Deck Stains vs. Waterproofing: Which Is Right for Me?

If you are looking to complete a restoration of your home or property, you have probably considered giving your deck some attention. If this is the case, the important question still remains – should you stain it or seal it with a waterproof coating? While both will protect your deck and save you a considerable amount of cash from having to replace the whole thing, they each have their own benefits.

Stains do an excellent job of highlighting the natural beauty of the wood grain in your deck. Choosing the right stain can be a stunning and simple design addition to your space. The durability of a stain will largely depend on the amount of wear and tear your deck receives, as well as its exposure to sunlight, the color of the stain, the quality of the stain, and the quality of the prep work that went into staining the deck previously. Assuming your deck receives a moderate amount of traction and sunlight, you may expect to re-stain your deck once every two or three years.

On the other hand, waterproof sealants provide a protective coating to your deck that can help shield it from the water and weather damage and protect them from rot, increasing the longevity of your deck and saving you from costly replacements. If applied correctly and replaced on a regular basis, water-based or oil-based sealers will cause water to bead up rather than absorb into the wood, preventing the planks in your deck from warping or cracking over time. Sealers should last at least a year, with some lasting up to three years.

Which Should I Choose?

In the end, it basically comes down to a matter of preference. To get the best of both worlds, it may be wise to apply both a stain and a sealant to your deck, or choose a combination stain/sealer product which can help you achieve both the aesthetic and protection you desire. Regardless of which you choose, it is important you trust the job to a knowledgeable professional to avoid damage to your deck.

At Capital Deck & Stair Waterproofing, our knowledgeable Los Angeles deck waterproofing specialists have more than 30 years of industry experience and can help you choose an option that best fits your needs. Backed by a customer satisfaction guarantee on all of our work, you can choose us with confidence to provide the quality workmanship you need at a competitive price.

To find out more about how we can assist you, call us today at (310) 912-7737 .

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