How to Stain a Deck

Staining your deck is essential for upkeep. You’ll want to hire pros to take on the work. But even when you’re getting experts, it helps to know what’s happening. That’s one way to ensure you can understand and monitor the project’s progress. Here’s a look at how to stain a deck so you know what to expect.

Shop for Options

Before the work starts, shop for stain options. Which stains match your home’s style? Choose from solid and rich colors to clear finishes. Clear or light-hued finishes help the natural pattern and color of the wood shine through the coating. Semi-solid and solid stains cover the wood grain. However, they often result in a longer-lasting finish.

Talk to Contractors

Once you’ve chosen which stains will go on your deck, start talking to contractors. Find trustworthy deck contractors in Loveland, CO. They should have the training, skill, and experience to do the job. Are they licensed? What other credentials do they have? Consider that when you hire a crew.

Prepare Everything

If you have tools or materials, or you’re buying some of the supplies, have them ready before the crew arrives. They can get started immediately if everything they need is already within easy reach.

Clean the Area

Aside from removing all the furniture and items on your deck, a little cleaning as well. Contractors will prep the deck for staining. But it won’t hurt to sweep the floor and make sure there’s no dust or debris, so they can start sanding the deck. Experts who’ve done deck staining in Loveland, CO, for years know this. If you see the contractor haphazardly removing dust and debris before applying the stain, that’s a red flag. If they’re not taking the time and effort to prep and power-wash the surface, cancel the work and find reliable contractors instead.

Apply the Stain

Some crews do this by two: one person applies the stain while another one brushes it. It’s fast and efficient. Some contractors work on their own. That can take a while. But if they’re a pro, they’re likely to be efficient and fast with results. What you need to look for is how they do it. Pros usually apply the stain before brushing the surface with a paintbrush. That step removes puddles and drips, giving you a clear finish. Once the deck is done, the contractor will stain the remaining details, like the railings, stairs, and others.