Deck maintenance depends on exposure and the type of stain already on the wood. Open decks can weather faster in direct sun, while shaded lake-area decks may stay damp longer after rain.
Inspect before choosing a schedule
Look for fading, water absorption, worn traffic areas, peeling coatings, mildew, splintering, or bare wood. Cleaning and drying are critical before applying a new stain.
Choose stain based on the wood
Transparent, semi-transparent, and more opaque finishes provide different looks and maintenance cycles. The age and condition of the wood should guide the choice.