{"id":2754,"date":"2024-07-15T15:13:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-15T14:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/?p=2754"},"modified":"2024-08-02T10:58:15","modified_gmt":"2024-08-02T09:58:15","slug":"why-now-is-a-great-time-to-stain-your-decking-for-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/why-now-is-a-great-time-to-stain-your-decking-for-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"When is the best time to stain decking?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Now that summer is well underway, one thing many people forget in the mix of BBQs, summer parties and days out is to keep on top of their decking. Now, we aren’t talking about giving it the occasional hose down or sweep, we\u2019re talking about staining.<\/p>\n

Staining your deck does so much more than keep it looking fresh; it actually offers a variety of protection from the wet weather, the sun and more. You may be wondering if it’s the right time to stain your decking, or similarly, you may be wondering if you should oil your decking instead. While they’re both great options, we’re focusing solely on staining today.<\/p>\n

At Savoy Timber, we know a thing or two about keeping your timber decking<\/strong><\/a> looking dapper. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at why now is the ideal time to stain your decking and how to do it – let’s dive in!<\/p>\n

The importance of staining your decking<\/h2>\n

Even though here at Savoy Timber, we do our utmost to keep our timber decking kits as affordable as they are stylish, whichever way you spin it, it\u2019s an investment, if not for your money, for your time. And, like anything, without the proper upkeep it\u2019s going to deteriorate faster than if it was well looked after.<\/p>\n

Here in the UK, our decks are constantly exposed to less-than-savoury weather, such as wind, rain, and occasionally even a snowstorm or two, and if we’re really lucky, some scorching hot sun. The elements can cause your boards to warp, crack, and suffer significant damage over time. When you combine that with the weight of your garden furniture, foot traffic and everything else, your boards can succumb to the pressure relatively easily, and that’s where staining comes in!<\/p>\n

Believe it or not, a coat of deck stain every so often provides a protective layer that shields your deck from all of these nasty problems, prolonging the life of your deck. So it’s definitely worth your while.<\/p>\n

When is the best time to stain your decking?<\/h2>\n

Mild temperatures and low humidity are the best conditions for staining, and summer is usually the better season because the mild weather allows the stain to penetrate the wood more effectively and dry properly. Avoid staining during rainy or extremely hot weather, as these weather conditions can mess up the stain’s adherence and overall finish.
\nIn an ideal world, spring is the best time, so if you do happen to notice a couple of mild sunny days coming up, get out in the garden and get your deck stained. Then you don’t have to worry about it getting done in summer, and you’re good to go by the time the hot weather rolls in!<\/p>\n

Step-by-step guide to staining your deck<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve decided now is the time to get your deck staining underway, here\u2019s everything you need and what you need to do to give your decking some TLC so it looks great all summer long.<\/p>\n

STEP 1: Gather the materials<\/h3>\n

\"Stained<\/p>\n

Before you start, ensure you have all the necessary materials. Wood stain is technically a chemical substance, so it\u2019s always best practice to use safety gear when you\u2019re doing it, even if it seems harmless – you don’t want to get any in your eyes or on your skin!<\/p>\n