The underside is important because the water on your deck will dry on the top and run and hang onto the bottom. Expect to have to repaint the bottom faster than the top. But again with maintenance this is an easy job.Sep 27, 2016

Do people stain the underside of the deck?

A common question when it comes to staining a wood deck is whether or not you have to stain all the sides of the deck boards including underneath. Normally a deck floor is only stained on the exposed side facing up. This helps protect the boards from UV fading and water damage.

Should the underside of a deck be sealed?





Not true. Remember the stain’s main purpose is to protect the wood from the harmful effects of direct sunlight. The underside of decks, by its very nature, never sees direct sunlight, so stain under a deck is not necessary.

Why you shouldn’t paint your deck?

To get the most out of a wood deck it needs to be protected from the environment and harsh weather conditions. Harmful UV rays and moisture can lessen the longevity of a wood deck in no time.

Should I paint my deck joists?

2. Coat the joists with a moisture-resistant stain or sealer before you install them to provide an extra level of protection, advises Flooring and Carpets. Paint all the surfaces and edges with a paintbrush, making sure you provide a generous coating on the ends.

Can you paint the underside of Trex decking?

However, painting the ends or underside of these deck boards is allowed. Exterior grade paints and stains that adhere well to wood will work on these surfaces. Use care to not allow paint or stain to get onto top surface of decking.” DeBoer is against painting the ends or underside of composite deck boards.

Should you stain all sides of deck boards?





To stain the bottom sides of deck boards can be very labor-intensive and it will double the amount of stain you have to purchase. In summing up, it is not necessary to stain all 4 sides of deck boards. But you definitely want to stain all the exposed wood like the top and sides of each board to reduce weather damage.

What do you paint between deck boards?

You can easily paint cracks between deck boards using a crack and groove brush or a moldable sponge. Use water-based acrylic latex paint that can bridge gaps. First, soak up paint and then apply the paint in the narrow gap by running the brush or sponge back and forth, up and down motion.

Is it better to stain or paint your deck?

Paint allows you more color options, as where stain is limited to shades of brown. Because paint fills gaps and cracks, it hides the flaws of a weathered or old deck much better than stain does. It’s easier to clean a painted deck rather than a stained one.

What is deck skirting?

Skirting a deck. A beautifully built deck can be enhanced by a single feature that will add appeal and function by enclosing the underside of a deck with decking material or custom screening. This particular detail is called skirting.

How do you cover the underside of a deck?



Material Options for Hiding the Area Under Your Deck

  1. Lattice.
  2. Fence boards.
  3. Vinyl siding.
  4. Composite fascia boards.
  5. Stone faux.


What do you put around the bottom of a deck?

7 Creative and Functional Deck Skirting Ideas

  • Wood Lattice. When you imagine a deck skirt, a wooden lattice is probably the first thing that comes to your mind. …
  • Solid Wood. Solid wood boards are another popular deck skirting option that’s easy to customize. …
  • Composite. …
  • Faux Stone. …
  • Brick. …
  • Shrubs and Plants. …
  • Metal.



Is deck skirting necessary?

While it is not necessary to skirt a deck, it can be quite advantageous for many reasons. Most people do not like just having an open area at the bottom of their deck where critters and other unsightly beings can hibernate. Skirting is also a way to complete the look and feel of your deck so you can enjoy it more.

How do you put a skirt under a deck?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Down from behind the fascia board down to the ground leaving about two inches of clearance between the bottom of your support. And the top of the ground.

Does deck skirting need ventilation?

Discovering that a deck’s skirting requires one square foot of ventilation for every 150 square feet of deck to allow moisture to escape from under the deck. Allowing the decking and substructure to dry, preventing rot, mould and decay from destroying the deck.