Watching People Stain Your Deck
A Cautionary Tale
The boards in the middle are not water-resistant due to the stain being watered down.
A few years ago, we decided to have our back deck stained. We hired a company that sanded down the deck and waited 25 hours before applying the stain, which was perfect timing during a heat wave. We specifically requested Benjamin Moore Arborcoat, a stain we’d used before and loved for its color.
While they were working, I occasionally noticed one of the workers disappearing into the bushes with a garden hose. At the time, I didn’t think much of it. Later, I discovered they were watering down the stain to save costs and avoid buying another container. The result? When it rained a few days later, the stain failed to protect the wood, with water pooling unevenly across the deck.
A year later, as we prepared to sell our house, we called them back to fix the deck. They denied any wrongdoing, blaming the wood itself. This time, I kept a close eye on them to ensure the job was done properly. The difference was night and day.
The Moral of the Story
Know how much stain your deck requires and watch the process closely. Consider removing garden hoses or anything else that could tempt shortcuts. A little oversight can save you from costly mistakes and ensure your deck stays protected. Making sure that the contractors don't try to take shortcuts.