Should You Paint or Stain Your Deck

When it comes to the question of whether you should paint or stain your wood deck the answer almost always comes down to a matter of choice and preference. You as the homeowner will find that you must make many difficult decisions along the way when either building your house from the ground up or making improvements a little along the way.

There are no simple answers that work best for everyone although there are some very strong recommendations that can be made in hopes to create less work for you in the long run. Again advice is like elbows and your home is your home so take the advice, listen to counsel, and do the things you prefer. One thing I think most people can agree on without debate is that you need to treat the wood on your deck somehow in order to protect it. A deck is an investment in the value of your home as well as your personal enjoyment of your home. It only makes sense to take the necessary steps in order to properly protect that investment.

If you decide that painting is the route to go when it comes to suiting your deck design flavor you should remember that is essential that you apply two coats of primer before you begin painting. You also should make sure that the primer you use is good quality exterior primer that can stand the rigors that Mother Nature will throw its way. Use a roller or paint brush to apply your primer so that the primer will actually penetrate the wood rather than simply lying on the surface. Be sure the first coat is completely dry before applying the second and that both coats of primer are dry before painting. Choose a paint that is designed for porches as they are designed to deal with the traffic that will come their way.

Staining is the more common approach when it comes to decks as many homeowners, (myself included) prefer to enhance the natural look of the wood rather than hide it beneath layers of color. If you choose to stain your deck you should take extra care that you have pressure washed your deck and removed dead fibers, dirt, and any mildew spots that may be present before beginning to stain the wood.

Staining will work to protect your deck from not only the damage that can brought on by rain and standing water but also the damage the sun can bring through UV rays. Staining your decks does require some degree of maintenance and your decks will probably need to be reassessed every 2-4 years in order to ensure the maximum protection for your deck.

Whether you choose to paint or stain your deck is as personal a decision as whether you use wood or siding on the exterior of your home. Choosing the look and color that will work best for you to increase your enjoyment of your living space is something only you can do. Just remember when making your decision to consider the costs and maintenance involved in both and decide which works best for your family, your needs, and your lifestyle.