Wooden decks give outdoor spaces a timeless charm, but they do have to be restained periodically. Power washing and a fresh coat of stain protect wood from moisture, sun damage, and insects. Here are a few basic steps for staining your wood deck and keeping it looking beautiful for years to come Staining a Deck in 4 Easy Steps 1. Power-Wash the Deck The cleaner the surface when you start, the better a deck will look after staining. Power washing removes accumulated dirt and grime along with mold and other residues that can negatively impact a new finish. 2. Choose a Product The stain you choose will affect the appearance of your deck and your future maintenance needs. Transparent stains, which let the natural grain of the wood show through, usually have to be reapplied every year. Although opaque stains may last five years or longer, they tend to look more like paint. 3. Apply the First Coat Once a deck is dry, use a natural bristle brush to apply the first coat. Be careful to work the stain into the wood's grain and pores as well as into the joints where boards meet. https://www.hotshotzmobilepowerwash.com/ 4. Go Over It Again Once the first coat has dried, the wood won’t absorb any more stain. Apply a second coat right away, and allow it to dry completely. Many types of wood require two coats of stain to be fully protected. If your deck is constructed of dense hardwoods, however, you may need only one.