There is no better expression of the Australian lifestyle than a deck of cards. They offer everything we love: a great outdoor living space, a place to store the barbecue and a fantastic DIY opportunity. If you’re reading this, it’s probably time to stain your deck. Over time, wooden pallets become gray, lifeless and even a little damaged. But don’t feel responsible: this is just one cycle in the long life of your platform! So what can you do about it? Easy: re-stain your deck and it will be like new.
1 Before you start, clean your terrace!
If you’re an avid DIYer, you’re probably tempted to jump right in! We understand; The satisfaction of a well-done DIY project is something almost every homeowner craves. But, as with everything, it’s all about preparation. If you follow the simple steps from the beginning, you’ll be set for a job well done! The first thing you should do is clean your terrace. And we’re not talking about a general hose wash. You’re going to have to go in there and scrub. The idea here is to remove any mold, grease, oil, dirt or wax. All of these products require more than a simple sweep to remove, and it is very important that you remove them.
2 Sand your deck only if it is old or deteriorated – this is one of the most important tips for staining decks!
When you hear the words “wood restoration,” what comes to mind? For many people, the first thing that comes up is sanding. For most wood projects, sanding is the key to success. But not always. In that sense, the advice for staining terraces is a bit atypical, because sanding is not always necessary. In fact, sometimes sanding can hinder a good result. So how do you know when to sand and when to leave it? The answer to this question lies in the purpose of your project: why do you stain a deck? Well, there is one main reason besides looks: protection.
3. Choose your day carefully – rain can ruin your deck staining project!
So you’ve done your research and preparation. Your deck is ready to go! Now what? Well, here’s one of the most important tips for staining decks, even for the experienced: watch out for the rain! Water is the worst enemy of a deck staining project. And it is a silent enemy. You can prepare at the highest level and it still won’t save you from the rain. If you’re planning a deck staining project, your weather forecaster will be your best friend. Keep an eye on that forecast a day or two in advance. In a region like South East Queensland, the weather can change in an instant. So you want to be absolutely sure that the sky won’t rain on your terrace stain parade!
4 Select a suitable dye
When it comes to deck staining tips, this one can get a little technical. But it does not have to be like that! If you’re okay with a fairly generic dye, then you shouldn’t have any difficulty choosing your dye. On the other hand, if you’re a bit of a perfectionist, you may have to make an agonizing decision: what dye to use? There are so many different dyes available. You can get water-based dyes, oil-based dyes, in different shades and with different drying times.
5 What tools will you need? Fortunately not many!
Now it’s time for the last of our deck staining tips: choosing your tools. Any DIY enthusiast will probably have a large number of tools on hand. Which ones will you need? For this project, not many! Staining the deck is quite simple. You will probably only need a good broom, a sturdy brush, a deck applicator brush, and a paintbrush. Of course, feel free to mix things up if you want! Another thing you may want to have on hand is a hammer and nail punch.