Decks don’t maintain themselves; some work has to go into preserving their color, bright appearance, and their lifespan. This is because decks are usually exposed to the elements all year round. This includes direct sunlight, rain, ice, snow, sleet, etc. That is why you want to do things that will help minimize the effects of these elements on your wooden deck.

When exploring different ways to get the best out of their deck, homeowners are usually advised to stain their decks. This leaves one with the question of if deck staining is truly necessary. So, if you’re a homeowner in Overland Park and you’re wondering whether you should consider staining your deck, we answer your question in this article. Be sure to click “visit website” for more information.

Why should you stain your deck?

To decide whether deck staining is necessary for your Overland Park home, it may do some good to know some of the benefits of having your deck stained. The following are some of them:

Sun damage prevention

When wood is not treated or sealed, it suffers a lot of damage from the sun. The effect of sun damage on the wood includes a gradual change in color, its shape may warp, and the wood may dry out a lot faster than expected, thereby causing it to crack more easily. With your deck stained with high-quality material, the wood is protected from damage from sun rays, and its lifespan is extended. 

Protects against moisture

Deck staining has a waterproofing effect on the wood, thereby preventing moisture from seeping into it, just as your home is protected from moisture with exterior painting. While paint covers the deck much better than stains, the deck stain still serves as a barrier between the wood and moisture. When water penetrates the wood, there’s a risk of mold and mildew growth, the wood may expand and become weak, making plank replacement and deck repair necessary. 

Prevents cracking

It is generally wrongly believed that all potential wood problems can be solved by sealing the deck with a sealant. However, sealants alone cannot prevent the wood from cracking. The wood of your deck can easily crack from the effect of the sun and the natural drying process. A great way to help the wood retain the necessary moisture and prevent excess water from seeping into the wood is by using an oil-based stain. This will protect the wood from cracking, warping, and moisture buildup.

Prevents wood rots

When wood rots, the deck becomes dangerous to anyone on it. Unfortunately, wood rots cannot be repaired. Decking staining, however, helps to protect your wood from rots of all kinds by keeping out the mold, mildew, termites, and other pests that can cause the wood to rot. 

Preserves its attractiveness

One of the effective ways of sustaining your deck’s beauty without too much maintenance is by regularly sealing and staining it. The use of high-quality products and professional input will ensure that the deck is properly sealed and protected from the elements. Excess moisture will be prevented and mold growth is inhibited.

Saves costs

Not only will deck staining in Overland Park extend the lifespan of your deck, but it will also save you from long-term complications and the need for frequent repairs, thereby saving you money in the long run. This is especially true when a professional does the staining and the high-quality products are used.

Signs to look out for

Beyond just looking shabby, there are a number of signs that may suggest that your deck needs to be stained and refinished. The following are some of them:

  • The boards are splintering
  • The paint is peeling and flaking
  • There are cracks on the boards
  • There are visible mold and mildew on the deck frame and planks
  • The wood has a dry and old appearance
  • The deck’s color has faded or been discolored.
  • The deck has spongy or soft spots when walked across
  • The screw boards are loose 

How much does Overland Park deck staining cost?

A number of variables need to be considered to determine how much it would cost to stain your deck. Some of the factors to think of includes the size of the deck, the current condition of the deck, the type of product to be used, labor costs, etc. You want to use products that are of high-quality, and that are suitable to the climate of Overland Park.

Apparently, the larger the deck size, the more the volume of the products that will be needed to stain it. Generally, a gallon of stain should suffice for a deck of about 175 square feet. Anything larger than this may require two or more gallons. The volume of stain you need is not depended on the type of transparency you opt for.

While getting exact figures for the cost of staining your deck is not a straightforward process, you can expect to spend between $2 to $5 per square foot. The best way to get accurate figures is by engaging the service of a professional who will come to inspect your deck and come up with an estimate based on your requirements.

How often should you stain your deck?

No matter how well sealed and stained your deck is, it will still have to battle with the elements. The scorching sun, the heavy rain, the piling snow, dirt, debris, oil spillage, etc. all have their effect on the deck over a period of time.

Having this in mind, it is important that you begin by using high-quality products to stain your deck and let a professional do the job. With the right things in place, you can expect your deck stain to last from 3-5 years.

Bottom line

Staining is a great way to preserve the attractive look of the deck of your Overland Park home. it also helps to extend its lifespan and save you money on frequent repairs down the line.

To stain your deck, it is important that you hire a reputable deck-staining company in Overland Park. Check out some of them on the Home Advisor.