How to Stain Between Deck Boards

Staining between deck boards is a mission that destroys brushes and is time-consuming. As a result, some DIYers and (un)professionals avoid it altogether. However, staining between deck boards is advisable for aesthetics and for extending your deck’s life. Let’s find out how to stain between deck boards next.

Best Tips on How to Stain Between Deck Boards

The USDA’s Forest Service suggests applying an additional finish to pressed wood decks will minimize and slow the deterioration of the wood. Some of these avoidable problems through proper maintenance include raised grain, cracking, and mildew growth. And once these issues set in, it can lead to further decay and insect attack.

When adding a finish to wood, it is recommended to cover as much surface area as possible, including those narrow gaps between the deck boards. While you can use a thin brush, there are more convenient ways to get stain into the crevices. But before I get started, ensure you have the following tools and materials ready:

Tools and materials needed for staining between deck boards:

• Wood stain (here’s a handy calculator to work out how much stain you’ll need)
• Paint tray
• Stain remover
• Stain applicators: a thin brush, a gap wheel, and scouring pads
• Masking tape
• Rags for cleaning up
• Metal scraper
• Utility knife
• Protective gear

We have a great article on how to pick the best deck sealer specifically for pressure treated wood.

Step 1: Remove Old Stain, Paint, and Debris

Before you stain a deck, removing existing stain, paint, and debris is recommended. While you can, in theory, stain over existing stains and paint, the refinished product might not be as appealing. For example, the oil from a previous stain might repel the new one, leaving a blotchy finish.

It’s essential to remove all traces of the old stain, especially if moving from an oil-based to a water-based stain. You can use a scraper and utility knife to scrape off unwanted paint. However, to remove old stain, you would need to use a stain remover.

You can read more about removing a solid stain from a wood deck using a stain remover.

Step 2: Repair the Deck if Necessary

When your deck has been stripped of paint and old stain, you can identify areas that need repair. It would be beneficial to check and repair the deck before applying a new coat stain, not only to ensure the refinished product is ideal but for your safety, too.

Step 3: Vacuum or Brush the Cracks

Dust, debris, and crud will inevitably collect between the deck boards – especially after removing the old stain and paint. So before you consider applying the new stain, it is wise to clean the cracks with a brush or a vacuum cleaner.

Step 4: Test the Stain on a Small Area

Before staining your whole deck and realizing something is amiss, test the stain on a small and inconspicuous area. By doing so, you can check if the stain is the right color and if it is properly absorbed into the wood.

Step 5: Protect Surfaces You Don’t Want to Be Stained

The last step of preparation includes protecting the surfaces you don’t want to get stained. You can use drop sheets and masking tape to cover walls, the floor under the deck, nearby plants, and anything else that shouldn’t be stained.

The type of applicator you use to put on the stain will contribute to the amount of spray or mess. For instance, applying stain with a roller is likely to cause fine speckling on nearby surfaces.

It would also be helpful if you wore protective gear and old clothing while applying stain, as it can stain and damage both your skin and what you’re wearing.

Step 6: Apply a Thin Layer of Stain to the Deck Boards

When it’s time to apply the stain, you should ensure the weather forecast is favorable. That is, there should be no rain on the day you apply the stain.

Apply a thin layer of stain using a brush or roller. However, when it comes to applying stain between the deck boards, it would be more helpful to use a gap wheel (for larger projects) or scouring pads (for smaller projects).

Scouring pads are useful for very narrow spaces between deck boards. For slightly wider gaps, you can fold the scourer to make a thicker applicator. Then, all you need to do is dip the scourer into the stain and slide it in the gaps between to ensure an even finish.

Step 7: Apply Several Coats of Stain

Once you are satisfied with the color and application consistency of the stain, apply several coats over the course of several hours. 

Make sure to let the stain dry between coats, which can take anywhere from 2-24 hours depending on your weather conditions.

When applying the stain to all surfaces, including between the boards, you should allow it to dry completely before walking on it to inspect your work. During your inspection, you can check for inconsistencies, streaks, and any missed spots. Then, if necessary, you can apply a second coat and let it dry.

Step 8: Apply A Sealer

Given that this is an outdoor surface, you need to apply a sealer. A sealer helps to further protect deck wood by repelling water and protecting against UV. It can also be used for aesthetic purposes, adding a matt or gloss finish to the deck.

There are lots of different kinds of sealers available. Given that this is an outdoor deck, make sure the sealer is meant to withstand the harsh weather conditions that a deck receives.

When applying the sealer, ensure you get it between the deck boards as you did with the stain. It’s important to apply sealer into the gaps because water can remain there longer due to hindered evaporation and water-collecting debris.

When applying sealer between the deck boards, you can use a brush or a disposable scouring pad. It is not ideal to use a gap roller when applying sealer unless you clean the wheel thoroughly after application.

It is imperative to allow the sealer to dry properly before walking on it; otherwise, it could leave footprints on the finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Staining between deck boards is one of the more tedious aspects of finishing a deck because it’s challenging to get an even finish in narrower spaces. However, using a thin brush, gap wheel, or scouring pads makes the job easier. By staining between your deck boards, you can improve the aesthetics and longevity of your deck.