Working on decks for the past 19 years has helped us understand the different options and types of coatings that work and don’t work in the Portland area. We have a very tough climate for decks in Oregon. Wood decks look beautiful when installed and really beautiful after they are stained. How do we keep them protected and looking that way year after year?
The long periods of rain, hot sun and leaves falling on them will quickly break down a coating if it is not undercover. Plants or other items that sit on the deck and trap moisture can do a lot of damage. The foot traffic from animals will also remove a coating quickly. A wood deck that is not treated or maintained well can start to rot away and cost thousands to repair or replace. A well maintained deck can last you for decades if treated regularly.
Many companies make many different types of stains or sealers for your decks in the Portland area. Having a high quality product and a reputable contractor goes a long ways. Some products come with really long warranties, such as 8 years.
Most products just don’t last that long in our area unless they are under cover. The average life expectancy of a deck stain should be about 2-4 years.
A clear stain will look pretty when it is applied but will offer you almost no UV protection. The result will be the deck will likely turn grey and appear to have no stain at all within one or two years.
A toner is a very popular choice that usually comes in lighter colors such as cedar tone and it really highlights the grain of the wood and typically holds up fairly well to UV rays. It lasts longer on surfaces that rain can not sit on as opposed to a walking surface.
A semi-transparent stain is similar to a toner and comes in a variety of colors. It also lets the wood grain show while providing some UV protection.
A solid color deck stain is similar to a paint but it is made to go on decks. It provides maximum UV protection but it hides the beauty of the wood. This can be great on an older deck that the wood is not doing well to hide imperfections. It can also be used on some composite decks. The downside of solid color stain is that it tends to peel easier as it does not soak as deep into the surface.
Of course prepping your deck is the key to making the job a success. Please call Absolute Painting & Power Washing for advice on how to prepare your deck for staining or for the best products to use.
