Staining a New Deck

Deck Refinishing

new cedar deck ready for refinishing with oil based deck stain

Staining a brand-new redwood, cedar, hardwood, or pressure-treated deck is a great way to enhance the natural beauty of the wood and protect it from the elements. Redwood and cedar are popular choices for decks because of their natural rot resistance and warm, rich color. However, it is important to properly prepare and stain the deck to ensure that it looks great for years to come.

Before staining your new deck, it is important to allow the wood to weather for at least a few weeks, but we recommend a few months if you can wait. This will allow any natural oils in the wood to dry out and will ensure that the stain is able to penetrate the wood properly. New wood is much denser and less porous than older wood so the first time you stain your new deck the pigment will not last as long as it would on an older deck. Over time and subsequent deck refinishing maintenance the stain will last longer and longer.

Once the wood has weathered, the deck should be sanded, cleaned, and power washed. Sanding will help open the wood pores, increase stain penetration, and remove any rough construction marks. Power washing will ensure the deck is clean and the wood pores are clear for maximum stain penetration.

After the deck is clean and dry, it is time to apply the stain. There are several different types of stains available, including oil-based and water-based stains. An oil-based stain is the ONLY correct choice for your deck. Water-based stains are topical sealants and they will peel in a few years.

Our local oil-based Boodge deck stain is the best choice for the life of your new deck. Boodge deck stains will never peel, or turn black. The oil penetrates into the wood pores and the color fades over time. The next time you refinish, we’ll only need to power wash, and re-apply the stain–no sanding will be necessary. Your next maintenance should be in 1-3 years when the floor and horizontal surfaces should be refinished. The vertical surfaces and railings should be refinished every other time.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your new wooden deck is properly stained and protected. With proper care and maintenance, your deck will look great for years to come!

If you have any questions or need help refinishing your deck, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

— Neill McKenzie, Founder

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