Should I paint or stain wood?

Wood – whether it’s a hardwood floor, your staircase railing or even a piece of furniture – can make a great addition to any home. But what if the natural wood color doesn’t go good with your home, or you’re looking for a change? 

There are a couple of ways to change the way that your wood deck or floors look. You could add a fresh coat of stain or you could add a fresh coat of paint. While both can be tempting, any painting services company would tell you to think about it before making a decision.

What’s the difference between painting and staining wood? 

Staining wood will bring out the best qualities of the wood while turning it a different color. Essentially, it can make the wood look new again. 

Painting is just what it sounds like – adding a coat of paint over wood.  Paint lasts long and will give you a variety of bold colors staining might not be able to. 

What are the pros and cons? 

Staining can be healthy for the wood, making it last longer and bringing out elements of the wood patterns you might not even know are there. It’s relatively easy to apply and budget-friendly. 

The only downside is that staining doesn’t last as long – you’ll find yourself adding a new coat every other year or so.

Painting will last up to ten years and offers a lot more variety of colors. It’s a bit more expensive, in part due to the prep and aftercare required. Before you paint, you have to treat the wood with preservative and then apply a seal afterwards. 

One of the major downsides to painting is that it’s hard to remove and if you don’t utilize professional painting services to do it, it is likely to ruin your wood underneath. 

Still can’t decide? 

Painting and staining is a huge decision. Regardless of what you might be leaning towards, our craftsmen at Handyman Connection will be happy to provide you with consultation and painting services to help make your home great.

*Not all services provided in all areas, check with your local office.