Homeowners who are thinking about adding value to their property should look no further than adding a deck to the exterior of the house. Not only does it add instant aesthetic appeal, but it also adds value to the resale price, who wouldn’t want that? Whether you are building an entirely new deck or refurbishing and refinishing an old existing one, you can never go wrong with doing some upgrades on it.
The question is, what to upgrade it with or what to build it with? There is a dizzying assortment of deck styles, colors, and materials on the market that could take someone an entire day just to decide what’s the best one, and sometimes longer.
Luckily the focus of this article is to help you with one of the best options that we recommend for your decking and that is – staining. Why staining? We tell you all about it below.
What Is Staining?
Besides the elaborate information provided on this website regarding the difference between oil or stain, we have simplified it for you below. If you have an existing deck and then to looking to spruce it up because it has withered away, staining is possibly the best solution for this.
Areas such as decks which are outdoors, just like balconies, are constantly exposed to different environmental elements such as different weather conditions, exposure to sun, wind, cold, ice, debris, dust for instance. In time, it becomes discolored, cracked, and sometimes moldy and starts to turn shades of green or brown from the rot caused by water.
To avoid this from happening you need to stain it. From the word itself, it is a protective layer that keeps your deck from getting withered, looking old, and moldy. This process instead turns it into a fresh new space that you can enjoy once again.
Different Types of Decking Stains
Different deck stains have their specific purposes and some of the best ones are mentioned below.
Semi-Transparent Stain
This is the average option that most homeowners and woodworkers go for. When this stain is applied it seals the surface and waterproofs it. Some brands also provide a coat of color when applied. It can also help protect the wood from harmful UV rays so it does not discolor as quickly as without it.
It is easy to apply, and all you need is the bucket and a brush, and in time it also looks good as it turns a different yet natural tint. These will last you about 3 years, after which a new coat is needed. Refurbishing an old deck can be done by one person, and this website here can show you a step by step of how to do that: https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/patios-and-decks/how-to-stain-a-deck-what-you-should-know
Solid Deck Stain
Popular amongst those who prefer a solid color on their outdoor structure and also deliver a waterproofing coat as well as UV protection layer. The other types of stains typically penetrate wood, however, this one does not. It is the closest that you can get to a paint without actually painting the decking. The color does not go inside the wood and stays on the topmost layer much like paint does.
A common recommendation to those who have older or weathered decking should first be fixed before the coat of tint is applied on top of it otherwise you risk the interiors of the wood panels getting rot and moldy due to dampness and moisture. One of the best solid deck stain colors to make any outdoor space pop when used tactfully is black, and if that’s too bold, you can opt for earthy neutral tones like brown or khaki.
Just like with a palette from a paint store where you can choose the hue you want in your bedroom or kitchen and bathroom, it is the same with this solid stain, you can choose the color you want from an array of different options. To prevent it from peeling it may need some extra TLC (care), which includes regular cleaning to prevent the stain from peeling.
Clear Sealers or Stains
As the name suggests this is the clearest option of them all and is a popular choice for new decks. It is the most basic choice for those who are undecided and will protect the wood beneath from damage and also enhances the natural beauty of wooden planks, so if your keen on keeping it au natural, this would be the best one to choose.
The only thing it will not protect the wood from is UV rays. They also will need frequent re-applying otherwise you risk it turning grey from constant sun exposure.
There you have it, a few good options for you to choose from. Have fun!
