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Is it necessary to paint or stain a deck?

Is it necessary to paint or stain a deck?

Exterior wood lasts longer if it is kept painted or stained.

Paint or stain may be needed because
  • it was not applied originally
  • it has worn or weathered
Paint and stain on floors is usually a high maintenance item because of the abrasion. It's one of the reasons that people put outdoor carpets on porches.
Premature rot or ultraviolet damage can occur if paint or stain is not applied.
The life expectancy of porches, decks and balconies will be extended if they are stained. Bear in mind, though, that painting or staining is a high maintenance issue on a traffic surface. With long lasting wood (cedar, redwood, some pressure treated wood, for example) it may not be cost effective to paint or stain.
It is good practice to stain deck components before the deck boards are applied. This allows stain to protect all sides of the joists and decking. Ends of boards can also be protected by stain this way.