Deck Stains: Choose the Right One for Your Deck
Choosing the Type of Stain
Oil-Based
Pros:
Cons:
Water-Based
Pros:
Cons:
Choosing the Level of Opacity of the Stain
Clear Stains
Pros:
Cons:
Semi-Transparent Stains
Pros:
Cons:
Semi-Solid Stains
Pro:
Cons:
Solid Stains
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When building a deck, there are a lot of ways to create a foundation, such as concrete piers or wood posts. However, Postech Screw Piles are an excellent alternative that will ensure a solid and durable structure for your deck. Look out for the green outlines throughout this article to learn more about the advantages helical piles can bring to your outdoor space.
While there are many types of wood stains out there, most of the time you will find yourself picking between oil-based and water-based stains.
Oil-based stains are the most commonly used. They will normally have a linseed oil base or a mixture of linseed and varnish which gives time to wipe off any excess product before it dries.
Water-based might not be as popular as oil-based, but they can be useful in certain situations.
Did you know that Postech Screw Piles cause very little disruption to your backyard? Unlike other methods that can ruin your landscaping while excavating, helical piles only disrupt the diameter of the helical pile itself, and that area will resettle after the pile is installed.
Choosing the level of opacity not only means choosing the level of pigment, you want; it also means choosing the level of protection you want.
A clear stain has no color added and shows the natural color and grain of the wood. Clear stains are typically used as a sealer as opposed to a stain.
A semi-transparent stain will allow most of the texture and grain of the wood to show through, with a slight pigment.
A semi-solid stain covers most imperfections while allowing a small amount of wood grain to show through.
A solid stain completely hides the wood grain by creating a heavily pigmented film on the surface similar to paint.
Did you know that helical piles aren’t affected by freezing? Helical piles provide a solid footing that won’t be affected by cold temperatures, this is a must if you live in a cold climate.
More even finish. It will require more time to dry which makes it easier to get a more even finish.
Penetrates deeper. It will penetrate into the wood deeper than water-based stains and it will offer longer-lasting protection.
Extremely durable. If you are looking for a wood stain that will last for a long time an oil-based one is the best option for you.
Slow drying. While it will give you a more even finish, they will take at least a day to dry out completely.
More susceptible to mold and mildew. Unfortunately, the resins in oil-based stains make them more susceptible to mold and mildew.
Quick drying. If you do not have the time to wait for the stain to dry, water-based stains are a great option.
Mildew and mold resistant. Water-based stains are extremely resistant to mold and mildew, unlike oil-based stains.
More environmentally friendly. Water-based stains will not emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and they will not produce a lot of harmful fumes and odors.
More difficult to use. Water-based dry fast and also raise the grain of the wood which makes them more difficult to use than the oil-based.
Not deeply-penetrating. These are not deeply-penetrating, and they will not offer a lot of protection for the wood.
Does not alter the appearance of the wood
User-friendly and very easy to apply
Offers almost no UV protection
Wears off quickly and needs to be recoated more frequently
Easy application
Natural appearance
Available in different tones
Less UV protection than solid stains
More frequent maintenance
Typically, only available in oil-based formula
Good UV protection
Hard to strip off, if you ever need to
Water-based versions do not penetrate as well as oil-based
Great UV protection due to so much pigment
Available in any color imaginable
Available in both water-based and oil-based formulas
Do not penetrate well and are prone to peeling
Little chance of ever going back to a natural wood look
Paint-like appearance