How to Stain Your Deck

Step 1 Clean Your Deck

First get all tables and chairs, grills, and any other items off the deck, so it’s completely clear.

Use a deck cleaner and scrub brush to provide a clean surface for the stain to go on smoothly.

This will help clear mildew stains, mold stains, algae stains, dirt and other debris. Once you’ve finished cleaning, give your deck two days of drying time.

Man sweeping a deck.
Save yourself from having to stain your deck twice. Clean up first, then stain, for best results. Image created using AI.
PRO TIP
Check the label. Be sure the cleaner you choose is the most effective solution for getting your deck ready to stain.

Step 2 Repair Your Deck as Needed

Fix or replace any damaged, loose or missing boards.

Man repairing a deck.
Repairing your deck goes a long way in helping the staining process be as efficient as possible. Image created using AI.

Step 3 Sand Your Deck

This is the most important step that most do not complete. You need to sand the deck, especially the horizontal boards.

Wood, as it ages, can get what is called a “wood sheen,” a constriction of the fibers that makes the wood look shiny, especially when wet.

Sanding will open the fibers so that the new stain will be absorbed.

For more on how to sand your deck before staining, follow the steps outlined in this “How to Sand Your Deck” Tips & Advice article.

Man holding orbital sander.
Ace has the tools you need to maintain your deck.

Step 4 Remove Dust and Debris

After you’ve sanded your deck, you’ll need to sweep, vacuum, or use a blower to clear the surface of any dust and debris.

Pressure washer and shop vac in a garage.
For help cleaning off your deck, explore tools and supplies from Ace.

Step 5 Look at the Weather

You need it to be dry for at least 48 hours after you stain your deck, and in a perfect world, you want daytime temperatures to be below 75 degrees.

A wide shot of a deck on a sunny day.
Keeping an eye on the forecast will help you choose the best time to stain.

Step 6 Stain Your Deck

You need to buy enough stain to cover your deck. The average gallon will cover about 300 square feet, but if the deck is older, it may absorb more stain.

Brushing on the stain, while using a roller for larger areas, is the easiest method for this project.

Just make sure you occasionally stir the stain to keep the color resins suspended for a consistent color.

Can of wood stain.
Ace has plenty of wood stain to choose from for your project.

Step 7 Let Your Deck Dry

Allow the stain 24-48 hours to dry before you place things back on the deck.

Wood deck on a sunny day.
Drying your deck after staining takes time. For a protective seal that lasts, wait at least 24 hours.
PRO TIP
To help your deck last as long as possible, you should aim to apply new stain every 3-4 years. Opt for a semi-transparent, oil-based stain. This type of stain soaks into the wood, adding color and protection to allow the beauty of the wood to show through.