Deck staining is an essential factor to consider for your wood’s longevity. One of the best external features of your home is your deck. If it’s well maintained, it will last longer, look better, and increase the property value of your home in the future, when you think of selling it. Many factors influence your decision on deck staining. One of them is the weather conditions. When there are conditions like weather forecasts, and you want to stain your deck, ask yourself questions like, how long does deck stain need to dry before rain? Or should I wait for the rain to pass and then stain my deck? You must treat your wood correctly to keep it looking great for years. Here are some factors you should consider when thinking about stain your deck.
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Water soaks through
Wood testing is one of the best ways to know if your deck needs staining. Try pouring a small amount of water on the deck’s surface. If the water forms a bubble, the deck doesn’t require staining. If the water is absorbed immediately, then the deck needs staining.
Wood is fading
Is the current stain faded and unattractive? If has faded spots or no longer aesthetically attractive, it may be time consider deck staining. This is a personal sign, and it is up to you to decide when you want your deck to benefit from staining.
Splintering or splitting wood
If you notice cracked, loose, or splintering boards that need replacing, it’s likely the best time to consider giving the deck a new, fresh stain. First, you replace the splintering boards with new, strong ones and then decide when to stain your deck. Use new wood that matches the old wood, so the entire deck looks smooth end-to-end.
Peeling or uneven wood
Does the old stain look unsightly or uneven? Is it coming or peeling off? No one likes a dilapidated or unattractive deck. If you find yourself cringing when looking at your deck or embarrassed when others see it, then you should consider staining your deck.
Dry wood
Restoring your deck with new stain restores the old wood to its former glory. Staining will keep the wood hydrated and protected without allowing water to penetrate and destroy it, so it’s vital to preserve dry wood by staining.
Infestation and rot in wood
When you stain your deck, you will improve its lifespan by helping to prevent infestation and rot. A wood stain helps seal your deck against intrusion from pests and moisture. This will help you avoid problems like mildew, mold, and wood rot, which cause deck areas to crack, sag, or even collapse.
Season
Avoiding hot summer temperatures increases your chances of success with your project, as hot temperatures can cause the stain to dry up quickly, preventing the stain from fully penetrating the wood and resulting in peeling. Staining in the spring may not be ideal as the boards may be damp from the winter weather.
When did it last rain, and when will it rain again?
Understanding how long the deck stains needs to dry before rain is critical. Especially for oil-based stains, this can be pretty important. For you to use oil-based stains, the deck must be dry. Usually, it takes 2-3 days to dry after rain. If you’re in doubt, choose a water-based product, as the deck will become visibly dry again quickly.
It is crucial to keep your wood deck stained adequately to ensure longevity. By hiring professionals for your deck staining, you will be able to get the best out of your project. Your deck will receive the fresh facelift or complete refurbishment it needs.
