Deck Staining / Sealing

There are benefits of sealing and staining your deck. We also explain our basic process for both. 

Benefits of Sealing Your Deck

1. Protection from Moisture
Wood and water are not friends. Left unsealed, rain and humidity can soak into your deck, leading to warping, swelling, and eventually rot. Sealant creates a barrier that repels moisture, helping the wood stay stable and sound for years.

2. UV Resistance
The sun doesn’t just fade the color of your deck; its UV rays also break down the wood fibers themselves. A good sealant blocks UV rays and keeps your deck from turning gray, brittle, or splintery.

3. Prevents Mold, Mildew, and Algae
Moisture breeds all sorts of unsightly (and slippery) stuff, from green algae to black mildew. Sealing your deck helps stop spores from taking root and makes cleanup a lot easier if they do appear.

4. Longer Lifespan
A sealed deck lasts longer. You’ll stave off major issues like rot, cracking, and insect damage, which means fewer repairs and a deck that looks newer for more seasons.

5. Easier Maintenance
Spilled wine? Dropped burger? If your deck is sealed, those everyday messes won’t penetrate the surface. Most of the time, a quick mop or rinse is all it takes to clean up.

Staining- Process

1. Initial Preparation

• Clear the Deck: Remove all furniture, plants, and anything else sitting on the deck.
• Inspect for Repairs: Check for protruding nails, damaged boards, or rough spots.
• Clean the Surface: Use a deck cleaner or a mix of water and mild soap. For especially grimy decks, a power washer can help—but go easy, as too much pressure will damage the wood.
• Let it Dry: Decks must be completely dry before we stain. Depending on weather and wood, this could mean waiting 24–48 hours after washing.

2. Preparation for Stain

• Sand if Needed: If the wood feels rough, we use a sander. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain.
• Sweep up Dust: We remove all sawdust and debris. We want a clean surface so the stain will soak in evenly.

3. Apply Stain

• Choose the Stain: We make sure you have the right type for your wood and climate—there’s oil-based vs. water-based, transparent vs. semi-transparent vs. solid. Ask us for advice.
• Test a Small Area: We always test the color on a less visible spot, as stains can look very different on different types of wood.
• Stir the Stain Well: Don’t shake—this causes bubbles.
• Application Method: We can use a brush, roller, or pad applicator (pads are easiest for large, flat areas, but we’ll need a brush for cracks between boards and railings).
• We start with railings, then do the floorboards.
• We work in small sections. We stain two or three boards at a time from end-to-end to avoid lap marks.
• We don’t let the stain pool or puddle; we brush it out evenly.

4. Dry and Cure

• Let the Stain Dry: This could take several hours, up to a full day, depending on weather and stain type.

Benefits of Staining Your Deck

1. Protection from the Elements

Wood, left untreated, doesn’t stand a chance against rain, snow, and the sun’s UV rays. Stain soaks into the wood and acts like a shield, keeping moisture out (which stops warping and rotting) and preventing the sun from bleaching or breaking down the wood fibers.

2. Prevents Splitting and Cracking

Moisture causes wood to swell and shrink as seasons change which leads to cracks and splinters. Staining helps seal the wood, keeping it from soaking up too much water and moving as much.

3. Keeps Mold and Mildew at Bay

Because stain blocks water, it also keeps mold, mildew, and algae from making themselves at home. This means less cleaning, fewer slippery spots, and a healthier space for you and your family.

4. Makes Regular Cleaning Easier

Dirt, pollen, spilled drinks—they can all get ground into bare wood. Stain forms a barrier that keeps messes on the surface, so you can just hose or sweep most of it away.

5. Prolongs the Life of Your Deck

Staining regularly can double (or more) the lifespan of your deck compared to leaving it bare. That saves a lot of money (and effort) over the years since you won’t have to replace boards—or the whole deck—as often.

6. Enhances Natural Beauty

Unlike paint, stain lets the wood’s natural grain show through. Whether you go for a clear finish or a rich color, staining brings out the best in the wood.

Sealing- Process

The best sealer depends on your deck’s age along with how much sun and moisture it gets. Below is a list of choices we can help with.

1. Clear Sealers

• What They Do: Clear sealers penetrate the wood and provide a water-repellent barrier without changing the wood’s natural color much.
• Pros: They highlight the grain and give a natural look.

2. Toners

• What They Do: Toners add a slight hint of color but still let a lot of the wood grain show through. They offer extra UV protection compared to clear sealers.
• Pros: Subtly enhances the wood tone. Good for newer decks or if you like a lightly tinted look.

3. Semi-Transparent Stains / Sealers

• What They Do: Provide more pigment than toners, so they mask some imperfections and offer solid protection from both UV rays and moisture. The wood grain remains visible.
• Pros: Strikes a good balance between protection, color, and showcasing the wood grain.

4. Solid (Opaque) Stains

• What They Do: These are more like paint—lots of pigment, so you barely see the grain, just texture. They hide flaws and provide excellent protection from water and UV.
• Pros: Lasts longer (3-5 years), covers old or worn wood really well.

5. Water-Based vs. Oil-Based Sealers

• Water-Based: Easier cleanup, dries faster, less odor. Tends to sit more on the surface, needs reapplication a bit more often.
• Oil-Based: Deeper penetration, rich finish, slightly longer-lasting. More VOCs and odor, and cleanup requires solvents.

Our process is about even coverage: Working in small sections moving with the grain of the wood. Some products work best with two coats. In addition to deck stain pads and rollers we use the following types of brushes.

Types of Brushes:

• Stain Brushes (Angled): Ideal for cutting in along edges, railings, and getting into tight spots between boards.
• Large Deck Brushes (7-inch+): Have wide heads for covering large, flat deck boards quickly and applying even coats, often with an extension pole.
• Natural Bristle (China Bristle): Best for oil-based stains and sealers.
• Synthetic Bristle: Best for water-based stains and sealers.

Sealing and staining is about protecting your investment, making maintenance easier, and keeping your outdoor space looking sharp. If you want your deck to keep its strength for years, staining or sealing is essential. Reach out to Belle View Painting and Handyman services.

Our skilled professionals understand that a deck is more than just wood; it's a place for family gatherings and quiet mornings with coffee. Let's preserve your deck's strength and showcase its charm—reach out to schedule your service with our trusted team.