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You’ll need to restrain your deck when you notice fading, cracking, peeling, or mold and mildew over a moderate to large area, or when it’s become especially difficult to clean. As for how often to stain a deck, plan to do it every two to three years or whenever you start to notice extended damage.

Constant exposure to inclement weather conditions can damage your deck, causing it to fade, warp, or crack over time. Regular maintenance keeps it looking and performing its best. That means giving it a good cleaning and applying a quality sealant or wood treatment to help defend against moisture, sun damage, and everyday wear.

Wood stains last anywhere from two to five years, depending on exposure to the elements, your local climate, the type of stain, and the surface it’s on. For instance, vertical surfaces last longer than horizontal surfaces. Some types of woods, like dense hardwoods, will require a recoat yearly, as they are too dense for the stain to absorb. In any event, apply a recoat every 2 to 4 years. As for storage, a can of unopened stain can last up to 5 years, though results may vary.

Hot, intense sunshine can cause your stain to dry too quickly, which could lead it to look uneven or patchy. If you’re staining the deck during hotter months, it’s best to do it in the morning or evening once the wood has had time to cool down. If you’re staining in cooler weather with less sunshine, the time of day won’t make as much of a difference.