Deck staining tips

Deck staining should be done every three to four years to protect your deck from splintering, to keep it looking great and to make sure it gives you the 20 years of enjoyment it should.

Since you’ll be staining your deck five to seven times over its life, you want to get the process down to a science. Below are deck-staining tips from the experienced home improvement professionals at Mr. Handyman that will help you get it done right the first time.

Don’t stain if you don’t have to.

The point of deck staining is to protect your deck. To see if your current stain can last another summer, give your deck the water test: pour a glass of water on your deck, or in several spots, including where there seems to be the most wear, fade or algae growing. If the water is still beading after 10 minutes, take the year off!