Deck Stains & Finishes
| Brand | Cleanup | *Coverage |
Recommended Coats | Application Temp |
| Lifeline Endure Deck Finish |
W | 300-400 | 1 | 40°F to 90°F |
| Lifeline Ultra-7 Log & Deck Stain |
W | 300-400 | 1 | 40°F to 90°F |
| LifeTime | W | 125-167 | 1 | Above 32° F |
| NatureColor Base |
S | 150-300 | 1-2 | 50°F to 90°F |
| Outlast Q8 Log Oil |
W | 150-175 |
1 | Above 50° F |
| Sansin DEC |
W | 100-200 | 2 |
60°F to 80°F |
| Sikkens DEK Finish | S | 350-450 | 2 (1st coat on all 6 sides) | 50°F to 95°F |
| Sikkens SRD |
S | 100-300 | 1 | 50°F to 95°F |
| Sikkens WB SRD | W | 150-400 | 1 | 50°F to 80°F |
| Transformation Deck & Fence |
SW | 150-350 | 1-2 | 40°F to 90°F |
| WeatherSeal | S | 250-400 | 1-2 | 55°F to 90°F |
| WR-5 | S | 200-400 | 1-3 | 50°F to 90°F |
| X-100 Deck |
SW | 200-400 | 1 | Above 50°F |
| S = Solvent W = Water SW = Either Water or Solvent (Depends on Elapsed Time) |
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| *Coverage: Rate based on average square feet per gallon (depending on porosity of wood surface). | ||||
| Note: All finishes that are sprayed on need to be back brushed to allow proper surface penetration. | ||||
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Notes on Decks & Deck Stains
Walking traffic, direct sun, and standing water make decks higher maintenance than log walls.Most log home finishes are too soft for use as a deck stain. Clear finishes have a shorter life than pigmented finishes on decks as well as on log walls. For matching the house stain to the deck consider Lifeline Ultra-7, LifeTime, Sansin DEC, Sikkens DEK Finish or SRD, Transformation, WeatherSeal, WR-5, or X-100 Deck. Inspect areas where the deck meets the log walls. This area can be a problem area for wood rot. Water runs down the deck to the log wall. Flashing will solve this problem where the deck meets the wall. Contrasting colors of deck stain to the house can be attractive as well as trying to match colors - e.g. light honey colored house, dark honey colored deck. |
Pressure treated or green treated decks can be stained, but wait 3 months to 1 year. This allows the wood to dry and the green color to fade. This will give a more true color to the stain that you purchased. Cedar decks stand up better to the weather but they still need a water repellent, pigmented finish. All wood rots when conditions are right. Railings are high maintenance; watch the tops of log railings for sunburned and water catching depressions. Be careful of cedar railings that were strip peeled. Strip peeling (removing the bark without using a drawknife) can leave a thin layer of cambium that will peel off prematurely, making it appear that the stain is peeling. Also, the closed wood pores can repel the log or deck stain's ability to adhere. |
