What is the Best Stain for my Deck?
The best type of stain for your deck is determined by the amount of traffic it gets, the surrounding conditions and even your geographical location. Though solid stain penetrates and grips the wood better than paint, it can still peel. Coating a deck with solid or opaque stain is usually an irreversible step, since it is impractical and extremely time consuming to remove. Solid stains do not hold up as well under heavy foot traffic or in very wet conditions. Using a clear or lightly tinted stain will not provide great UV protection, so in very sunny areas heavier pigmented stains work better, or the stain should be recoated every 12-18 months. Shady and damp decks are susceptible to mildew, so using a stain with mildewcide and fungicide added will keep a deck new–looking longer. Asking local painters and suppliers for recommendations on durable deck stains may be a good idea. The best advice is usually found at independent paint stores that deal with local painters and get feedback on
