Ask an expert

How to stain a deck

First impressions count. A nicely stained deck will not only make a huge difference to how your outdoor space looks but will ensure your decking timber lasts the distance. No matter what kind of deck you have, staining protects it from the elements and prolongs its life. While doing it yourself might feel like a daunting task, rest assured that with the right prep, products and tools, you’ll be cranking up the barbie on your revamped deck before you know it.

In this Ask an Expert video, Resene paint expert Jay Sharples shows you how it’s done.

1

Remove moss and mould

Preparing your deck is essential before you get into the staining. Treat your deck with Resene Moss & Mould Killer. Mix Resene Moss & Mould Killer with water and scrub or spray onto any areas where there is moss or mould. Follow the mixing ratio on the container.

2

Scrub the deck

Now it’s time to give your deck a good clean. And no, this doesn’t mean just a hose-off. Use Resene Timber and Deck Wash and scrub the product into the surface for 15 minutes while keeping it wet so the grain opens up on the timber and the product will penetrate properly. Wash off with a water blaster and allow the deck to dry completely.

3

Apply the first coat

Now it’s time to apply your stain. Use a PAL Deck Master Deck Brush for the best application. Maintain a wet edge at all times, and apply the stain to a couple of boards at a time with a nice even finish from one end to the other.

Your deck will require at least two coats of stain. Leave a day between each coat to ensure proper drying time.

Choosing a stain

There is a huge range of colours available when it comes to deck stains. If the traditional dark brown doesn’t float your boat, you can opt for anything from silvery greys, white to black, with blues, yellows, greens and even red in between. Resene offers a huge range of timber hues to enhance the natural look, with options including Resene Mahogany, Resene Dark Oak and Resene Japanese Maple. Jay suggests visiting your local Resene ColorShop for advice on what will work best for you and your deck.

Jay’s top tips

Wait seven days before putting your furniture and barbecue back on the deck.
Avoid applying stain in direct sunlight. Start early in the morning or later in the day, this will mean the stain will penetrate rather than drying on the surface. Equally, never attempt to stain your deck on a rainy day, this will spell disaster.
Decks should be restained every 18 months to two years to ensure your timber lasts the distance.