Have you decided to stain your deck? You may ask yourself if you should stain the deck in the evening, especially if you have read posts on the internet implying you should. To help you out, we've gathered the information you need. With that said, let's dive in!
Experts recommend staining your deck in the evening because the activity shouldn't be done in direct sunlight. However, stains aren't just sensitive to heat but too cold too. So when you stain your deck in the evening, ensure the temperature isn't too low.
This post elaborates on why it's an excellent choice to stain a deck in the evening. We also researched the other factors you should consider when choosing when to stain your deck. Read all of these below to get the best results from your task.
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What To Consider Before Staining A Deck
There are requirements you must consider when choosing when to stain a deck to avoid having peels or patches after staining. We discuss them below:
Time Of Day
Extreme heat makes the stain dry too quickly. Consequently, some spots fail to absorb the product, thus resulting in an unevenly stained deck.
So, staining in the evening or afternoon is your safest option because it isn't too hot at this time.
However, this doesn't mean you can't apply the product during the daytime. You only need to consider whether direct sun rays hit the deck and evaluate if it is too hot before staining.
This way, you do not have to worry about any negative impacts on your deck's appearance.
Low Temperature
If it isn't hot but is cold instead, you might want to reconsider staining. Applying your product in low temperatures can interfere with the deck's curing time and cause cracks and peels.
Apply the product when the deck's temperature is around 50° F- 90° F. Note that you shouldn't measure this range from your air temperature but from the wood itself.
Also, check your location's weather forecast beforehand to ensure the temperature doesn't drastically change for about three days to let the stain dry completely.
Weather
Rainy or windy weather is not ideal for staining your deck. Wind can cause unwanted imprints in your deck if particles get stuck in the product when wet.
On the other hand, the rain may soak your deck and cause splotches on your stain.
If the wind can easily blow leaves, dust, or other debris on your deck, make sure it isn't too windy when you stain it.
How To Stain A Deck
Staining a deck isn't complicated. So, you can do it yourself. If the timing, temperature, and weather are suitable for applying the product, follow this guide:
1. Sand The Surface
Use 60-80 grit sandpaper and an orbital sander to prepare the deck for staining. Sand the deck in the same direction as its wood grain to avoid scratches.
Click here to see this orbital sander on Amazon.
2. Clean The Deck
Clean your deck before proceeding with the other steps to create a favorable environment for the stain to cure the deck properly after the application.
Additionally, cleaning prevents dust particles from sticking on the deck's surface and allows the product to be absorbed.
Use a deck cleaner and a mop or brush with stiff bristles to scrub the deck, then rinse it with a hose on low pressure and leave it to dry.
View this deck cleaner on Amazon.
3. Apply The Product
If your deck is close to your house's siding, tape the sidings to prevent the stain from getting to these areas. Then, start coating the deck with the product using a roller.
Don't stain large areas at a time; only apply it on three-foot square sections before pausing and changing your roller to a brush to make a natural-looking grain or brushstrokes.
Don't forget to brush in the direction of your deck's wood grain while doing so.
Take care not to over-apply the stain because it may lead to peels and cracks when exposed to moisture. Wait for at least three days to let the deck dry thoroughly.
See this paint roller on Amazon.
4. Seal Your Deck
If you want to lengthen the lifespan of the stain on your deck, apply a clear sealant to the surface using a bristle brush. Using a brush will help you get into the nooks and crannies of the deck.
Don't forget to put the sealant into the joints where two boards of your deck meet.
Check out this clear wood sealant on Amazon.
What Happens If It Rains After You Stain A Deck?
The staining product may become displaced if it rains one or two days after staining your deck. When this happens, the surface will look blotchy or flaky.
Wait for the rain to stop, and monitor your area's weather forecast. When the rain stops, use a deck cleaner to remove the remaining stain and dirt from the rain. It would be best to wait for the deck to dry.
Check out this post: How Long After Rain Can You Stain A Deck?
How Long Does A Stain Last On A Deck?
Deck stains can typically last for three to five years. However, it may start fading after two or three years, thus necessitating recoating and weather humidity level and weather conditions influence how long the stain lasts.
Therefore, recoat your deck if you see signs of the stain wearing off, moisture seeping into your deck quickly, or molding and mildew on the surface.
Read this post for more information: How Often Should You Stain The Deck?
How Do You Maintain Your Stained Deck?
Stains wear off pretty quickly from your deck. That's why if you want it to last long, you must take proper care of it. Here are some tips to help you:
- Sweep or wipe off any debris from your deck every week or month to prevent dirt accumulation.
- Keep debris like tree trunks and branches out of your deck by cutting or trimming them.
- Wash your deck with a light detergent once a year. Scrub thoroughly to remove the grime. Then, rinse the detergent using a pressure washer or hose with light to medium pressure.
- Routinely check for any damage and repair the deck if damaged. As the wood ages, nails and screws may move over time, so screw or hammer to fasten them into place. Additionally, check the deck railing to assess if it is secure; replace it if it wobbles when you push it.
Check out this post to discover how to address: Footprints On Stained Deck – How To Prevent And Fix
How Much Does It Cost To Have A Deck Stained Professionally?
If you don't have the time to stain your deck, you may hire a professional, typically costing $4 per square foot. So, if you have a 200-square-foot deck, it will cost around $800 to stain it.
This average cost covers the labor and the staining materials to be used.
However, the price may change depending on the stain's quality and the protection you want for your deck. The price ranges between $600 and $1200.
To Wrap Up
You can confidently stain the deck in the evening because the temperatures are typically not too hot. But you can still stain a deck in the morning for as long as you don't do so in direct sunlight.
Furthermore, it would be best to consider how low the temperature and the weather are in your location before starting the staining process.
Read this post to learn the Pros And Cons Of Staining A Deck.