How to Stain and Treat a Wood Deck

Surface Preparation

• 1

  Remove furniture and other items and repair loose or damaged boards. Wear long sleeves, pants, gloves and safety glasses before using wood stripper.

• 2

  Sand rough spots using a pole sander and fine grit sandpaper and then sweep dust and debris from the deck surface.

• 3

  Apply wood stripper to previously stained decks using a sprayer or a brush. Work from the bottom up on vertical surfaces such as rails and cover a small enough section that you’ll be able to wash it away before it dries.

• 4

  Wait 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse with water using a garden hose or a pressure washer set to its lowest setting. If it begins to dry before the time is up, mist the area lightly with a hose. Continue applying wood stripper until you’ve covered all areas of the deck.

• 5

  Mix wood brightener with water according to the manufacturer’s directions and apply to the deck with a sprayer in the same way you applied the stripper. This is not always necessary, but brighteners can remove discolorations caused by the wood stripper and can remove mold and mildew.

• 6

  Let the brightener stand for 15 minutes and then use a brush to remove any spots of mold or mildew. Rinse the deck thoroughly with water and leave the deck to dry for at least 48 hours.

Staining and Sealing

• 7

  Begin by painting spindles and rails with stain or sealer using a brush. Work from the top down, applying a thin coat of paint to the areas that you can see.

• 8

  Apply a thin coat of stain to a two or three board section on the deck floor using a paint roller. Begin in the farthest corner and work from one end to the other applying just a thin layer of paint.

• 9

  Continue applying the first coat in small sections until the entire deck surface is covered. Paint steps, outer board edges and ends, and the unpainted outsides of railings and spindles using a brush.

• 10

  Wait for the first coat to dry, following the stain manufacturer's recommendations for how long to allow the stain to dry between coats and then add a second thin coat of stain to all parts of the deck.

• 11

  Allow the stain to dry at least 24 hours before replacing furniture or walking over the surface.