Painting vs. Staining Your Deck

Protecting your deck from weathering and wear can help you protect your investment and can extend the life of your deck. Uncovered decks are particularly susceptible to weathering and will need to be treated more frequently than covered decks. High traffic areas will also wear more quickly, leaving you with an unevenly protected surface. When it comes time to refinish your deck, you will likely want to protect your deck with a long lasting solution. But is it better to paint or stain your deck? Learn more about your options for your deck’s protection.

Paint

Paint is a popular choice to protect your deck. It can offer more protection than stain and sealer, but it isn’t a good choice if you prefer a more natural look for your deck. Here are some pros and cons of painting your deck.

Pros:

  • Paint comes in nearly any color you could desire. Paint is also solid, which means you can easily cover weathered wood.
  • Paint can fill small gaps and cracks, and its thicker finish can help repair lightly damaged wood. There are even paints that are available for this very purpose.
  • Paint can be easier to clean, depending on the color and finish of the paint. Good quality paint and proper application can create a lasting finish that allows dirt to wash off easily.
  • Paint offers more protection for the wood of your deck. It can resist rot, mold, and sun damage.

Cons:

  • Paint cannot easily be reversed. If you paint your deck, it can take an incredible amount of work to restore your deck to a state that can be stained.
  • It can be difficult to find a color that is both complimentary to your home and looks good on a large, flat surface. Light colored paints can be easily stained with dirt, but dark colored paints can trap heat from the sun and be hot to walk on.
  • Depending on the finish, paint can be slippery when wet. If your deck is uncovered, you may risk a slippery surface.
  • Paint hides the natural grain of the wood, which can be a drawback if you have invested in a real wood deck.

Stain & Sealer

Stain and a quality sealer is another option to protect your deck. For real wood decks, this can be a popular choice because the natural grain of the wood remains visible. Find out more about the pros and cons of staining your deck.

Pros:

  • Stain and sealer can showcase the natural beauty of your wood deck.
  • Stain is less slippery than paint and protects the wood without laying on top to create a slick surface.
  • Stain is easier to apply and can be more forgiving. If you are looking for a beginner-friendly way to protect your deck, stain can be a good option.
  • Stain comes in a wide variety of colors, so you can find a tone that compliments your home’s exterior

Cons:

  • Stain has a shorter lifetime than paint. The quality of stain and the number of coats applied can greatly impact how long the stain lasts.
  • Stain is a thinner fluid, and won’t fill cracks or gaps the way paint will.
  • Stain can provide a more natural finish, but this may be a negative trait if you are looking for a cleaner look.
  • The color of the wood underneath the stain will affect the finished product, so you may have slight variations in your deck’s appearance.

Protect Your Deck with Waterproofing Specialists – (310) 912-7737

An unprotected deck can show wear and tear far more quickly, and the weathering your deck experiences may cause significant damage. Preserve your deck for years to come with our Los Angeles weatherproofing and resurfacing services . At Capital Deck & Stair Waterproofing , we can help you protect the value of your home and increase the functionality of your deck. Our licensed and certified professionals can help you extend the life of your deck with high-quality and cost-effective options for your deck.

Contact our family-run business for a free estimate . Call (310) 912-7737 today!

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