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Yes, it’s best to remove the previous coat of stain from your deck before restaining it, especially if the surface is in bad condition. Restaining on top of an old coat can lead to an uneven surface, as the new stain won’t fully soak into the deck material. That said, if your deck is in excellent condition, you may be able to get away with just cleaning the surface instead of sanding it and removing the old stain. If you choose not to remove the previous coat, it’s best to use the same type of stain for the new layer.

The general consensus is that two coats of stain are required and since the cedar is siding, a third coat of sealant is always a good idea. This helps protect the wood and stain, so you won’t need to resand and restain for at least a decade. Each stain after the first will darken the wood, so be aware of that when choosing a colored stain.

If you have wood decking, there are several common deck problems that you might encounter. For example, your natural wood boards may fade over time due to things like sunlight, weather, and debris. On top of that, some types of wood decking can rot, grow mold, and attract destructive pests—including termites, carpenter ants, and woodpeckers.

A quality deck stain lasts 2 to 5 years, depending on the type of stain, weather exposure, and how well the deck is maintained. Transparent stains may need reapplication sooner, while solid stains tend to last longer. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and sealing, will help extend the life of your finish.