A Good Time To Stain The Deck

Testing Woodrich Brand Timber Oil on treated pine

It was July 2019 when Matt Brush and his Holly Springs Builders rebuilt our 25+ year-old deck. He did a terrific job, not just replacing well-worn planks but increasing support and giving us an altered and more functional design in the same space. Matt and one assistant did all the work. From tear down to completion, the project took about three days.

Last thing Matt told us as we signed off on the rebuild, "Wait six to nine months before staining it." With being told to "stay at home" because of COVID-19, we have the time, the urge and need something to do.

Matt suggested using Sherwin-Williams oil-based stain, but right now it's a pain to decide on the color and to get samples. We saved a board from last summer and let it weather as the deck did the same. We've made mistakes in paint colors before and didn't want that to be the case this time. A few weeks ago, we could only call the Sherwin-Williams store and place an order for curbside pickup, juts as we do with several restaurants. Offered to us was a brochure with various color selections. So off to the internet.

While "Googling" for "best deck stains," we discovered Woodrich Brand. Its simple website was easy to navigate. Best of all, not knowing anything about the company and its products, we found a four-color (stain) sample kit. The colors are Warm Honey Gold, Brown Sugar, Amaretto, and Western Cedar, names that meant nothing. For $10, which included shipping, buying the samples was well worth it. Using four sponge-type applicators, the colors have been tested on the saved board. It remains outside, in the sun. Another coat may be applicable if the timber oil will allow.

No decision yet on the final selection of stain color but, if we use Woodrich, we've ruled out Western Cedar and, probably, Amaretto. We like the other two and are leaning to Brown Sugar. A gallon ($49 with free shipping) covers about 150 square feet. Our deck is 10'x12' but with two benches and the stairs, a gallon may not be enough. We'll see.