A deck is an important part of any good house and gives a nice touch to it. Since a house’s exterior has more value than its interior, therefore you must pay extra attention to its maintenance and repair. A deck not only adds aesthetic value to a house but can also be used for many purposes. Enjoying your evening by having tea with your family or having a BBQ gathering on your deck are some of the ways in which you can use your beautiful deck.

Therefore, maintaining your deck and keeping it in the best shape should be of utmost importance to you. Since a deck is made up of wood, it becomes subject to decay and other types of wear and tear with time. These damages can incur with time and sometimes due to extreme weather conditions and harsh use to which a deck is exposed. Here are some DIY tips for maintaining your deck by staining and repairing it on time. Let’s have a look.

1. Check the Weather forecast

Wood stain does not stick well to damp wood and can easily crack or peel off. If it has not been raining for a few days and dry weather is expected for at least two more days between 50 ° F and 90 ° F, you can apply the stain to the dry wood. The best thing about the low to average humidity is that it will promote faster drying. Staining under direct sunlight can also be a problem for the house owner. The stain dries too quickly under direct sunlight, even before the wood can absorb it.

2. Prepare the Surface

The wood should be clean and free of dirt for the stain to adhere properly. Here are the steps you should follow for the preparation of the surface:

Start by sanding the chipped area and wear a protective mask to keep out the dust.
Sweep the deck with a piece of cloth and use a putty knife to clean between the boards.
Apply a top-rated deck cleaner to clean the wood first.
Alternatively, use a high-pressure washer, but it will take 2-3 days for the wood to dry if used.
For peeling decks that are old, it is advisable to hire a specialist equipped with proper equipment to remove dust and dirt safely.

The main reason behind hiring a pro or deck staining service providers for old decks is that they are made of wood pressure-treated with chromium copper arsenic to control rot and insects. Sanding this wood releases toxic arsenic into the air and surrounding soil, so extra care is needed.

3. Apply a Thin layer of Stain

It is essential to apply a thin layer of wood stain if you are staining your deck on your own to get the best results. Here is how it can be done:

If you are using a few gallons of stains, mix them first to make sure the colors are consistent.
Then use long, smooth strokes to color two or three boards at once.
Apply a thin layer of the solid stain. This prevents puddles from penetrating the wood.
Regardless of the type of stain used, apply it twice to prevent the stain from coming off and ensure a more uniform finish.

4. Use the Correct Brush

Synthetic brushes are the best choice to apply water-based stains to the wood. On the other hand, the natural bristle is hollow and loses its rigidity, and becomes supple when it absorbs the water. However, you can also use a roller if you don’t find an appropriate brush for deck staining. Use a roller having a nap of 1/4 inch or less. This allows you to easily apply a thin layer of stain on the wood that adheres with it without causing any issues.

5. Select the Right Type of Stain

Each type of deck stain has its own set of advantages, and the type of stain you choose decides the overall look of your wooden deck. Wood staining and painting experts suggest that if the wood is coated with solid stain, you can’t apply translucent or transparent stain on it. Solid stains block the pores of the wood and prevent translucent or clear stains from penetrating the wood. But solid stains can be applied to any type of stain. Finding a sustainable wood stain for your deck is important if you want it to look impressive for a long time. By Experts of All nation drywall Inc it is better to look for a professional handyman for deck staining and repair. However, if you want to take care of your deck yourself, there’s no harm in it as long as you are confident and have the know-how of things. Use the tips mentioned above, and you will be good to go!