Should You Stain A Deck or Paint It? Here’s What Experts Say
Decks provide your home’s exterior character and liveliness. They can range from exquisite places to spend time alone or host visitors to warm traditional meeting areas. Every homeowner should be aware that outdoor decks need upkeep.
As it absorbs moisture, untreated wood quickly develops an unattractive appearance. Without the proper defense, it will shatter, warp, and twist. No matter how uncovered, painted, or stained the deck is, the sun’s UV radiation will fade its color. The sun will also destroy the lignin, a natural adhesive that keeps the wood’s fibers together.
An older painted deck will ultimately require a fresh coat of paint; alternatively, you can think about sanding and staining it. A deck stain won’t last more than a few years. As a homeowner, you must choose how to maintain the most outstanding appearance for your deck. A beautiful deck comes with an inevitable cost: proper care.
Deck Painting Vs. Deck Staining
Unfortunately, there isn’t a straightforward solution to the issue of whether individuals should paint or stain their decking when it needs repair. Considerations for maintenance, color, and feel are crucial. Neither choice will endure forever.
So that you can make the best choice, let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of painting and staining a deck.
Deck Painting
- There are many benefits to painting your deck, but you should be aware that doing so hides the distinctive details in the wood that give it character. It has more color options and will last longer, but it also encases the unique qualities of your deck.
Many homeowners like the uniform appearance that paint offers. This might be an excellent alternative if your deck is ancient and worn, even though the consistent paint will eventually peel and crack and appear rather unpleasant. Let’s examine each feature in further detail.
Advantages of Deck Painting
It’s not too difficult to maintain.
A well-done paint job by a reputable contractor can last a decade before needing to be redone.
You benefit from more color choices.
Your color options aren’t constrained if you decide to paint your deck. You may easily match the deck to the exterior of the rest of your property or utilize it to enhance the color of your home.
Paint conceals imperfections.
Painting is an excellent option if your wooden deck is nearing the end of its useful life because it will hide any defects in the wood.
Disadvantages of Deck Painting
The wood becomes moistened by painting.
Decks are horizontal, so the paint lays on top of them, which causes water to collect in some spots. The paint will flake and chip as the deck grows and shrinks with the weather.
Painting hides the wood’s natural beauty.
You might regret covering up your hardwood deck’s natural beauty if you enjoy how it looks and feels.
Paint typically lasts forever.
It’s practically a given that you’ll always paint your deck after deciding to do so. Going from stain to paint is simple, but the process is challenging, time-consuming, and costly.
Deck Staining
Your deck is shielded from the elements by staining it, preserving—and frequently enhancing—its inherent, natural beauty. You may emphasize an excellent wood’s distinctive qualities and lovely grain if your deck is built of that material.
Advantages of Deck Staining
The amount of the wood’s color, grain, and texture that is exposed are up to you.
- You can decide how much or how little wood material shines through when you stain.
You can emphasize the attractiveness of your wooden deck by staining it.
- A gorgeous wood deck will be enhanced with the correct stain and finish.
Paint tends to be more slippery than stain.
- While some stains can create a slippery surface, most are smoother and less slippery than a thick coat of high-quality paint.
Disadvantages of Deck Staining
It will only last for a couple of years.
Decks must be restained every other year. A reliable, expert paint job will last more than quality, expert deck staining.
Cracks are not filled by staining.
Because stain is thinner than paint and won’t accomplish much to cover fissures and shavings, you can’t count on it as a repair technique.
Some premium woods don’t take stains very well.
Decks made of tropical hardwoods are beautiful but very thick and don’t take stains quite well.
Paint or Stain A Deck? Which Option Is For You?
Now that you know the pros and cons of each method, you can choose which option suits your needs the best. You can always contact DU Pont Deck Builders experts for more assistance.
