Is Painting My Deck Worth It?

Is painting your deck worth it? Decks are highly desirable additions to homes, but they do require a bit of maintenance and care. That’s especially true if you live in an area that experiences all of the seasons or a lot of rain. If you live in the Midwest – where we operate – rain and varying weather patterns are the norm. 

Staining a deck is the most common way of adding color and protection to a wood deck. However, because of the weather conditions in the area, a stained deck is only going to last for a few years before it needs to be treated again. 

With that being the case, is it better to stain your deck or paint it? Today we will compare and contrast the two processes to determine which is better for you and your project. 

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PAINTING VS STAINING – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? 

If you’re considering painting your deck, you may wonder what’s the difference between painting and staining a deck. Here’s a quick rundown:

Staining: Wood stains are usually quite thin and runny, and they alter the top layer of the wood grain. While there is some variety, most stains are some shade of brown. If you start with a dark stain and want to go lighter in the future, you will have to strip the entire surface until the old stain is gone. Stain treatments usually last 1-3 years, but they are relatively simple to touch up. 

Painting: Painting offers more variety, and it’s easier to change the color at any time. Just simply paint over the old color. The paint also serves as a protective layer against moisture, protecting your wood deck for much longer. 

However, painting a deck requires a primer and at least two coats of paint, and it usually needs to be sealed to properly adhere. Painted decks are also more prone to damage. While they hold up well in the rain, dragging furniture and constantly walking over the finish can damage it. In the end, a painted deck requires more maintenance even though it can technically last longer. 

IS PAINTING MY DECK WORTH IT? 

In short, it depends. Painting a deck can last for several years, but it does require more maintenance than stain treatments. Painting your deck also gives you more color options and top-tier products are covered by a three-year warranty. 

We typically recommend clients install composite decks. They look great, save more money in the long run, and require far less maintenance than staining or painting a wood deck. 

These projects are labor-intensive projects, but the results can still be excellent. Look at the gallery below to see some of our examples of painted and stained decks. 

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If you’re still wondering what product is best for your home, why not have Heritage Painting come out for a free estimate? Our knowledgeable staff can provide a detailed and accurate quote showing you the price difference between multiple products. We also have color consulting services that will help you find the right color for your home. Fill out the form below today and fall in love with your home again!

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