Illinois Homeowners: How To Paint Or Stain Your Deck

Many Illinois homeowners enjoy spending warm days out on their deck. But what do you do if your wooden deck is looking a little worse for wear? Painting or staining your deck is a great way to enhance its appearance so you can enjoy your outdoor space this summer. Staining also helps to seal and waterproof your deck, protecting it from the elements so it stays well maintained throughout the year.

Staining your deck is a two-part process. Before applying stain, you’ll need to clean and prepare the wood.

Follow these simple steps to paint or stain your deck:

1. Tools and materials

• Stiff brush or broom
• 80-grit sandpaper, pole sander, or power sander
• Garden hose and high-pressure nozzle
• Safety mask and protective gloves
• Drop cloth or clear plastic
• Paint brushes and roller
• Deck cleaner
• Deck stain – always read manufacturer directions

2. Clear off deck

• Remove patio furniture and any other objects from the deck.
• Sweep away dirt and debris.
• Inspect the wood and replace any protruding nails. Replace any broken boards.
• Use the sandpaper or sander to smooth down any splintered areas.
• Cover and protect nearby vegetation by covering with the drop cloth or plastic sheeting.

3. Deck cleaning

• Depending on the product, apply the deck cleaner to a dry or wet deck.
• Using the stiff brush or broom, work the cleaner into the wood.
• Let the cleaner soak into the wood for 10 minutes before rinsing with the garden hose.
• Let dry for at least 48 hours.

4. Applying the stain

• Using a paint brush or roller, apply an even, thin coat of stain over a section of two to three boards.
• To keep the stain from pooling, have someone help you by smoothing out the puddles and working the stain into the wood.
• Continue this process, applying stain to the deck floor, into corners, and onto railings.
• Allow enough time for the stain to dry thoroughly and apply a second coat if needed.

Looking for help staining your deck? Call a pro in Illinois.

Types of Stain

There are four different categories of stain and paint to choose from, each with their own advantages depending on your budget and the type of finish you’re looking for.

1. Transparent

Ideal for newer wood, transparent stains contain very little pigment, which allows the grain of the wood to show through. The end result is a rustic look with natural wood highlights.

Cost: $25 to $30 per gallon

2. Semi-transparent

A semi-transparent stain has just enough pigmentation to bring some color tinting to the wood while still letting you show off the natural grains. Use a semi-transparent stain to hide the signs of aged wood and if you want the color tone of the deck to match your home exterior.

Cost: $35 to $40 per gallon

3. Solid color stains

Solid stains are a good choice when you’re refinishing an older deck. Available in a wide variety of colors, solid stains can hide imperfections in the wood and provide durable protection in all climates.

Cost: $30 to $40 per gallon

4. Restoration paint

Thicker than stain, restoration paint can be used to hide the cracks and imperfections in older decks. A solid color sealant, use restoration paint when you’re not quite ready to replace an old deck.

Cost: $30 to $40 per gallon

Hire a Professional

While staining your deck is a project that can be completed in a matter of days, you may want to hire a professional painter if you’re short on time or would rather not tackle the job yourself. Before hiring a painter, be sure to get multiple quotes.

You can expect to pay about $2 per square foot for a contractor to paint your deck, with an average total cost of $840.

Want a beautiful deck this summer? Call a HomeAdvisor professional in Illinois for deck painting and staining.

This Patch article is sponsored by HomeAdvisor.