How to Finish a Deck

Choose the right tools to make the final step to your new addition a seamless one. Using the wrong tools can make a tough job more tedious than it needs to be and can make the application of your stain or sealant a bit sloppy looking, creating more work for you in the long run. Choose deck cleaners and stains that are made specifically for decks and perhaps for your specific type of wood.

Clean the surface. With all the dirt and dust that goes along with building a new deck, it's important to wipe the slate clean before beginning the staining process. Determine which cleaning products are best for your surface, and then get working.

Check with your local weatherman to make sure the weather will be perfect to get your deck stained and treated on time. If the new deck is put in or just finished right before a rain storm, you and your fellow deck workers won't have enough time for the sealant to dry, which could ruin your new outdoor addition.

Determine whether a primer is necessary for this project. Certain primers are more compatible with other stains and not all of them work together to create the best look for a finished deck. Do the research to find out just what combination is right for your specific deck.

Treat your deck before you treat yourself to a barbecue. Right after building the new addition to your home or backyard, experts say staining or treating your deck with a stain isn't taboo. Go ahead and seal your new deck--you'll get a head start on those who wait six months.