Guidelines For Remodeling Your Deck With The Perfect Deck Stain
A deck stain needs to be able to do several things. It needs to give your deck protection from abrasion, UV rays, moisture, and heat. You want a deck stain that can continue to do these things for as long as possible. There are many things that go into determining how long a deck stain will last. While the quality of the stain itself is very important it is not the only factor to think about when figuring out the longevity of a stain.
Other things to consider are the overall condition of the deck and the exposure to light and water it will receive. Water and UV light are the two main things that create failure in an exterior coating. Most of the time decks are located on the sunny part of a home and receive several hours of sun exposure on most days.
When it comes to sun exposures darker stains will give you better protection. Another important component of stain longevity is water exposure. Damage can be created by exposure to dew, rain, and snow over time. Cracks in the surface of the wood will allow water to soak in. The stain you use should help the wood resist the pressures caused by water.
In order for a stain to last as long as possible the wood on your deck should be prepared before your apply the stain. Before any stain is applied to your deck you should replace or repair and wood on your deck that is either damaged or rotten. You also want to thoroughly clean the surface of the deck before applying stain. Think about power washing and sanding your deck if there is an old coat of finish still partially on. This can prevent problems down the line with stains that are incompatible. At the end of the project you want a smooth deck that does not contain any damage or splinters. Learn more about some of the best deck stains on the market.