Deck Stain Guide - Everything You Need To Know
Last Updated: Feb 9, 2025In the early moments of spring, the frozen ground and threat of frosts make it impossible to jump into the dozens of lawn and gardening projects you have been dreaming about during the long, cold winter. But those moments of warmer temperatures and sunny afternoons beg you to get outside and do something to the neglected landscape and outdoor living areas around your home that have been buried under snow and ice for the winter. But where do you begin, and how do you ensure the project is done right? In this guide, we'll cover what you need to know to stain your deck this season.
Improving the appearance of your deck is often one of the best spring projects for homeowners who are itching to get outside and get their hands dirty. Unfortunately, many of the deck stain products on the market are loaded with potentially harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Also, some deck stain products will contain harmful biocides and insecticides that can leach into the surrounding environment, essentially filling your lawn or garden with toxic chemicals that can kill both animals and plants.
Several deck stain products reduce VOC emissions while limiting the adverse environmental effects. Below, we offer a complete guide to finding and using the healthiest and most environmentally friendly deck stain for your outdoor living spaces.
Table of Contents
- What is Deck Stain?
- Why Is It Important to Stain Your Deck?
- How Long Does It Take To Stain a Deck?
- Do You Need to Clean Your Deck Before Staining
- How Long Does It Take Deck Stain to Dry?
- How Do You Apply Deck Stain?
- How Much Stain Do I Need for My Deck?
- What Are the Pros and Cons of Staining Your Deck?
- What Are the Best Deck Stain Brands?
What is Deck Stain?
It is important to differentiate between deck stain and deck sealant. The main purpose of both deck stain and deck sealant is to protect the wood from the rain, sun, and other elements. Whereas deck sealant comes as a clear or transparent product that displays the natural grain and color of the wood, deck stain products have a pigment added that helps to block the UV rays from the sun that can dry out the wood, causing it to crack, split, or turn gray.
Both deck stains and sealants help to prevent water from being absorbed by the wood. This improves durability and increases the lifespan of your deck by preventing wood rot. Deck stain, then, can be defined as any product that uses a color pigment to change the natural color and appearance of the wood while also offering protection from the elements.
Compared to regular wood stains that you would use for furniture or other interior uses, deck stains tend to exhibit richer pigmentation. They are often formulated to protect from UV damage, water damage, and weathering. This gives increased protection for sun-exposed wood that is prone to fading due to constant exposure to the sun´s UV rays.
How Long Does It Take Deck Stain to Dry?
One of the essential considerations when staining your deck is rigorously checking your weather conditions. Choose a day or weekend where you can expect to have at least a 24-hour window without rain or precipitation. When temperatures stay above 50 degrees, oil-based deck stains will typically dry somewhere between 4 and 24 hours. Most deck stain products will stand up to rain after 12 hours of curing, though longer is better. If possible, wait at least 48 hours before walking on your deck and returning your outdoor furniture to its rightful place.
How Do You Apply Deck Stain?
When you are ready to apply the deck stain, three main options are available. Using a compressor or pump-up garden sprayer will be the quickest way to apply your deck stain. However, during windy days, you may lose some stain due to blowing. Also, this option generally doesn’t allow for the thickest applications and may require several coats. Using a paint roller is another option, though it may be difficult to properly coat areas around the posts and railings. A simple paintbrush will take more time but can work the stain deep into the pores of the board.
How Much Stain Do I Need for My Deck?
The total amount of deck stain you need for your deck will depend on the size of your deck and the condition of your wood. Older decks that have dried up and damaged wood will generally require thicker applications, thus using more stain. However, homeowners should expect to use one gallon of deck stain for every 150 square feet of deck space. Then, a typical 300 square foot deck might use two gallons of deck stain.
What Are the Best Deck Stain Brands?
If you are looking to avoid some of the drawbacks associated with staining your deck, you should look for deck stain products that are zero to low-VOC and non-toxic. A few of the best, non-toxic deck stain brands include:
AFM Safecoat
Founded in 1983, AFM SafeCoat features natural mineral pigments instead of dyes and no formaldehyde or other toxic ingredients. Developed in consultation with environmental medicine physicians and their patients, Safecoat products are made not to irritate or be a concern for individuals with allergies or chemical sensitivities and not to introduce indoor air quality issues.
Bioshield
For nearly 30 years, Bioshield has been developing and offering a wide variety of solvent-free, water-based, and zero VOC deck stains that are composed of natural pigments and resins. The products are excellent against weathering, high bondability, fast-drying, and UV resistant.
Tobias Roberts
Tobias runs an agroecology farm and a natural building collective in the mountains of El Salvador. He specializes in earthen construction methods and uses permaculture design methods to integrate structures into the sustainability of the landscape.
