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How to Prep a Deck for Stain

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Last updated September 7, 2023

For professional-looking results when staining your deck, it is essential to properly prepare your deck. The type of preparation you need to do depends on the condition of your wooden deck. A new wood deck requires minimal preparation, while old or damaged wood will require additional steps to ensure the best results when applying wood stain. This guide will walk you through the steps for how to prep a deck for stain and explain why cleaning a deck before staining is important.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Duration:

Over 1 day

Project Guide
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Deck & Fence Ideas
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Decks
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Table of Contents

  1. Why You Need to Prepare Your Deck Before Staining

  2. Before You Begin

  3. Examine Your Deck's Condition

  4. Test the Stain

  5. Clear and Sweep

  6. Apply Cleaner