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How to Stain a Porch Floor

Weather and foot traffic will take a heavy toll on the surface of a porch, so staining the surface can restore its appearance. Refinishing a porch requires preparation. Avoiding proper preparation isn't a shortcut, as you'll need to re-stain the porch within a few months' time.

Things You'll Need

  • Broom
  • Power washer
  • Garden hose
  • Chair
  • Painter's tape
  • Paint roller
  • Paint tray
  • Rag
  • Exterior stain
  • Flat head screwdriver
  • Stirring stick
  • Broom handle
  • "Wet paint" signs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove porch furniture, welcome mats and any other items situated on the porch.

    • 2

      Sweep the porch to remove debris and sand. Pay special attention to the corners and the cracks between the porch planks (in the case of a wooden deck-style porch.)

    • 3

      Affix a garden hose to a power washer, then turn on the water supply and the power washer motor.

    • 4

      Power wash the porch to remove stains and debris.

    • 5

      Block the porch entrance with a chair and place a "wet paint" sign on the chair to prevent people from walking on the porch. The "wet paint" sign must remain in place for the next 48 hours.

    • 6

      Wait for 24 hours to allow the porch to dry following the power washing.

    • 7

      Tape off the wall at the point where the wall meets the floor to avoid getting stain on the wall.

    • 8

      Pry the cover off the can of outdoor stain using a flat head screwdriver.

    • 9

      Stir the stain thoroughly with a wooden mixing stick.

    • 10

      Screw a broom handle into the handle of the paint roller. This will enable you to stain from a standing position.

    • 11

      Pour stain into paint tray and move the paint roller back and forth through the stain.

    • 12

      Roll stain onto the porch surface in 3-foot sections. Start in the far corner and move toward the porch steps or a doorway leading into the house.

    • 13

      Wipe off the excess stain using a rag. Do this for each 3-foot section before moving on to the next section.

    • 14

      Wait 24 hours. After 24 hours, you can replace the porch furniture, remove the painter's tape and take down the "wet paint" sign.