Choosing Exterior Wood Stains

Paint or Stain Wood Decks and Porches?

Our Florida location here in the New Smyrna Beach area poses many challenges for maintaining and keeping exterior wood decks and porches looking good when exposed to the constant beating sun, wind and pounding rains. At Sam’s Painting, our customers typically have many questions on products, maintenance and costs. Over the years we have completed many projects with excellent results.  There are numerous stains and enamel paints on the market to choose from which can become confusing to the homeowner to select the right product for the results they want to achieve.

Paint or Stain which is best product to use? There at least four basic types of stain and there is also a specialized porch enamel. Both can be tinted just about any color to pop with exiting exterior house colors in corals and blues. There are differences that will come into play for appearance, cost and continued maintenance.

Stain for Wood Decks and Porches

The chart below will help determine what type of stain is best suited for your project and the overall appearance of the wood when applied. When it comes to stains there is clear, semi-transparent, semi-solid or solid stain water based or oil based

Wood Stain Durability Chart

Stain comes in a wide range of tinted colors. For a natural look a slight tint can add to the appearance of a natural wood look.  For how long will it last before needing to re-stain? Checking the chart above semi and solid stains last the longest and will penetrate the wood to help seal the wood.

Sun exposure and the amount of traffic will determine if you need to re-stain in three, five and sometimes up to seven years. Again, depending upon exposure to the elements and if there is heavy foot traffic.

Paint for Wood Decks and Porches

There are great products available on the market today that can hold up to harsh chemicals and heavy foot traffic. That’s one of the benefits of paint enamel formulated specifically for wood porches and decks, it will hold up longer compared to exterior stains. Stains penetrate the wood to seal and protect --- paint does not penetrate the wood but it does seals and protect the wood.  

Be aware, paint can chip prior to reapplying porch and wood enamel sanding may need to be completed when it’s time for re-coat. Paint can disguise imperfections and knots in wood when compared to stain. Solid stains will more than any other stain If opting for paint, be sure to choose a product that states it is slip-resistant. There is every color in the rainbow available when choosing paint, including high gloss for window and house trim and doors if a gloss is desired.

This year Sam’s painting completed an extensive exterior wood deck project in New Smyrna Beach where we recommended satin porch enamel. The decks were uncovered, older with imperfections and had weathered over the years; in addition, the house was close to the beach and the customer wanted a medium blue on all decks, including exterior steps. Stain would have only lasted a year or two at the most! Professional painting contractors will look out for their customers and recommend the best product for their project and avoid costly reapplications due to a product that will not perform.

In the end, maintaining decks and porches is something that homeowners need to know that will not get away from for exterior wood surfaces. Re-staining or repainting will be needed every two to seven years. If using a clear transparent sealer, clear sealers will need reapplication every year or every other year to keep porches and decks looking great.