Let's get that deck ready for Summer!!

Staining a Deck & Railings

Decks tend to be subject to the harshest weather conditions. As they usually get a maintenance coat every couple of years it is very important to make sure that you choose a stain that does not need to be removed each maintenance coat unless you really love sanding. We find most clients are on a 2 year maintenance cycle for their decks to keep them looking nice and avoiding having to sand. Log and wood railings are often on the same cycle.

WARNING: Ensure Stain Compatibility with other Coatings/Chinking/Caulking

Did you know that some coatings that you use may contain non-drying oils or waxes and may prevent you from using chinking and caulking in the future? If you are not certain, ask a specialist about our compatibility testing, database of various stains and chemical ingredient review service.

CAUTION: Only use Log Products on Log Homes

We receive phone calls daily from people disappointed they bought a deck/fence /wood stain at a big box or hardware store and it failed early. Log's Ain't Wood and they behave much differently. You don't treat a 2x4 the same you way treat a log. You want a product specifically engineered to perform properly for your home. Would you rather save a hundred dollars on product? Or do the job twice as often??

NEW DECKS

01.

The method you choose to stain your deck can vary:

  • New Decks
    • Typically wait 3-12 months before staining. The chemicals used in pressure treated wood and the moisture content of new wood make stain penetration a problem if stained too early. 
    • Should get a full prep before staining. If you want the best performance out of your stain, a new deck should be prepped too.

PRO TIP

IDEAL PREP:  Sand the deck down to a 60 grit finish so the pores of the wood are open and ready to receive stain. This also removes mill glaze from the wood allowing for stain penetration. Rent (usually about $75-$100/weekend)  a drum sander for big areas and decks that are rough, cupped or warped.  A random orbital sander works well for smaller areas to remove splintering and open the wood pores, but won’t work well for any warping or cupping of the deck boards.  

OK PREP: A wood cleaner/brightener and pressure wash can also be used but won’t do anything for rough, cupped or warped boards. It will also require waiting for the wood to drop below 19% moisture content before staining. 

CAUTIONS:

1) Check surface temperature of the wood. In general if there is sunlight on the deck boards, it will likely be too hot to stain. Applying stains when the wood is too hot results in “flashing” instead of the stain penetrating. This can later lead to peeling. Confirm application temperature as each stain is slightly differrent. 

2) Be sure to not sand with too fine of sandpaper. Most stains call for between 60-80 grit sanding prior to application so the pores of the wood are open to receive stain. Sanding too smooth closes these pores and does not allow penetration. This can lead to peeling later. Confirm preparation instructions as each stain is slightly different. 

MAINTAINING YOUR DECK

02.

Hopefully you chose a non-peel formula last time. 

  • If a no-peel formula was applied properly, then this should be simple. 
  • Clean off any dust, pollen, bird poo, etc. with a wood cleaner. Gently pressure wash off. Wait until wood dries below 19% moisture content. 

If you didn’t use a non-peel formula last time:  

  • If it is peeling now…See Deck Restoration below 😥

PRO TIP

Maintenance Cycles: Most decks with full sun/rain exposure will need a maintenance coat every 1-2yrs. The big question is at that time…do you need to sand it all down making the job much bigger? Most of the deck stains we carry are non-peel formulas which usually means your maintenance is easier as if fades instead of peels. Remember: If you wait too long with even a non-peeling stain, you could find yourself sanding it down.  Color matching if sections are faded down to raw wood can be a pain and usually is easier to sand down.  

RESTORING A DECK

03.

A big job for sure, but worth it when done. 

  • If you got here because you didn’t use a deck stain with a non-peel formula last time…change your strategy this time. 
  • Making Repairs:  Check first for damaged, cracked or warped boards that may require sanding. Pay close attention to parts of the deck close to the ground. If rot is encountered, speak with one of our specialists before replacing as it may be fixable. 
  •  Clean the Surface: Now you must determine your prep strategy. Wood in good shape but the coating is not or the wood has greyed? Maybe just a pressure wash and wood cleaner/brightener.  Cupping, warping, splintering, cracking? Sanding would result in a better prep job. 

PRO TIP

Be sure to sink in any screws or nails that may catch the sand paper. 
Many deck stains fail prematurely when snow from the winter is not removed or a metal edge shovel is used. 
Don’t forget to at least remove the snow off your deck around the bottom couple of  logs to prevent rot and early stain failure.   

Deck, Fence and Trim Stains

Sansin Deck Stain

Price range: $15.59 through $627.99

Sansin Dec is a penetrating, breathable finish designed for decks, docks, and other horizontal wood surfaces. It delivers superior water and UV protection without cracking, peeling, or blistering—ideal for high-traffic exterior applications.

Product Quantity Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Sansin Dec Topcoat

Price range: $18.99 through $577.99
Sansin DEC Topcoat is a durable, breathable topcoat designed to extend the life of Sansin DEC finishes on decks, fences, and siding. It enhances color retention, repels water, and resists peeling and UV degradation for long-term surface protection.
Product Quantity Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Perma-Chink Deck Defense (Hybrid)

Deck Defense is the best wood stain for your decks, rails and fences. It has been engineered for better performance, longer life, and easier application. Although it is a totally waterborne product, Deck Defense has penetrating properties like oil finishes, but unlike oil-based products, it hardens into a lattice-like coating, supporting and strengthening the natural wood fibers from the inside out. Customers can feel secure in the knowledge that their investment is protected from the natural damaging effects of sun, wind, and water. Deck Defense is easy to apply and maintain, and is ideal for coating decks, fences, railings and other horizontal surfaces. Our new deck stain is available in seven colors to complement our exterior wall finishes. Deck Defense can be applied over older Deck Defense-stained decking provided proper application and surface preparation.

REQUEST FREE SAMPLES (click here)

Stain Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Perma-Chink Log & Timber Defense (Hybrid)

Log and Timber Defense is a new technology semi-transparent wood stain that provides the ease of application and penetration of the older solvent oils with the performance and longevity of a penetrating polymer based finish. This combination is truly unique. Log and Timber Defense penetrates into the wood like an oil coating, but unlike oils, it hardens into a lattice, supporting and strengthening the natural wood fibers to protect the wood from the inside out.

REQUEST FREE SAMPLES (click here)

Stain Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Sansin Roof-Tec

Price range: $351.99 through $370.99
Sansin Roof-Tec is a high-performance, penetrating treatment that protects cedar and pine shake or shingle roofs from water, UV, and structural degradation. Available in Naturals, Translucent, Saturated, Ultra Saturated, and Solid Hide colors, it extends roof life while preserving the wood’s character. Product Quantity Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Sansin SDF Naturals Topcoat

Price range: $140.99 through $645.99
SDF Naturals Topcoat is a low-lustre, eco-friendly finish that locks in the colour of Sansin SDF while adding long-lasting UV and water protection to exterior wood—all without cracking, peeling, or blistering. This product does not require tinting and is formulated for Sansin's Natural colors. Product Quantity Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Sansin PROTECT-A-CUT

Original price was: $24.99.Current price is: $20.99.
Water resistant protective coating for ends of Pressure Treated Lumber.
Product Quantity Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Sansin Foundation

Price range: $99.99 through $501.99
Sansin Foundation is a penetrating wood conditioner that prepares and stabilizes bare wood for even stain absorption. It enhances finish uniformity, reduces blotchiness, and improves long-term performance of Sansin Classic and SDF systems Product Quantity Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Sansin ENS Optimum Clear

Price range: $61.99 through $702.99
Sansin ENS Optimum Clear is a high-performance clear topcoat that delivers exceptional durability and UV protection. Compatible with Sansin systems such as SDF, Classic, DEC, and ENS, as well as other water- and solvent-based finishes. Ideal for use on wood, fiberglass, metal, and composite substrates. Available in Gloss, Satin, Low Lustre, and Extra Low Lustre sheens, it enhances and preserves color with a long-lasting, low-maintenance finish. To refresh color, it can be tinted with different tint loads. Product Quantity Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Sansin Pressure Plus

Original price was: $79.99.Current price is: $72.99.
Sansin PressurePlus is a one-step, water-borne treatment that enhances the color and durability of pressure-treated wood. Designed for decks, fences, and balconies, it reduces swelling, improves water repellency, and adds UV protection with a natural, breathable finish. Product Quantity Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Sikkens Deck Stain

Original price was: $156.99.Current price is: $149.99.
Sikkens deck stain Cetol DEK Finish, now renamed Sico Proluxe Premium Deck Wood Finishing in Canada  is a high performance, translucent satin finish for exterior decks. This alkyd high solids formulation offers optimum protection, ultimate durability and a beautiful furniture finish appearance with the simplicity of a one product two coat application
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Sansin ENS Naturals Topcoat

Price range: $152.99 through $702.99
Sansin ENS Naturals Topcoat is a clear, satin-finish wood coating that enhances the tone of natural wood while boosting UV protection and water repellency. Ideal for use over existing finishes like SDF, Classic, DEC, or ENS, this environmentally friendly topcoat delivers long-lasting beauty and durability for decks, siding, doors, and outdoor furniture. Product Quantity Calculator & More Info
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Clear

Yes. Sashco Transformation Siding and Trim would be a transparent or semi- transparent. Timberpro comes in transparent, semi-transparent and solid

What our clients are  Saying