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How to stain a deck

Staining a wooden deck with varnish

Overview

Giving your deck a new coat of stain is the best way to preserve the timber and keep it looking fresh. Once the surface has been prepared, it's a simple job to stain the timber with a brush and lambs wool applicator. This video shows you everything you need to know to do the job professionally and efficiently.

Steps

1Preparing to stain your deck

Make sure the surface of your timber is clean, sanded and ready to absorb the stain. Cover any areas that you don't want stained with masking tape. Finally, give your stain a good stir. This ensures all the pigment is evenly mixed throughout the tin and will help give you a consistent finish.
DIY - Step 1 - Preparing to stain your deck - How to stain a deck

2Stain the edges and corners of the deck with a paint brush

Start by using a paint brush to 'cut in' or stain the edges and the corners. Use nice, long brush strokes, and blend in as you go. As long as you are continuous, it won't matter if the stain is a little stronger in some parts. Once you've finished cutting in, remove the masking tape before the stain dries.

Pro tip: If you want to go the extra mile and stain in between the boards, now's the time. Just use a kitchen sponge or scouring pad, fold it if necessary, dip it into the stain and run it along between the boards. Make sure you wear protective gloves for this part!

DIY - Step 2 - Stain edges and corners with paint brush - How to stain a deck

3Stain the large deck areas with a lambswool applicator

Dip your lambswool applicator into the paint tray, making sure you take a moderate amount of stain with each dip. Use long, even strokes to stain the timber, blending in as you go. Remember to finish on an open edge so you don't paint yourself into a corner.
DIY - Step 3 - Stain large deck areas with lambswool applicator - How to stain a deck
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.