Deck and Porch Staining · Jul 2023
Lake home: herringbone screened porch deck stained
Lake home: herringbone screened porch deck stained. These are before and after photos from the job, taken Jul 2023. 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
Herringbone Screened Porch Deck Cleaned and Stained a Warm Cedar Tone
This screened porch overlooks a lake, and its wood floor is laid in a herringbone pattern that meets at a center seam. The before photo shows the deck freshly washed and still wet. The old finish had worn thin, leaving patchy gray and brown boards, with bare spots near the door and in the main walkway. Blue tape protected the black metal railings, the screen frames and the brick wall. A hose, scrub brush, bucket and cleaner bottle sat on the boards. In the after photo the deck is an even, warm cedar brown with a reddish tone. The wood grain and knots still show through, which tells you this is a semi-transparent look rather than a solid color. The chevron seams are crisp, and the warm floor now stands out against the dark railings, green yard and red brick.
How We Restored and Stained This Porch Deck
- We taped along the brick wall, the railing posts and the bottom of each screen frame so cleaner and stain stayed off the masonry and metal.
- The boards were treated with a deck cleaner and scrubbed by brush, working into the herringbone joints where dirt and old stain collect.
- We rinsed the deck with low pressure so the soft wood grain was not torn up, then let the boards dry fully before staining.
- Loose or rough fibers left after washing were lightly sanded, mostly in the busy walkway where the old finish had worn through first.
- Stain was applied a few boards at a time along the herringbone runs, keeping a wet edge so the color did not lap or streak.
- We back brushed the stain into the grain and wiped away any excess that pooled at board ends and along the center seam.
- After the stain dried, we pulled the tape, checked the edges along the brick and railings and touched up any light spots.
Trim Colors That Pair With This Cedar-Stained Porch
These are similar trim and railing colors to consider next to a warm cedar deck like this, but they are not exact colors used on this porch.
Sherwin-Williams Urbane Bronze SW 7048
A warm bronze close to the dark screen frames and railings here, and it makes a reddish cedar stain look richer.
Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore SW 7069
A deep, soft black for porch posts or railings that keeps strong contrast with the warm boards without feeling harsh.
Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter HC-172
A light warm greige that would suit nearby siding or porch ceilings and keeps the focus on the stained wood floor.
Questions About Staining a Screened Porch Deck
Does a covered or screened deck still need stain?
Yes. A roof and screens cut down on rain and sun, but foot traffic, humidity and blowing rain at the edges still wear the finish. Covered decks usually need recoating less often than open ones. Watch high-traffic paths, since those spots fade and wear through first.
Why clean the deck before staining?
New stain needs to soak into the wood. Dirt, mildew and worn old stain block it and can cause blotchy color or peeling. Cleaning and rinsing opens the grain so the new coat absorbs evenly. The wood must dry fully afterward, often a day or more depending on weather.
What is the difference between semi-transparent and solid stain?
Semi-transparent stain adds color but lets grain and knots show, like this porch. Solid stain looks more like paint and covers the grain. Semi-transparent tends to wear by fading. Solid stain hides more flaws and old color but can peel if moisture gets under it.
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