04/29/2026
Prepping your deck the right way makes all the difference in how your stain looks and how long it lasts. Here’s our exact process for staining decks!🖌️🟫
- Clear the deck
Remove all furniture, plants, and debris. Start with a clean workspace.
- Inspect and repair
Check for loose boards, popped nails, or rot. Fix these before moving forward.
- Clean thoroughly
Use a deck cleaner to remove dirt, mildew, and old residue. A light pressure wash works, but avoid damaging the wood.
- Strip old coatings if needed
If there’s old stain or paint that’s peeling or glossy, use a stripper so the new stain can properly absorb.
- Brighten the wood
Apply a wood brightener to restore the natural color and neutralize the surface.
- Let it dry
Give the deck 24–48 hours to fully dry before staining.
- Sand rough areas
Smooth out splinters and rough spots for a more even finish.
- Final sweep
Blow off or sweep dust so the surface is clean and ready for stain.
A solid prep job is what separates a stain that lasts from one that fails early.
