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Tips for refinishing your deck in New Haven, CT
Glenn Williamson • February 14, 2020

A new coat of stain can transform your deck in New Haven, CT, adding color – and value – to your home. It’s easier to freshen up and protect your deck at the same time with carefully chosen exterior stains that provide durability and style. If you’re considering having your deck refinished, read on to find out more about the stains available, how to choose the best, and the best way to have your deck refinished. 

Choosing the Stain 

Stains are available in varying degrees of opacity, the degree to which you can see the natural grain of the wood after staining. They can be loosely classified as clear, translucent, semi-transparent, semi-opaque, and opaque. 

Opacity 101

When it comes to the impact that a stain can have on the look of your deck, it is essential to understand the concept of opacity. Opacity indicates how far you can see the natural grain of the wood. To learn more, consul the types of stain below:


  • The transparent stain without added color enhances the natural beauty of the wood.
  • The translucent stain fully highlights the grain and texture of the wood by adding a touch of color.
  • The semi-transparent stain almost entirely reveals the grain and texture of the wood with a touch of color slightly more pronounced.
  • The semi-opaque stain, with its darker shades, covers most imperfections, while slightly accentuating the grain and texture of the wood.
  • Opaque stain offers the most vibrant color among all stains, hiding most wood imperfections while allowing a bit of texture to appear.

Color: There Is No Shortage of Choices

When it comes to coloring your deck, consider coating it in the same shade as the home’s trim. This allows it to stand out from the main body of your home while creating a consistent look and emphasizing the details. To create a monochrome decor, use a shade similar to the primary color of your home. This choice is ideal for drawing attention to the fireplace or the dining area on your terrace. 

The Wood Matters

Wood is the most common building material for decks. The more expensive hardwoods, like mahogany or Ipe, have a magnificent grain and texture that a translucent or semi-transparent stain can enhance. For the softer, more economical woods, including pressure-treated marsh pine or cedar, take advantage of protective properties of semi-opaque or opaque stains. Composite material, an alternative to wood, is also a popular choice. Although the selling point for a composite deck is often lack of maintenance, it still requires protection against fading and weathering – just like a wooden deck.  

Reduce Your Project’s Size

Not ready to invest as much? It can be cheaper to apply a coat of paint or stain to the garden furniture than to refresh the entire deck area. Besides being an easy way to revitalize your patio, almost any bright color will add an attractive sheen to a neutral background or a wood shade. Another option is to stain only the handrail and the railing around your deck. Tap into your interior color palette to visually and subtly unify your interior and exterior decor. 

Test Your Stain

If you’re not sure about the color and type of stain to use, it’s a good idea to try out a small sample of the stain first before making a full commitment. New to the staining and painting business? Need professional help to repaint or stain your deck? New Haven Painters can help. We offer affordable, reliable, and durable residential painting services in New Haven, Branford, Milford, Orange, North Haven, West Haven, East Haven, and the surrounding areas. Book a FREE estimate below to get started, or call us (203) 606-2346, so we can talk about your project. 

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