Get matched with top deck staining pros in Glenwood, AR

There are more pros than cons when staining a deck. Deck stain is more affordable than paint, it protects the wood and allows the natural textures to shine through, and it can revive the appearance of your home. However, deck stain also requires prep work (sometimes days or more), carries more upkeep than a painted deck, and can fade over time if not cared for. 

Choosing whether your deck should be lighter or darker than your house is a matter of personal preference, as there is no right or wrong answer. However, considering the pros and cons of each can help guide your decision. Darker colors are often chosen because they show less dirt, footprints, and marks from daily wear, making them easier to keep clean. On the other hand, lighter deck colors tend to stay cooler in the summer. From a design perspective, using a deck color that contrasts with your home's exterior can help make the deck a more defined and distinct feature. Consulting color theory can also make the process of choosing a complementary house and deck color combination easier.

Exterior paints contain more volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, making them dangerous when used indoors. Without the free ventilation of the great outdoors, it can take longer for the fumes to dissipate than interior paint. While you may notice the smell lessening more quickly, you should be wary of paint fumes inside for 48 to 72 hours after it dries.

It’s necessary for paint to completely dry before exposure to rain, and that drying time varies by the type of paint used. Oil-based paint takes 6 to 8 hours to dry on average, meaning that’s the minimum time needed between the last brush stroke and the first raindrop. Latex paint dries faster at around 1 hour, and acrylic paint is even quicker, usually drying in about 30 minutes. If rain is in the forecast, check the paint manufacturer's details before laying on a new coat.