There’s nothing better than enjoying a quiet morning or beautiful evening on your deck with friends and family. If you’re thinking about giving your outdoor space an upgrade and staining your deck, it’s important to choose the best deck stain for your specific home and location. The stain you choose can make all the difference in durability, color, and how well it holds up to the outdoor elements, especially with Raleigh’s hot summers, humid seasons, and frequent rainfall.
At Oak City Coatings, we help local homeowners protect and beautify their outdoor spaces with high-quality products and techniques that last. Whether you’re planning to DIY your deck stain or searching for a local deck staining professional, this blog post will walk you through everything you need to know before getting started.
In This Post
Why Staining Your Deck Matters
There are multiple reasons a homeowner may want to stain their deck, but the benefits go far beyond just looks. Properly applying deck stain is a vital part of protecting your deck’s integrity and overall investment in your home.
Here’s why staining your deck is worth the time and effort:
- Protects against the elements: Sun, rain, and mildew are constant threats in the Raleigh area. A good deck stain protects your deck from UV rays and moisture, which can cause big problems under the surface.
- Prevents damage: Without proper protection, wood can crack, warp, or turn gray over time.
- Boosts curb appeal: A fresh deck stain enhances the color and grain of your wood, giving your home a more polished, inviting look for years to come.
If you’ve ever wondered if you should paint or stain a deck, and how to choose the best product, check out this guide.
Types of Deck Stains: What to Consider Before Buying
There are several different types of deck stains, but they aren’t all created equal. The type of stain you choose depends on the look you’re wanting to achieve, the level of protection you want, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do.
Here are the types of deck stains and what to consider before purchasing:
- Transparent/Clear: Offers minimal color and lets the natural wood grain shine. Ideal for new decks, but provides the least UV protection.
- Semi-Transparent: Adds color while still showcasing the wood grain. A popular choice for homeowners looking for balance in the color and grain visibility.
- Solid/Opaque: Hides imperfections and provides maximum coverage. Great for older, weathered decks.
Transparent stains usually need to be reapplied every 1–2 years. Semi-transparent stains typically last 2-4 years, while solid stains can last 3–5 years with proper maintenance.
Need help picking a color for your deck stain? Check out our favorites in our Best Deck Stain Colors blog post.
Best Deck Stain for Raleigh’s Climate
When choosing the best deck stain for your home, climate and weather patterns play arguably the biggest role. Raleigh’s climate and weather can be tough on outdoor wood. Between intense sun and UV rays, rainstorms, and high humidity, your deck stain needs to work hard to protect your deck all year long. That means you’re going to need to invest in a high-quality stain product.
Here’s what to look for in a high-performance product:
- UV resistance to combat fading and discoloration.
- Mildew and mold protection to withstand Raleigh’s humidity and rain.
- Deep penetration to preserve hardwood integrity and protect from pests.
Our Go-To Deck Stains for Raleigh Homes
At Oak City Coatings, we highly recommend investing in a high-quality product that will protect your deck for years to come.
Our go-to deck stain products that we use on our clients’ homes are:
- TWP 100 Series Stain: Great for clear and semi-transparent finishes. It penetrates well and resists fading.
- Superdeck 9600 Self-Priming Solid Stain: This acrylic-alkyd formula is self-priming and offers long-lasting, solid color, perfect for older, weathered decks.
Staining Deck DIY Tips
Are you ready to take on a deck stain project yourself?
Here are some professional tips to help make your DIY project a success and avoid common mistakes:
- Clean thoroughly: Dirt, mildew, and old stain can prevent new stain from bonding. For more tips on cleaning your deck, check out this post.
- Let it dry completely: The last thing you want before staining is excess moisture getting stuck in the wood. This will compromise your deck’s structure and stain performance.
- Avoid staining in direct sunlight or right before rain: Harsh UV rays and excess moisture can hinder the stain from penetrating properly.
- Use the right tools: We recommend a brush for edges and a roller or sprayer to cover larger areas faster. Make sure you always back brush in stain if using a sprayer or roller.
- Reapply every 2-3 years: This will ensure you get the best results and keep your deck protected.
Should You Hire a Pro For Your Deck Staining?
Staining your deck can absolutely be a DIY project, but if you’re not comfortable in your skills or product selection, hiring a professional can help you feel confident that your deck will look amazing and stay protected for as long as possible.
Professional painters will ensure the surface is prepped properly, which can make or break a stain job. We know how to clean, sand, and prep your deck for the best results.
We also understand Raleigh’s climate and how it affects application, drying, and durability. As local experts, we’ll ensure your deck is stained in a timely manner and in the best conditions.
We also bring our professional-grade tools and techniques to give you the best coverage, a smooth application, and fewer touch-ups down the road. This will help avoid costly mistakes such as over-application and uneven color (which are very common among DIYers).
Upgrade Your Deck Stain Today!
If you’re ready to upgrade your deck stain today, just remember: the best deck stain isn’t just about color. It’s about protecting your investment. This means choosing a deck stain that will protect your home from Raleigh’s heat, humidity, rain, and daily wear-and-tear. Whether you’re staining a brand new deck or reviving a weathered surface, the right product and technique will make all the difference.
We know you want a deck that you can entertain on and enjoy, so ensuring it holds up to all of the memories you want to make is important to us!
If you’re in the Raleigh area, we’d love to partner with you and take the stress out of your deck stain project. We offer expert service, premium products, a professional and friendly team, and results you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Contact us today for a free estimate and let’s get your deck looking its best so you can enjoy your outdoor space all year long!
