The Best Time of Year to Stain Your Deck

In a perfect world, our decks would hold on to their color forever. However, the sun’s powerful UV rays, the weather, and general wear means maintenance is required to keep any outdoor space looking great.

Temperature, humidity, and moisture all play a role in how well your deck stain applies, cures, and lasts. That’s why choosing the right time of year to start this project is essential.

Here are Paint Headquarters best recommendations for when to stain your deck and why you can rely on our team to help:

Best Times for an Exterior Stain Project: Spring and Fall

For most homeowners who live in and around central Kentucky, mid-to-late spring and early-to-mid fall are the best times to stain a deck. Think, partly sunny days with temps that rage from 50 to 85. Starting a deck staining project when it’s too hot, too humid, too cold, or rainy can affect how evenly the product applies and dries.

Before starting your project, look for weather that checks these boxes:

• Mild temperatures without extreme heat or cold. 
• Low to moderate humidity.
• Several dry days in the forecast.
• Little to no rain expected after staining.
• Limited direct, intense sunlight while you work.

Second Best Time: Early Summer

If summer is the best window of time for you, we don’t want you to panic. The summer season can absolutely work for deck staining if you plan it right. For example, we highly recommend avoiding the late summer months when heat, sun, and humidity are at their highest (July and August). Depending on the weather, May and early June can still lead to great results.

If you plan on completing a deck stain in the summer, keep this checklist in mind:

• Avoid staining during the hottest part of the day.
• Work out of direct sunlight when possible.
• Check the product label for recommended temperatures.
• Give the wood time to dry completely after cleaning.

Best Exterior Wood Stain Near Owensboro, KY

Starting an exterior stain project means investing in a brand that delivers durability and beautiful colors. At Paint Headquarters, we are proud to carry Benjamin Moore exterior stain products. Benjamin Moore Woodluxe® Exterior Stain is an innovative line of oil- and water-based exterior stains that we cannot recommend enough for decking projects. This all-weather product helps protect and elevate your deck for a finished look you will love. As your locally owned paint store in Owensboro, we can get any product you prefer for your stain project, including premium Benjamin Moore for an exterior stain finish that lasts.

You’ll love this line of Benjamin Moore because it offers:

• All-weather protection.
• Excellent wood penetration for lasting results.
• Easy application.
• Available in a wide range of opacities and colors. 

Exterior Stain Professionals Near Owensboro, KY

As your local paint store, Paint Headquarters is proud to be your trusted source for any interior or exterior project you may have. Whether you’d like advice, want to talk over products, or need our team to help you with your next exterior paint job with brands that can withstand our Kentucky weather, we’ve been serving our community since 1995 and hope to add you to our community of satisfied neighbors.

In need of a professional partner as a contractor in need of commercial paint? We offer contractor pricing, so professionals can get the products they need at a competitive price.

Ready to get started? Contact us today. 

Paint Headquarters is located in Owensboro, Kentucky, and proudly serves Daviess County, Henderson, Ohio County, Spencer County, McLean County, Perry County, Hancock County, Muhlenberg County, and Hopkins County, Kentucky.