When is the best time to stain your deck?

February 29, 2024

The deck builders have crafted your dream deck, but when is the best time to stain it? Our experts are sharing their thoughts here.

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A deck adds a lot of value to your home, but not if you don’t keep up with a regular staining schedule. Instead of a beautiful feature for your house, the deck looks grey and blemished. 

The problem is that many homeowners aren’t sure when to stain the deck. Attempting to do it at the wrong time will only lead to bigger issues. It could even damage the deck. 

That’s why professional deck builders have a few key guidelines they follow before staining. We’ve collected those guidelines down below. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to achieve a gorgeous wooden deck!

Best Season

A common mistake when it comes to deck renovation is when people add it to their spring cleaning list. Spring isn’t a good time to stain your deck because there’s too much humidity in the air. The wood swells and soaks in that moisture, and won’t soak in the stain as it should.

Plus, rain showers are far more frequent in spring than in most other seasons. This only makes the problem worse and can lead to botched layers. 

The middle of summer isn’t a great choice either. Not only is it too warm for your well-being, but it also can dry out the wood and cause cracks and damage.

All of these reasons are why late summer to early fall is the ideal time of year to stain the deck. Depending on your location, late spring also works. 

Best Weather

You’ll need to wait several days after the last rainstorm before attempting to apply stain. This gives the wood time to dry so it’ll take the stain more evenly. 

A cloudy day is a foolproof choice for when to stain your deck. This way, it’s not too warm and there’s not too much direct sunlight to mess with the stain application. 

The good news is that a professional staining company will make all of this a piece of cake for you!

Best Deck Condition

Every couple of years is the best time to stain a deck. The stain wears down after a year or two of dealing with whatever mother nature throws its way. 

Another key time to stain your deck is whenever you start to notice visual or structural damage. 

Mold and rot are a big indicator that the wood isn’t coated to prevent moisture from getting into the grain. Wood-loving pests, like termites and carpenter ants, also tend to enjoy unprotected wood more. 

If you see anything like this, it’s time to seek out your local staining experts. 

Professional Deck Builders Make Sure the Stain Is Perfect

Even with all of the right weather conditions and careful application, DIY deck builders still have trouble getting stains to look good. That’s because there’s a lot of room for error if you don’t have the expertise to do it right. 

Instead of gambling, get the help of a professional company to do all of the deck staining for you!

Ready to get started with a new coat of stain on your deck? Check out our services and we’ll get your deck looking stunning again in no time!


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