You've just spent hours (or days) power washing, sanding, and staining your deck.
The process was long and tedious, but now that it's done you step back to look... and something feels off.
The deck just doesn't seem to match your house the way you'd hoped.
If this sounds familiar, then read on for some tips on choosing a deck stain that will perfectly complement your home.
1)) Consider the Overall Color Scheme of Your Home
When matching a deck stain to your home, it's important to consider the overall color scheme of your house.
If your home is mostly muted colors like greys and beiges, then you'll want to choose a lighter deck stain so as not to clash with the rest of your exterior.
Conversely, if your home has bold colors like reds or oranges, then you can go with a darker deck stain without the worry of it being too much.
2)) Determine The "Look" You're Going For
Another important factor to consider when choosing a deck stain is the specific "look" you're going for.
Are you aiming for a rustic vibe?
Then a weathered wood stain would be a great choice.
Or do you want something sleeker and more modern?
In that case, a grey or black stain would be perfect.
No matter what look you're going for, there's a deck stain out there that will fit the bill.
3)) Take the Grain of The Wood into Account
When selecting a deck stain, it's also important to consider the grain of the wood.
If you have a very light-colored wood like cedar or pine, then you'll want to choose a darker stain so as not to wash out the wood grain.
On the other hand, if you have darker woods like mahogany or walnut, then you can go with either a lighter or dark stain depending on the look you're going for.
4)) Get A Sample Before Committing
Always make sure to get a sample of the deck stain before committing to it.
A lot of times what looks good in the can ends up being very different once applied to your actual deck.
By getting a sample first, you can be sure that you're happy with the color before spending hours applying it to your entire deck.
It’s always a good idea to test it out first in an inconspicuous area of your deck (or even on a piece of scrap wood that your deck is made from).
5)) Don’t Forget About Prep Work
No matter what color or finish you choose, prep work is key to getting professional-looking results that will last.
Be sure to clean your deck thoroughly with soap and water (or a power washer) before applying any stain or sealant.
This will help ensure that the product adheres properly and doesn’t peel or chip over time.
Conclusion
There you have it!
Some things to keep in mind next time you're trying to match a deck stain to your house.
Just remember to consider the overall color scheme of your home, determine the look you're going for, consider the grain of the wood, and always get a sample before committing!
With these tips in mind, finding the perfect deck stain will be a breeze.
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