How to Prep a Deck for Stain | Clean & Wood Prep | Behr
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Back Arrow Back to Wood Stains How-To

How to Prep a Deck

If no previous stain or finish has been applied or it has worn away, you'll usually have a weathered wood surface that has aged and darkened in color. Rejuvenate and prepare your wood for coating with BEHR PREMIUM® All-in-One Wood Cleaner.

For Best Results:

Use BEHR PREMIUM All-in-One Wood Cleaner to remove stains caused by mold and mildew, while also restoring the wood's natural color.

Once the surface has completely dried, coat with a BEHR Stain or Finished product.

Suggested Tools & Supplies

  • BEHR PREMIUM® All-in-One Wood Cleaner

  • Pump Sprayer

  • Broom

  • Garden Hose

  • Stiff Bristle Brush

  • Step 1

    Grab your tools.

  • Step 2

    Use a broom to sweep off the deck and remove any dust or dirt.

  • Step 3

    Use a hose to spray down your deck.

  • Step 4

    Apply BEHR PREMIUM® All-in-One Wood Cleaner with a pump sprayer.

  • Step 5

    Wait 15 minutes, then scrub your deck clean in the direction of the grain with a stiff bristle brush. You may notice some bubbles.

  • Step 6

    Rinse the deck thoroughly.

  • Step 7

    Allow your deck to completely dry before you begin staining. This may take about 24 hours.

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8 Oz. Sample
1 Gallon
1 Quart
5 Gallon
The following product(s) is required to properly prep uncoated and previously coated concrete surfaces.
Required product
BEHR PREMIUM ALL-IN-ONE WOOD CCCC
Estimated Price
$0.00
The following product(s) is required to properly prep uncoated and previously coated concrete surfaces. Only available in store at Home Depot.
Required 3rd party product
BEHR PREMIUM ALL-IN-ONE WOOD CCCC
The 9 in. x 1/4 in. Polyester Adhesive Roller Cover has a hard texture, making it ideal for applying all types of adhesives to smooth surfaces. It can be used for stippling and applying sand paints.
The following product(s) is recommended when a topcoat clear finish is desired.
Recommended product
BEHR PREMIUM ALL-IN-ONE WOOD CCCC
Estimated Price
$0.00
$0.00
Product price is estimated. Pricing could change based on your local Home Depot pricing.
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