A deck is a fantastic addition to any home. It provides usable outdoor living spaces, creates a pleasing backyard aesthetic, and can bolster the overall property value. However, unless it's properly maintained, it can quickly become a money pit and bring you more stress than joy. An easy way to ensure your deck doesn't fall into disrepair is by applying deck staining, and doing so brings with it numerous benefits.

What is deck staining?

Deck staining is either a water or oil-based substance that can be semi-transparent or imbued with color pigments or tint to make it opaque. Similar to paint, you apply it to your deck using a brush or roller, and as you do, it penetrates the wood and creates a clear film on top of the surface. The stain can come in a variety of colors, and one coating can last between two and five years before needing to reapply it. If you keep your deck properly stained, you can expect to enjoy the following advantages.

Reasons to use deck staining

Blocks harmful UV rays

Many decks are constantly exposed to the sunlight, and without the required treatments, that light damages the wood over time. Untreated sun exposure causes the wood to lose its color, warp, and dry out faster than it would naturally. With a good stain, though, the wood is protected from the light by the absorbed substance, which can prolong its life.

Protects from water damage

Moisture can wreak havoc on your deck's wooden boards, even if it's covered. The problems only get worse in colder environments because if any moisture gets into the wood, it'll freeze inside and damage the deck's structural integrity. Stains prevent this from happening. Properly applied stain gives the wood a barrier that locks out the moisture and keeps the planks dry all year long.

Prevents rot and infestation

The moisture protection attribute of stain doesn't just prevent water damage; it also helps to avoid more severe concerns like rot and infestation. When wood retains moisture for prolonged periods of time, it creates conditions that attract wood-eating fungi and pests that can ruin the wood's structural integrity. On top of being an aesthetics problem, compromised wood can also create safety hazards for anyone walking on it.

Avoid costly repairs

Paying to have your deck stained is an investment. With all the protective qualities of a good stain, you're ensuring that your deck doesn't age and deteriorate faster than it will if it's left untreated. By coating the deck in a stain and reapplying it every few years, you'll help avoid the large expenses that come with deck repairs.

Improves the overall look

One of the reasons most people build their decks with wood is because of the timeless appearance of the material, and a stain doesn't just protect that appearance. It also highlights the wood's natural grain, and with so many styles and colors available, you can make yours match your personal preferences.

Enjoy the many benefits of deck staining!

Staining your deck is the best way to make it look fantastic and keep it protected from the elements, and the team at My Color Magic Painting LLC is here to help you make it happen. As a fully licensed, insured, OSHA-trained, and certified contractor with more than five years of experience, we remain committed to providing superior quality with fair, upfront pricing on every project we work on. You can check out our portfolio to see past examples of our work, or simply request your free quote to get started today.