Is It Better To Paint Or Stain A Deck?

Rohan Mathew

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Is It Better To Paint Or Stain A Deck?

One of the more common deck situations homeowners encounter is whether to paint or stain the deck. It’s not an easy decision. Both methods have their advantages and drawbacks. In fact, deck staining from Infinity Painting offers several unique benefits over painting. However, there are many details involved in determining which is the best method for your home. So,  this post will address the pros of each and help you decide which is best for you.

Staining 

Staining involves brushing on a stain that is either oil or water-based. The most popular option for deck staining is oil-based deck stain. Oil-based deck stains are less messy, easier to wash off, and can be applied quickly due to its poured application. However, oil is also the most expensive option, making it the least popular choice.

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Advantages of Staining

Durability

The most significant advantage of staining is its durability as a finishing process. Unlike paint, stain is non-porous and won’t crack or peel when exposed to the elements. For these reasons, staining is often preferred for outdoor use where it may be exposed to rain, snow, high winds, and other weather conditions. If you are planning on staining an outdoor deck or patio furniture, you should consider having it professionally done.

Appearance

Another advantage to staining over paint is the appearance it gives the wood surface. When painted, a deck can look plain white or have just a couple of shades of gray. On the other hand, stained decks that stand out against their natural surroundings can have a clear grain that reflects light very nicely. This makes stained decks more visually appealing than painted ones.

Faster to Apply

With staining, you can apply it in just a few days versus the weeks it takes for paint to dry. Therefore, this short time span is often sufficient to complete your deck project before harsh winter temperatures are present.

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Protection from the Elements

Stained decks are safer from rain, snow, sun, and other weather elements than painted ones. Staining ensures your deck will be protected from the elements by covering up blemishes and discoloration present on the surface of your wood decking before they turn into permanent impressions and cracks over time.

Painting

Painting involves applying paint to the surface of your deck or other furniture. The most popular paints are oil-based paints. However, you can also paint your deck with water-based paints for an eco-friendly option that still looks great. The advantages of painting wood include:

If you are considering painting your deck, make sure to use high-quality paint. This will ensure your deck is not only protected from damage by the elements but also increases its life expectancy significantly.

Advantages of Painting

Ease of Maintenance

One of the most significant advantages of painting is how easy it is to maintain. With painting, you can easily touch up chipping or peeling areas without removing them entirely using a stripping product first. In fact, painting is much easier to maintain than staining since you can easily touch up any areas that are chipping or cracking with a paintbrush or roller.

The painting also allows you to change the color of your deck without having to spend a lot of money. 

Choice of Color

If you decide to paint your deck, you’ll have a large amount of choice regarding the colors, finishes, and texture. In addition, painting gives you the ability to change the look and feel of your deck at any time. For example, you can paint it one color that looks great during the summer and then choose a different color that will look great during winter months.  

Better, Lasting Coverage

Another advantage to painting is that it can offer better coverage along the wood grain. This makes for a better, longer-lasting finish.

For example, when you are staining a deck, sometimes spills of paint get down into the cracks of the wood. This can lead to unsightly stripes that are visible regardless of how many times you sand over them. On the other hand, painting makes it easier to get even coverage without worrying about uneven or inconsistent coats.

So, what is the best option for your deck? The answer will depend on a lot of factors, including what style you want for your deck, how much time you have to work on it, and what type of protection you need for it. The best way to decide is to weigh all the options from both processes and see which one seems the best fit for you. In any case, talk with a professional to learn more about deck staining and painting processes. They should provide you with the answers you need to make a wise, economic decision about which option is best for your deck.