Deck and Fence Staining in Ontario: When, How Often and Which Stain to Use

Ontario winters, spring rain and summer sun are hard on wood. A good stain protects your deck and fence from moisture and UV, and keeps the wood from greying, cracking and splintering. Here is what homeowners in Woodstock, Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and London should know.

How often should you stain?

Most decks need re-staining every 2 to 3 years, and fences every 3 to 5 years. Decks wear faster because they take foot traffic and hold standing water and snow. A simple test: sprinkle water on the wood. If it soaks in instead of beading up, it is time.

The best time of year to stain

• Late spring to early fall, on dry days
• Temperatures of roughly 10°C to 30°C
• At least one to two dry days before staining, and no rain for about a day after
• Avoid staining in direct midday sun on very hot days, which can cause lap marks

Transparent, semi-transparent or solid stain?

• Transparent / clear: shows the most wood grain, but offers the least UV protection and needs the most frequent recoats.
• Semi-transparent: some colour with visible grain. A good balance of looks and protection for most decks.
• Solid: looks more like paint and hides the grain. Offers the most UV protection and is a good choice for older, weathered wood or fences.

One important rule: you can go from transparent to solid, but not easily the other way. Once a solid stain is on, going back to a see-through look usually means stripping the wood.

New pressure-treated wood

New pressure-treated lumber is often too wet to stain right away. Most manufacturers recommend waiting until the wood dries out, often a few months. The water test above tells you when it is ready.

Prep is what makes stain last

1. Clean the wood with a deck cleaner to remove dirt, mildew and grey fibres.
2. Strip or sand loose and failing old stain.
3. Replace rotten boards and set raised nails or screws.
4. Let the wood dry completely.
5. Apply stain evenly, working a few boards at a time to avoid lap marks.

Skipping cleaning and drying is the most common reason stain peels within a year. Learn more about our exterior painting services, or read how long exterior paint lasts in Ontario.

We serve homeowners and businesses in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, London and Woodstock, plus nearby towns along Highway 401.

Ready for a fixed-price quote? Book your free on-site estimate or call (519) 781-4382.