How to Stain a Deck: Choosing the Best Decking Stain in the UK
Staining your deck is one of the best ways to protect it from weather, foot traffic, and long-term wear. A quality decking stain helps waterproof the timber, prevents warping, and keeps the wood looking great all year round. With a wide range of stain colours available, it’s easy to refresh or completely transform your outdoor space. Below is a simple guide on how to stain a deck and why Ultimate Decking Stain remains one of the strongest options on the market.
Equipment Needed for Deck Staining
Before starting, make sure you have everything you need:
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Painter’s tape
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Garden hose or pressure washer
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Angled broom
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Scrub brush
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Belt sander with 80-grit sandpaper
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Paint brushes
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Roller frame with extension
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Patch and repair kit
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Paint thinners
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Ronseal Decking Stripper
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Ronseal Decking End Grain Protector
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Ronseal Decking Cleaner and Reviver
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Ultimate Decking Stain
1. Check the Deck
Begin by seeing whether the existing finish is still doing its job. Lightly wet the timber. If water beads on the surface after ten minutes, the old stain is still protecting the wood. If the water soaks in, it’s time to re-stain.
Choose a clear, dry day with temperatures between 10–30°C, avoiding direct sun on the boards while working. For long-lasting protection, Ultimate Decking Stain gives a tougher, more durable finish than standard wood stains.
2. Prepare the Deck
Remove all furniture and assess the deck for any damage. Strip away old finishes using Ronseal Decking Stripper. Carry out any repairs, then sand splintered or rough areas with the belt sander. Seal exposed ends using Ronseal Decking End Grain Protector.
Brush away dust and debris, and cover nearby plants or features to keep them safe from any product overspray.
3. Clean the Timber
Use Ronseal Decking Cleaner and Reviver to scrub the boards thoroughly. Once the cleaner has worked into the wood, rinse well with a hose or pressure washer. Allow the deck to dry for at least 48 hours before applying stain.
4. Protect Features and Begin with Railings
Tape off surrounding structures, such as house siding, balustrades, or metalwork. Sweep the deck once more to remove settled dust. Stir the Ultimate Decking Stain well and pour it into a paint tray.
Test a small patch to ensure colour suitability, then begin with posts and railings using long, smooth brush strokes.
5. Stain the Deck Boards
Apply two even coats of Ultimate Decking Stain to the boards, working in the direction of the grain. Pay extra attention to gaps, edges, and hard-to-reach sections. Plan your route so you don’t trap yourself on wet boards.
Once finished, clean your brushes and rollers and allow the deck to dry for at least 24 hours. If you want to add more character later, you can use bold decking paint to customise your finish.
Clarke Fencing
To see for yourself why Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Stain is among the best decking stains in the UK, or to explore our full range of decking and outdoor timber products, visit Clarke Fencing online or at our Suffolk store.
