Can I stain a deck myself?

Can I stain a deck myself?

While the actual staining part of deck staining may only take a few hours, the process of preparing your deck can be quite involved and will help the stain to last longer. Deck staining can be done on your own, but professional deck staining companies understand these processes and are the recommended option to keep your deck in the best condition possible.
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Home > Deck Staining Cost > Can I stain a deck myself? > Updated April 25 at 12:59pm

Step 1 - Preparation:

Make sure the deck is clear of furniture, leaves, dirt, and other debris.

Let a wood cleaner soak the deck and then scrub it into the deck and rinse with a hose.

Pressure wash the deck (optional).

Allow the deck to dry completely.

If there is already a stain on the deck, determine whether it is water-based or oil based by applying deck stripper to a small area. If the deck stripper removes the stain, it is water-based.

If it is water-based, use the deck stripper to remove the stain from your deck.

If it is oil-based, you may apply another oil-based stain after the deck has been cleaned.

You should not apply a water-based stain over an oil-based one and vice versa.

Step 2 - Staining:

Stir the stain completely and frequently throughout the process of staining.

Stain the railings first. You may want to cover the parts of the deck underneath the railings to avoid the stain dripping onto the deck as you stain the railings.

Stain the boards of the deck. A paint roller is often the easiest way to stain the floor of your deck. One coat is generally sufficient, though you may consider back brushing, which will help the stain last longer.

Stain the stairs last.

Step 3 - Drying:

Allow the deck to dry for 24 to 48 hours before replacing furniture.

If your climate is cold or humid, you may need to allow additional time for drying.