Tools and Materials
Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.
Prep Your Deck for Staining and Sealing
Good prep work helps ensure your deck is in good shape, so you get the finish you want and protection that keeps your deck looking great.
Test the Wood
Make sure your deck can accept stain and sealer. Sprinkle water on the wood. If it soaks in immediately, you can stain and seal the deck. If the water beads up or stands on the deck, the wood won’t accept the finish.
- If you have a new pressure-treated deck, test the wood periodically over the course of a few weeks or months to see when it’s ready for stain.
- If there’s an existing sealer on the deck, you need to sand it away or remove it with a wood stripper, according to the product instructions.
How to Clean a Wood Deck
A wood deck cleaner removes dirt, nail stains, algae and mildew, helping the stain and sealer adhere to the wood. Read our deck product guide for tips on choosing cleaners, wood strippers and stains. If you plan to clean with a pressure washer, see our tips for pressure washing a deck.
Follow the cleaner manufacturer's instructions for use and safety. Wear safety goggles, a long-sleeve shirt, long pants and boots or closed-toe shoes
Step 1: Prepare the Deck for Cleaning
- Remove items from the deck.
- Inspect the deck for damage.
- Repair or replace damaged boards.
- Sand splintered areas with a pole sander and 80-grit sandpaper.
- Drive in any nails that have worked out or replace them with deck screws.
- Sweep off loose debris.
- Clean between the cracks of the boards with a putty knife.
Wear a respirator and eye protection when sanding.
Step 2: Protect Plants, Siding and Electrical Fixtures
- Wet nearby plants and cover them with clear plastic sheeting.
- Cover the surrounding concrete, siding, electrical components, light fixtures, etc.
Step 3: Clean the Decking, Stairs and Railings
- Read the cleaner instructions to see if the deck needs to be dry or damp.
- Follow mixing instructions for concentrated cleaners.
- Apply the cleaner to a few boards at a time with a paint roller and extension pole, a tank sprayer or a stiff-bristle brush.
- Have a helper spread puddles of cleaner with a roller or broom.
- Scrub tough stains.
- Allow the cleaner to soak into the wood — usually no more than 10 or 15 minutes — but don’t let it dry.
- Repeat the process for the remaining boards.
Don’t use a sprayer that has held pesticide or herbicide.
Step 4: Rinse the Deck and Allow It to Dry
- Rinse the deck thoroughly.
- Wash and rinse your equipment.
- Rinse and remove the plastic sheeting you placed over your plants.
- Allow the deck to dry for at least 24 to 48 hours before applying a sealer.
How to Stain a Deck
Start by reading the manufacturer's directions for your deck stain. Stains are often stain-and-sealer-in-one products, making it easy to protect your deck while you revive its look. Plan to work when there are at least two days of dry weather with temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't apply stains and sealers in direct sunlight. The finish will dry too quickly, resulting in an uneven finish that doesn’t penetrate or adhere to the wood well.
If you have a new treated-lumber deck, wait a few weeks to a few months before staining. Test the wood for water absorption before applying a stain.
Step 1: Prepare the Deck for Stain
- Make sure the deck is dry.
- Make sure concrete, siding, electrical fixtures and other surfaces are protected.
- Sand the boards lightly to remove raised wood fibers.
- Sweep away debris and sanding dust.
- Wet and cover nearby plants.
Wear a respirator and eye protection when sanding.
Step 2: Apply the Deck Stain
- Stir the stain and sealer thoroughly — shaking causes bubbles to form in the finish.
- Use a paint brush to apply stain between boards and on the board ends, as well as in corners, on railings and in areas next to the house.
- Use brush, roller, stain pad or stain-rated tank sprayer to apply thin, even coats of stain and sealer over a two- to three-board section.
- Have your helper spread puddles of deck stain and work the finish into the wood.
- Repeat the process for all the decking.
- Check the instructions to see if a second coat is necessary.
The right paint sprayer speeds the staining process. Read our guide to paint sprayers to find one for your project. We’ve also got tips for choosing the right paint brushes and rollers.
Step 3: Allow the Stain and Sealer to Dry
- Rinse and remove the plastic covering the plants.
- Wait at least 24 to 48 hours to allow the stain to dry completely.
- Remove the coverings from siding and fixtures.
- Return furniture and other items to the deck.
Staining and Sealing Tips
Use these staining tips to get the best results from your project:
- The final color of a stain varies based on the wood you apply it to.
- Oil-based stains penetrate deeper into the wood and are more durable, but water-based stains dry faster and offer easier cleanup.
- Cover an existing stain with one of the same transparency or a more solid stain.
- An solid or semi-transparent stain helps new boards blend with existing boards.
- Stains with darker shades absorb more heat than lighter colors.
- A solid stain tends to last longer but is more vulnerable to cracking and peeling.
- Our exterior stain guide helps you choose the right stain and sealer for your deck.
Learn how to maintain your deck throughout the year and see how staining and sealing protects the wood from sun, rain and more.
How to Stain and Seal a Deck: Main Points
Make a faded deck beautiful again with the right cleaning and staining steps. Once you’ve inspected your deck and made any necessary repairs, here’s what you need to remember:
- If you have a new deck, wait several weeks to a few months before staining.
- If the wood absorbs water, you can stain it.
- Many stains include a sealer.
- Wear eye protection and cleaning gloves, and wear a respirator when sanding.
- Protect plants, siding and electrical components.
- Scrub away dirt with a deck cleaner and rinse.
- After the deck dries for 24 to 48 hours, apply a thin coat of stain a few boards at a time.
- Allow the stain to dry for 24 to 48 hours before using the deck.
Shop Lowes.com for everything you need to maintain your deck as well as furniture and accessories to create an inviting outdoor space. Stop by your local Lowe’s and talk with a Lowe’s Red Vest associate about deck maintenance. They’ll help you choose a stain that complements your home and make sure you have tools to do the job right.
Deck Staining FAQ
Use the answers to these common questions to help you plan your deck staining project.
How Do I Stain a Deck for the First Time?
New pressure-treated lumber needs to dry for several weeks or even a few months before you stain it. Once it’s dry enough to absorb water, it’s ready. Sweep away dirt and leaves. Wait until you’ve got a couple of days of dry weather and then apply a light coat of stain a few boards at a time. Check to see if the stain manufacturer recommends a second coat and apply it, if necessary. Let the stain dry for 24 to 48 hours before replacing the furniture or using the deck.
How Long Does It Take to Stain a Deck?
Applying stain to a clean deck in good weather usually takes an hour or two, but staining larger decks takes longer. Once you stain the deck, allow 24 to 48 hours for the finish to dry completely. If you haven’t cleaned the deck, allow another 24 to 48 hours for cleaning and drying before you begin staining.
How Do I Clean a Stained Deck?
To clean tough stains from a deck, apply deck cleaner with a paint roller or a garden sprayer. Let the cleaner work for five to 15 minutes, according to the instructions and use a stiff-bristle brush to scrub the stain. Scrub the stained area as you rinse off the cleaner.