DIY Staining Hardwood Decks

By Dave Barnes

11 Keys to Successfully Stain Exotic Hardwood for Outdoor Applications

Years ago it seemed like every wood deck was constructed from wood treated good old CCA—copper chromium arsenic—commonly referred to as pressure-treated lumber. Because most of the decks were constructed from the same type of lumber, the products and methods used to stain them were all pretty similar. But not today. Things have changed.

Over the past several years lumber yards have worked to carve their own niches in the marketplace by introducing new species of woods to the market. Such products include Cypress and Mahogany, as well as rainforest hardwoods such as Ipe and Pau-Lope. These products offer an unequaled level of beauty and uniqueness, as well as hardness and durability that far exceeds that of conventional lumber. These characteristics can offer huge advantages to the homeowner. However, they also present a variety of challenges when it comes to staining.

Typically, these types of woods are very dense, making it difficult for stains to be absorbed. Additionally, they can contain a high amount of natural oils, making them resistant to penetration. For these reasons they should be treated a little differently when staining. In this article I’ve outlined a few basics for you; “11 Keys,” as I like to refer to them, that will ensure your project looks like it was stained by a pro.

Let the Wood Weather

As I mentioned earlier, exotic hardwoods are dense and they can contain a large amount of natural oil that will work to block any wood stain from penetrating. So, let Mother Nature help you out. Once your deck has been built, allow nature’s elements to help break down the surface of the wood and dry it out so that stains will be more easily absorbed. The sun, the wind and the rain can do wonders. The more the wood weathers, the easier it will be to stain and the longer your staining job should last.

Start with a Stripper

Even if your wood is brand new and has never been stained, it is still a great idea to start your project by applying a high-quality stain stripper. I recommend Defy Exterior Wood Stain Stripper. Stain strippers are formulated using sodium hydroxide. Sodium hydroxide is an aggressive chemical that can be very effective at breaking down the surface of the wood, opening its pores and making it more absorbent. Remember, the more stain the wood absorbs, the longer your project will last.

Don’t Forget to Brighten

Yes, you have to brighten the deck too, even if you’re working with brand new wood. I know it seems kind of funny, having to brighten new wood, but the brightener will do a couple of things for you. First, it will neutralize the effects of the stripper that you used previously. You should always use an acid brightener after using an alkaline stripper. Second, in a similar fashion to the stripper, the brightener will help to open the porosity of the wood even further. Again, the more stain the wood absorbs, the better.

Take a Good, Long Break

Good news: You can take the rest of the day off. Take two if you like. The important thing is to allow the wood to dry out from all of the cleaning. The drier the wood gets, the better it will absorb the stain. So take some time off and let things dry before you start applying the stain.

Not Any Old Stain will Work

Your next big decision is what stain to use. Not just any stain will do. Certain stains have been formulated for better penetration, making them ideal for hardwoods. Many manufacturers offer a specific product in this category, such as Defy Deck Stain for Hardwoods, which is extremely durable, water-based and eco-friendly. It’s easy to use and easy on the environment. Whatever stain you select, make sure that you choose one that has been specifically formulated for use on exotic hardwoods and other difficult-to-penetrate lumber.

Ask for Directions

For the female reader, I’m confident that you’ll get this next step correct. However, all you men out there should refer to the directions. Everything that you need to know about the product you are going to use is on the back of the can. Take a few minutes before you begin and read it. The directions will make you aware of any particulars to the product that can affect how the job turns out. What is the drying time? How many coats should you apply? How much time between coats? Is there a critical recoat time? There can be any number of things that you can pick up by reading the back of the can. Take a minute to educate yourself.