Deck stain adds pigment that blocks UV rays; a sealer is clear and mainly repels water. This guide compares both plus 2-in-1 combos, with a decision matrix for your deck, climate, and budget.
Browsing: Decks, Fences & Patios
Practical guides for cleaning, maintaining, repairing, and protecting decks, fences, patios, and other outdoor living surfaces.
Most green growth on decks is algae, a simple organism feeding on pollen and dirt film. Learn to tell it from mold, mildew, moss, and lichen before you clean.
Cupped deck boards curl at the edges when one face is wetter than the other. Test severity, fix or replace boards, and keep the rest flat.
Wood deck maintenance comes down to three habits: inspect the frame yearly, clean every season, and refresh the finish when water stops beading. Here is the full schedule, the inspection checklist, and how to pick the right finish.