Extend Your Deck’s Lifespan by Painting it

Your deck is an extension of your home or more specifically, your kitchen. On warm, sunny days, they enable you to bring your indoor living space outside and provide a kick-back location for sharing summer afternoons with family and friends. If you enjoy the sounds of hearing your children playing and food sizzling on the grill, then you know the importance of keeping your deck in shape year after year. As a result, the question that often arises is “Should I paint my deck or stain it?”

 

The answer to that question is a matter of personal preference. Both paint and stain offer protection and will help it to last longer than if you did nothing. Both materials protect your deck from sun and water damage. However, painting your deck has certain advantages over staining it, one of which is how it extends the lifespan of the structure. Here are 6 key benefits of painting your deck versus staining it that you want to consider before making your decision:

 

• Although staining a deck takes less time, painting does a much better job of filling in cracks, covering any imperfections in the wood surface of the deck, and protects the surface much longer.
• Darker paint is usually easier to clean than lighter colors or stain. If painting is done correctly, it will protect the wood so dirt and mud are easy to wash off. This is a key benefit if you have children and/or pets or both.
• In so many words, paint is a long-term commitment because once you’ve decided on painting your deck rather than staining it, there’s a good possibility that you’re going to keep painting it in the future.
• Paint offers a thicker, more protective finish than stain. Consequently, it’s the ideal choice for decks that are showing signs of wear and tear. A fresh coat of paint can add to the curb appeal of your home.
• Speaking of protection, paint blocks the sun’s damaging UV rays and is more resistant to mold and rot.
• There are countless numbers of paint colors to choose from. So, if you want to add some pop to your home or yard, paint is the ideal choice.

 

Furthermore, keep in mind that it’s much easier to paint over stain than it is to stain a painted surface. No matter whether you choose to paint your deck or stain, remember that preparation is the key to better results. Select a color that matches with your exterior color of the house so that the deck complements the house.

 

To learn more about prepping your deck before painting it, call Right Track Painting & Sealcoating at (617) 480-9831 today. Our business representatives are available to assist you with your custom requirements.