the surface, then the current protection is adequate. On the other hand, if the water seeps into the wood, then the deck needs fresh protection. 
2. Pick a stain that is appropriate for your deck. Each manufacturer uses their own classification system. Generally, stains vary  on a scale ranging from clear to opaque, which includes clear,  toner, semi transparent, semi solid, and solid. If your deck is fresh and young looking, then you should use a clear or toner stain. These allow the woods pattern and texture to show through. Toner is similar to clear except that it highlights the wood grain makings, If your deck is faded and aged then you should go with semi transparent or semi solid. The rule is as the stain becomes more opaque it  hides more of the wood patterns. If your deck is damaged, you should choose a solid stain. A totally solid stain will cover all the wood patterns but not its textures. When deciding on an appropriate solid stain color, consider the dominant colors in your backyard landscape. Usually but not always that's your home's siding color. Then choose the compliment of that color or another color that blends with it. 
3. Deck preparation is very important. You should thoroughly clean the deck of molds, dirt, dust, and any stains. Most manufacturers that specialize in home improvement offer a variety of deck cleansing agents. Some specialize in stripping the deck of previous stains. Choose the deck cleanser that meets your needs. New deck wood is covered with a factory finish that should be removed with the appropriate cleanser. Before starting, replace severely damaged boards, and sand down areas that are mildly damaged but repairable.
4. Before staining, make sure the deck is totally dry (at least 48 hours if possible). Also check the weather conditions. Optimally you will want the stain to dry for at least 24 hours before the first rainfall. 
5. Proper stain application is essential for producing the most attractive appearance. Use a natural bristle brush for oil based stains and synthetic bristle brushes for latex stains. Choose a day on which the temperature is between 50 degrees and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't apply the stain in the direct sunlight. If you will be staining a large area that requires using more than one gallon container, mix the stain together to ensure consistency. As you apply the stain, make sure the leading edge is wet so you are applying wet into wet. Apply only one coat of oil stain onto new decks. If your deck is made of composite wood, follow the manufacturers instructions. Avoid over-application of stain as this will result in excess drying time and a surface coat that cracks or peels when the wood is exposed to moisture. 
6. Apply the drop test once a year to determine if your deck needs re-staining. 

Resources: For the best outdoor and landscape masonry work in Westchester County and Putnam County, NY., call the Turf Barbers at 914 302 2469; 2929 Quinlan Street Yorktown Heights, NY 10598; http://www.theturfbarbers.com for the tops in back yard landscaping.
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