Calgary Handyman: Should I Paint or Stain a Deck?

Decks are excellent additions to any backyard landscape. The structures give you a suitable entertainment platform for easy dining and socializing. Unfortunately, the wood needs a lot of maintenance because it weathers outside. Painting services in Calgary can help with the upkeep of your deck, but you must decide on the preferred finish.

When discussing deck finishes, there are two options for wooden structures: paint or stain. Each option offers its unique benefits and potential issues. Both materials provide a beautiful, durable, practical finish, but stain might have a few additional benefits, making it the preferred option of many builders and homeowners. Still, personal preference has to influence your selection, especially if you are to be happy with it.

What To Expect When Painting Your Deck: The Pros and Cons

Painting a deck is a quick and easy solution to sealing it against the elements. An appropriate pain will hide the flaws of an older deck, making it look pristine from a distance and close up. That said, the paint will also cover over some of the more intricate grain details of the wood.

Paint is a long-lasting option. When you hire a professional and use quality paint, the finish can last up to 10 years with proper care and maintenance. Still, when it starts to wear, it can become unsightly. The material will crack, bubble, and peel. Refinishing the deck may take more work than using a stain.

One of the other benefits of paint is the variety of colours you can choose from. The substance creates a uniform and often complementary look to your house.

A significant problem with paint is it can trap moisture in the decking. Unlike stain, the paint sits on top of the wood, and as it ages and begins to chip and peel, water has direct access to the wood, where it soaks and sits.

Finally, if you choose to paint your deck, you usually always decide to have a painted one. The cost to remove paint so you can stain a deck is significant and not practical.

What To Expect When Staining Your Deck: The Pros and Cons

Staining a deck is a way of preserving the natural beauty of the wood. In many cases, a stain enhances the unique characteristics of the grain while protecting the wood. You can choose from several stain options.

Solid stains are usually darker and provide more complete coverage of the decking. The coverage aspect of solid stains is similar to paints.

Semitransparent stains provide UV protection and weatherproofing, but they are not as aggressive in terms of coverage. With semitransparent options, you get some colour while maintaining the natural look of the wood.

Clear wood preserves are best for preserving the look of natural, rich wood like redwood or cedar. The preserves might provide some UV protection and contain a fungicide, but the primary reason to use this type of stain is to preserve the natural colour of the wood.

Stains penetrate the wood surface more than paint, providing more protection. Also, unlike some paints, stains are less slippery.

The primary disadvantages of stain include its longevity, hold, and concealability. Stains don’t usually last more than a few years; also, some woods don’t even hold the substances that long, requiring more frequent applications. Finally, stains will not hide imperfections or cracks as well as paint; for that, you will need to hire deck repair services.

What To Expect When Hiring a Professional To Paint or Stain Your Deck

Whether dealing with a new deck installation or trying to repair an existing structure, a professional service can help. Professionals can explain your options in detail, highlighting all the pros and cons. They can also explain necessary maintenance and provide advice for upkeep. Contact Handyman Connection to speak with a painting or deck repair professional.