Article By: Bob Boilard, Vice President of Boilard Lumber – Contributing Writer

Outdoor entertaining season is here and as spring slides into summer, it’s probably time to consider renovating or enhancing your deck. Home improvement has been a big trend during the pandemic with many homeowners focusing on the spot where they have been spending more time—their own homes. Now is the time to take the renovations outdoors and refresh your deck.

To keep it looking new, you should stain or paint a pressure-treated deck every year or two, and other wood decks every few years. But which one is best for you? Find out what differs between the two popular finishes to select the best option.

Paint vs. Stain at a Glance
Paint

Pros
• Easy to maintain
• More color options
• Hides flaws
Cons
• Traps moisture
• Conceals the beauty of the wood
• Generally permanent

Stain

Pros
• Highlights wood’s natural beauty
• Less slippery than paint
• Is a great moisture barrier
Cons
• Does not last as long
• Does not fill cracks
• Will not hide flaws in wood

Budget
Stain is the more budget friendly option as it is typically less expensive per gallon and doesn’t require any primer or sealant. When it comes to paint, exterior options suitable for decking are usually a bit more expensive than stain. Plus, you will need to use wood preservative and primer prior to painting, as well as a sealant to top it all off, adding to the cost.

Aesthetic
Stain offers a more natural look, allowing you to see the knots and natural grain pattern of the wood beneath. This does mean you are limited to natural shades of brown or gray. Paint covers up the patterns and markings in the wood, but also allows for more variety in choosing a color.

Application Process
With both painting and staining, you will need to prepare the surface by sweeping, cleaning, repairing or replacing old boards and sanding the surface. However, stain is easier to apply since it is an all-in-one product.

With paint, the process is a little more complex. Before painting, you must apply a wood preservative and quality primer. Then most paints require at least two coats of paint plus a sealer on top. The upside of the longer process is that it lasts longer. Depending on how exposed your deck is and how much it’s used, paint tends to last several years, whereas you may need to re-stain after just a year or two.

Maintenance
A painted deck is easier to maintain. Because it dries to a slick surface, it is easier to sweep off dust and dirt. If you are looking to change things up, a previously stained deck can be painted following the application process above. But switching from paint to stain can be difficult because you need to completely remove the paint with sandpaper or paint stripper.

Types of Stains
If you have decided to stain, there are three main types of stains you will need to choose from depending on what type of end product you are looking for:
• Solid stains create a darker, more uniform look and cover more of the wood’s natural elements like paint while still providing moisture blocking benefits.
• Semi-transparent stains allow you to see the wood’s natural characteristics while adding a hint of tint.
• Clear wood preserves are great if you want to keep the natural color of the wood but still protect it from water and UV rays.

Get the Most Out of Your Effort
No matter which option you choose, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your paint or stain:
• If you paint, use primer first. This will help protect the wood, fill in gaps and extend the life of your paint.
• Consult the weather, making sure you have as many rain-free days as possible to avoid ruining your hard work.
• Make sure the wood is clean and totally dry before you begin application.
• Wait six months to paint or stain pressure treated lumber to ensure it dries out. Staining treated lumber, or painting it, before the wood has had a chance to fully dry is more likely to lead to failure of the coating. You can determine when your deck is ready to be coated with a quick trick. Sprinkle a few droplets of water onto the surface and pay attention to what happens, If the water penetrates the wood and is absorbed quickly, it is ready to paint or stain. If it beads on the surface, it is not ready, and you should do the test again in a few weeks.
• Don’t paint or stain your deck if it is wet and choose a day when it is cooler than 80ºF. Follow the directions on the can and apply in the direction of the wood grain.
• Make sure every surface is coated, including the end grain of the wood, to prevent moisture seeping in and rotting the wood.

• Give your deck plenty of time to dry and cure before you walk on it or put your furniture back, ideally 48 hours.

Personalize Your Space
Now that your deck is in great shape, you can personalize it to suit your needs. Add furniture to create the functionality you want, such as a dining table for outdoor meals, or comfy couches and chairs for lounging. Special touches like a fire pit, water feature or bird feeder can add visual interest. Outdoor rugs, plants and colorful pillows will make your outdoor room feel welcoming and comfortable. You’re only limited by your imagination!

Boilard Lumber Can Help
Whether you are refinishing your existing deck or building a whole new one, Boilard Lumber has the supplies and advice to help you get the job done right. Our high quality, top brand paints and stains are sure to make your deck look brand new.

Boilards.com
413.543.4100

476 Oak Street
Indian Orchard, MA
Monday – Friday: 7:00AM to 4:30PM
Saturday: 8:00AM to 12:30PM

Western Mass Women is pleased to welcome Boilards Lumber of Indian Orchard to our Contributing Writer’s family. Boilards will be doing a monthly article and you can find it in our
DO It YOURSELF section of the Western Mass Women Magazine and The Hartford County Women Magazine.