Best Deck Stains

Midwestpro · Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2007 11:40 pm Post subject: Best Deck Stains

First of all let’s be clear that most people use the terms stains and sealers interchangeably when speaking of deck finishes. Most sealers used are tinted which gives the deck some color or “stain.” Let’s also note that before any deck is to be sealed or stained it needs to be properly cleaned and prepped.

Most contractors will recommend using a quality semi transparent penetrating oil deck stain purchased from a paint store. Once the deck is properly prepared these types of sealers will give you the best long term protection and will also be easier to maintain in the future.

Most of the sealers sold at the big box stores are acrylics that contain synthetic or silicone additives. These sealers form a film on top of the wood instead of penetrating it. As the wood swells and shrinks from moisture and temperature changes this membrane of sealer begins to crack and loosen and will inevitably flake and peel, leaving you with an expensive mess. Be sure to read the label even on sealers claiming to be penetrating or guaranteeing to last for years; if they contain acrylic, silicone, or anything synthetic its best to avoid them all together.

TedO · Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 4 Location: MI

The previous home owners had sealed our deck just previous to selling the home to us. They left a can in the garage, it was Behr, brand the most expensive stuff from The Home Depot. We took possession of the house in the spring, by August the deck was faded and the sealer was flaking off. I thought that maybe they used something cheaper on the deck and the can I found was from another project.

TNTPW · Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2007 10:01 am Post subject:

They also may have not preped it right. If they just put it down oer dirty wood it wouldn't hold up near as long.