Best Temperature Ranges For Staining Deck

If you have ever installed a deck, you may be aware of how quickly, without proper maintenance, it begins to appear worn out and unkempt. It is vital to stain the wooden framework every three to four years.

You must pick the perfect day for the process, the day that is neither too hot nor too cold, before putting on the stain. You might also question what the ideal temperature is for staining a deck.

The ideal range for staining a deck is the range of fifty and ninety degrees Fahrenheit. The stain may absorb, dry, and cure unevenly on a particularly hot or chilly day. Choose a day when there won’t be bad weather conditions in the next 24 hours by checking the forecast.

Your outdoor space can appear brand new by cleaning and staining the deck promptly.

This guide covers the importance of temperature to exterior staining, the optimal degree range, and what time of day and also year that yields the best results.  

We’ll talk about how rain, sunlight and snow affect stain application and examine the temperature requirements for stains.

By the conclusion of this guide, you will have a better understanding of how sunlight and temperature affect the stain’s application and adhesion, as well as be able to choose the ideal season, day of the week, and temperature for staining your deck.

Best Temperature to Stain a Deck

The ideal deck staining temperature is 70°F (21°C) with a 40% humidity level, providing a 20° margin between acceptable high and low temperatures.

Most stain makers agree that a deck can be stained at any temperature between fifty degrees Fahrenheit (ten degrees Celsius) and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32°C). 

However, the temperature isn’t just limited to the highs and lows of the day; it also refers to the outside temperature of the object being painted or dyed.

The temperature of the wood must remain within that range until it has completely cured to produce the best results.

If the wood is too warm, the stain may dry too quickly, and irregular absorption, uneven finishes, and ugly adhesion may all cause peeling and flaking.

Too little evaporation results in longer drying and curing time, preventing proper adhesion and decreasing longevity.

50°F (10°C) may be an ideal temperature that comes true if you reside in a region where cold temps are typical but still require stain to safeguard a deck or other wooden surface.

If no rain or snow is predicted, degrees between 40°F (4°C) and 50°F are fine.

Lower humidity on cool days means the stain will completely cure, albeit more slowly. The recommended range for wood temps is 32°F (0°C) to 35°F (2C°). The stain might not completely cure until the wood gets a little warmer.

Also Read: When to Stain a New Deck Pressure Treated?

How Important Are the Temperature Requirements for Exterior Stains?

When staining a deck,  you must consider temperature, humidity, and weather. Weather is evident; 48 hours after staining, rain or snow forecasts can ruin the finish.

Humidity impacts drying times, which can be problematic if precipitation is expected before the discoloration has dried completely.

Heat and weather affect the stain’s application and can lead to issues later. They may also reduce the finish’s durability.

The temperature recommendations provided by the stain maker include the air temperature and the wood surface temperature.

Even if the air remains within the acceptable range, a sunny day can cause the wood surface to move outside.

It may result in lap marks from the stain drying too rapidly for even penetration. Surfaces that have been stained must remain within the permitted range until the stain is completely cured.

The condensation point temperature might not remain within the permitted range at night. 

Rain and dew are equally problematic for spot removal. Another temperature problem may impact drying times and longevity and can cause the finish to peel, flake, and appear blotchy.

Does Temperature Impact Deck Staining?

Temperature impacts the deck staining in different ways. When applying a deck stain, the weather is an important factor.

As previously stated, there are many errors due to temperature because the recommended temperature range for deck staining is so broad.

As the highs and lows in various areas differ, you can choose the best temperature for the deck’s geographic surroundings.

However, putting the deck stain at a temperature below the recommended range will not cure properly. The deck stain will evaporate and cure much more quickly if applied at a high temperature.

The stain application is flawed both times, so the deck wood needs to be adequately protected. Therefore, the stain is crucial when the day’s temperature is between the optimal range (45 and 95 degrees F).

See Also: When To Stain A New Deck: Ultimate Deck Staining Guide

Finding The Most Effective Deck Staining Temperatures Suggestions:

If you own a deck, you know how crucial it is to restrain and reseal the wood at least once every three to four years to safeguard it from the elements.

Your efforts will help your outdoor deck last longer and shield it from harm that might force you to replace it too soon.

It’s crucial to pick a day with temperatures suitable for deck staining if you intend to color your deck yourself. Humidity and heat can significantly impact how well your endeavor turns out.

Find the ideal Goldilocks zone for painting your deck using these suggestions to guarantee you get the outcomes you want.

The Perfect Temperature for Deck Staining

Ultimately, you must stain your deck when these circumstances arise:

• The temperature is higher than 50 °F.
• The temperature must be below 90 degrees F.
• The humidity is low, there is no rain in the forecast,
• It’s a cloudy day, or the deck is in the shadow at the perfect moment,
• The wind is calm.

Prevent Too Much Heat

While applying the stain, high temps should be avoided at all costs. If the temperature is too high, the stain might dry too rapidly, leaving lap marks or uneven penetration.

Don’t stain your deck if the temperature is over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Choose a cooler day to stain your deck or stain it in the morning before it gets too hot to guarantee this.

It is acceptable if the temperature increases after the stain has been applied and has started to dry.

Prevent Too Much Cold

Low temps are also bad because they make drying take longer. Wait for an evening with highs above 50 degrees Fahrenheit if you’re staining your deck in the spring or autumn.

Ensure that night’s forecast does not include freezing temps.

The curing process may be hampered if the temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit before the stain completely hardens. Stains that are supposed to penetrate could fail, jeopardizing the stain’s adhesion.

Don’t Miss: How Do I Know If My Deck Is Dry Enough to Stain?

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Never add stain to a deck in full sunlight, regardless of how warm or cool it is outside. It might result in the stain flash drying, preventing it from properly penetrating the wood and reducing its longevity.

You’ll want to redo the work because of the uneven, streaky appearance that flashes drying produces. A cloudy day is ideal for staining your deck, while a sunny day is great for using it.

Avoid Rain and High Humidity

Although humid weather doesn’t inherently ruin your efforts to stain your deck, the longer it takes to dry, the higher the humidity. To avoid washing the stain away, you should wait for a day with no rainfall in the 24-hour forecast.

Refrain from Wind

Additionally, you should avoid windy days that are not optimal. On your wet deck, the breeze may blow twigs, leaves, and other detritus, which may adhere to or leave unattractive marks in the stain.

Best Time To Stain A Deck

The ideal time to stain a deck is when there are a minimum of three or four dry days in succession with highs and lows between 40°F (4°C) and 80°F (27°C).

The manufacturer’s suggested range is 10° higher, but too rapid of a cure is preferable to too slow. 

One layer’s cleaning, drying, and curing time are allotted four days. Once the initial coating is cured enough to touch, which typically takes 4 hours, another coat can be applied.

Yearly Time

The deck’s location geographically determines when it is ideal to use it. Staining in some temperate areas in the spring is preferable before the summer heat, the autumn winds, or hurricanes.

Summer is a popular season to stain in different regions of the United States and Canada. 

However, spring and the early to mid-fall are frequently more comfortable regarding temperature. You can stain in some areas whenever the window of opportunity opens.

For drying, low humidity is preferable to high temps, and indirect sunlight is preferable to cloud cover. 

However, a stretch of dry days is required for the greatest outcomes. Even healing benefits from days with little to no breeze. Decks are frequently used in the summer, so staining them in the spring or autumn may be more practical.

Related: How To Lay Membrane Under Decking?

Time of Day

The position of the deck determines the ideal time of day as mentioned above. Although any early dew (if any) must evaporate before the day’s scorching sun sets in, mornings generally tend to be better.

Unless the wood’s temperature is approaching 85°F (29°C), the afternoon will be perfect if the deck is in the early morning’s rays and sheltered in the afternoon.

It is best to stain wood when the light is not shining directly on it. The sun can dry the pigment too quickly, resulting in a failed bond and a dull, blotchy finish.

Think about staining late in the afternoon or evening if the deck is constantly exposed to the weather.

What is the Best Weather To Stain a Deck?

Cold weather is ideal for staining a deck. Numerous home improvement tasks, such as staining wood, are impacted by temperature and humidity.

You can do some things to guarantee a successful result if you plan to stain wood in cold conditions, such as autumn, winter, or spring. 

Here is some professional advice on finishing a job in cold weather, the effect of different weathers  and the ideal temperature for staining wood.

Effects of Hot Temperatures on Staining the Deck

Although high temperatures seem advantageous, you want the area warm enough. Overheating can hasten the stain’s too-rapid drying.

Therefore, the wood has uneven staining, blotchiness, and overlap marks. The stain doesn’t have enough time to penetrate the wood completely when it dries that quickly. 

Additionally, it might dry immediately, making it difficult to apply the stain evenly.

The same impact can be produced by direct sunlight. Unless your endeavor is close to a window, that is typically not a problem indoors.

You can add a conditioner to water-based products if you stain wood in warm weather. The stain doesn’t cure too quickly because it slows down the drying process. 

You May Also Find Helpful: How Do I Know If My Deck Is Dry Enough to Stain?

Effects of Cold Temperatures on Staining the Deck

The staining procedure may need to be improved by low workshop temperatures. For instance, water-based stains require evaporation to dry and heal properly.

When it’s cold outside, this might not be feasible. Furthermore, the stain will dry quickly because evaporation moves so slowly at these temps.

The drying process begins to slow when the temperature drops under 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).

It will continue to slow as the temperature gets closer to 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius). Due to these chilly temps, the water-based finish may become cloudy or have dimpling.

Additionally, the interval between coats will be prolonged.

Adding an accelerator to the stain or stain mixture is one of the best methods to overcome this problem when using water-based stains. No matter the weather, it will help the stain dry more quickly.

Fortunately, oil-based products don’t significantly suffer from cold temps, unlike water-based products. However, they do take longer to cure. (up to 48 hours).

Additionally, they are more durable, making them better suited for outdoor purposes. You can still choose to heat the space but stay away from exposed flames or combustible heaters because the stain is flammable.

Effects of Humidity on Staining the Deck

Another significant element that affects how well your stain works is humidity. High humidity can delay the drying process; the ideal range for humidity is 50 to 70 percent.

If your internal space is extremely humid, install a dehumidifier. For best outcomes, aim for a humidity level of about 50%.

Ventilation may be important for the coloring procedure. In addition to preventing you from breathing in hazardous fumes, adequate airflow speeds up the project drying process.

Turn on the ventilation system in the room to keep the air flowing out if you cannot open the windows.

How Do You Stain a Deck in Cold Temperature?

When staining your deck, ensure all the products, such as primers and caulks that must be mixed, are compatible and made for cold temps.

Check the recommended temperature range on the can if you’re using an off-the-shelf pigment mixture.

It will guarantee that you achieve great outcomes. The stains and associated items should be stored properly, ideally in a heated, secure space like a workshop, cellar, or basement.

The primers, stains, and additives you choose should be appropriate for cold temps. Use only products that, in addition to fulfilling the requirements for commercial and residential use, also satisfy your drying schedule. 

The finest products, given the erratic nature of the Weather, are those that dry quickly. You don’t need to put off staining your wooden deck during the winter.

Selecting the ideal finish is a great method to complete the task. Choose a finish designed for a chilly season to hasten the drying process during those months. 

For instance, compared to other stains, wiping varnish, shellac, and spray lacquer will dry more quickly in cold conditions. As an alternative, ensure the wooden deck is kept in the proper temperature range.

For instance, you should install the deck in a chilly place or a garage with heat. Another choice would be to soak the deck wood for a few minutes in hot water before staining.

Also Read: Vapor Barrier Under Deck: The Best Moisture Barrier Options

Considerations When Staining a Deck in Different Temperatures

Temperatures may impact the staining process. That’s why you need some considerations so that you can stain your deck properly without harming it. Following are some considerations below:

Tracking the Weather

Check your local weather forecast and choose the best days to work on your job before staining your deck. Select several days in a row where the temperature will stay within the acceptable staining limits.

It is crucial because you have to take the curing period into account.

Choose days when sunlight will be beaming in your region for each stain coat. Most objects, including structures, typically have their surface temperatures raised by direct sunlight.

You shouldn’t stain your wood in full sunlight in the summer, but you can in the winter.

Create a Bubble

Building a bubble where you’ll be working is one of the best methods to get through cold weather when staining wood. 4-6 mil plastic sheeting, scaffolding, or zip rods make this task simple.

Enclose your workspace completely with these materials, then use a space heater to increase the temperature to roughly 70 to 80 degrees F. (21-27 Centigrade).  

Please make sure the bubble’s temperature doesn’t fluctuate while it dries. When the heater is on, you should stay in this space. Additionally, the area needs to be well-aired.

Use a thermometer to determine the precise temperature of the surfaces and your workplace. 

As an alternative, you can calculate the temperature using straightforward techniques. If it’s too cold, for instance, to stain your deck with a water-based finish then you must wear a sweater to stay warm.

Damaging of Deck Wood Due To Temperatures

The temperature has many negative effects if not considered properly before staining. The following factors could wear down or harm your decking:

Heat Wave

The wood may swell when water seeps into the wood pores during hot, humid conditions. An extreme temperature at the surface can dry out wood and cause it to crack even if you live in a dry environment.

Additionally, UV particles from the sun’s direct illumination lead the surface of your deck to deteriorate over time. Your stain’s dark, rich look starts to lighten and fade.  

Rain

Dampness is one of the biggest dangers to decks because the wood may start to swell and warp when the planks get wet in the rain.  

Snow

Additionally, the cold months can be harsh on decks. The continual freezing and melting of snow and ice can harm the wood’s finish and cause warps and fractures by spring.

When Should a Deck Not Be Stained?

A deck must not be stained in summers or at the beginning of spring. Select the appropriate period to stain your deck to ensure your efforts are worthwhile.

Working in unfavorable weather could result in more harm than good and prevent the deck stain from correctly adhering.  

Beginning of Spring

Falsely, many deck owners think that early spring is the best time to paint their deck. It is not the ideal season because of frequent downpours and humid air.

Applying deck stain to wet wood is not recommended because the wood is saturated with wetness, and the stain will only adhere correctly.  

Summer

On the other hand, staining your deck during the summer may be impossible due to extreme heat. The deck pigment evaporates much more quickly at temperatures above 90 °F. The wood won’t be adequately coated during your treatment, exposing it to the elements.  

How to Tell If a Deck Should Be Stained?

Pouring a little water on the wood and examining the area is the simplest test to determine whether you need to reapply the color. Deck stains add visual appeal while keeping moisture out of the timber.

Your deck is still safe if you see that the water flows and runs off the surface. Look into deck stains if the moisture soaks the timber.

Can Deck Stain Freeze?

Deck stain can be frozen depending on the type of stain and temperature. The sort of base a stain is made of decides whether it can freeze or needs to be stored above freezing.

Modified oil-based, water-reducible alkyd-base, and water-based stains should all be kept out of the freezer. 

Oil-based stains can be kept in warm or unheated structures because they won’t freeze. After storing, stored stains should be vigorously shaken or stirred to guarantee complete mixing before use.

Can You Stain Wood in Damp Temperatures?

The worst conditions for staining are those that are overly humid, mildly wet, or rainy. In wet Weather, it is preferable to avoid staining wood. Think about staining your deck when it suddenly starts to rain.

Rain will undoubtedly cause messed-up staining by washing the marks away.

The typical moisture that normally evaporates from the applied stains is similarly reflected by the too-warm moisture air when staining when the humidity is too high.

As a result, the stain won’t settle. And should this occur, the spots may become tacky or sticky.

Does Humidity Affect Wood Staining?

Yes. One key element affecting how wood stains turn out is humidity. Too much water vapor in the air can shorten the time it takes for a wood stain to cure.

Due to the excess moisture in the air, the solvent in the wood stain cannot disperse and instead becomes tacky or sticky.

What Happens if You Stain Wood and Then It Rains?

The stain could become sticky if it rains after staining. Staining a deck is only a good time if the relative humidity is 70 and the weather is above 90.

Nothing ought to occur to the stained surface if the wooden deck you stained weren’t exposed to the rain directly.  if the humidity in your workspace is high as you had to close all the windows because of the rain.

However, the rain will affect the staining if the wood you stained is outdoor, such as a deck. Whether the stain is water-, oil-based, or gel-based, if it rains on the wood right after coloring, the rain will wash away.

However, the harm might be lessened if the stained wood is partially dried before being affected by rain.

How long must wood dry after it has rained before staining?

The deck wood must dry at least 24 hours after staining. Since wood surfaces have soaking wood pores, rainwater is taken by the wood based on the intensity of the rain, which can be unpredictable on rainy days.

Such wet wood will not allow the stain to penetrate it unless the water from the wood evaporates. Therefore, you must allow the wet timber to dry for at least 24 hours.

Pour a small quantity of water on the wood’s surface to see if it’s dry; if the water stones, the wood isn’t dry. If it is quickly absorbed, the wood is dry. 

Can You Stain The Deck In The Winter?

You cannot apply most deck dyes at temperatures below 50°F or above 90°F. It is advised not to spread the stain these days because winter temperatures can drop below the 50-degree threshold.

You will need to wait until the temperatures are within the advised range in spring or early autumn.

How Late In The Year Can I Stain My Deck?

Some freshly installed decks can be stained shortly after the installation is finished, but there are better standards than this one.

The ideal time to stain the wood for most decks is after it dries. The deck should cure for three weeks to a year before being stained.

Can You Stain a Deck in the Sun?

Staining the deck in full sunlight is problematic because it’s challenging to move the deck to the shade.

The solar heat may raise the temperature of the timber above the air temperature, which may cause the stain to dry too quickly and leave lap marks.

Additionally, it may prevent the stain from correctly adhering to the wood, leading to peeling and flaking. 

In addition, many manufacturers agree that 40% relative humidity is optimal. More than 70% humidity shortens drying duration and may dull the surface.

Pick a day with temps around 70°F (21°C), a humidity level between 40% and 70%, and a low precipitation point if you must stain in the sun.

You can stain in the sun, though, as long as the air and surface remain below 85°F (29°C) to 90°F (32°C).

Wrap Up

For staining a deck, the ideal air and wood surface temperatures are between 70°F (21°C) and 75°F (24°C), with a relative humidity of 40–50%.

Absorption, adherence, finish, and time to drying can all be negatively impacted by high humidity, temperatures above 85°F (29°C), or below 40°F (4°C).

It’s essential to read the instructions because the correct thermal range differs between producers and products from the same brand.

Hopefully, you now better grasp the significance of air and wood temperatures when staining wood, as well as when to stain your deck for optimum results.