Living in Washington has many benefits — access to nature despite being in a big city, countless job opportunities, and entertainment and culture always just around the corner. As a homeowner in the state, life is almost ideal. But there is one challenge that can make life a little tricky… Washington’s diverse climate and geography. 

The western side of the state has relatively mild weather, while the eastern region has more extreme temperatures. If your home isn’t built to withstand natural elements, you won’t be able to make the most of it. 

A deck, for example, is an exceptional area to revel in Washington’s beauty. To keep it in good condition all year, however, staining or painting is a must. The two differ in application, customizability, cost, and durability, but both aim to protect your outdoor space. 

In the deck staining vs deck painting debate, which one should you invest in? EA Pro Painters has the answer. 

Why Stain or Paint Your Deck? 

Before you choose between deck painting and staining, understand the purpose first. Each method promises different results, but they share the same goal. 

Enhance Aesthetics 

Again, outdoor living spaces are for soaking in Washington life; your deck itself should look attractive. Staining and painting can bring out the charm of the materials, whether wood, composite, or PVC. It also boosts your home’s curb appeal with hues that suit the overall architectural design. You live in a welcoming, stylish state, so why not have a deck that reflects that? 

Promote Safety 

The deck is where you entertain guests or relax with your family. Along with Washington’s damp and humid climate is regular exposure to moisture, creating slippery surfaces, fostering mold and mildew growth, or deteriorating materials. 

Stain or paint for a deck safe for foot traffic. These coatings provide a durable, protective surface that eliminates hazards! Consider the primary weather conditions in your area, from high humidity and heavy rainfall to mild temperatures. There is a deck stain or paint to reduce the likelihood of accidents in your home. 

Extend Deck Lifespan 

Staining or painting fights moisture, UV rays, fluctuating temperatures, and other natural elements that can lead to rotting, cracking, and other damage. Consequently, your deck serves you well longer. Both staining and painting are maintenance tasks that preserve your outdoor space’s integrity, saving you from expensive repairs or replacements. 

All About Deck Staining 

Now, let’s round back to the deck staining vs deck painting discourse, starting with the former. Deck staining involves applying a specially formulated stain to your decking materials, penetrating the surface. Transparent stains let the natural wood grain show, while semi-transparent and solid stains offer more color and coverage. 

Stains form a protective barrier that prevents water from soaking into the materials, avoiding swelling, warping, and rotting. Some also have mildew-resistant properties for more moisture-related issues. 

Staining also involves UV-blocking agents that safeguard materials from sun damage and does not typically result in peeling or cracking as paint can. 

The Pros 

Deck staining comes with several advantages, including the following: 

Easy to Apply: Stain typically goes on smoothly, not requiring much precision. It is less likely to drip or streak, making it an exciting choice for DIY enthusiasts. 

Needs Only One Coat: One coat of stain is usually enough to reap the benefits. 

Budget-Friendly: The materials and tools for staining are more affordable than those for painting. 

Highlights Wood’s Natural Beauty: Staining preserves and highlights the beauty of the wood, from cedar and redwood to teak. 

The Cons 

There are drawbacks to consider before staining, such as the following: 

Fading Fast in Sunlight: UV rays eventually break down the stain, causing it to lose its vibrant color and finish. 

Requires Reapplication: Wear and tear can degrade stains faster than paint, so more frequent reapplication may be necessary. 

Less Variety: The range of stain colors and finishes is generally more limited compared to paints. 

In Summary 

Deck staining is ideal for Washington homeowners who want to focus on the allure of wood. For instance, if your deck is made of redwood, it can be impossible to want to cover up its rich, warm reddish-brown hues. The straight and fine grains with knots and swirls are also a stunning visual texture. 

You must not mind sanding, however. Staining a deck means losing just a bit of the natural wood for aesthetics and resilience. 

If your deck is placed in an area where the sun doesn’t shine for long each day, staining can be enough. Sunlight is staining’s weakness; with it in shorter supply, your deck will not sustain much damage. 

The Power of Deck Painting 

Moving on to the latter part of the deck staining vs deck painting battle, Washington homeowners have even more factors to think about. Deck painting involves applying a layer of paint to the surface of your deck, creating a solid, opaque finish that completely covers it. You can go for oil-based, acrylic, latex, or epoxy paint, based on the level of maintenance you are willing to carry out. 

Unlike stains, which go through the decking material, paint sits on top. As such, your deck gets a more robust shield against rot, discoloration, and wear. Paint can also help prevent splinters, with a smooth, even surface for walking and furniture placement. 

Painted decks dramatically transform outdoor spaces. They are not subtle at all, but they are easy to clean, ending the worries that come with wood’s inherent dirt-catching tendencies. 

The Pros 

Why should you choose deck painting over staining? Here are four reasons: 

Long-Lasting: When applied correctly, paint can last several years before requiring touch-ups or reapplication. 

Excellent UV Light Protection: Paint decreases the risk of the wood fading or turning gray because of exposure to sunlight. 

Multiple Color and Finish Options: Whether you prefer bold, vibrant colors or lighter shades, paint has a versatility that stains cannot match. You can also choose from satin, matte, or glossy finishes. 

Better Coverage for Imperfections: Paint hides cracks, blemishes, and age-related wear very well under its layers. 

The Cons 

Here are some potential downsides to using paint: 

More Expensive Than Staining: High-quality exterior paints can be pricey, and you must do more preparation and apply more coats. Maintenance can also be costlier to avoid peeling or chipping. 

Works Best with Professional Service: Proper preparation and application are pivotal for achieving the best results. 

Requires Specific Paint: Decks require exterior-grade paints specifically designed for the materials you are using. 

In Summary 

Perhaps your house is all red bricks, and you crave a shock of all-white, or maybe you have a pool and want to match its cool blue. Deck painting is the only way to go. 

The color of your wood might be astonishing, but if it does not match the rest of your property or your taste, painting over it will give you exactly what you visualize. 

The same solution goes for decks with rough wood surfaces. If staining seeps into cracks and crevices, painting reshapes them in some ways. It hides any unevenness that may be an eyesore. 

Your deck could be in an area where the sun beats down on it all day or one that cannot avoid rain. Regardless, the paint will shield it. 

Deck Staining vs Deck Painting: The Verdict 

With the above perks and pitfalls, it’s easy to see why the deck staining vs deck painting debate has been going on forever. At EA Pro Painters, however, we have a clear winner that we are happy to share with you. 

Deck staining has its place in home improvement, restoration, and other projects, but painting is one step ahead. It has a higher initial price tag, but it certainly delivers. Aside from preserving that natural wood look, painting can generally do everything staining does — and even better. 

Deck painting takes a bit more time and effort, but the results speak for themselves. Plus, with proper upkeep, the investment pays off. At the end of the day, a natural, rustic deck is desirable, but it will not matter if it does not last. 

For superior protection, more aesthetic flexibility, and greater durability, go for deck painting. 

Hire EA Pro Painters for Your Next Decking Project 

EA Pro Painters can provide both deck painting and staining. After all, every house and homeowner in Washington has unique needs. Count on our team to assess your deck and decide which finish it should get, merging your budget and preferences with our expertise. 

As an accredited painting company in the greater Eastside area of King County, we specialize in painting and staining services. Trust us when we say every residence we step into receives professional treatment and the highest quality work. 

Are you ready to get your deck staining or painting project underway? It could be a new construction or a renovation; either way, EA Pro Painters is eager to be on board. Call (206) 250-1194 now or contact us online!