Stain or Paint Porch Deck?

[Felix]

We've stripped, sanded, and cleaned our porch deck down to the bare wood.

We planned on putting stain on the deck, as we were told that would last longest, but another neighbor is now advising us that painting is better, specifically applying a coat or two of oil based primer, and then applying a coat of oil based paint, or even latex.

Any thoughts on the best procedure?

Thanks!

[LyleH]

Not sure about the prepping before painting, but the June 2012 issue of Consumer Report seems to say that the longest lasting deck stains are solid stains. And they gave Behr Solid Color Deck, Fence & Siding Wood Stain a rating far above other stains. If you're familiar with Consumer Reports, this paint had a solid red dot (best) appearance after 3 and 6 years, and a 1/2 red dot after 9 years. So it seems they did some thorough testing. Available at Home Depot, and I'm sure other places.

They gave the Behr and Sears Weatherbeater Deck, Fence & Siding Solid Best Buy ratings. LyleH

[NewtonMP2100]

......I've STAINED [accidentally] many decks....but I don't think you mean that way.....

[nwyaker]

It's all about UV degradation. Paints block UV better than stains - more opaque.

[Surfrider]

Stain is the way to go.

Easier than paint, looks better, won't chip. I stained my house and I like it.

[iaJim]

I WOULD NEVER PAINT A PROPERLY PREPARED PORCH! Sorry to yell, but you get the idea.

[OWC Jamie]

My sister has a huge deck and it is painted. It is a bear for maintenance.
The house is multiple shades of tan/cream stain, the deck is white paint. Looks nice, it's just a LOT of work to keep it that way.

My mom has a tiny deck and it is solid stain. It's not quite so bad. The house is painted but the house paint outlasts the stain.

Clear preservative every year in a pump spray can is easiest. A quick clean every Spring or every other Spring isn't so bad either.


If it's a covered porch then the worst place for paint will be from the steps to the door. A carpet runner of some sort is often recommended to save wear and tear on the paint and as a non-skid rather than non-skid/sand/grit.

[Carm]

Stain stain stain. With stain, it gets absorbed into the wood, paint on the other hand only covers it. Stain and seal.

[cbelt3]

Solid stain

[Bill in NC]

Stain, the more opaque the better.