Painting Vs. Staining A Wood Deck

If you have a wood deck, you may be wondering how you can best protect and enhance its surface. Some homeowners choose to stain a wood deck, while others opt for painting a wood deck. Ultimately it comes down to your aesthetic preference and the costs and benefits associated with each. To help you choose the best option for you and your wood deck, here are the pros and cons of both painting and staining:

 

Painting A Wood Deck  

Firstly, if you’re going to paint your wood deck you want to be sure to select a paint that doubles as a deck sealant. Regular paint won’t do the job because it’s not made to endure high foot traffic and exposure to the elements. Additionally, standard paint can trap moisture which could significantly affect the health of your wood deck.

 

Once you select a deck paint and sealant that you like, remember that you’ll be covering up the natural grain texture of the wood. If that isn’t a concern to you then go ahead and paint! Paint actually will protect your deck longer than if you were to use a stain because of the protection that it offers from UV rays. Sunlight can discolor the wood and break down it’s lignin, which is the natural glue that holds fibers together. When fibers begin to pull apart it opens up space for moisture to enter, which could lead to rotting and decay.

 

Staining A Wood Deck

The great thing about stain is that it will showcase the grains and natural features of your wood deck. If this is important to you, then we suggest going with a stain. Although keep in mind that a stain will have to be reapplied more frequently than paint, because of its thin properties. It’s also not as effective when it comes to offering protection from the sun. You can test out a pigmented stain that will offer some UV protection, but it won’t be as much as you would get with paint.

 

There are plenty of deck stains that offer protection from moisture so you won’t have to worry about mold and rot affecting your wood. As long as you keep up with the maintenance, staining is a good choice.

 

Surface Prep For A Wood Deck  

With both paint and stain, your deck should be properly prepped for application. In some cases prep may be so extensive that it requires the help of a professional. From sanding and power washing to priming, it’s a big job for a homeowner to take on.

 

 

At Modern Painting we can provide a variety of services for your wood deck including priming, power washing, painting and staining. To learn more about our wood deck services give us call or click here for a quote.