A common question facing many homeowners is whether they should paint or stain their deck when it’s in need of attention — and unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a simple answer. Neither option will last forever, but a professional painting service that’s fully bonded, licensed and insured will bring you the best results and can guide you in the right direction.
Let’s examine the pros and cons that come with painting and staining a deck, so you can make the best decision.
There are plenty of reasons to paint your deck, but you should know that it masks the detailed elements of the wood that make it unique. However, it lasts longer and comes with many color options. Paint provides a uniform look, which appeals to many homeowners. Over time, the uniform paint will peel and crack, which looks rather unsightly, but it might be a good option if your deck is particularly old and weathered. Let’s take a closer look at all the details.
The pros of painting your deck include:
It’s fairly easy to maintain. When you opt to paint your deck, you won’t have to refinish it anytime soon. A quality paint job, finished by a trusted professional, can last for ten years before needing repainting. Conversely, stains need reapplied every few years because they don’t offer the same protection against outdoor elements.
You enjoy more color options. If you choose to paint your deck, you won’t be limited in your color options. You can easily match the deck to rest of your home’s exterior, or use your deck to complement the color of your house. Many homeowners choose to paint the exterior of their home while painting the deck, which provides an excellent opportunity to unify your exterior space. Combining the two projects gives you the opportunity to make a striking impression that will last for years.
Paint hides flaws. If your deck is old and weathered, you may not want to display its every detail. Painting will mask the flaws in your wooden deck, making it a great option if your deck is near the end of its life. Painting can restore an old deck to like-new condition.
Staining your deck protects it from the outdoor elements while maintaining — often enhancing — its original, natural beauty. If your deck is made from a gorgeous wood, you can highlight its unique characteristics and beautiful grain. You’ll likely decide on a semi-transparent stain or a clear sealer for your deck, but stains also offer quite a few choices:
The pros of staining your deck include:
You choose how much of the wood’s color, grain and texture are visible. When you paint your deck, you’ll cover the entire wood surface with multiple thick, opaque coatings. When you stain, however, you can choose how much or how of little the natural wood shows through. You choose the level of opacity — from clear to solid-colored.
Quality stains penetrate the wood grain. A quality stain will seal the wood grain, so it prevents moisture from penetrating your deck and causing it to rot. A good stain generally provides better moisture retention than paint.
Staining allows you to highlight the beauty of your wooden deck. If your deck is made of beautiful wood, right stain and finish will enhance it. Unlike paint, which completely masks the wood’s beauty, a stain allows you to highlight its natural qualities. If your deck is made of cypress, redwood or cedar, and it’s in good shape, you may choose to stain it to showcase its color.
Stain is generally less slippery than paint. Some stains are slick, but for the most part they’re flatter and create a less slippery surface than a thick, quality paint job. If safety and slippage is a concern for your deck, stain is generally a better option.
When it’s time to upgrade your exterior, consider Signature Painting INC. We’ve been exceeding expectations for nearly 20 years, and we can do the same for you.
“To deliver unparalleled quality and a unique customer service experience in the residential and commercial painting markets.”
