You want a sturdy, attractive deck for summer, but don’t want to be overzealous with upkeep. Should you stain the deck annually? Every other year? Every five years? When is staining the deck necessary home maintenance, and when does it become pointless work?

How Often Does a Deck Need Staining?

How often you should stain your deck depends on a variety of factors such as where your deck is located, how much wear it gets, and what type of stain you’re using. Ask yourself:

• How much foot traffic does my deck get?
• Is the deck exposed to rain, snow, ice, and organic debris?
• Is the deck exposed to direct sunlight?
• Do I keep it clean between stain applications?

Each of these factors can put wear and tear on your deck. Typically, homeowners should restain horizontal surfaces such as decks every two to three years. Poor deck upkeep will decrease the time you have to enjoy the deck before restaining it, while good deck upkeep may give you another year or two before you need to restain the deck.

How to Stain a Deck to Last

If you follow the proper steps to stain your deck, you can strengthen the bond between the wood and the protective coating, making your stain last longer.

• Remove all traces of sealant from the deck
• Use a pressure washer to thoroughly clean the deck
• If you don’t have experience with pressure washing, call a professional to prevent scarring the wood
• Use a semi-transparent stain, which will sink more deeply into the wood the solid color stains
• Oil-based stains typically last longer than water-based stains and give the deck a natural, polished look

Does your deck need an update? Call C&M Residential Services in Marietta.