Staining a wood deck is a great way to add color and texture to your outdoor space. It will preserve the wood from the elements such as sun damage or moisture damage, as well as stains from everyday use. In this post, I will show you how to stain wood decks using Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck.
We bought a house with a deck that was made of pre-treated deck boards, the wood wasn’t stained and the nail holes were not touched up and we decided to stain it. I had an image in my head of how I wanted it to turn out, but the end result was better than anything I imagined.
Transparent, Semi-Transparent, Semi-Solid Stain or Paint
When choosing an option to treat your wood deck you can select from these types of stain: transparent, semi-transparent, semi-solid stain, or solid paint.
As a rule of thumb, you want to use semitransparent or semi-solid stain on the newer decks. They will still show wood grain while protecting the wood. Paint, in general, is used on the older wood decks.
For my deck, I wanted the wood grain to show and for it to be light color but with a hint of gray. I was choosing between SW Weathered Gray (SW 3568) and SW Mountain Ash (SW 3540) semi-transparent stain. Originally, I bought a gallon of lighter stain (Weathered Gray) and when I applied it, it was too light for my taste, so I took it back to the store and they were able to tint it darker to Mountain Ash.
I used a single coat on my deck. It was sufficient to cover the wood filler spots and achieve the look I wanted.
Simple steps to stain wood deck
Tools you will need:
- A pressure washer
- Stainable Wood Filler
- A putty knife
- An electric sander
- Paintbrush (to reach in between the boards)
- Paint roller or a pad
- Tray
- Eye protection and safety mask
- Rugs
Step by step instructions to stain your wood deck
1. Prepare your deck
The first step in preparing your deck is pressure washing. Make sure the wood is clean and dry, before working on it.
2. Patch up nail holes.
This may seem like an extra step, but it will make the biggest difference in the overall appearance of your deck once you are done.
3. Sand the wood
Wait at least 4 hours before going over the dry wood filler spots. Sand the surface until the wood is smooth. Look over the entire deck to see if anything else needs to be sanded: a manufacturer’s stamp, or a stubborn stain.
Make sure to use protective gear when using the sander.
4. Clean the deck
Use a blower or a broom and wet rug to completely wipe down all the dust from sanding the deck. Let it dry.
5. Application of Stain
Your deck is ready to be stained! Apply a coat of stain in even strokes, reaching with a paintbrush between the boards, as you go. Create an even layer, by wiping off any excess stain.
FAQ:
Use a paint roller or a pad and apply in even strokes. Wipe of excess stain and use a brush to paint between the boards.
Because the stain is pretty thin, it applies easily. One gallon was enough to cover the entire deck floor and stairs
The stain dries pretty quickly. One hour dry to touch. Wait at least four hours (but no more than 7 days) to apply a second coat.
At the Sherwin-Williams store
You might find these posts helpful:
Sherwin-Williams Whites: Westhighland White (SW 7566)
A Guide to Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige (SW 7036)
Empty Wall Decor Ideas: from a Blank Space to a Statement Piece
Conclusion:
Staining a wooden deck is a great way to enhance its appearance, add value to your home, and preserve the life of your deck. To get the best out of your wood deck, consider using a high-quality wood stain. This will ensure that the wood stays looking new for years to come.
If you need interior design help, reach out to me – I offer virtual design consultations.
