Staining Services
The Deck Doc has a good understanding of staining in eastern Pennsylvania. We understand the strengths and weaknesses of the different products or stains that are offered at your local stores. We offer skill and knowledge when it comes to completing a job for our customers.
Protecting Your Deck :
Wood left unprotected will warp and crack, if it is not treated with some type of protection, especially pressure treated lumber. Pressure treated pine is used to build most decks and fences on the east coast because of its affordability and availability. However, it is also several hundred times more likely to warp and have problems from exposure to the elements.
Sun and rain are the two largest contributors to warping, graying, and cracking. Over time if left unprotected and not frequently treated, your deck or fence will go from a fabulous golden color to a drab gray color.
Wood left unprotected will warp and crack, if it is not treated with some type of protection, especially pressure treated lumber. Pressure treated pine is used to build most decks and fences on the east coast because of its affordability and availability. However, it is also several hundred times more likely to warp and have problems from exposure to the elements.
Sun and rain are the two largest contributors to warping, graying, and cracking. Over time if left unprotected and not frequently treated, your deck or fence will go from a fabulous golden color to a drab gray color.
When should I stain my deck or fence?
Decks, fences and other outdoor wood products need to be protected from the damaging effects of the sun, rain, and weather changes.
You should not procrastinate just because you don't see problems starting to occur. Staining a deck, fence or other outdoor products will slow the aging process down and help prevent warping, rotting, and cracking of the wood which can lead to moisture getting in to the wood instead of staying on top where it belongs.
Staining your deck, pergola, gazebo, or fence will make your investment last many extra years.
(Notice photographs throughout this website)
Decks, fences and other outdoor wood products need to be protected from the damaging effects of the sun, rain, and weather changes.
You should not procrastinate just because you don't see problems starting to occur. Staining a deck, fence or other outdoor products will slow the aging process down and help prevent warping, rotting, and cracking of the wood which can lead to moisture getting in to the wood instead of staying on top where it belongs.
Staining your deck, pergola, gazebo, or fence will make your investment last many extra years.
(Notice photographs throughout this website)
Semi Transparent Stain
vs
Solid Stain
Semi Transparent Stains:
The semi-transparent stain helps to preserve the wood grain effect of any deck, piece of wooden furniture, or outdoor building. This type of stain contains an anti-fungal element which prevents mold and algae. These stains will penetrate the wood and form a bond with the fibers, making them protected against the elements.
We recommend using this stain if you want the wood to keep the same basic texture and grain of the natural product.
The semi-transparent stain helps to preserve the wood grain effect of any deck, piece of wooden furniture, or outdoor building. This type of stain contains an anti-fungal element which prevents mold and algae. These stains will penetrate the wood and form a bond with the fibers, making them protected against the elements.
We recommend using this stain if you want the wood to keep the same basic texture and grain of the natural product.
Solid Color Stains:
Solid stains have been likened to a wood finish, rather than a stain, and that is a very accurate description. Solid color stains are non-penetrating, meaning that they lay upon the surface of the wood rather than bonding with it. Like topcoat finishes, this can lead to the wood becoming chipped and flaked. In addition, solid color stains do not usually contain an anti-fungal agent, and may not protect your wooden items against water as effectively as the penetrative semi transparent stains.
Solid stains have been likened to a wood finish, rather than a stain, and that is a very accurate description. Solid color stains are non-penetrating, meaning that they lay upon the surface of the wood rather than bonding with it. Like topcoat finishes, this can lead to the wood becoming chipped and flaked. In addition, solid color stains do not usually contain an anti-fungal agent, and may not protect your wooden items against water as effectively as the penetrative semi transparent stains.
The saying has gone, "once you go solid you don't go back to semi transparent stains". The reason for this is the cost and difficulty of the work to completely strip and remove the previous solid stain. To make deck finishing jobs more affordable on previously solid stained decks it is recommended to power wash and sand all loose areas to prevent immediate flaking and cracking. However, flaking and cracking are inevitable on solid stained decks, fences, etc.
Solid color stains are suitable for those projects where you wish for a more decorative than functional purpose.
It is The Deck Doc's recommendation that you do not choose solid color stains on your decking area as they will inevitably crack and flake and will not protect the deck against wood rot and algae.
Do not be discouraged if you chose a solid color stain and the a fore mentioned things have happened to your deck. You can still have a nice, enjoyable, presentable and affordable deck.
Please call The Deck Doc to get a Free Estimate today.
Solid color stains are suitable for those projects where you wish for a more decorative than functional purpose.
It is The Deck Doc's recommendation that you do not choose solid color stains on your decking area as they will inevitably crack and flake and will not protect the deck against wood rot and algae.
Do not be discouraged if you chose a solid color stain and the a fore mentioned things have happened to your deck. You can still have a nice, enjoyable, presentable and affordable deck.
Please call The Deck Doc to get a Free Estimate today.