How to Seal and Stain a Wooden Deck
A wooden deck lives outdoors, so it takes a lot of weather. A good stain or sealer slows down the damage from sun, rain, and mould. The work is not difficult, but it needs time and dry weather, and the preparation decides how long the finish will last.
Check whether it needs doing
Sprinkle some water on the boards. If it beads up, the wood is still sealed. If it soaks in within a few minutes, it is time to refinish.
Step 1: Inspect and repair
Walk the deck and look for loose boards, popped nails, and splinters. Fix or replace anything damaged. Drive proud nail heads below the surface or replace them with deck screws.
Step 2: Clean thoroughly
Remove furniture and sweep the surface. Use a deck cleaner suited to your wood and follow the label. Scrub with a stiff brush, then rinse. If you use a pressure washer, keep the pressure low and the nozzle moving so it does not scar the wood.
Step 3: Let it dry
Wood needs to be dry before staining, often one to three days depending on the weather. Applying stain to damp boards can trap moisture and cause peeling.
Step 4: Sand rough spots
Lightly sand any rough areas and wipe away the dust. Sanding also opens the surface so the stain soaks in evenly.
Step 5: Apply the stain
- Work on a mild, dry day, out of direct hot sun.
- Test the colour on a hidden spot first.
- Apply thin coats with a brush, pad, or roller, working along the length of the boards.
- Brush out puddles so the stain does not sit on the surface.
- Do two thin coats if the label recommends it, and respect the drying times.
Aftercare
Sweep regularly and clean spills quickly. Re-apply when water stops beading, which for many decks is every one to three years, depending on the product and exposure.
A weekend and a dry forecast are all you need to give your deck several more good years.