Deck Stain Choices

• There are a lot of deck stain ideas out there, and it can be difficult to choose which one is the best for your situation. Unlike other stains or finishes, deck stains are often combined into one product that works as both a pigment and a seal.
  
  A suggestion from This Old House: use a semi-transparent combination stain and seal. Some pigment is more likely to provide UV protection, and the partially transparent quality provides for easier maintenance and longer lifespan. This Old House also recommends an oil-based stain for best results, although a water-based stain is more forgiving for damp conditions and humid climates. Finishes should also do three things: repel water, preserve the wood with a mildewcide, and screen out the UV rays. An opaque stain often requires more frequent maintenance and shows sign of wear sooner in high-traffic areas.
  
  

Prepare Wood Well First

• A dirty deck will not accept a new stain and sealer product. Thus, the quality of your finished product also relies heavily on the effectiveness of your power washing beforehand.
  
  Rent a power washer that gives you 3,000 pounds per square inch (psi). Spray everything down first, followed by a thorough scrub with a deck cleaner. Make sure to wear protective boots, waterproof pants, goggles and heavy gloves, as deck cleaners usually contain detergent and bleach, which work best on dirt and mildew. Focus on the railings first and scrub the ground planks last, scrubbing no more than a 200 square-foot area at a time. Then rinse off the soap with the power washer. Wait four days with no rain before sanding.
  
  

Sanding and Finishing

• Sand at least lightly after washing, which will open the pores in the wood and smooth any rough surfaces caused by use over time. Use a power sander to ensure a more even sand. Rinse the wood another time with a simple garden hose to remove sawdust and let dry for at least one day before applying the finish stain and seal product.
  
  If this is the first year you are applying a new product, apply only one coat and apply a second coat the following year. This allows the wood pores to absorb the stain more effectively and will increase durability and wear time. Then the finish should be good for three years before re-staining is required.
  
  

Non-wood Alternative Decks

• Decks made of recycled plastics such as milk jugs and grocery bags are a viable alternative to wood decks for a comparable price, although pressure-treated pine will cost a little more. Some are all plastic, while others are a composite of plastic and wood fibers. These decks are very durable, attractive, heavy like wood and straightforward to install. They come in a variety of colors and wood-grain styles, but they require much less maintenance. A simple hose off or wipe-down with dish or car wash detergent, and you are on your way.