Here’s a Step-by-Step Staining Timeline for Your Outdoor Projects

Recoating new or aging outdoor wood surfaces is the best way to extend their lifespan and restore the appeal of your seasonal living spaces. A good-quality exterior stain is crucial but no more important than the sequence and timing of each step of the refinishing process. Here’s some tips and timelines to follow for your next wood stain renewal project.

Prepping the Area

For smaller decks and yards, you should probably allot yourself a few hours of prep time in the morning. For larger decks with sectionals, tables and multiple plants on and around the deck it may take half a day to prepare your area. You may want to do this the night before, and enlist an extra set of hands to help with the heavy lifting.

1. Remove all outdoor furniture, potted plants, and other outdoor décor items from the working area to prep for cleaning.

2. Cover any nearby garden plants, shrubs and bushes with a tarp.

3. Remove any lights, railing caps, or other decorative hardware attached to the deck.

4. Sweep or blow any debris off the surface. A stiff bristle broom or brush is ideal for loosening dirt between boards and joints.

Cleaning the Surfaces

Depending on the size and condition of your deck the actual cleaning process can take up to half a day, plus a full day for drying. Deep stains can be stubborn to remove, and larger stains will just take more time. Drying time can vary depending on sun exposure and outdoor temperature. Most wood stains can be applied once the moisture level is below 12%, which you can check with a moisture meter. Otherwise, allow a full 24 hours of drying time to be on the safe side.

1. Remove any food stains, grease or discolouration with TSP (trisodium phosphate), taking care to use safety goggles, gloves and a respirator mask. Note: Do not use on hardwoods like oak and maple as the TSP will darken the surface.

2. Once clean, rinse the surface immediately with a sponge and cold water to prevent the TSP from forming a white film. Once rinsed the surface is ready to apply a more general cleaner.

3. If you’re staining a deck, apply a good deck cleaner according to the package directions. For fences, wood furniture or play sets, you can use a solution of water and bleach to dissolve grime and mould.

4. Thoroughly rinse the cleaned surface with water using a garden hose with a pressure nozzle. If you decide to pressure wash the deck, be sure to use the lowest setting to avoid causing damage.

5. Allow to dry for a full day.

Prepping the Surfaces

Timing will again depend on the amount of work required. For larger decks figure on half a day to protect or remove everything you don’t want stained.

1. For decks, apply painter’s tape along the edge of any vertical surfaces where they meet the deck to avoid getting deck stain on walls, posts or other permanent structures.

2. For other outdoor surfaces, remove any plastic parts or decorative hardware from play sets and fences. For decks, place a drop sheet at the exit point as a workstation for your stain and tools.

Applying the Deck Sealer

A good deck sealer will help protect your newly stained deck keep it looking great. Some products combine stain and sealant together for a one-step application process. If you’re applying a stand-alone product, make sure to use a clear deck sealant with no pigments to avoid altering the colour of your new stain. Follow the same application steps as used for applying your stain. Some sealants require 48 hours for the stain to dry before application. Also, some sealants require two coats with 24 hours of drying time between coats, so allow two full days for application, and check the manufacturer’s instructions before proceeding. Once complete, allow to dry for three days before walking on the surface or replacing your deck furniture.

Staining Dos & Don’ts

Staining your deck or other outdoor wood surfaces can be a big job, but it’s also a rewarding, cost-effective DIY project. All it takes is proper planning, adherence to timelines, and some good old-fashioned elbow grease.