Home & Garden
Your Complete Guide To Deck Staining In Georgia
How to bring your outdoor space to life with a freshly stained and sealed deck.
April in Georgia is a great time to enjoy the outdoors. But if your deck is full of splintery wood and exposed nails, it's time for a makeover. Thankfully, deck staining is a task many homeowners can DIY.
There isn't a ton of skill involved, but it does take time and patience. If you're up for the job, we've got the details on how to get it done. Prefer to hire a pro? We can help with that too.
Need a professional to stain your deck? Find a contractor in your area.
Find out what's happening in Decatur-Avondale Estatesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
How to Seal and Stain Your Deck
The goal of stain is to lock out moisture and prevent sun damage. Most commercial deck stains and sealants can do just that with one or two coats. You just need a stiff broom, a pump sprayer, a deck cleaner, safety mask and gloves, a garden hose, sandpaper, drop cloths, paint brushes, a paint roller and tray, and lastly, the stain of your choice. Here’s what to do.
Find out what's happening in Decatur-Avondale Estatesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Remove all furniture and stray objects from the deck. Sand down any splintered boards with 80-grit sandpaper. Replace any rotted boards. Finally, sweep for debris.
- Wet and cover live vegetation surrounding your deck before applying cleaner. Then follow the manufacturer's directions to apply cleaner using a garden sprayer. Allow to sit for the instructed time and spray with a high-pressure nozzle.
- Once complete, allow the deck to dry for at least 48 hours.
- Prepare the sealer or stain according to the manufacturer’s instructions and mix thoroughly.
- Use a roller with an extension pole to apply to two to three boards at a time. Smooth out any pools of stain that form.
- Continue this process, using a paintbrush to apply sealer in corners and on railings.
- Allow to dry and add a second coat.
- Allow to dry completely. Once it is thoroughly dry, re-rinse the surrounding vegetation and remove the protective sheet.
How Much to Hire a Pro?
If that sounds like a lot of work, don’t worry; there are professionals who can help at an affordable rate. The cost is about $2 per square foot of deck space. Most homeowners can expect to pay between $500 and $1,000.
If you decide to go with a pro, be sure to ask them about contingency plans for bad weather, covering vegetation, and what cleaning products they will use.
HomeAdvisor is a Patch promotional partner.
