If you’re planning to build a wood decks this summer, you might be excited about the look and feel of fresh wood underfoot. However, protecting that investment with the right staining technique is crucial to ensure your deck lasts for years without premature wear or damage. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share a $1000 pro tip that will extend the life of your deck by decades and improve the durability of any stain or paint you apply.
Most homeowners hire carpenters to build beautiful decks that can cost a significant amount of money. But many miss one critical step when it comes to staining: properly coating the wood before installation. This step can make a huge difference in protecting your deck from moisture damage, paint failure, and wood rot. Let’s dive into the best practices for staining wood decks to help you get the most out of your investment.
Why Proper Staining Matters
Wood decks are exposed to the elements year-round—rain, snow, humidity, and sun all take a toll. The natural moisture in the air and ground can cause wood to absorb water, which leads to swelling, warping, and eventually wood rot if left unprotected. Staining your deck isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about sealing the wood to protect it from moisture intrusion and UV damage.
However, the way you apply your stain can either maximize or reduce its effectiveness. Most people think that applying stain only on the top surface of the deck boards is sufficient, but this is far from the truth. The underside of the boards and the edges are just as vulnerable to moisture. Failing to seal all six sides of the wood boards leaves the wood exposed to trapped water vapor beneath the deck, which can seep in and cause the stain on top to fail prematurely.
The $1000 Pro Tip: Coat All Six Sides Before Installation
Here’s the golden rule I recommend for anyone building or staining a wood deck: coat all six sides of every board before you install the deck. This means the top, bottom, and all four edges of each individual board should be fully coated with stain or paint prior to installation.
Why is this so important? Because once the boards are installed, it becomes incredibly difficult to get stain or paint down into the cracks and edges, especially between the boards. Trying to coat these areas after installation is a frustrating, time-consuming task that can also damage your brush.
When you only stain the top surface after installation, drips can run down the sides, creating uneven coverage and a messy appearance. Plus, the underside remains unprotected, making the wood vulnerable to moisture absorption from rain or flooding. This trapped moisture can cause the stain on the top to peel, flake, or fail after just one season.
Protecting Your Deck from Moisture Damage
Moisture is the enemy of wood decks. When water gets underneath the deck, it tends to settle in the unsealed bottom of the boards. This causes the wood to absorb water from underneath, which then soaks its way up through the board. The result? The top coating you painstakingly applied starts to deteriorate much sooner than expected.
By sealing all six sides, you create a moisture barrier that protects the wood from absorbing water from any direction. This dramatically reduces the risk of premature paint or stain failure and extends the life of your deck significantly.
How to Properly Coat All Six Sides of Deck Boards
To get the best results, follow these steps:
- Prepare the boards: Before staining, make sure the wood is clean, dry, and sanded if necessary to ensure good stain adhesion.
- Apply stain on all sides: Lay each board flat and coat the top, bottom, and edges thoroughly. Use a quality brush or sprayer to evenly cover every surface.
- Allow proper drying time: Let the boards dry completely before installation. This ensures the stain penetrates and forms a solid protective layer.
- Install the deck: Once all six sides are coated and dry, install your deck as usual.
- Apply a top coat if desired: After installation, you can apply an additional top coat on the deck surface for extra protection and a fresh finish.
While some stains require one coat, others recommend two coats for optimal protection. Regardless, the key is to ensure every side of every board receives full coverage before installation.
Benefits of Staining Before Installation
There are multiple advantages to this approach:
- Longer-lasting protection: Sealing all sides prevents moisture from penetrating the wood, reducing the risk of rot and damage.
- Less maintenance: A well-sealed deck requires fewer repairs and refinishing jobs over time.
- Better appearance: Stain applied evenly before installation looks cleaner and more professional.
- Easier application: Coating the boards flat means you avoid struggling to brush stain into tight cracks and edges after installation.
- Protects your tools: You won’t have to “jam” your brush into tight cracks, which can quickly ruin your brushes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some pitfalls to watch out for when staining your deck:
- Only staining the top surface: This leaves the underside and edges vulnerable to moisture.
- Waiting too long to stain: Wood left unprotected before staining absorbs moisture, making it harder for stain to penetrate.
- Using low-quality brushes or stains: These can result in uneven application and poor durability.
- Not allowing adequate drying time: Installing boards before stain is fully dry can trap moisture and ruin the finish.
Conclusion: Invest Time in Proper Staining for a Deck that Lasts
Building a deck is a significant investment in your home, so it’s worth taking the time to do it right. The simple step of coating all six sides of each deck board before installation is a game-changer. It protects your wood from moisture damage, prevents premature paint or stain failure, and saves you time and frustration down the road.
Whether you’re staining or painting, make sure to talk to your carpenter and painter about this crucial step. It might seem like extra work upfront, but the payoff is a beautiful, durable deck that will serve you well for decades.
Remember, the key to a long-lasting wood deck is thorough protection. Seal every surface, protect against moisture from all angles, and enjoy your outdoor space worry-free.
If you’re looking for professional help with painting or staining your deck, consider reaching out to trusted local painters who can ensure the job is done right the first time.
