Last Updated on June 4, 2025 by PorchLightReading
How to re-stain a deck with step by step directions. Including helpful tips and complete guide to the different types of stains.
Over time, our deck was beginning to look a bit worn. From sun, rain, pets, and kids, it was beginning to fade and even peel! The peeling stain in high traffic areas was an eye sore calling to us every weekend morning “stain me!”
With a trip to the home improvement store we picked out a better stain for our deck. One that would enhance the natural beauty of the wood and not peel in the years to come.
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- Table of Contents: How to re-stain a deck
- Why should you re-stain your deck
- Choosing the right deck stain
- Materials list and tools
- Step by step staining guide
- Tips to extend the life of your deck
- Frequently asked questions
- Update + Before and after photos
This is our own personal experience. Be sure to seek professional advice and follow manufacturers instructions.
HOW TO RE-STAIN A DECK
With each passing weekend I knew we were getting close to needing to start this project. Soon the summer weather would become so unbearable that both the stain and myself wouldn’t be able to to take the heat, and we’d be left with waiting for cooler fall temperatures.
Since we build this deck ourselves, it was important that we protected it from the elements to extend its lifespan, and making sure that it was nicely stained was one of the easiest ways to do that.
Why you should
Over time, decks experience wear from sunlight, moisture, and foot traffic. Re-staining your deck is necessary to keep it looking nice and extending the lifespan of your deck.
- Protects the wood- Re-staining your deck protects the wood from UV rays and water damage.
- Enhances appearance- A fresh coat of stain revives the color of the grain of your wood and covers any imperfections.
- Extends the life of your deck- Proper maintenance prevents rot, cracks, and warping.
Different types of deck stains
When we stained our newly built deck a few years ago, we used water based BEHR Premium Transparent Waterproofing finish in Cedar Naturaltone. It was easy to apply, and clean up, but after 2.5 years the heavy traffic areas were beginning to chip off.
Transparent stain- Allows for the natural pattern of the wood to show through with hints of subtle color. Best for newer wood with beautiful grain. Provides minimal color but protects for UV rays and moisture. Needs reapplication every 1-2 years.
Semi-transparent stain- Allows for wood grain and texture to show though with added subtle color to enhance the woods pattern. Provides moderate UV protection and lasts 2-3 years.
Solid stain- Best for older decks or those with previous stain layers. Fully covers wood grain with a long lasting color. Lasts 4-5 years before needing reapplication.
Water based stain- Allows for easy clean up. Fairly fast drying. May chip in high traffic areas over time.
Oil based stain- More durable than water based. Penetrates the wood deeper. May dry slower. Designed to fade over time.
Tip: If your deck has old stain buildup, a solid stain may be your best choice for an even look.
Materials list and tools
- Deck cleaner or wood brightener
- Quality wood stain- water or oil based
- Paint pad applicator
- Telescoping extension pole
- Paint pan and brush
- Drop cloths and rags
- Sand paper and power sander (80-120 grit)
Step by step guide to re-staining your deck
Prepare the deck- Before staining, make sure your deck is clean and free of debris. Remove all furniture and sweep away any dirt and leaves. Clean the deck with a commercial deck cleaner and scrub with a brush. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose and allow the deck to dry completely for at least 24-48 hours.
If you have a darker stain with chipped areas, you may need some sort of wood stain and finish stripper before applying the new stain to the deck. For this project we used BEHR Premium wood stain and finish stripper. Use according to the directions.
Sand the surface- If your old stain is peeling, lightly sand the surface to smooth out rough spots. Use sandpaper (80-120 grit) and a power sander for larger areas. Wipe away any dust with a dry cloth before moving on. Do not rinse off the deck with water once it is fully sanded. Instead use a broom or leaf blower to brush off the remaining dust.
Tip- If your deck is already smooth and free of old stain flakes, you can skip this step!
Using a stain remover before sanding made for quick work once we began. With two people using sanders, it took approximately 4 hours to sand a 25×14 foot deck. Be sure the deck is completely dry before you sand.
Choose the right stain-
This time when re-staining our deck we used BEHR Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Stain and Sealer Penetrating Oil in Cedar Naturaltone #4633.
- Oil bases vs. water based
- Oil based stain- Provides deeper penetration, lasts longer, and offers better protection agains moisture.
- Water based stain- Dries faster and is easier to clean up.
- Stain finishes
- Transparent- Enhances the natural wood grain.
- Semi-transparent- Provides color while allowing the grain to show through.
- Solid stain- Offers full coverage and hides imperfections.
Protect the surrounding areas- Use painters tape to cover edges where the deck meets your house, and be sure to lay drop clothes over nearby plants, concrete, or furniture.
Apply the stain- Start by thinking about where you’ll be exiting the deck. Stir the stain well but be sure not to shake it as that can create air bubbles. Begin with the edges and railings, using a paint brush to apply the stain in these areas first.
For the larger deck area, use a paint pad applicator with extension pole for easy coverage. Stain one or two deck boards at a time going the entire length of the board. Use a paint brush or foam brush to get into any cracks or grooves.
To avoid lap marks it’s important to paint the entire length of the board and not repeat over any areas that might already be dry.
Let dry completely- Allow at least 24-48 house before walking on your deck. Wait 72 hours before placing furniture.
Helpful Tips
- Be sure to check the weather forecast before starting this project!
- Avoid staining in direct sunlight or extreme heat as this can cause uneven absorption and streaking.
- To avoid lap marks it’s important to paint the entire length of the board and not repeat over any areas that might already be dry.
- Sweep regularly to remove dirt and debris.
- Check for signs of wear, such as peeling or fading, and touch up areas as necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the type of stain used and weather conditions. Oil based stains last about 3-5 years, while water-based stains may need reapplication every 2-3 years.
Yes, but you should clean and lightly sand the surface to ensure proper adhesion. If using a solid stain, a complete removal of old stain may not be necessary.
Each methods words well. A brush words well for railings and gives you better control, while a roller covers larger areas quickly but may need some touchups between the boards.
Ideal conditions are dry with temperature between 50-80℉. Avoid staining in direct sunlight as this can cause the stain to dry too quickly. Be sure no rain is in the forecast for the entirety of the project. Prepping, staining, and drying.
Work in small sections and stain one or two entire boards at a time. Going the length of the board. Do not overlap.
Yes, but you need to be careful. Use a fan tip at no more that 600psi, 4-6 inches away from the deck boards. Any closer and you risk damaging the deck boards.
No! The high pressure of water so close to the deck boards will damage the deck boards leaving them scratched and torn up.
Update + Before and After Photos
Update- The oil based stain and sealer did in fact hold up better than the water based sealer. Over time the oil base stain did fade and was easy to reapply without having to strip or sand our deck as before.
This outdoor project was a fair bit of work and took a few extra days to account for weather. Now that it’s done it was completely worth the little bit of hassle and rain delays we faced.
Re-staining your deck is one of the easiest ways to refresh your outdoor space without spending a fortune. With a little effort and the right stain you’ll have a beautiful, weather-protected deck you can enjoy for years to come.
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