It is no longer a secret that a deck suffers from wear and tear over time. Environmental exposure to factors such as sunlight, moisture, or water can affect its durability and appearance. That is why periodic staining and refinishing are needed to maintain your deck’s long-lasting strength and beauty. However, it is not easy to simply go inside a home depot and pick a deck finish or stain that you think is right for your outdoor living space. More often, you will see labels or descriptions of products and brands that seem confusing, so you end up asking yourself: Which one is better?There isn’t any simple answer nor a rule of thumb in choosing the right deck finish. Bear in mind that each deck finish or stain is formulated for specific purposes. That means it offers great advantages and potential drawbacks at the same time. But don’t fret. Though you cannot single out which deck finish stands out from the rest, you just need to identify the differences among these products and formulations. In this way, you can have a better idea of what to use for your outdoor living space. Take these following clues to narrow down your options and navigate the right solution, so you can spruce up the appeal of your deck.
Pigment Density
Stains or finishes are your deck’s protection against the harmful and weathering effects of UV rays and moisture. There are several labels and products available in the market. However, you can classify them into four types of pigmented stains or finishes: clear or transparent, semi-transparent, semi-solid, and solid. Let’s differentiate each type.
Transparent Or Clear
This is the least pigmented type of deck finish or stain. In fact, it contains no oils or pigments at all. The idea of putting a clear or translucent stain is to allow the natural color and feel of the wood. Though it is quite appealing to see the natural look of a wood deck, this type of stain has limited choices. Be mindful of the clear stains you will choose. Low-end clear finishes normally offer low or no protection from UV rays. Some transparent finishes, however, have organic stabilizers or UV absorbers. If you aim for low maintenance, a clear deck finish should not be your first option. This is because it requires refinishing every 12 to 18 months.
Semi-Transparent
A semi-transparent stain is an upgrade of clear stains for a reason that it provides more color tinting and better protection. Although the underlying wood grains and texture remain visible, this type of deck finish allows a longer lifespan and stronger protection from UV rays. It takes at least two years before you can have it reapplied.
Semi-Solid
The good thing about a semi-solid stain is that they are densely pigmented and has a longer lifespan than semi-transparent or clear stains. You can expect that this deck finish will last for more than two to three years, so it does not need reapplication every time. The application of the first coating will show through the underlying wood grains. However, a second coating will create an opaque appearance closed enough to a solid color stain.
Solid
Solid deck stains provide an opaque finish and offer the best protection against UV rays. This type of deck finish has many options and colors, so you won’t run out of choices. Since it is densely pigmented, it is ideal to cover wood grains and weathered parts of the deck. Solid stains can last for at least five to ten years under normal conditions. However, keep in mind that these types of stains are susceptible to chipping and peeling. Though it is beneficial to create a uniform color and conceal discoloration, they rather rest on the top of the deck surface. So, increased foot traffic and furniture over the deck may cause the stain to peel and crack.
Formulation
In choosing the right deck finishes, you must also understand which products are water-based, oil-based, or combined. This is because every product has a specific formulation and performs differently from each other. Knowing its differences enables you to decide whether it will complement and suit the material of your deck.
Oil-Based
Oil-based formulation achieves a glossy, natural timber look of the wood deck. This type of deck finish is good for deck surfaces because it does not peel or crack easily. The oil normally penetrates deeper into the wood, so you can expect that it won’t form a protective film. Also, oil-based finishes are easier to apply or recoat and offer lower maintenance than their water-based counterpart. Typically, it will last for more than 2 to 4 years. The major downside of oil-based formulation, however, is the cleanup process and its higher VOCs (or Volatile Organic Compounds). Oil-based stains need solvents for cleaning instead of a soap solution.
Water-Based
If you want to use an eco-friendlier product, then a water-based formulation is the ideal choice for you. This type of deck finish requires a much easier cleanup process as opposed to the oil-based formulation. Also, it produces lesser VOCs, so it is less dangerous to the environment and your health. However, since water-based formulation creates a paint-like finish and is thicker, they tend to form a protective film. Thus, it is very prone to peeling and cracking. Not to mention that it needs refinishing every one or two years.
Hybrid
To counter-effect some of the disadvantages of oil- and water-based deck finishes, a hybrid formulation is made. The combination of water and oil produces a better effect on the deck. It penetrates deeper into the wood as what oil-based does while it releases lesser VOCs. Moreover, it achieves great color retention, but the cleanup process is much easier. That means a soap solution is enough for the cleaning process even if the deck stain has an oil composition.
Color
Are you aiming to boost the charm of your deck while preserving its durability and strength? Why not add colors to it? Adding stain colors creates an inviting appearance to your outdoor living space. It also enhances the curb appeal of your property. The color you need to incorporate may vary depending on the design and landscape of your deck as well. In most landscape design and color ideas, you can utilize the color wheel rules. Aside from picking the right formulation and pigments for finishing, the stain color must blend well with your main house.
Price
If you are in the market to select the best finishes and stains, you must always consider this vital factor: the price. When looking for a specific brand or company, the price is somehow an indicator of its quality. Compare one product to another. Check the label or formulation. Determine which products contain better quality components or ingredients. In this way, you won’t be paying for something less of a quality. You may also want to ask a professional deck refinishing contractor for better recommendations.
Know Your Enemies
Aside from enhancing the aesthetic value of your outdoor living space, the best finish should protect your deck from the destructive forces of sunlight and water. These two are your enemies as they are present every day.
Water
The wood deck comes from trees. And trees love water that they can absorb it in any situation and every opportunity. When the water penetrates the wood, it will expand and eventually shrink when it dries up. The cycle can be different depending on the type of wood species. It can be slower if you have a denser wood deck than a softer wood deck. Due to changing seasons and a frequent wetting-drying cycle across the US, a lot of wood decks are very much prone to expansion and shrinkage. This is the main reason why you see small cracks on your deck boards. The more cracks appear, the more water your wood deck absorbs. The importance of having a protective deck finish is not to make your board waterproof, but to slow down the wetting and drying cycle, so it won’t easily develop cracks. In most cases, coating the ends of your deck boards with a protective finish can remedy the situation. This is normally part of the sealing process.Another reason why you need a protective finish is to reduce the moisture content in your deck, thereby preventing the growth of molds and mildew. You may also control this by using mildewcide additives. However, make sure to handle these products safely and ask an expert before using them on your deck.
Sunlight
Typically, wood has a combination of lignin and cellulose fibers. Lignin holds those fibers like glue to maintain its structure. However, ultraviolet rays from the sun can destroy lignin, which eventually loosens those cellulose fibers. A protective deck finish must absorb or reflect the harmful effects of UV light. And since this protection normally occurs on the top layer of your wood deck, it needs frequent reapplication of at least once a year.
Tips In Choosing The Best Deck Finish
Choosing the wrong color or finish could transform your deck into a great distraction and big trouble when it comes to maintenance. If you are still confused about which one to select, use the following tips:
1. Always Consider The Deck Material
The level of flexibility in colors and finishes typically depends on the kind of deck material you have. For instance, composite and wood decking are flexible options as they can be stained or painted in a wide array of colors. It gives you more options, so you can potentially have limitless ideas to spruce it up. However, if you really want the ability to change the colors of your deck whenever you desire, it is always best to choose wood decking.
2. Don’t Forget To Use Color Wheel
It is an excellent idea to replicate and follow the color wheel rules to create a pleasing palette in your deck colors and designs. In choosing the best color combination for your deck, you may want to consider a scheme that comprises three colors: accent, dominant, and secondary colors. You can also combine these colors in your outdoor furniture and deck features such as planters, outdoor pillows, to name a few.
3. Match Your Deck Colors To Home’s Exterior
When deciding the best color or finish for your deck, always remember that your outdoor living space must be a cohesive part of your main house. Thus, the deck color should match the color of your home’s exterior. You may consider stain colors or paint that blends well with the existing shades of the exterior elements of your house such as siding and trim.
4. Test The Colors First
Before you finally choose a stain, finish, or paint for your deck, always test it first on a small portion of your deck. You need to try it out first because some deck materials might affect the color. For instance, a wood deck has a tint that typically impacts the look of the stain or finish. Also, deck stains may look slightly different based on opacity and color. A clear stain enhances the natural color and grain of the wood, while a tinted stain provides a bit of color.
5. Blend The Deck Color With Surrounding Landscape
Aside from your home’s exterior, the landscape that surrounds your deck can also affect your choice of deck colors. For example, if you have a green landscape or your outdoor space is surrounded by lush plants, you may want to select orange or red that will blend well with the dominant hue. You may also transition the color of your indoor flooring to the color of your deck. A professional flooring contractor may help you provide some options and recommendations.
Final Thoughts
We understand that you always want to have a better outdoor living space. That is the reason why you are looking for the best deck finish in the market. However, you need to consider the pros and cons of each product and deck finish before you use it. Another helpful approach is to determine what you truly need. Ask yourself the following questions: Do you wish to have a natural, glossy appeal of your wood deck? Is the stain suitable for the deck material? Are you looking for a more pigmented appearance? How much is the price you are willing to pay? These questions will help you make a better decision. Now, if you feel that you are still in doubt in choosing the right stain or finish that will complement your deck, contact Deck Ready today. With our expertise and experience in deck building and refinishing, we are confident that we can help you make better choices for a better outdoor living space.
There isn’t any simple answer nor a rule of thumb in choosing the right deck finish. Bear in mind that each deck finish or stain is formulated for specific purposes. That means it offers great advantages and potential drawbacks at the same time. But don’t fret. Though you cannot single out which deck finish stands out from the rest, you just need to identify the differences among these products and formulations. In this way, you can have a better idea of what to use for your outdoor living space. Take these following clues to narrow down your options and navigate the right solution, so you can spruce up the appeal of your deck. 
