Deck and fence staining in Dobbs Ferry, NY

Why outdoor wood needs regular care

Decks and fences take direct sun, rain, snow and foot traffic. Without a protective finish, wood dries out, grays and starts to split. On a hillside lot in Dobbs Ferry, many decks are raised high off the ground on the downhill side of the house, which means the stairs, posts and railings take as much weather as the walking surface.

Stain soaks into the wood and slows down that wear. Unlike paint, a penetrating stain does not form a thick film that peels, which is why many homeowners prefer it for decks.

Prep comes first

Old finish, dirt and mildew need to come off before new stain goes on. Painters usually clean the wood with a deck cleaner, rinse it, let it dry for a day or more, then sand rough spots and loose fibers. Graying wood may need a brightener. Any loose boards or popped screws should be fixed before staining.

• Clean off dirt, mildew and old finish
• Let the wood dry fully
• Sand rough spots and raised grain
• Fix loose boards and fasteners
• Apply stain to boards, rails, posts and stairs

Choosing a stain

Transparent stains show the most grain but need recoating more often. Semi-transparent stains add some color and protection. Solid stains look closer to paint and hide more of the wood. If your deck has an old solid stain, switching to a transparent product usually means stripping it first, which adds labor.

Fences and railings

Fences are mostly vertical surfaces with many edges, so they take longer per square foot than deck boards. Painters may spray and then back-brush to work the stain into the wood. Plantings along the fence line need to be covered or tied back.

Timing the work

Staining needs dry wood and a few dry days in the forecast. Late spring and early fall are often good windows here. Avoid staining in direct midday sun on hot days, since the stain can dry too fast and leave lap marks.

Questions homeowners ask