Deck and Porch Staining · Jun 2019
Brown railing deck restained darker
Brown railing deck restained darker. These are before and after photos from the job, taken Jun 2019. This deck and porch staining project was done by Larry Gaytos and the My Personal Painter crew. We are based in Florence, Kentucky, and our work is covered by a 2-year touch-up warranty.
Before and After Photos
Faded Reddish Brown Deck and Railing Restained a Deeper Brown
This raised deck runs along the side of a red brick ranch home and looks out over a grassy yard. The before photo shows the deck boards and the simple two rail railing in a reddish brown solid color stain. Sun had faded the boards unevenly, and the surface shows worn spots, dry looking grain, and small cracks along the board ends. The railing posts and top rail were faded in the same way. In the after photo, the deck boards and railing are a deeper, richer brown. Part of the deck sits in shade, which shows how dark and even the new color reads, while the sunny side shows the warm brown tone and the board texture coming through. The top rails, posts, and lower rails all match the floor. The deck now looks cared for, and the darker color sits well next to the red brick and green lawn. The photos were taken in Jun 2019.
How We Restained This Deck and Railing
- We cleared everything off the deck and swept away leaves and debris, then covered nearby plants and the brick wall where the boards meet the house.
- The deck boards and railing were washed with a deck cleaner to lift dirt, mildew, and loose old stain, then rinsed and left to dry fully.
- We checked for loose nails, raised screws, and soft boards, setting any fasteners that stuck up so they would not catch shoes or the stain brush.
- Stain was applied to the railing first, working the top rail, posts, and lower rail so drips would land on boards not yet coated.
- We then stained the deck boards a few at a time, keeping a wet edge along the full length of each board to avoid lap marks.
- After the stain dried to the touch, we checked the shade and sun sides for thin areas and touched up spots before the deck went back in use.
Paint Colors to Pair with This Deep Brown Deck
This was a stain job, so these are similar paint colors to consider for nearby trim, doors, or siding. They are not colors used on this deck.
Sherwin-Williams Van Dyke Brown SW 7041
A rich dark brown that echoes this deck color, a good choice for a back door, shutters, or a fence nearby.
Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige SW 7036
A warm beige for soffits or trim that softens the contrast between red brick and a deep brown deck.
Sherwin-Williams Creamy SW 7012
A light warm cream for window trim or gutters that keeps a brick home bright above a darker stained deck.
Questions About Restaining a Deck Darker
Can you restain a deck a darker color without stripping it?
Often, yes. Going darker is easier than going lighter, since the new color covers the old one. The deck still needs a good cleaning to remove dirt, mildew, and loose stain so the new coat can soak in. If the old finish is peeling, more prep like stripping or sanding may be needed.
How often should a deck be restained?
Many decks need fresh stain every two to four years, depending on sun, shade, foot traffic, and the type of stain. Horizontal boards wear faster than railings. Signs it is time include fading, water soaking in instead of beading, and gray or dry looking wood.
What is the difference between solid and semi transparent deck stain?
Semi transparent stain lets the wood grain show and soaks into the boards. Solid stain looks more like paint and hides more of the grain and older color. Solid stains can cover worn or mismatched boards well, while semi transparent stains give a more natural wood look.
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