As time passes, an older painted deck will inevitably demand a fresh coat of paint or even consideration for stripping and opting for a stain. Conversely, the longevity of a stain on a deck is limited to a few years. As a responsible homeowner, you will need to deliberate on how to uphold the deck’s aesthetic appeal. It’s essential to recognize that maintaining the deck’s pristine appearance comes with an inherent cost that accompanies the privilege of enjoying a splendid outdoor space.
In the realm of deck enhancement, there exist both advantages and disadvantages to both painting and staining. Painting grants you a broader spectrum of colour choices to suit your preferences and exterior décor, but it can be more susceptible to peeling and chipping over time. Staining, on the other hand, accentuates the natural grain of the wood while necessitating less extensive upkeep. However, the colour choices are relatively limited compared to painting.
Ultimately, the decision between painting and staining hinges on your desired level of maintenance commitment, color palette, and desired ambiance. Whether you opt for the vibrant versatility of paint or the rustic charm of staining, professional deck painting contractors can guide you toward the most suitable choice, ensuring that your deck remains a captivating retreat for years to come. In the end, the balance between the aesthetic appeal, maintenance demands, and durability will help you arrive at the best decision for your deck.
Painting Your Deck
There are plenty of reasons to paint your deck, but understand this process masks the detailed elements that make wooden surfaces unique. Paint lasts longer, comes in multiple colour options and provides a uniform look. Over time, the uniform paint will peel and crack, but it might be a good option if your deck is particularly old and weathered.
Pros of Painting Your Deck
The pros of painting your deck include:
- Easy to maintain: With paint, you can forget about refinishing it anytime soon. A quality paint job, finished by a trusted professional, can last for 10 years before repainting is necessary. Conversely, stains need to be reapplied every few years because they are not as strong against outdoor elements.
- Paint color options: There are few limitations for color options. You can easily match the deck to the rest of your home’s exterior or use your deck to complement the color of your house. You might paint the exterior of your home and deck together, which provides an excellent opportunity to unify your space. Combining the two projects gives you the opportunity to make a striking impression that will last for years.
- Hide flaws: If your deck is old and weathered, you may not want to display its every detail. Painting will mask the flaws in your wooden deck, making it a great option if your deck is near the end of its life.
Cons of Painting Your Deck
The cons of painting your deck include:
- Traps moisture: Decks sit horizontally, which leads to water pooling in certain areas. Over time, this traps moisture. As the deck expands and contracts with the outdoor elements, the paint starts to chip and peel.
- Conceals beauty: When you paint your wooden deck, you cover the beautiful elements that make it one-of-a-kind. If you love the look and feel of your wooden deck, you may regret covering up its natural beauty.
- It’s permanent: Once you decide to paint your deck, it’s almost a given that you’ll always paint it. You can easily go from stain to paint, but going from paint to stain is difficult, time-consuming, and expensive.
What to Expect When You Hire a Professional to Paint Your Deck
If you decide to paint your exterior deck, hire a professional for optimal results that will last for years. An experienced professional will listen to your vision, provide you with options and give you a quote.
A professional will assist with your painting project by:
- Preparing to paint: Your professional should spray the surface with a Mold deterrent and then clean, rinse and dry. Rotten boards should be replaced, nails and screws should be set below the surface and holes filled to repel moisture. If necessary, your expert will strip the wood of existing finishes.
- Preserving wood: Experts will apply a paintable, water-repellent preservative before moving on.
- Priming surfaces: A good primer will improve adhesion, increase protection from moisture and add up to two years of life to your new paint job.
- Explaining paint options: You can use oil or latex paints for exterior decks. Oil-based paints typically last longer and provide better protection against moisture, but they’re shiny and have trouble withstanding intense heat. Latex paints are less tough, but they hold up better in locations with high temperatures. They also come in a variety of sheens, so you can go with something different than a high-gloss finish.
- Painting surfaces: Your exterior painter will address every surface, including those not directly exposed to sunlight and outdoor elements, such as the end grain. It’s important to use at least two coats.
If you’re looking for a different approach to revitalizing an outdoor deck, consider your stain options.
Benefits & Tips of Painting Service
- Increase the value of your home
- Boost your mood at home
- Protect and prevent damage to your home
- Improve air quality in and around your home
- Beautify your interior
- Safety First
- Invest in quality paint and supplies
- Don’t paint in bad weather conditions
- Proper technique for painting
- Paint top to down
