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Applying stain to your prepared deck - By now you've properly prepared your deck and allowed it to thoroughly dry. You're now ready to apply your stain.

If you've power washed your deck, you will have to let the deck and all associated wood dry out completely. Generally, you'd want to wait 2 to 3 days under warm, sunny conditions. You want the temperature to be at least 50 degrees for a water-based stain, but not too hot. You'll also want to be sure there is adequate dry time before any dampness is forecast.

There are various types of stain you can apply. These will provide a different appearance to the wood, but not all are acceptable for the decking.

Semi-Transparent Stain - This is a more penetrating stain and contains some color, making the finish opaque. A semi-transparent stain still allows the wood grain to show through. For this reason, it is a very popular choice. This type of stain is durable and will not peel when properly applied. Eventually, with time, it will fade out and will need to be reapplied.

Solid Stain - has the appearance of a paint, as a pigment is added to give it the color desired. They're available in a wide variety of colors. They do not allow the wood grain to show through. Because a solid stain is more like a paint, it can crack or peel. Solid Stain, while acceptable for vertical sections like a railing, is not to be used for horizontal surfaces such as the decking. Foot traffic would quickly wear away the finish.

Application - There are various techniques to applying stain. Many manufacturers now require their products to be brush applied. The brush method of application is the best. It provides the right amount of stain and allows for the most even coverage.

Spraying works well for lattice since it's very absorbent and difficult to do with a brush. Some manufacturers frown at applying their product by spraying it on.

Perhaps the worst method is rolling the stain on. If you choose this method, you must brush out the stain. Rolling stain can end up causing puddling since it's very easy to over apply the material. Many decks finishing jobs have been ruined by using the roll on method of staining.

Coats and Dry Time - In most cases, the stain you're going to apply is a one coat product. You should not over apply. Apply a nice, even coat. Applying a second coat can cause a shiny effect because the second coat of the stain will not absorb into the wood. In effect, you're painting your stain onto the wood and just building up the product. Always follow the manufacturer's specifications and instructions.

If possible, apply your stain in the morning, after the dew has dried off the deck. This will allow enough time for your deck to dry before the dampness of night comes in. Water-based products will dry quicker to the touch than an oil based. However, on a nice day, the oil based product should be sufficiently dried if applied early enough in the day. Allow thorough dry time before placing your outdoor furniture back on the deck.