A good stain job protects your deck for years; a rushed one peels by fall. The wood prep matters more than the stain you buy.
Clean it and let it dry
Sweep, then wash with a deck cleaner to strip dirt, mildew, and old flaking finish. Rinse and let the boards dry a full day or two — stain will not bond to damp wood.
Pick the right finish
Semi-transparent stain shows the grain and is easiest to refresh; solid stain hides worn wood but can peel. Either way, choose one with a built-in sealer so water beads instead of soaking in.
Apply thin, with the grain
Work in the shade, a few boards at a time, brushing or padding two thin coats along the grain. Thin coats soak in and last; thick coats sit on top and peel.
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Time it right
Aim for a dry stretch, 50–85°F, with no rain for 24–48 hours after. Spring and early summer are ideal.
Staining or rebuilding a deck?
Figure the boards, screws, and stain you need with the free Deck Calculator.