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If you have a wood deck you should
plan on applying deck stain every other year. Due to rain and ultraviolet
sunlight, deck stains fade and lose their ability to prevent water from seeping
into deck boards relatively quickly.
Before applying deck stain it is
important to prepare the deck in advance. This includes removing all items from
the deck and then applying a deck cleaner to it.
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After cleaning the deck check for
damaged deck boards, or popped nails or screws. Replace any damaged or rotting
deck boards, and replace popped nails or screws with slightly larger ones.
| When applying deck stain it is
important that the deck be thoroughly dry. Also, make sure that there is no rain
in the weather forecast for at least 24 hours, and that the temperature is
expected to be higher than 50o (F). If rain is in the forecast within
24 hours of when you plan to apply deck stain, hold off. The last thing you want
is to have it rain just after applying the deck stain. I did this once and
regretted it. The deck stain remained permanently sticky for nearly two years
and it looked horrible. |
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When it comes to brushes make sure to
use the right one for the particular type of deck stain you are applying. If you
plan to apply an oil-based deck stain use a natural bristle brush. If you plan
to apply a water-based deck stain use a nylon brush.
To apply deck stain, first start by staining the railings and balusters, if you
plan to stain them as well. Apply a liberal amount to allow the stain to fully
soak in. Do not however leave standing puddles of deck stain. |
| Once you have stained the railings and balusters, you can
then move onto the deck floor itself. To apply deck stain in the most
effective manner, start in a corner of the deck and work your way towards an
egress, e.g. stairs or house entranceway. Again, apply a liberal amount of
deck stain, but do not allow standing puddles. Standing puddles will end up
pealing later. Also, apply deck stain so that you always keep a wet edge to
avoid overlap marks. What this basically means is to limit the working area
for applying the stain. |
Photo by Mark Donovan |
For example, do not cut around the
entire perimeter of the deck and then go back and stain the middle of the deck.
This will result in overlap marks showing up.
For
most deck stains, one coat is all that is required. However, if you are using a
very light deck stain, you may need to apply a second coat. If a second coat is
necessary, make sure the first coat is thoroughly dry before applying the second
coat.
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For help on building a new Deck, see HomeAdditionPlus.com's
Deck Installation Bid Sheet.
The
Deck Installation Bid Sheet
will teach your how to hire the right deck contractor, and help to ensure that your
deck project is completed on time and budget.
How to Finance your Deck Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Addition Deck Information
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