What kind of wood do you use to paint a deck?

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Cedar and redwood are both commonly used for outdoor projects such as decks and fences. Both of these woods have a natural chemical resistance to rot and pests and are prized for their color and grain. Each type of wood will take paint well, but the cost may be prohibitive.



Beside this, what is the best paint to use on a wooden deck?

The Best Deck Paints, According to DIYers

  • BEST ALL-PURPOSE DECK PAINT: KILZ Enamel Porch and Patio Latex Floor Paint.
  • BEST ECO-FRIENDLY DECK PAINT: Montage Signature Interior/Exterior Eco-Friendly Paint.
  • BEST FOR DECKS THAT GET WET: Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Paint.

Similarly, can I use regular wood for a deck? If you want to build a natural wood deck, the most common wood types are cypress, cedar, and redwood. Certain types of natural wood can be used for building a deck or porch due to them being hardier and more resistant to wear and tear. As well as the pros to natural wood, there are also cons to natural wood.

Also to know, what kind of paint do you use on a deck?

Deck paint can be either oil-based or acrylic — both are good products. Oil-based paint has the advantage of being slower-drying, which makes outdoor application easier and more mistake-free. Acrylic paints have less VOCs and clean up easier. Another option is solid color stains.

Do I need to prime my deck before painting?

Preparing to Prime The wood surface of your porch must be completely clean and smooth before you can properly apply primer. Finally, sand the surface smooth; the primer will have a better bonding surface, and the finished paint job will be more attractive.

37 Related Question Answers Found

Can I paint over old paint on deck?

Paint has quite a few benefits over the other finish options such as stain or sealer, but it may not be for you if you want a natural looking wood deck. Because paint is solid, you can completely cover an old color or the wood itself, which means your options are wide open.

Is it better to stain or paint a deck?

Stain is generally less slippery than paint.
Some stains are slick, but for the most part they're flatter and create a less slippery surface than a thick, quality paint job. If safety and slippage is a concern for your deck, stain is generally a better option.

How can I make my deck paint last longer?

Restore an old wood deck, even if it's worn, cracked and splintery. Simply paint it with a thick, acrylic deck restoration coating, which will create a smooth surface that lasts for years.

What is the best color to paint a deck?

Get inspired by deck colors.
Dark blue: Perfect for cottage or Cape Cod style homes, it is a color that works well with a variety of secondary tones -- blue, cream, beige, even more playful hues such as purple and pink. Green: A popular home paint choice, green is a lovely tone for a deck color.

How long does deck over paint last?


Behr DeckOver Consumer Rating Results
Ease of Application
5 33
Wear and Tear After 2 years (1 Year For Exotic Hardwoods)
5 27
4 8

What is the longest lasting deck stain?

Solid stains last the longest. Most last at least three years. One by Behr was by far the longest-lasting. It's the Solid Color Deck, Fence & Siding Wood Stain from Home Depot.

What is the best deck coating?

Top-8 Best Deck Paints in 2020
  • KILZ Porch & Patio Latex Floor Paint.
  • KILZ Over Armor Textured Wood/Concrete Coating.
  • Anvil Deck-A-New Resurfacer Paint.
  • RTG Deck, Porch, Patio Anti-Slip Paint.
  • Durabak 18.
  • Interlux Interdeck Slip-Resistant Deck Paint.
  • Rust-Oleum Marine Topside Paint.
  • TotalBoat TotalTread Non-Skid Deck Paint.

Is latex paint waterproof?

Originally Answered: Is latex paint waterproof? Considering paint is just a finish applied to things like a skin the answer is no. In a sense it is used like a waterproofing coating.

Can you seal a painted deck?

Paints don't penetrate wood like a sealer, but rather create a protective film on top to provide excellent UV protection. This means no wood grain shows through — great for weathered, worn decks or if you prefer a uniform look. However, if you're prefer to see the wood, opt for a stain or sealer.

How do you paint a deck with peeling paint?


Tips to Repair Peeling Paint on Deck Surfaces
  1. Remove any loose paint from the deck using a stiff brush or scraping tool.
  2. Lightly sand the area until smooth.
  3. Ensure the surface is clean and dry before proceeding.
  4. Apply the paint using a brush or roller.
  5. Allow to dry and apply a second coat if needed.

Can you use exterior paint on a wood deck?

Most deck paints are 100% acrylic, and are designed to prevent cracking during temperature fluctuations. You can also get deck paint with a subtle non-slip texture in it—this is ideal for high-traffic areas and areas around pools. Deck paint is also mildew resistant, which helps protect the wood underneath.

Is it better to paint or stain treated wood?

Staining treated wood
Not only can you stain treated wood, staining and painting pressure treated wood is actually good for your new deck. Although the treated wood doesn't need to be protected against rot, staining it will help reduce surface cracking.

Is solid stain better than paint?

Solid color stain looks like paint, but soaks into wood instead of sitting on top of it. As it ages, stain breaks down by fading rather than peeling. Older layers of solid color stain tend to look better than paint does over time. Solid stain provides a flat finish, which showcases wood grain.

What is the difference between stain and paint?

When applied to a piece of wood, the stain soaks into the wood whereas the paint sits on the surface. The main similarity between stain and paint is that they both provide protection, while adding colour to the wood. Stain gives a matte look, whereas paint can come in different sheens, from matte to high gloss.

What kind of paint do you use on pressure treated wood?


Finally, you can paint your pressure treated wood! Apply at least two coats of paint for an even finish. Latex paint works best on pressure treated wood since oil-based paints can resist the surface.

Can I paint over stain without sanding?

The stain itself isn't the problem. Paint will adhere to stain, but it won't adhere to the shiny coat of varnish or lacquer that is often applied over the stain. To paint over stained wood you have to remove the varnish with either sandpaper or a deglosser. Follow up with a couple coats of paint and you're done!

Can you spray paint a deck?

The entire vibe of your outdoor deck changes almost instantly with Rust-Oleum spray paint! A little color goes a long way from décor to furniture. Then, apply the spray paint over the primer in several light coats for best coverage. Follow the directions on the can, let each coating of paint dry as needed.