Stained deck floors tend to have transparent looks that make them look outstanding. They can be our great alternatives when painted floors have bored us. Best of all, when we stain a deck floor, we also prevent other problems, such as moist floors.
We advise you not to get tempted by the stained floors’ lesser maintenance requirements than their painted deck floors’ counterparts. We know we invest our time and money well when we operate the best ways to stain a deck floor.
First, let us look at the list of things we should consider before staining a deck floor.
How can we choose the correct stains for our wooden deck floors?
Choosing the correct Stain based on the different color and style combinations for the wooden deck floors also means choosing the proper finishing to make the wooden deck floors look prettier.
People will usually think about specific brands and their budgets when they think about staining their deck’s floors with their choices of stains.
Brand-wise, most people choose Olympic Maximum and Elite to stain a deck floor. Some others trust Benjamin Moore to polish their deck floors.
These stain brands are not only available in local supermarkets, but they also have unique characteristics, such as having “just right” amounts of solidness and thriving in cold weather.
The bases (sometimes called the formulations) are the keys to understanding the stains’ characteristics.
For instance, synthetic oil-based stains prevent wood surfaces from turning yellow, while acrylic or water-based stains are the most convenient to clean and power-wash with soap and water.
We should also think if the stains’ prices are worth it when we compare them with the bases and other features. We ensure our packages are enough to stain a wooden deck floor.
Which Stain do I need?
There are different kinds of stains, so you can find one that works for every situation.
First, there is a big difference between the stains you use inside and those you use outside. A stain meant to be used outside can be used in any weather. On the other hand, indoor Stain doesn’t smell, so that they won’t bother you indoors.
Also, it’s important to know what kind of look you want to go for. Are you happy with the wood and grain you already have, and enjoy a new protective layer? Then it would be best if you used a clear stain.
Like to try out new matte looks? Then choose an opaque stain. Please note that Stain gives the impression that wood grains can still be seen. An opaque stain has a considerably lower probability of doing this than a transparent one.
How to apply stains on decks?
After following the process that we’ve stated earlier in this article, you can follow these pieces of instructions to apply stains on your decks:
- Measure the whole area around your decks using measurement tape. By now, you can distinguish which parts belong to the exterior and which ones you should stain.
- Apply painter’s tape around the exterior areas and screw paint poles to the painting pads. These two things are essential to clarify the staining boundaries.
- Meanwhile, stir the stains thoroughly and dip the paint pad inside the stains to start coating the deck floors with stains.
- Apply at least two thin coats of the stains to each of two or three deck boards.
- Let the stains sit for 24-48 hours before putting anything on top of the decks.
Pros and cons of treating the decking boards with Stain
There are different ways to take care of the wood decking. You can put oil, Stain, paint, or varnish on the wooden boards to protect them. When you stain decking boards, the following are the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Breathability
- Anti-slip possible
- Color change or transparent possible
- budget-friendly
Cons:
- Long drying time
- Wears out faster
- Labor intensive
What are the ideal temperatures for staining a deck floor?
Attention to the ideal temperature before staining a deck floor is essential to maximize the woods’ unique characteristics. Even though the woods can withstand abnormal cold or hot temperatures, it doesn’t mean these flooring materials don’t have any limitations.
Ideally, the outside temperature should be around 45-95 degrees Fahrenheit to safely apply stains on your deck’s floors. This temperature range ensures the stains won’t evaporate so easily and the curing processes don’t get in the way.
Full sun is the worst environment for staining a deck floor. Not only will the materials evaporate quickly, but the sun’s UV rays will also expose the negative side effects of the stains’ materials, which can affect our health conditions significantly.
Also, when it comes to the best temperature ranges, the best times to stain a deck floor are early spring or late fall.
Staining wood deck floor: how do you do it? And what do you need?
Wood has a beautiful, natural look, but it needs to be protected as best as possible by being stained.
This means that rain, wind, and UV rays are always a danger. It’s smart to use stains to ensure these things don’t hurt the wood,
With Stain, you can protect your wood for many years. That sounds great, but how do you stain wood?
After reading this blog, you know what to do to exactly get the best results.
Preparation before staining your deck floors
First, your deck floor should be free from dust, debris, and the like. You can remove these unwanted particles and materials by sweeping them with brooms. Then, apply a deck cleaner after you clean the particles away.
You can also use sprayers to speed up the cleaning process. When you do this process, which we call the preparation process, don’t forget to wear a safety mask and any other necessary gear.
Sanding
The next thing we need to consider after the preparation process is sanding the wooden deck surfaces to prevent the wooden decks from splinting.
Proper sanding can also open up porous woods that you can soak when you need to stain your deck’s floors. So, it’s not only removing old paintings or wood varnishing that remains after the preparation process.
Cleaning Wood
After sanding the wooden surface, the next step is power-washing it according to the correct directions and using a medium-pressurized power washer.
Never use hot water when power-washing the wooden deck’s surfaces since doing so will damage the surfaces.
It is essential to clean wood well, especially if it has been outside.
The wood can get all kinds of green on it, which must be cleaned off before the Stain will stick well. Use a good cleaner and a firm brush for this.
In practice, you will see that the preparation takes a long time, even longer than the wood staining itself.
Don’t let this get you down; try to picture what you want to happen in the end. You’ll see that good planning made the result even more beautiful. This is a good way to get ready.
Repair Any Cracks and Holes
Wood that has been outside changes over time. This can get so bad that cracks and holes start showing up in places you don’t want them to.
You can fix these holes before you start staining. For example, you could use wood rot filler after you’ve filled all the holes and sand the new spots so that everything is even.
Again, clean the wood and make sure the area around it is well taped. This lets you show off your things and still do your work.
Do you need a primer before staining?
Almost every paint needs a primer to ensure it sticks well to the wood. Stain doesn’t need a primer to stick to wood, so you can start using it as soon as you’re done getting the wood ready.
How many coats of stains for the floor deck?
Make sure that when you stain wood, you always paint with the grain. This will lead to the best result.
Usually, two or three coats of Stain are needed to protect the wood well. When you buy Stain, try to keep this in mind. When you start working with Stain, time is also important.
How long it takes to stain a wooden deck?
Most of the time, it’s easy to stain, but it can be hard to wait for the first layer to dry before you can start on the second.
Once the first coat has gone well, it can be tempting to move on quickly. The can of Stain tells you how long it takes to dry, anywhere from 4 to 24 hours.
Don’t try to apply the second layer at the end of the day at all costs; let the wood rest for another night.
Things to consider before staining a deck floor
As you have read, time plays an important role. Read the tin carefully to find out what the product is and how long it needs to dry. Also, the weather has something to do with pickling. Around 20 degrees is the best temperature.
The Stain won’t change much if it gets a little warmer or cooler, but it will change a lot if it gets hot or cold.
If the temperature is too high, the Stain will dry too fast, and if it is too low, it will take too long.