Question 1

Staining an older CCA deck in Ottawa every year?

Accepted Answer

Health Canada recommends applying a sealant every year to older CCA-treated decks, using an oil-based or water-based stain. That same guidance says paints and other film-forming finishes are not recommended for this purpose. The USDA Forest Products Laboratory supports the penetrating-finish approach for decks generally. The FPL says film-forming finishes, including paint and solid stain, are very difficult to maintain on decking and are rated low suitability for that surface.

Question 2

Stain or paint for a wood deck in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

For a wood deck in Ottawa, penetrating finishes, meaning semi-transparent stains and water-repellent preservatives, are what the USDA Forest Products Laboratory recommends over paint and solid stains. Paint and solid stains are rated low suitability for decking because film-forming finishes are very difficult to maintain on a horizontal walking surface, and penetrating finishes have to be refreshed every few years.

Question 3

Water repellent on a new Ottawa deck: how long does it last?

Accepted Answer

A water-repellent preservative on a new deck lasts about 1 to 2 years, according to US data from the USDA Forest Products Laboratory. The same source rates semitransparent stain at 2 to 3 years on new wood and 3 to 6 years on weathered or saw-textured boards. The Forest Products Laboratory recommends penetrating finishes for decks rather than film-forming ones.

Question 4

When should a new Ottawa deck get its first stain?

Accepted Answer

We found no government or standards-body source that sets when a new deck should get its first finish, so follow the finish manufacturer's label and ask your builder what the product they use says. What the USDA Forest Products Laboratory does give is how finishes behave on decking once they are on.

Repair, Finishes & Upkeep

Staining an older CCA deck in Ottawa every year?

Stain or paint for a wood deck in Ottawa?

Water repellent on a new Ottawa deck: how long does it last?

When should a new Ottawa deck get its first stain?