We need to talk about decks. You probably have one, and you like spending time outside on it. Keeping your deck looking good and protected from the Great Falls weather is important. This is where many questions usually start. Our team has been in this Great Falls painting business for a long time, and we have heard all the questions. We will lay out some straight answers to your most common deck staining questions. We are not going to use any fluff; we will just give you what you need to know about deck staining in Great Falls.
What is the real point of staining my deck anyway? Is it just for looks?
Looks are definitely a big part of it. A freshly stained deck just looks fantastic. This type of painting enhances the natural beauty of the wood as well as bringing out the grain as well as giving it a rich color. The truth is that staining your deck is much more than just making it pretty. It is about protecting your investment in Great Falls. Our Montana climate has hot, dry summers as well as brutal, snowy winters. This climate is incredibly tough on outdoor wood. Untreated wood will gray, splinter, warp, and rot much faster. Deck stain penetrates the wood. This creates a barrier against moisture as well as UV rays as well as mold as well as mildew. This protection prevents rot, warping, and splintering. This ultimately saves you from costly repairs down the line for your Great Falls deck.
Oil-based or water-based stain? Which is better for a Great Falls deck?
This is a classic question. Both types of stain have their place in Great Falls. For decks in Great Falls, with our extreme temperature swings as well as heavy snow loads, our team leans towards oil-based penetrating stains for horizontal surfaces like deck boards. Here is why:
- Oil-based stains: These stains soak deep into the wood fibers. They nourish the wood as well as providing excellent moisture resistance. Oil-based deck stains tend to offer richer color saturation. They are great for older or weathered wood. These stains do not form a film on the surface. This means they are less likely to peel or crack. This is especially true with our freeze-thaw cycles in Great Falls. The downside is that they take longer to dry, usually 24-48 hours.
- Water-based stains: These stains dry faster. They are also easier to clean up. Water-based deck stains often have better UV resistance as well as color retention. They are also more eco-friendly with lower VOCs. However, they typically sit more on the surface of the wood. This can make them more prone to peeling in harsh conditions if they are not applied perfectly. Some newer water-based formulas are really good. You need to be careful about film-forming ones on deck boards in Great Falls.
For vertical surfaces like railings, you have a bit more flexibility. For the deck floor itself, our Great Falls Painting Company team has seen oil-based penetrating stains hold up best here in town for deck staining.
How often should I re-stain my deck in this Montana weather?
You should typically have your deck stained every 2 to 5 years in Great Falls. This is a pretty broad range. The frequency depends on a few things. It depends on the type of deck stain you used. It also depends on how much direct sun exposure your deck gets as well as how much foot traffic it sees. Decks facing south or west will need staining more frequently. This is especially true for decks that get blasted by the afternoon sun off the open plains. This is due to intense UV exposure. Clear or transparent deck stains generally last 1-2 years. Semi-transparent deck stains last 2-3 years. Solid deck stains last 4-5 years. The best way to tell if it is time for deck staining is to sprinkle some water on your deck. If the water beads up, your deck stain is still doing its job. If the water soaks in, it is time to re-stain your Great Falls deck.
Can I just stain over my old, peeling stain?
You absolutely should not do this. This is one of the biggest mistakes our Great Falls Painting Company team sees people make. It is a guaranteed recipe for failure. If your old deck stain is peeling, flaking, or even just chalking, you have to remove it properly. New deck stain will not adhere to old, failing stain. It will just peel right off with it. Proper preparation is the most important step for a long-lasting finish. This means power washing as well as potentially stripping as well as then sanding to get down to clean, bare wood for your Great Falls deck staining project.
What is the deal with "mill glaze" on new wood? Do I need to worry about it?
Yes, you definitely need to worry about mill glaze on new wood. When lumber is milled, the friction from the blades can create a compressed, shiny surface called mill glaze. This glaze makes it hard for deck stain to penetrate the wood properly. If you stain over mill glaze, the deck stain will just sit on the surface. It will not absorb. This leads to premature peeling as well as poor protection. You need to let new pressure-treated lumber weather for several weeks or even a few months before staining. Then, before applying any deck stain, you should clean the new wood with a good wood cleaner. This removes that glaze as well as opens up the wood pores for proper deck staining in Great Falls.
Why did my deck stain peel or not last as long as I expected?
This is a common frustration for Great Falls homeowners. It almost always comes down to one of a few things:
- Improper surface preparation: Staining over dirt, mildew, or old, failing stain is the number one culprit. The new deck stain needs a clean, porous surface to bond with.
- Moisture: Staining wood that is still damp traps moisture underneath. This will literally push the deck stain off as it tries to escape. Poor drainage around or under your deck can also keep the wood too wet.
- Too much stain: Applying thick coats or too many coats, especially with film-forming deck stains, can create a surface layer that cracks and peels. Penetrating stains work by soaking in, not by building a thick film.
- Wrong type of stain: Using an interior stain outside, or a film-forming product on horizontal deck boards in a climate like ours, is asking for trouble for your Great Falls deck.
- Weather conditions during application: Staining in direct, hot sunlight can make the deck stain dry too fast. This prevents proper penetration. If it is too cold, it will not cure right.
How do I keep my deck looking good between full re-stains?
Regular maintenance goes a long way for your Great Falls deck. Sweep your deck regularly to remove leaves, dirt, and debris. This is especially important from between the boards. This prevents moisture from getting trapped. It also prevents creating a breeding ground for mold as well as mildew. In winter, clear snow with a plastic shovel or broom. Always sweep with the grain of the boards. Avoid de-icing products, as they can damage the wood as well as the deck stain. Periodically wash your deck with a mild cleaner to keep it fresh. Improving airflow around and under your deck by trimming bushes can also help it dry out faster after rain or snow. A little bit of care throughout the year will make your deck stain last longer. This will also keep your Great Falls deck looking great.