Stain a New Deck for the First Time in 5 Easy Steps| DIY Tutorial | How To

➪ Learn how to stain a new deck for the first time in 5 easy steps with this DIY tutorial. Transform your unfinished wood deck into a sealed, protected and beautiful outdoor space! Prep a new deck for staining in 5 easy steps. This home improvement project will protect your deck boards for years! A semi-transparent stain will add vibrant colour and keep the wood grain appearance. Extend the life of your deck with proper care.
0:00 Intro
0:31 Clear The Space
0:45 Tighten Deck Screws
1:06 Wash Surface Area
1:44 Sand Rough Areas
2:42 Stain The Deck Day #1
4:43 Stain The Deck Day #2
6:53 Results
➪ ITEMS USED
Hand drill
Power washer
Belt sander
Leaf blower
2 gallons Cabot semi-transparent oil based stain in Honey Teak
Paint tray
Wide bristle brush
2 inch angled brush
Cloth sponge
Painters rags
Rubber gloves
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➪ Music | Epidemicsound.com
➪ Hi. I'm Laura and welcome to my Home and Garden channel. I find do-it-yourself solutions with the environment in mind. I show others how to garden and grow food, check-off outdoor home maintenance tasks and projects. Follow along!
#deck #diy #maintenance #lauracotediy #ryobi

[@lauracoteDIY]

Looking for more home maintenance tutorials? ➪ kzbin.info/aero/PLSzBLqVSba6LQfzrR9YmbvTroFUsRt4rz

[@opinionofonion4267]

You’re great on camera and at structuring your videos. Loved the flow of information and the tips you threw out along the way! Thank you for teaching me a new skill!

[@lauracoteDIY]

I appreciate this comment thank you.

[@theweldingbeaver8261]

Yeah she does a great job. I’ve stained a few decks and I still need a couple tips, she told me things I’ve never though of

[@teomendes9632]

Fabulous job with this tutorial. It was very explanatory, the flow of work was good, and your including your so called flaws, proving that you are human, was really thoughtful as well. A great job. I would watch more as you have a good command of your voice in explaining the steps.

[@lauracoteDIY]

Wow I really appreciate this comment thank you. I have too many projects to keep up with, so the videos will just keep coming! Thanks for watching.

[@mollylindell6009]

Thanks. Very helpful.

[@mrtaylorhelm]

This video is awesome! Right to the point! Love it

[@lauracoteDIY]

Thank you so much!

[@katie9999]

Thanks for sharing! Lovely work!

[@lauracoteDIY]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@ibjuscoolin]

I Love the deck railings..

[@lauracoteDIY]

The stain has stayed on so well on these railings!

[@taharsaada7192]

You did a great job!! Thanks

[@lauracoteDIY]

Thank you so much!

[@raulsifuentes702]

I like the color that you used, honey teak. I also just finished sanding down my balcony and may go for an even lighter shade than the one you used. I also used a Ryobi 5" orbital sander to sand the deck. Your deck looks gorgeous.

[@lauracoteDIY]

Thank you! How did your balcony turn out?

[@Rearmostbean]

This is a really well done video.

[@lauracoteDIY]

Thank you!

[@stephencampbell8498]

I started to prep my deck to refinish. I wasn't smiling as much as you were lol 😆. Well I better get cracking. Your tutorial motivated me! Thank you 😊! ...........Subscribed 👍🏿😎

[@lauracoteDIY]

Awesome, did you get the job done?

[@stephencampbell8498]

@@lauracoteDIY still working on it. There has been 2 issues. Either rain 🌧 or no time 🙄😀. I will keep you posted on the progress and results 🙂

[@theanalogcirclepodcast.9416]

Thank you for this.

[@lauracoteDIY]

You’re welcome!

[@johncromonic6160]

Looks awesome 👏

[@lauracoteDIY]

Thanks!

[@jeremiahjones3100]

I recently learned that wood dust is a carcinogen when breathed and have seen lots of how-to vids on decks with people sanding without masks. Good to see you're staying protected!

[@lauracoteDIY]

thanks for noticing!

[@ladybuginred2177]

Well done video, thank you. I’ll try to tackle my own deck now.

[@lauracoteDIY]

Bet you did a great job!

[@alexforrest4551]

Awesome well done , good video thanks ❤❤

[@lauracoteDIY]

Thank you!

[@lowmonte1978]

excellent video!!!

[@lauracoteDIY]

Thanks!

[@hawaiiantimes7702]

Thumbs up for the cloudy weather while staining your deck!!!

[@123Goldhunter11]

Good job. Thanks.

[@lauracoteDIY]

Thank you

[@Thulvlog92]

Your deck look nice after painting 👍👍

[@lauracoteDIY]

Thank you!

[@jonboz7585]

Nice job!

[@lauracoteDIY]

Thanks!

[@amira71000]

Thanks for this great video - love to see another woman doing this job! I recently restrained my deck and it turned out beautifully. After a couple of months, however, I am noticing water stains under all the places where rain normally sits in small puddles (there is a brief snip bit in your video where you show this toward the end). Why might this be happening and what can I do about it? Thank you!!

[@davidpickett6771]

Started staining our back deck. Prepping the wood is everything. Very important to clean it and use wood brightener. The brightener opens up the pours in the wood to absorb the stain. I am using a stain made by Defy. I bought Defy Ultra semi-transparent in light walnut. It received great reviews from the research I did. I have used Cabot in the past and it didn't hold up as well as I expected. Reviews on Cabot are mostly negative. The Defy cannot be bought at the big hardware stores. Luckily a local home center had it. It's more pricey than other Name stains ($65 a gallon). But if it holds up as great as the reviews have said (5 years with heavy use) than will be worth the extra cost. I did my rails today and it went on really nice. Love the color of the stain. Just thought I would share my experience. Remember, prepping is EVERYTHING when staining a deck. Wood brightener is a MUST.

[@lauracoteDIY]

I did not consider brightener since it was brand new lumber but I will try it out for the next stain job. You’re right Cabot didn’t hold as well. The railings are still perfect and look great but the deck itself is very worn after the winter, direct sunlight, foot traffic and my dirty dogs. Thanks for the tip! Hope your finished deck looks amazing. $50-65 a gallon seems the normal price in Canada for decent stuff. I’ve seen some $75+!!

[@Theauthenticmindset]

Defy ultra is water based, always stick to oil based when staining deck. Water based is the worst type of stain to apply on decks because it doesn't get absorbed and sits on the top and will peel.

[@joelf5565]

That is old school water base. The new stuff, like Defy, is a hybrid and it penetrates. It is actually oil encapsulated in water drops, or something crazy like that. There is no coat sitting on top, thus reapplying is also simple with no sanding. Yes, straight oil might penetrate a little bit better and be more conditioning to the wood. The key with these hybrids is not to do them in blazing sun. Early morning is best. They penetrate better when done slowly. The great thing about the water base hybrids is you don’t need to be a master weatherman. Here in Indiana the weather can turn on a dime. Plus, they tend to be more true to color. I hear people complaining about some oil base products getting extremely dark and just not the color they were expecting.

[@coppulor6500]

​@@joelf5565great info! Any particular brand you like/recommend? I want to stain some cedar shutters and hate oil based cleanup. Looking for a deep wine color but not too much red.

[@jonjondalogdogvlog]

hello its pretty nice work mam and ideas

[@lauracoteDIY]

Thank you

[@zim2778]

Great video. Loved the step-by-step and simplicity of it. Did you use any pre-wash chemicals in your pressure washer?

[@lauracoteDIY]

Thanks so much. No I did not use chemicals. The wood was untreated and never stained/painted so I did not have to strip anything prior.I suppose if needed you could use pressure washer soap.

[@justinhafner12383]

I like that you also have a husky. I felt so bad I had to keep mine inside for most of the build!

[@lauracoteDIY]

I have two huskies now! youtube.com/@RubyAndKodiak my yard is now a mess I am considering locking them out for some time to fix it up but also having a hard time with that thought!

[@carriecook8600]

How long did you need to wait for drying after power washing? And how long did you let stain dry before it's safe for doggo?

[@colinduncan4692]

I was just wondering if it's important to sand rough spots AFTER power-washing? I was starting to do it after tightening the screws. Thanks!

[@curte7739]

Looking good. I'm still contemplating what stain or sealer to use my deck is about a year old had gotten fairly weathered so I had to clean it now I'm just trying to figure out what to put on it it's similar in size yours maybe slightly larger the only difference is I've got wood spindles which are going to be a pain in the rear to stain individually. I want something I can put on the wood that will penetrate the wood and I don't have to do every year or two not worried about a little bit of discoloration over time I just don't want the wood to be damaged considering what it costs now. I've mainly been looking at different kinds of deck oils.

[@lauracoteDIY]

Oh it will fade no matter. Mine already has which I expected since the sun beams directly down the entire day. It’s just not rotting, which is ideal! Try the sponge for the spindles, it can wrap around and you’ll have a few passes vertically much faster and more thorough than a brush. My posts turned out great, just on a larger scale of your spindles! Good luck! Try a test space first. Ask your local store if you can get a sample or if you’re able to return. I did return my first can before I came across this one I used in my video. Thanks for watching.

[@gimmefuel7268]

Hi we are having a new deck built. Was considering Thompson’s Water Seal. Were you very happy with how the Cabot has held up over time? Thanks for the video & your reply!! 😉👍🏻👍🏻

[@lauracoteDIY]

Np! Tbh the railings and posts have held up so well. The deck however has worn a lot with 2 dogs, hottub water, harsh winter and a high amount of sunlight all day every day. It’s protected the wood, but starting to show. It’s the better of any stain product I’ve used before. Is there a store policy to return if you don’t like your test spot? I was able to return one can before this that was such an ugly colour!

[@orlandopelayo3742]

Great job! Did staining without taping the balusters affect their color or finish at all?

[@lauracoteDIY]

Thanks! Not at all. I had great control using the brush and sponge!

[@MamasitaLimonRodriguez]

Exactly the video I was looking for I'm Just now ready to power was, I sanded first :( This Cabot timber oil is what I have been considering in teak too, How is it holding up? Thanks

[@lauracoteDIY]

Good luck with the rest of your project! Tbh it’s worn down a lot over winter. The railings are still looking new. Overall the purpose was to protect the wood and even with some colour fading in heavy traffic areas, it’s still decent! Teak is such a nice look and Cabot was easy to work with!

[@nickfender6682]

Awesome job!! Looks amazing! How long did you let the stain sit on the decking boards after brushing it on before wiping it with a rag?

[@lauracoteDIY]

Oh thank you! Almost instantly. It dried fast and if it became tacky the material fibres would rub off. So I did a few boards at a time.

[@lakisawells2801]

💕💕

[@soinlove6889]

We had a deck put up last May. I didnt stain yet. I plan to this month. I'm wanting to use a clear stain/sealer. Will i have to use the sponge after? Also, we have an 8 foot long lattice "privacy wall" on one side. Should we stain that as well?

[@lauracoteDIY]

If you take down the privacy wall, a spray paint would get the job done very fast and get into all those connections and overlaps. Hope the staining worked out for your deck as well!

[@johnterdik4707]

What about a coating that keeps the wood deck cool? With most coatings the temperature of the deck can get very hot on sunny days. I'm aware of cool coating for concrete but not for wood.

[@lauracoteDIY]

I’ve never heard of that! Something to look into. Thx.

[@vijaythykuttathil]

Any suggestions on avoiding those lighter sanded spots on the deck? 🙂 great job btw!

[@mrbungle7586]

Yep sand the whole deck. 👍

[@innocentingredd5189]

2:18 is a prime example of why you shouldn’t wait so long to stain initially. Looks great!!

[@lauracoteDIY]

Thank you! And yes, I was given some poor advice about waiting to stain. I agree, do it asap!

[@SH-jv5uf]

I was told 3-4 months before staining to allow the wood to dry. Is that correct?

[@innocentingredd5189]

@@SH-jv5uf it’s up for debate. I have not had issues staining after two or three weeks. Buy the lumber, get the project done, stain it when you have two clear days. Trap that pressure treatment in versus letting it dry out

[@80sGlamRocker1]

Just had our deck replaced. They said 6-8 weeks before stain/sealing. This weekend, it will be 7 weeks and I am ready to go. I noticed you also have metal spindles. Did you mask them, or were they easy to clean the stain off? I’d really like to not tape them up, as there are about 700 of them.

[@lauracoteDIY]

I did not tape them up. I just went around carefully. The sponge is easier to control than a brush I found.

[@lorisurdam8270]

What type of sponge did you use? Also, My deck is over a year old. I’ve power washed and sanded. Thinking of a clear stain? Any recommendations?

[@lauracoteDIY]

It’s a sponge that is covered in a cloth material and called ‘terry stain pad’. I found at the paint store and you can also buy online. I’ve not used many stains. Cabot is the best so far. I didn’t like Sico or Olympic that much. I’d talk with your local hardware store and maybe try some samples.

[@jessewhite7751]

I would just do the deck with the broom and handle then fill the cracks with the brush personally. Thanks for video!

[@lauracoteDIY]

Nice! I chose cracks first so I could blend in with the long strokes of the broom. If there is no visual difference then do what works for you! Maybe next time I’ll reverse it.

[@jessewhite7751]

@@lauracoteDIY no, no always cracks first for blend as you mentioned. I worded my statement poorly

[@jessewhite7751]

@@lauracoteDIY I only commented that because I thought you did the entire rest of the deck with the brush

[@lauracoteDIY]

Haha no. Imagine how long that would take!!

[@booostedtc]

Great video will you please tell me the stain you use color brand transparency water or oil base

[@lauracoteDIY]

Thanks! This is the exact stain I used in Honey Teak colour m.cabotstain.com/product-detail.php?p=e0b5f46a-90b4-11e2-991a-4fa1f1c236bf good luck with your stain!

[@lauracoteDIY]

Honey Teak m.cabotstain.com/color-detail.php?c=exterior&o=Wood%20Toned%20Stain&n=Honey%20Teak

[@imranjaffri4705]

Deck came out amazing! Absolutely love it! May I ask what the name of the stain color is please ?

[@lauracoteDIY]

Cabot, honey teak.

[@VM-ie6wd]

What if your deck has old chipped paint? Does that type of sander work as well, or would you recommend something stronger?

[@lauracoteDIY]

You will have to sand or strip the paint before a new stain. I will be doing this eventually and will most likely rent an industrial sander with a long handle to speed up the process.

[@jeffm1670]

You just have to remember, anything you do to wood will come to light when you use semi-transparent stain.

[@abrahamwu9680]

What brand are your post lights? Are they solar powered? Thanks!

[@lauracoteDIY]

Yes solar! I am planning to replace them next year as I don’t like the shape. The corners really scratch you up if you accidentally brush past. I’ve given myself arm cuts walking up the stairs holding things. These might be Hampton Bay. From Home Depot for sure.

[@steveschultz4358]

What color stain did u use? Also, the applicator, not the brush? Thanks

[@lauracoteDIY]

I used Cabot Honey Teak. And do you mean the sponges? They were cloth exterior.

[@McmM-cv9sb]

you did a nice job on your duck, you did a lot of work in a short amount of time ,I am going to get a PW. I am working my duck now thanks for your video.

[@lauracoteDIY]

Thank you! Good luck with your own.

[@henjo17]

Did you so one coat or 2

[@terrykrall]

I’m having a cedar deck built now... the bulder said he would stain it... CAN NEW CEDAR BE STAINED... or should it be in 6 months?

[@mrbungle7586]

Good job. Straight away watching you sand, I thought you really should sand the whole deck to avoid the spots. A big job but worth it. You mentioned it and obviously it's your deck and your happy with it. Doing it for a customer, the whole deck would have to be sanded. How's it looking after a year, have you reapplied another coat? Cheers. 👍

[@lauracoteDIY]

yes! 100% agree to sand an entire deck for a paid customer job. Next year I will most likely be sanding everything. My 2 dogs have destroyed my deck since, however the railings are still looking new!

[@mrbungle7586]

@@lauracoteDIYHi, at least the rails are still good. My dogs over time damaged my deck. Claw marks playing with toys or bringing soil, mud up there. Just sanded it down recently and was a big job, but have applied two coats of oil now and ready for summer. 👍

[@cyndiclark9657]

Thank you! Because you're a woman, it makes me feel confident I can do this too!

[@lauracoteDIY]

Of course you can do it!!

[@derekdriver251]

What are the lights on the post and where do you get them?

[@lauracoteDIY]

I believe Home Depot. Honestly I hate them! The square corners hurt and scratch if you run into one! They are solar so that’s good.

[@donabdulmalikvaughan7338]

How can you tell the the color variation with sunglasses on ?

[@lauracoteDIY]

Haha take them off!

[@carolinagonzalez3628]

I painted my deck but the color is too red, can I do something to fix or change to honey? We were working a lot and the color is not like I imagine 😔

[@lauracoteDIY]

Wait a year and see if the sun fades it. My deck has faded greatly where the sun strikes. Otherwise it will be a lot of work to strip sand and redo! Wait it out. I had a picnic table I stained ‘cedar’ and it was basically bright orange! A year later in the sun it’s the colour I wanted afterall haha sun will fade!

[@carolinagonzalez3628]

@@lauracoteDIY thanks!! Almost one month and the color changed, I will wait next year (after a lot of snow and spring!)

[@craigjustice5399]

You should have put clear sealant on after staining it will make it last much longer

[@lauracoteDIY]

I agree. Will try this step next round!

[@mileswinslow7553]

I made a mistake and used a brick colored stain, which is the same color as my home. Ill have to go back and brush in between the cracks of the boards.

[@jeannieselzer7984]

Did you also stain your stairs ? And if so does that make them slipperier in the snow or rain?

[@lauracoteDIY]

Yes I did, you’ll see the stairs getting done in the video the same way I did the main deck. Not slippery at all in rain or snow. It’s actually worn down now because of my dogs up and down the steps so much.

[@Rhezoloution]

But why does the title say New Deck. This isnt a new deck.

[@lauracoteDIY]

Hi thanks for watching! But it is! Less than one year and never been treated or stained before. It went through one winter and after a summer of pounding direct sun it got very beat up!

[@jessewhite7751]

Wouldn't you sand before power wash 🤔

[@lauracoteDIY]

Great comment. Personally I chose to wash first as I didn’t want to be sanding up all my grease spots. Some people may not even want or need to sand. I did question this myself and most of my research did suggest washing first. I don’t think either way would be incorrect as long as the wood is free from dust and debris prior to staining. Thanks for watching.

[@scottpratson7766]

What color???

[@scottpratson7766]

Honey teak never mind 😂

[@mileswinslow7553]

Well, that dog was no help at all! 😅

[@lauracoteDIY]

She never is lol kzbin.infohYUVV9Dpqvw?si=TcPhngFgYLvLgxhK

[@ajmw5322]

is this a vid on a new deck

[@lauracoteDIY]

Hi built the deck July then I stained it in April I believe. Less than 1 year old and went through 1 winter season.

[@internet123ism2]

my dog is as much help as yours

[@lauracoteDIY]

Haha 🐾 mine digs nice holes too

[@robertstephen1147]

You are defeated before you start if you don’t stain all sides and ends before you put the deck on the joists

[@matthewhammerling2421]

this is a new deck...?

[@lauracoteDIY]

At the time of staining it was less than 1 year since built. Thx for watching.

[@wonheehanna]

New deck? It doesn't look like it.

[@lauracoteDIY]

I know. I was surprised how fast unprotected wood can wear down in less than a year. The deck was built only 6 months prior to the time I stained. I understand why people purchase composite decking now. Perhaps I should have stained immediately as well not have waited.

[@user-il2gs5fu2v]

Step one, remove everything from the deck. Its called common sense. You named the video "Staining a NEW Deck" but this is NOT a new deck, in fact is OLD. Not any point in watching any more................

[@lauracoteDIY]

Thanks for checking it out anyway. At this stage, this deck was less than a year old and never been treated. And common sense of course, but sometimes it’s good to give a reminder!