Home patios and decks are great spots to spend balmy summer days and nights. Keep your outdoor surfaces looking their best for years to come by applying an exterior wood stain or deck sealer. Ace is here to help you find the right product for your needs.
Deck Waterproofing with Exterior Wood Stain
Deck stain, or wood sealer, is a crucial product for all homeowners with decks, patios, fences, and other wood structures that are exposed to the elements. Exterior wood stain and deck sealer are key to waterproofing your deck. They protect wood from water, moisture, and harmful UV rays, helping to prevent excessive wear and tear, rot, and infestations. Using an exterior stain or deck sealer can also make your deck much more visually appealing.
Wood Stain vs. Wood Sealer
After you decide on extra protection for your deck, you’ll have to decide between deck stain and sealer. While both are great for protecting against moisture and water, and thus potential rot, the key difference between the two is in their application.
- Wood Sealer: Wood sealer is a clear application best used for highlighting the natural qualities of a wooden structure.
- Wood Stain:Stains are pigmented, providing color for aesthetic and practical purposes, like blocking harmful UV rays that might prematurely age or damage the wood.
Opacity Considerations for Fence, Siding or Deck Stain
Whether you’re shopping for a deck or floor stain, understanding the differences between opacity options can help you choose the right finish. Whether Cabot, Thompson’s Waterseal, Benjamin Moore or any other brand, each manufacturer provides a unique set of products and finishes, including clear, translucent and solid.
- Clear: Like a varnish, a clear stain allows the wood’s natural beauty to show through while providing waterproof protection. Clear finishes are sometimes called clear wood sealers because they don't contain color pigment.
- Translucent: Opt for a translucent deck and siding stain to highlight the natural grain while adding a subtle touch of color.
- Semi-transparent: A popular option, semi-transparent deck stain has more color but still allows the wood grain to remain visible once it dries.
- Semi-solid: A semi-solid porch stain does a better job of hiding imperfections without completely concealing the wood grain.
- Solid: A solid stain mostly conceals the wood grain, providing a heavier, thicker finish that’s similar to floor and porch paint.
Benefits of Wood Resurfacer
While certain structural issues and rot problems may necessitate replacing your wooden deck completely, the normal toll time takes on your deck may be addressed with a wood resurfacer. It goes on thick, helping to cover up issues caused by normal use, and may revitalize the aesthetic appeal of an older deck.
Deck Stain vs. Fence Stain
While both deck stain and fence stain serve the purpose of protecting and enhancing the appearance of wood surfaces, they’re formulated differently to suit the specific needs and conditions of horizontal decks and vertical fences, respectively. When choosing between the two, consider factors like the type of wood, exposure to sunlight and moisture and the level of foot traffic or wear the surface will endure. If you’re focused on coordinating your exterior, make sure you purchase matching shades of deck and fence stain.
Painting Tools for Easy Deck and Fence Stain Application
Explore our collection of premium painting accessories designed for easy application. From smooth-gliding paint brushes for flawless coverage to paint roller covers and roller frames for quick transformations, Ace offers everything you need for a stress-free, mess-free painting experience.
Shop Fence and Deck Stain at Ace Hardware
Applying a fence sealer, exterior wood stain or clear deck sealer to your deck or fence revives the surface and helps protect your structures from weather damage. Discover several shades of deck and fence stain near you or online, as well as concrete stain, door stain and others to complement the look of your home.
