Painting vs. Staining Your Deck

It’s no secret that Australians love their decks, whether it’s to entertain family and friends in the summer or spend a quiet night under the outdoor heater in the winter. As an extension of your home, your deck can add value, kerb appeal and space to your property, making them a valuable addition in many more ways than one.

Like all parts of the home, decks require proper maintenance and care to help them look their very best. Unprotected wood can warp and crack under our harsh UV rays, potentially leading to expensive repairs and increased safety hazards. Painting and staining your deck are two of the most common ways to protect it from the elements and keep it looking brand new. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both painting and staining your deck, helping you make the best decision for your family and your home.

Painting

Deck paint is made from a special formula that’s thicker than regular paint and has mould and mildew preventatives. Professional deck painting services are available to help you get the best results possible, extending the lifespan of your deck and providing year-round protection. Just remember, deck sanding is required beforehand to provide a smooth, absorbent surface for both paint and stain to adhere to.

Pros

• Deck paint is incredibly durable and can last up to 10 years before you’ll need to repaint again.
• Provides protection from sun damage, which is especially important in Australia thanks to our high levels of UV radiation.
• Deck paint lasts longer than stain and provides better coverage of any imperfections. If your deck is on the older side and is starting to show its age, paint can mask these flaws and help restore it to its previous appearance.
• There are more colour options to suit the existing colour of your home’s exterior or to complement it with a matching colour. Many people choose to paint their homes’ exterior and their deck at the same time, elevating the look of their property on all fronts.

Cons

• Deck paint is permanent and you’ll most likely have to stick to paint rather than stain for the rest of its life. Although you’ll be able to paint over it with new colours or shades, going from painting to staining is possible but it’s also expensive and time-consuming.
• Deck painting takes longer and requires more labour than deck staining, so your best bet is to call in the professionals to get the job done right.
• For those who love the natural beauty of wood, deck paint can conceal these elements permanently

Staining

Staining is another popular option for protecting decks across Australia, with both solid, semi-transparent, and clear sealers readily available for you to enhance the natural beauty of your deck to your liking.

Pros

• With all the various kinds of stains available, you can choose how much of your deck’s texture, colour and grain you want to show off. By having control over the level of opacity, you can make the choice based on the condition of your deck and how much sprucing up it needs.
• Staining is more affordable than painting, as you only need the stain itself to get the job done. With painting, you need primer, paint and sealer.
• Due to only the single coat needing to be applied, it’s a quicker and easier process too.

Cons

• While paint lasts for up to a decade, stain only lasts for an average of two years. Even if you use professional services, paint will last much longer regardless.
• Paint can be used to fill in cracks or flaws in your deck, however, stain cannot be relied on as a repair method as it’s thinner and isn’t able to fill in any areas of damage.
• Certain woods, especially tropical ones, don’t hold stain well, due to their density. Instead, your best bet is to apply a clear wood preservative every three to four years to help avoid UV damage.
• Transparent stains fail to offer much UV protection at all, meaning that you’ll have to opt for a solid option if this is a high priority for you.

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