Deck Staining & Sealing in Tempe, AZ

Deck staining and sealing is the maintenance that keeps a wood deck from turning gray, rough and splintered. In Tempe, strong UV and very low humidity break down wood surfaces faster than in milder climates, and a finish that might last several years elsewhere can fade sooner on a deck in full sun. A good job is mostly preparation: cleaning, brightening and sanding before any stain goes on.

Sealer versus stain

Clear sealers repel water but offer little UV protection, so wood still grays under them. Semi-transparent stains carry pigment that blocks UV while letting the grain show, which is why they are the usual choice for desert decks. Solid stains hide the grain and cover more damage but can peel if moisture gets behind them. We recommend penetrating finishes over film-forming coatings for most decks here, because they wear away gradually instead of peeling.

How we prepare the wood

• Clean the deck to remove dirt, monsoon dust, mildew and old failing finish.
• Brighten the wood to restore its color after cleaning.
• Let it dry fully, which happens quickly in Tempe's dry air.
• Sand raised grain, splinters and rough spots, and reset popped fasteners.
• Replace any boards too damaged to hold a finish, with your approval.

Working around the heat

Stain applied to a hot deck in direct sun dries too fast, which can leave lap marks and keep it from soaking in. Most stain makers list a maximum surface temperature on the label. In summer we work in the early morning, on shaded sections first, and plan around monsoon storms so a fresh coat is not rained on before it cures.

How often to refinish

Angi notes that a quality stain lasts about two to five years and says many decks need restaining every two to three years; dense hardwood may need it yearly. A deck in full afternoon sun in Tempe will usually be at the shorter end. Horizontal surfaces wear faster than railings, so sometimes only the deck floor needs a fresh coat.

Composite decks

Composite does not get stained or sealed. Paint and other coatings can void composite warranties; Trex's warranty, for example, excludes products that have been painted or coated. For composite we recommend cleaning only, and we can tell you if your deck is composite or wood at the estimate.