Get matched with top deck staining pros in Duenweg, MO

When choosing between deck stain or paint, knowing what will last longer is important. Deck paint lasts longer than deck stain. With deck paint, you can get up to 10 years of coverage before you need to reapply. With deck stain, that time is significantly shorter at two to three years. 

Yes, staining or sealing a cedar deck or fence is highly recommended to extend its lifespan, typically by five to 10 years. While cedar is naturally resistant to mold and mildew, it can still fall victim to moisture, sun exposure, and rot over time. Applying a treatment creates a protective shield that helps prevent splintering, fading, and decay, preserving the wood's strength and appearance. A combination stain and sealer often provides the best protection, as it soaks into the wood grain rather than just sitting on top. This offers superior defense against UV damage and rot and lasts longer than a sealer alone. To maintain the wood's natural look, consider using a near-translucent stain. You should plan to reapply the stain or sealer every two to three years.

You can paint over old paint on a concrete porch. For the best results, you should first clean the surface and remove as much paint as you can. A power washer is helpful here, but you’ll also want to scrape as much of the old paint away as possible. Then you should prime the porch before repainting it.

It’s important to make sure the wood on a new deck is properly seasoned. Seasoning a deck is simple: Once you build it (or have a pro do so), just leave it alone so it can acclimate to the environment. If you don’t give the deck proper seasoning time before staining, the stain can lock in any lingering moisture and cause mold, rot, and other moisture issues down the road. Give the wood at least four to eight weeks to season before you stain.