Deck staining is an essential task to regular deck maintenance. In this article we will cover how staining a deck protects it, situations where deck stain may not protect a deck, and types of decks that do not require staining for maintenance.
Does staining a deck protect it?
Short Answer: Yes.
Long Answer:
Stain protects a deck from surface wear from weather, prevents rotting, and prevents the growth of mold and algae.
Weather changes constantly and different types of weather will effect the wood on the deck. Rain can cause the wood to absorb water, swelling the wood and beginning the rotting process. Hail can dent the surface, and bright sun can degrade the surface lignin on the floorboards. Water within the wood creates an ideal habitat for mold, algae, and other fungi. These are the primary culprits for wood rot. A deck is a significant investment, and having that investment rot can be a huge financial burden for many people as replacement is not a cheap or easy task to have done.
Deck stain can alleviate all of these issues as a preventative measure. Many high-quality stains, such as those sold by Sherwin-Williams, have anti-fungal agents within the stain to prevent rot. They also contain oils or film-forming resin which soaks into the wood and creates a layer of protection on the surface. Stains are water resistant and when properly applied prevent water intrusion into the wood.
So in short, yes wood stains protect a deck.
Exceptions to the Rule
Wood stains may not be required for certain types of wood and may not protect a deck in all circumstances. The circumstances where stain will not protect a deck include physical wear on the surface of the deck from pets, shoveling, or extreme weather such as heavy hail or a tornado.
Woods that do not require stain
Below is a list of the most common types of wood used in decking that do not require staining, or at least not as often as normal decking which is made from pine or fir. These wood types will benefit from a clear coat sealer, although they do not require the same level of care as traditional decking.
Cedar (Western Red Cedar): Cedar is naturally resistant to rot and insect damage due to chemicals in the wood. It’s commonly used for outdoor furniture, decks, as well as roof and siding shingles.
Redwood: Like cedar, redwood has natural preservatives that make it resistant to decay and insects. It's often used in decks, fences, and garden furniture.
Teak: Teak contains high levels of natural oils and rubber, making it highly resistant to moisture and rot. It’s commonly used for outdoor furniture and boat decks.
Cypress: Cypress wood contains a compound called cypressene, which has antifungal and antibacterial properties. It's naturally resistant to rot and is commonly used in outdoor applications such as decks and siding.
White Oak: White oak has a dense, tight grain structure that helps it resist water penetration and decay. It is often used for boatbuilding and outdoor furniture. White Oak is not as naturally resistant as other wood types on this list as it is reliant on its structure, rather than chemicals or natural oils within the wood.
Ipe (Brazilian Walnut): Ipe is a dense, hardwood known for its resistance to rot, insects, and weathering. It’s commonly used for decking and other outdoor applications.
Composite Decking: Composite is not wood, it is a plastic composite. It does not require staining as plastic cannot rot. It does require cleaning and may occasionally need to be refreshed as colors can fade. Behr DeckOver or Restore-A-Deck are solid options.
Looking to have your deck stained in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, or Iowa? Contact EcoWash today.
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