Staining or Painting Your Deck: Which Is Better?

If you’re a proud deck owner, you know it’s your outdoor sanctuary. Whether grilling burgers on a clear day or throwing holiday parties amid twinkling lights, creating an inviting ambiance ensures memorable moments. But how can you keep your deck looking its best? Should you go with staining or painting? Read along as we explore both options—what they entail, their differences, and which can better fit your style and budget.

Deck

Painting

Pros
– Deck paint typically lasts longer than stain and covers imperfections better.
– It’s durable, lasting several years before you need to repaint your deck, depending on the paint type.
– Paint protects against sun damage, which is something to consider if your deck is in full sun or you live in a sun-soaked region.

Cons
– Paint creates a slippery surface, which is something to consider if you live in a rainy location.
– Wood decks expand and contract in the heat, causing paint to chip and peel over time.
– More time- and labor-intensive, requiring extra steps as you need to treat your deck with a water-repellent wood preservative, add a layer of primer, a layer or two of paint, and then seal it with a clear polyurethane.
– Deck paint is more permanent than stain. When you stain your deck, you can always repaint later on down the road. Source: Angi

Staining

Pros
– Finish options transparent to near-opaque
– Ease of application
– Permeable—so no blistering
– No need to strip before reapplication

Cons

– Needs reapplication frequently, every 1–5 years depending on exposure and opacity
– Cannot be used on previously painted wood Source: OldHouseOnline

Cost comparison
Stain runs between $20 and $35 per gallon, while exterior paint suitable for decking ranges from $30 to as much as $60 per gallon. Plus, if painting, you’ll have to factor in an extra $15 to $40 per gallon of wood preservative and $15 to $30 per gallon of primer. Most commercial wood stains already contain a preservative and therefore don’t require a primer to adhere. Source: BobVila