Is it best to stain or paint your deck? It’s not just about painting or staining a deck, you also have to consider longevity, the pros and cons of each product, and what will be best, to stain vs paint your deck.
If you just finished installing a new wooden deck, you can coat it with exterior paint or wood stain. Paint and stain are the options for perfect wood decking maintenance.
However, these two products differ in terms of durability, appearance, cost, maintenance, and application.
You intend to use a particular product that will look perfect on your deck. Is it better to paint or stain your deck? Keep reading to find out if it’s best to use paint or stain for your deck.
Stain
Deck stain is a product that is made up of the same content as paint. It contains resin, solvent, and pigment.
Unlike paint, a stain is perfectly formulated to penetrate the wood, revealing its natural structure and texture. It’s a product that comes in three finish options such as transparent, semi-transparent, and opaque.
Opaque or solid colour stains have more pigment compared to transparent or semi-transparent. It covers the grain but still shows the wood texture.
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Paint
Paint is a liquid pigment that consists of four components, solvent, additives, resin, and pigment. It’s a product that can be made in different types and colours.
Paints are usually oil-based or water-based. While mineral turpentine is used as the solvent for oil-based paints, water is the solvent in water-based latex paints.
Stain vs Paint Deck: Difference between Deck Stain and Deck Paint
The main difference when using these two products to coat your deck is the appearance and application.
If you decide to use deck paint, it will completely cover the grain of your deck. It also hides any blemishes on the wood.
Deck paints come in different colours, so you can make your choice on what colour to go with the environment. This is something you don’t get with deck stains, as it only comes in shades of brown.
Although it doesn’t come in an array of colours, stains can be applied in one coat and you won’t see any brush or roil marks after. With deck paint, it a bit difficult to apply smoothly and it requires multiple coats.
Stain vs Deck Paint: Which Last Longer?
Deck paint lasts longer than a stain, provided it’s applied correctly. Deck stain may be better than house paint on a wood deck but won’t last long like deck paint.
Stain is easy to apply on a wooden deck but deck paint will require to use a sealant on top and a primer and wood preservative underneath.
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Stain vs Deck Paint: Pros and Cons
Deck Satin
| Pros | Cons |
| Deck stain is less slippery than paint and it’s easy to apply. | Deck stain will not cover flaws or cracks. |
| Expose wood grain and texture. Penetrate the wood, revealing its natural structure and texture. | Requires more maintenance than paint: every 12 to 24 months. |
| Using oil with pigment stain will protect your wooden deck from UV damage. Further coats can applied be easily. | High-quality woods like tropical woods will not hold the stain very well |
Deck Pant
| Pros | Cons |
| Deck paints are available in a variety of colours. | Cover the grain, hiding the natural beauty and texture of the wood. |
| Requires lower maintenance than stain: having at least a five-year life expectancy. | Deck paints can flake and peel over an extended time due to water pooling and trapped moisture. |
| Deck paint is easy to clean and has a longer life span than stain. | The existing coating must be removed prior to repainting. |
Deck Stain vs Deck Paint: Is It Better to Stain or Paint a Deck?
We talked about stain being a better option than house paint. But if you want a product that will last for a longer period, deck paint is a better option than stain.
House paints are made to perfectly coat vertical surfaces like walls and trim. It’s not designed for surfaces like wooden decks. Applying house paint to a deck will cause it to wear and peel.
Unlike house paint, a stain is perfectly formulated to penetrate the wood, revealing its natural structure and texture.
House paints are not suitable for a wooden deck. Deck pain is the product you should use for a wooden deck because it lasts longer and comes in an array of colours like house paints.
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Stain is More Budget Friendly
If you are on a low budget but still want to give your wooden deck a nice touch, deck stain is your best option.
The cost per gallon of wood stain is between $20 to $35. But if you prefer exterior paint for your wooden deck, expect a price between $30 to $60 per gallon.
Keep in mind that you will be spending an extra $15 to $40 per gallon for wood preservatives and $15 to $30 per gallon for primer.
Can I Use Decking Stain on Fences?
Of course, you can use deck stain to coat your fence. Decking oils are good at protecting and preserving wooden fences and panels.
If you use a clear decking oil or a coloured type, especially one that has UV protection, it will preserve your garden fence or the surface of your wooden deck.
Decking stain is perfectly formulated to penetrate the wood, revealing its natural structure and texture. Deck stain comes in three finish options, so you can choose from transparent, semi-transparent, and opaque.
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How to Apply Deck Stain
Firstly, you should check if the decking stain is suitable for the weather. What you should do next is to prepare the deck area you want to stain.
After that, wash the area you want to stain and make sure it’s clean and clear. Now when you start the staining process, you should stain the railings and other raised features.
Lastly, start to stain the deck board and continue the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a few frequently asked questions on deck stain vs deck paint.
Is it better to paint or stain treated wood?
Staining pressure-treated wood is a better option than painting. This is because the preservatives in the pressure-treated wood make it difficult for paint to adhere to it.
Is it cheaper to paint or stain a deck?
The cost per gallon of wood stain is between $20 to $35. But if you prefer exterior paint for your wooden deck, expect a price between $30 to $60 per gallon. Keep in mind that you will be spending an extra $15 to $40 per gallon for wood preservatives and $15 to $30 per gallon for primer.
So deck stain is a more affordable option for you than paint.
Conclusion
The main difference when using these two products to coat your deck is the appearance and application.
Deck paints come in different colours, so you can make your choice on what colour to go with the environment.
Deck paint lasts longer than a stain, provided it’s applied correctly. Deck stain may be better than house paint on a wood deck but won’t last long like deck paint.
Although it doesn’t come in an array of colours, stains can be applied in one coat and you won’t see any brush or roil marks after.
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References
- Zar.com: Painting or Staining a Deck: Which Is Best?
- Bobvila: What’s the Difference? Painting vs. Staining the Deck
- Deckstainhelp: Deck Stain vs. Paint: What’s the Difference Between Stain and Paint
- Promain: Deck Paint vs Deck Stain
