Determining the Best Time To Stain Your Deck

Staining your deck does more than just improve its looks; it also protects it from the weather, which can wreak havoc with wooden structures. The conditions outdoors as the stain is applied can also affect the process. Here are some factors to take into consideration as you plan to stain your deck to achieve the best possible results.

Moisture and Humidity

One of the most important factors to consider when planning to have your deck stained is the moisture in the wood. If the wood is wet or damp, the stain will not stick to it. Therefore, you have to choose a time to have your deck stained when there has been no rain or snow for several days so that the wood is completely dry. Watch the relative humidity as well because, even if there hasn’t been any precipitation for several days, moisture in the air may cause the wood to become damp.

It is not enough to make sure the wood is dry before you stain the deck. If the wood gets wet afterward, it could affect the stain. Therefore, you should check the weather forecast during the planning process and choose a time when you can reasonably expect the weather to remain dry for 48 hours thereafter. While weather can be changeable and it is impossible to predict future conditions with 100% accuracy, you should at least be aware of the most likely probability.

Temperature

When you have stain applied to your wood, the temperature of the air affects the rate at which it dries. If it dries too quickly, it may not absorb into the wood properly. This can result in marks from the brush or roller used to apply the stain drying on the wood and remaining permanently visible. This is a cosmetic issue but one with which some people would rather not have to cope.

Stain that is applied in cold temperatures causes even bigger problems. When the temperature is too cold, it slows down the rate at which the stain dries. If the stain doesn’t dry completely within 12 hours, it will remain permanently tacky. This could make it more difficult and uncomfortable to walk on the deck. Stain should be applied when the temperature is between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Time of Year

To successfully stain your deck, conditions of both temperature and humidity need to be within these specific parameters. In Ontario, when winters can be frigid and summers can be hot and humid, conditions of temperature and humidity are likely to be the most favourable in the early fall or the late spring. When conditions tend to be more moderate, it is easier to strike the right balance to make the staining a success.

Time of Day

It is not only the time of year that makes a difference in successfully staining your deck but also the time of day at which the work gets done. At midday, when the rays from the sun are striking the deck directly, temperatures are likely to be hotter. They are likely to be more temperate in the evening or early in the morning.

It might be better to start the job in the morning as you do not need to contend with waning daylight. However, if you are comfortable with working under artificial lights, the evening is fine. It may also be that your schedule will not allow you to stain at any other time than during the day. In this case, you can put up a canopy or shade tent to protect your deck from the direct rays of the sun.

Handyman Connection Provides Professional Painting Services in Brantford

When you hire Handyman Connection to stain your deck, we consider all these complicated factors for you to produce the best results. Find out more about our deck services.