Your deck is a rustic, natural addition to your home. No matter what wood youíve chosen for construction (redwood, cedar, or pressure treated* pine or fir), all decks need protection from the damaging effects of moisture and the sun.
The appearance of your new wood will change over time. Donít expect the uniform look of a newly constructed deck to last indefinitely. Varying degrees of exposure to ultra violet rays from the sun, water and heavy foot traffic patterns will alter the appearance of all wood. Protecting your deck with a quality semi-transparent stain will lessen the negative effects of these elements and keep your wood looking its best for years to come.
*Pressure-treated or green-treated wood needs protection, too. Though highly resistant to rot and insect damage, pressure-treated lumber becomes increasingly susceptible to water damage as it ages. This type of wood readily absorbs moisture, leading to warping and splitting if left unprotected.
1. Use a quality oil-based semi-transparent stain. (We recommend Northern Naturals semi-transparent stain, or a high quality clear wood finish with UV protectors. A clear finish may require more frequent re-coating.)
2. Never use a solid color stain or paint on a deck. In this application, these products will usually peel.
3. Allow new decks to weather 30 days. To provide adequate protection, the stain or clear finish must penetrate the pores of the wood and not sit on the surface of the deck. Wood grains can be very tight as a result of the milling process. Natural weathering wears down the mill glaze and opens the pores of the wood allowing proper penetration of the finish. A good way to test if wood is ready to be coated is to sprinkle a few drops of water on it. If the water is absorbed into the wood the substrate is ready for coating. If the water beads up, allow more weathering.
A note on Pressure-Treated Lumber: Usually it is not necessary to allow pressure-treated lumber to weather for long periods of time (2 year or more) before applying a coating. If you plan to use a semi-transparent stain after the greenish color has weathered away, use a wood stabilizer during the interim.
4. All surfaces must be clean and dry. Cleaning with a garden hose and a broom is usually sufficient. On older decks, use of a detergent or wood restorer may be necessary. If mildew is present, remove with equal parts of bleach and water and rinse thoroughly. Remove barbecue grease and oil with TSP and rinse. Note: Wood must be completely dry. Temperature and humidity affect drying time. 2 or more days may be necessary.
5. Apply product with a brush or roller. If rolling, we recommend back brushing to work the product down into the wood.
6. Follow manufacturerís recommended spread rate. When applying products to decks , more is not necessarily better. Building up a surface film could lead to future peeling.
7. Donít apply stain in direct sunlight. If possible, work during shaded hours.
8. Try to maintain a wet edge by staining only a few boards at a time. Avoid lap marks by applying a continuous wet film of stain.
9. Let stain dry thoroughly before using deck. (Allow 12 - 24 hours depending on temperature and humidity.
10. One coat of semi-transparent stain should give your deck adequate protection. If you want to apply 2 coats, we recommend a first coat in early spring with the second coat in late fall.
11. Plan on periodic maintenance. Most decks (depending on use and exposure) will need restaining every year or two to maintain their beauty.
12. If you are in doubt about any portion of the job ask directions from the paint experts at Hirshfieldís. Theyíll give you all the right information youíll need to end up with a job youíll be proud of.
A NOTE ON STAINING OLDER DECKS: If your wood has weathered to a silver-gray color, it must be restored to a clean, clear wood color before applying stains or clear wood finishes. Sanding, wire brushing, power washing or using a product specifically formulated to correct this situation is absolutely necessary.
If your wood looks all one color with no grain showing through, it has probably been coated with a paint or a solid color stain. To correct this situation you can remove all paint or solid color stain and then re-coat with a semi-transparent in a similar color. Annual maintenance can be expected on horizontal surfaces.