Deck Refinishing FAQ
How long does deck stain last?
Most major stain manufacturers recommend ongoing maintenance, with horizontal deck surfaces wearing faster than vertical surfaces due to sun, snow, and normal use.
Deck stain does not fail all at once. It slowly wears away as it protects the wood.
What affects how long it lasts
- Sun exposure and elevation
- Moisture from snow and drainage patterns
- Furniture movement and everyday use
- Stain transparency level and surface prep
- How consistently maintenance is kept up
Done right and maintained over time, deck staining is how wood decks reach their full usable life.
Why is my deck stain peeling?
Deck stain peels when it cannot bond properly to the wood, most often because moisture or old coatings interfere with absorption.
Peeling is usually the result of conditions that develop over time, not a single bad application.
Common causes
- Old stain or paint layers that never fully bonded
- Moisture trapped in shaded or slow drying areas
- Stain applied before the wood was ready
- Surfaces damaged by aggressive cleaning
Fixing the cause matters more than applying another coat
What is the best time of year to stain a deck in Colorado?
The best time to stain a deck is when temperatures are moderate and the weather stays stable long enough for proper penetration and cure.
In Colorado, conditions matter more than the calendar.
Good conditions typically include
- Mild daytime temperatures
- Nights staying above freezing
- A dependable stretch of dry weather
- Manageable sun exposure during application
Staining is planned around conditions, not seasons.
How long does a deck need to dry before staining?
A deck needs to be dry below the surface, not just dry to the touch, before stain can perform correctly.
Wood that still holds internal moisture will not accept stain evenly.
Drying time depends on
- How wet the deck was before cleaning
- Shade and airflow
- Board thickness and age
- Recent weather patterns
Proper drying protects both appearance and longevity.
Do you have to sand a deck before staining?
Sanding is not always required, but it can be helpful when the surface has raised grain, splintering, or uneven wear.
Sanding does not correct structural issues and should never shorten the life of the board.
Sanding is useful when
- The surface is rough but still solid
- Light correction improves comfort and appearance
Sanding is not useful when
- Boards are already worn thin
- Cracks and cupping are deep
The condition of the surface determines how it should be prepped.
Can you stain over existing deck stain?
Sometimes a new coat can be applied over existing stain, but only if the current finish is worn in and still bonded well.
For stain to perform, it must be able to absorb evenly into the wood.
Staining over existing stain works when
- The previous stain is thin and not peeling
- Water soaks into the wood consistently
It does not work when
- The old finish is flaking or built up
- Some areas absorb stain while others repel it
This is determined by how the surface behaves, not how it looks.
Can you stain a deck that was painted?
A painted deck can usually be repainted, but returning to a natural stained wood look after years of paint is often unrealistic.
Paint changes how wood behaves over time.
Refinishing painted decks works best when
- The goal is another solid color finish
- Existing paint is bonded and stable
It works poorly when
- Paint is peeling in layers
- Moisture has been trapped beneath the coating
Understanding that limitation prevents disappointment.
Can you stain a deck in direct sun?
Staining in direct sun depends on surface temperature, timing, and the stain being used.
Sun itself is not the problem. Heat and rapid drying are.
Staining can work when
- Application is timed to manage exposure
- The surface is not overheated
- A wet edge can be maintained
Problems occur when
- Boards are hot to the touch
- Stain dries before it can level or penetrate
Experience and planning matter more than shade alone.
Will power washing ruin my deck?
Power washing can damage wood if used aggressively, but controlled washing is a normal part of proper deck preparation.
The goal is cleaning, not carving the wood.
Power washing is appropriate when
- Pressure and technique match the wood condition
- Fibers are cleaned without being raised or torn
It becomes harmful when
- High pressure is used to strip or shape boards
- Soft or aging wood is already compromised
The surface should dictate the method.
Is deck staining worth it?
Yes. When done correctly and maintained consistently, deck staining is one of the best ways to preserve wood and extend its usable life.
Staining does not stop aging. It slows it.
Staining is a good investment when
- Boards are still solid and serviceable
- The surface can accept prep evenly
- Maintenance is viewed as part of ownership
Staining stops making sense when
- Boards have reached the end of their usable surface life
- No amount of prep allows stain to perform correctly
An honest evaluation protects both the deck and the homeowner.