Staining a deck is important to keeping your deck looking nice and in good shape. Staining a deck in the heat of the day can be a tiring, sweaty task, so you may want to wait until the late afternoon or wait until the fall or spring. You have to be careful, though, because the temperature range is important to how well the deck stain sets in.
About Deck Stain
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The purpose of staining a deck is twofold. The stain makes the deck look better by giving it a uniform color. Stain also keeps the weather from wearing down, fading and cracking the wood on the deck. Deck stain can seal the wood to keep the water from penetrating. When water is poured on a properly sealed deck, it should bead up or be sheathed and not soak in right away. Deck stain may need to be reapplied every few years.
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Applying Stain
Deck stain can be sprayed on but is most commonly applied with a brush. Temperature and weather are very important when applying stain. You do not want to apply stain when it is wet or too cold or hot. You want the deck to be clean and dry so that the stain can soak in thoroughly. The temperature should be between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the air and on the surface of the deck. If it is too cold, the stain will not dry completely or will be damaged. You will want the temperature to be in the safe zone for at least twenty-four hours.