How to Take Care of Your Deck: Staining & Maintenance Tips in Westchester, Putnam & Dutchess Counties

One of the most common questions we get is: How often should I paint or stain my deck? And the answer is: It depends.

Deck maintenance isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on the product you use, how well you care for it between jobs, and even the deck’s surroundings—like how much sun it gets, whether it's shaded by trees, or how humid the area is. It also depends on the region you live in—weather patterns, seasonal changes, and environmental conditions all play a role. So in this post, I’ll focus on what works best here in the Hudson Valley, where we live and work.

A Deck Is More Than Just Wood

Wood decks can be a beautiful extension of your home, adding charm, usable space, and real value. I know from experience: our family basically lives on our deck from May through October. Meals, friends, morning coffee, Zoom calls (including our daughter’s college classes!), even yoga and meditation happen out there.

But that relaxing, multifunctional space can quickly turn into an eyesore—and a money pit—if you don’t take good care of it.

The Real Cost of Waiting Too Long

Too often, we’re called in to give an estimate when the deck stain or paint is already peeling or chipping. At that point, the project becomes much more expensive. Why? Because we often have to sand or strip off most (if not all) of the existing coating to make sure the new product adheres properly.

Once the surface is stripped, it typically requires power washing, drying, smoothing, and sometimes priming before being coated twice with stain or paint. It’s time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Preventative Maintenance = Long-Term Savings

The good news? Regular maintenance will help you avoid a costly, full-deck restoration. Yearly pressure washing or cleaning with products like DEFY Wood Cleaner or Simple Green Oxy Solve can extend the life of your deck coating significantly.

Even better: if the deck is in good shape, we can wash and apply a maintenance coat on the walking surfaces—floors, stairs, and railings—every 1–2 years. Vertical surfaces, such as spindles, can usually wait until every other cycle. The key is simple: don’t wait until the finish starts to peel or wear away.

This approach is faster, more affordable, and ensures you can enjoy your deck throughout the entire season. (You’ll usually be back on your deck in just a few days.)

A Quick Note About Planters and Pots

Plants bring beauty and life to any deck, but they can also cause damage if not managed carefully. Make sure that pots and planters aren’t trapping moisture underneath or allowing water to pool around them. Prolonged dampness can lead to peeling, mildew, and even rot in the wood. Elevate planters slightly or use risers to allow airflow underneath, and check regularly to ensure no moisture is being trapped.

Book Your Deck Maintenance Early

Just like I never leave my favorite nail salon without booking my next UV gel mani/pedi—because their calendar fills up fast—deck maintenance works the same way. We have loyal customers who book their deck staining a year or two in advance. They’re often the first on our schedule as soon as the outdoor season begins, and they enjoy their freshly refinished decks from spring through fall.

If you wait too long to call, we may already be committed to bigger exterior painting jobs, and your deck might not be done until August or later. And no one wants to wait until August to enjoy their deck! Plus, New York weather can be tricky. Some years we start outdoor work in April, but other years—like this one—we can’t get outside safely until late May. For a quality job, we need several good dry days before and after product application. Rushing the job can lead to poor results. We’ve had situations where we were asked to stain a deck for a party on short notice, and unfortunately, the finish didn’t last as long as anyone hoped. It’s disappointing—and avoidable.

Don’t Let Rot Sneak In

Also important: address rot immediately. Even a small soft spot can quickly spread to the structural supports (like joists or beams), and that’s expensive to fix. Routine inspections and quick repairs are key to protecting your investment.

Choosing the Right Product

Your deck’s look, condition, and your home’s style all factor into choosing the right finish:

• Paint – Durable and full-coverage, but sits on top of the wood.

• Solid stain – Looks like paint but penetrates deeper with a more natural finish.

• Semi-solid or semi-transparent stain – Shows some wood grain while offering solid protection.

• Clear sealers or waterproofers – Provide minimal color but excellent moisture resistance.

Generally, solid and semi-solid stains last longer. Semi-transparent and clear products fade faster, but when maintained properly, they can still look great year after year.

Acrylic vs. Oil-Based Stains in New York

Oil-based products have long been popular for their durability, but in New York State, they’re being phased out due to environmental regulations. That means:

• Availability is limited, and oil-based stains might not be around much longer.

• Acrylic products are less toxic, lower in VOCs, and easier to clean up.

• Today’s high-quality acrylic stains can perform just as well as oil, especially with proper prep and application.

If you're wondering whether to stick with oil or make the switch to acrylic, we’re happy to help you decide based on your deck’s wood type and existing finish.

Product Timing & Temperature

Before you paint or stain, be sure to:

• Wait 3–6 months before staining new pressure-treated wood so that it can weather properly.

• Use deck-specific products for hardwoods like ipe or mahogany.

• Allow proper ventilation under the deck—trapped moisture causes peeling, no matter the product.

• Watch the weather. Too much humidity, rain shortly after application, or extreme heat can all cause the finish to fail. (Check temperature guidelines on the can.)

  
  

Decks are one of the best parts of a home, especially here in the Northeast, where we savor every moment of outdoor weather. However, without regular care, they can become damaged, hazardous, and costly to repair.

With proper deck maintenance—scheduled at the right time—you can keep your space beautiful, functional, and protected for many seasons to come.

At Brush’N Roll Painting & Carpentry, we offer expert deck staining in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess, as well as carpentry, exterior house painting, and interior painting services. Whether you're refreshing your deck, restoring trim, or updating a room inside, we’re happy to provide free estimates and help you plan ahead so you’re first on the schedule when the season starts.

Contact us today to book your deck’s refresh—or your next home improvement project—before the calendar fills up!

Schedule Free Estimate