Everything You Need to Know About Deck Staining in Dallas: Your Most Common Questions Answered

With gorgeous weather year-round, Dallas locals spend a lot of time outdoors. All of that experience means they’ve found the key to cool and comfortable outdoor living: a deck. Blending the convenience of being at home with the relaxing qualities of fresh air and sunshine, the majority of residents in the city have invested quite a bit into transforming their outdoor spaces into backyard havens. Whether your outdoor deck surrounds a pool, overlooks one, or provides the perfect platform for bird watching, one thing is for certain—you spend a lot of time on it, and because of that, it experiences a lot of wear and tear. Have you been considering deck staining in Dallas lately? Likely your deck isn’t looking as nice as it did last year, and likely, you have a lot of questions surrounding the deck staining process, how often to do it, and your stain options.

If so, we’ll get into all of those factors here and so many more. Read on to discover everything you need to know about deck staining in Dallas to keep this important piece of your property in excellent condition.

Deck Staining in Dallas: The Basics

As a homeowner, you either installed your deck or bought a house that already had one. No matter which category you fall into, there’s a chance you haven’t yet re-stained your deck since the time you moved in. This section will teach you core information about deck staining in Dallas, including everything from how often to do it to the preparation steps.

How Often Should I Stain My Deck?

This is one of the most common questions homeowners ask when it comes to deck staining in Dallas. The truth of the matter is that there is a sweet spot for staining your deck. Do it too often, and you’re spending unnecessary time and money. Do it too infrequently, and you leave the wood susceptible to damage.

The sweet spot in which you should be staining your deck is every 2–3 years. Leave staining any longer than three years, and you’re setting your deck up for disaster, and truly, your deck will tell you when it’s time for a fresh coat of stain. Be on the lookout for fading, scuffing, or other signs of wear and tear. If you see them, it’s a good idea to start thinking about the next step.

Is There A Wrong Time to Stain My Deck?

In fact, there is. In Dallas, deck staining is best left to the cooler, drier seasons. This means early spring or late fall. We recommend choosing springtime over fall only because you’ll likely want your deck looking its best in the summer.

Why is summer never a good idea? With temperatures that reach above 90 degrees Fahrenheit consistently throughout July and August, you run the risk of the stain evaporating during application. Even though you may think you did enough coats, due to the evaporation, each one won’t be enough to completely protect your deck.

In addition, if you recently installed a deck with fresh lumber, you should wait at least three months to stain it. This is because new lumber is pressure treated and will take some time to fully dry out. Applying stain to wet wood means it will not adhere properly.

Deck Staining in Dallas Require Preparation?

No matter what job you’re performing around your home, preparation is always necessary–especially in the case of deck staining. Because a water-based deck stain is waterproof, unless you strip off all the old stain before applying a new coat, the old coat will repel the new one. This means that even though you do the work of painting on the stain, your efforts will be wasted as it will not soak into the wood.

In the case of oil-based deck stain, no preparation is needed unless you wish to change up the color. Preparation involves cleaning your deck of dust and dirt thoroughly before sanding off the old stain with the appropriate equipment. A quick power wash is a great way to tackle both at the same time.

The Type of Wood Matter?

From cedar and oak to maple and teak, there are a number of woods suitable for making a deck in Dallas. Homeowners may also consider composite decking, and if you have it, there’s one important thing you should know: Your composite deck does not require painting or staining. Made from plastic, wood fiber, and a binding agent, composite materials are totally fuss-free and require little upkeep other than cleaning and repair. As for the other types of wood decking you’ll find in Dallas, these all require staining every 2–3 years. Check out the section on types of deck stain further down in the post for more information.

Staining in Dallas: The Benefits

Thinking about deck refinishing? You’ve learned the basics, but do you know why deck staining in Dallas is so important? If not, you’re about to find out.

Protects your deck from weather damage

Untreated wood that’s left out in the sun, rain, and extreme temperatures will become damaged quite quickly. Leaving your deck unstained means that it has no protection against the brutal summer sun or the spring and winter rain. While UV damage can cause wood to splinter and warp, water can make it swell and rot, leading to costly deck repairs or even a replacement.

The simple solution? Apply a high-quality deck stain every 2–3 years!

Looks great

While they’re not everything, appearances are important when it comes to your deck. You spend a lot of time in your outdoor space, likely entertaining guests or enjoying a little alone time. Whatever you use your deck for, the truth of the matter is that it’s more enjoyable when it’s in excellent condition. A fresh coat of stain is just the ticket.

Protects from wood rot

Decks are the ideal place for wood rot to accumulate. Often covered by an awning and close to the grass in your yard, if a deck is left unprotected, moisture from the rain or grass can seep inside. Coupled with the heat, the fungus will begin to grow, crumbling the wood and turning it white, orange, or just plain ugly. Regular staining will prevent wood rot from becoming a threat.

Easier to clean

Cleaning a textured surface is much harder than a smooth one. Without a stain, the wood on your entire deck will likely be splintered and craggy, meaning that dirt will collect in the nooks and crannies, and using a scrub brush will be quite ineffective. A few coats of stain will not only make the surface smoother but will also prevent it from becoming splintered in the first place.

Different Types of Deck Stain

If you thought you could just waltz into a home improvement store, grab any type of stain off the shelf, and then be on your way, you’re right, but you may not end up with the right type of stain for your deck. You know that decks can be made from different types of wood, but which type of stain is best for your desired outcome? And what’s the difference between them?

There are typically three categories of deck stain: water-based, oil-based, and hybrid. Each one of these types comes with its own advantages and has varying levels of transparency depending on the finish you choose. Have a particularly beautiful cut of wood on your deck? You may want to show it off. Prefer your deck to be darker than it is? Choose a deep, more opaque stain.

1. Water-Based Stains

These are the most durable, long-lasting type of stains. These solid stains resemble paint, and this means you can get quite creative with your deck if you go the water-based route. Some benefits of choosing this particular type of stain include:

Lower in VOCs than alternatives
Wide range of color options
They drain quickly after application
Can be cleaned with soap and water
Ideal for cyprus, cedar, and redwood
A great choice for damaged wood or older decks
Can be used for exterior painting of siding and fences too
Excellent UV protection

Their only real cons are that water-based stains can be more expensive and show signs of wear and tear rather poorly.

2. Oil-Based Stains

When choosing an oil-based stain, you can show off the wood’s natural grain. These types of stains are designed to absorb into the wood, allowing you to see the grain. Show off the original color of the wood with a transparent stain, or choose a light color to give it a tint.

Does not cover the natural grain of wood
Semi-transparent stain
More protective against water damage
More affordable
Nice variety of colors & color depths
Ideal for pool decks

While oil-based stains sure do come with many advantages, they can be tricky to apply and clean. To remove them, you’ll need to use a special chemical solution.

3. Hybrid Stains

Hybrid stains merge the convenience and durability of water-based stains with the opacity of oil-based stains. They show off the natural beauty of the wood deck while providing a low VOC count. Choosing hybrid for your exterior staining project will bring you the following benefits:

Water repellent
Low in VOCs compared to oil-based stain
Cleanup is easy; just use soap and water
Showcases natural wood grain

Depending on the type of hybrid stain used, a chemical stain stripper may be required to remove it.

Not Up to Speed With Exterior Maintenance? Get Professional Deck Staining in Dallas from Mr. Handyman!

Do you still have questions about deck staining in Dallas? Perhaps you’ve witnessed how much there is to think about when it comes to the project. What can be a time-consuming process, staining a deck requires planning, cleaning, preparation, and above all else, time. If you’d rather free up your Saturday afternoon for more enjoyable activities, you can count on the hardworking team at Mr. Handyman of Dallas to take care of the job.

Staining is just one small part of our dedicated deck repair service. When hiring us for the service, you can rest assured that the job will be done correctly and that all aspects of your deck have been assessed. Looking for “deck staining near me?” Call our expert customer service team for a deck staining service today!