Stain vs. Paint for Old Wooden Decks: Why Stain Wins Every Time
If you're looking to bring life back to your old wooden deck, you've likely debated staining vs. painting. Pro painters overwhelmingly agree: stain is the way to go. Here's why paint fails, why stain is better, and how to prepare your deck for long-lasting results.
Why You Should Skip the Paint
Paint Traps Moisture
Paint encapsulates moisture, holding it against the wood. Over time, this leads to rot and structural damage.
Flaking and Peeling
Paint sits on top of the surface, so it will eventually chip and peel, becoming a nightmare to maintain.
Difficult to Refinish
Once your deck is painted, future repairs and refinishes become labor-intensive, often requiring full stripping.
Why Staining (or Oiling) Is Better
Breathable Finish
Stain allows wood to breathe and dry out after rain, preventing trapped moisture.
Penetrates Wood Fibers
Stains soak into the wood, hydrating the boards instead of forming a film that peels.
Easier Upkeep
Products like ReadySeal or TWP make reapplication simple. Clean and re-stain—no stripping needed.
Natural Wood Look
Stain enhances the natural grain and texture, creating a more attractive, rustic finish.
Pro Tip: Oil-based stains are the best choice. Once you choose oil, you'll need to stick with it in the future, but upkeep is easy.
Recommended Stain Products
Professionals frequently recommend:
- ReadySeal – User-friendly, forgiving application, great for DIYers.
- TWP (Total Wood Preservative) – Excellent penetration and long-lasting results.
Both are non-topical products that won't chip or peel, and they simplify future maintenance.
Prepping Your Deck for Staining
Preparation is everything. Here's what pros suggest:
Inspect and Repair Boards
- ☉ Replace any rotted or severely damaged boards.
- ☉ Deal with popped screws—drill new pilot holes to avoid splitting boards.
- ☉ Leave snapped screws embedded if removing them could damage the wood.
Pressure Wash
Clean thoroughly with a house wash solution and a coarse brush to remove dirt and mildew.
Sand for a Smooth Surface
Lightly sand after washing to remove splinters and open the grain for better stain penetration.
Dry Completely
Allow your deck to dry fully before applying stain to ensure even absorption.
Apply Stain or Oil
- ☉ Use a sprayer, brush, or roller to apply stain evenly.
- ☉ Focus on coverage, letting the wood drink in the product.
Ongoing Maintenance
Decks need seasonal attention, especially older ones:
- ☉ Re-stain Once a Year (or As Needed): Oil-based stains make yearly maintenance fast and easy—just clean and reapply.
- ☉ Regular Cleaning: A quick scrub with house wash keeps mold and mildew away.
- ☉ Quick Fixes: Tighten or replace screws, swap damaged boards, and keep hardware rust-free.
Why You'll Love Stain Over Paint
Here's a quick comparison:
| Feature | Paint | Stain/Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture Resistance | Traps moisture | Breathes, allows drying |
| Finish Type | Topcoat, flakes/peels | Penetrates, no peeling |
| Appearance | Solid, hides wood grain | Natural, enhances wood grain |
| Maintenance | Stripping required | Easy reapplication |
| Longevity | Short-term aesthetics | Long-term durability |
Final Take
Your deck was built some years ago. With some rotting boards and screws breaking, paint would only make problems worse. Stain—especially a quality oil-based product like ReadySeal—will:
- ☉ Protect your deck from rot and moisture.
- ☉ Keep future upkeep simple and affordable.
- ☉ Showcase your deck's natural wood beauty.
Skip the paint headaches, prep thoroughly, and invest in a high-quality stain. Your future self (and your deck) will thank you.
Contact the Paint All Stars team if you're looking to get your deck stained, we have experienced professionals ready to take on all types of staining jobs.