Many homeowners wonder, “How often should I stain my deck?” To keep a deck looking great and prolong the life of the wood, a deck should be stained every two to three years. Other signs your deck needs staining are: The deck has mold or mildew buildup. Water soaks into the deck boards and no longer beads up.

Can I leave my deck unstained?

It may be many years before an untreated deck becomes completely unusable. However, a deck that is properly sealed and maintained with a yearly maintenance program consistently outlive a deck that is left to its own devices by a significant margin.

When should a deck be stained?

That means staining as soon as possible after your deck is complete to prevent dust and dirt from accumulating on the surface of your deck. Apply stain when the temps are between 50 and 90 degrees, and avoid staining in direct sunlight if possible. Sun dries out stain quickly and can create uneven color or brush marks.