Do I Need to Stain my Decking Every Year?

To keep your decking looking its best, it’s essential you carry out maintenance. From regular tasks like sweeping away leaves and dirt to ensuring your deck isn’t rotting over a wet winter, there are plenty of ways to keep your timber in good condition in the long run. One common option to extend durability is staining your decking. But how often should you be applying a stain to maintain its benefits? Find out in this guide from our experts at EcoChoice. 

Why Is Staining Your Deck a Good Idea?

If you’re thinking about skipping a deck stain and hoping for the best, we are afraid to tell you that that is not a great idea! Treated timber, as well as naturally durable hardwoods, can be quite durable, but adding a stain on top has plenty of benefits.

For example, it reduces moisture absorption, keeping your timber safe from rot and reducing how much it swells and contracts. It also protects from ultraviolet light damage (natural weathering which turns any timber silver-grey) and can prevent pests from ruining your wood. Many people also enjoy the fact that staining your deck makes it look brand new, adding life to an old deck and prolonging the life of a new one. Really, it’s a no-brainer!

How Often Should You Stain Your Deck?

You should stain your deck as soon as it’s installed to prevent any early onset of weathering signs. The quicker your timber is protected, the longer it’s likely to last. You should then inspect your decking every spring, after the cold and humidity of the winter take their toll, to see whether it needs any maintenance or a new coat of wood stain. 

In general, you won’t have to re-stain your decking every year. Unless it sees copious amounts of traffic or you live in an area with particularly damp or harsh weather, it won’t be necessary. Around every two to three years should be more than enough. 

How Can You Make Your Stain Last Longer?

If you’re not keen on staining your deck every two years and would love to do it every three, there are ways you can make it last longer. A lot of its durability has to do with how you apply the stain in the first place. Make sure you wash your decking thoroughly, removing any dirt and debris, and then let it dry completely before painting. 

You should also be sure to pick the right stain for your wood and its location, and (if you can) shade the wood on sunny days. These are super simple things to do which can go a long way in pushing out how often you need to re-stain your timber!

Choose a Durable Timber From EcoChoice

Staining is all about increasing the life of your decking, but it’s not the only way to do this. In fact, the type of timber species you choose can have a huge effect on how long your decking will last. At EcoChoice, we’re experts in all things to do with sustainable timber and will be happy to help you choose the right species for your project. Simply get in touch with us today, and we will handle the rest.