Is It Better to Paint or Stain a Pergola

Your beautiful pergola is gray, has taken sun and water damage, and simply is not as beautiful as it was when you first built it. And so we come to the question of whether you should stain your pergola or paint it. There are benefits and drawbacks to both, and it can be hard to decide what’s best for you. Carefully considering your budget, desired aesthetic, and the upkeep of both options will help you decide what works.

Are you looking to bring out the wood’s natural beauty? Then stain is the way to go. But if you’re searching for something a little more colorful, then paint is the option for you!

Of course, a lot of this boils down to cost. If your budget is on the lower end of the spectrum, you’ll probably want to consider stain. Paint will likely cost you more per gallon, plus you’ll need to buy the wood preservative to keep the wood safe. Staining the wood will make it look brand new again, without breaking the bank.

Choosing stain or paint ultimately depends on your budget, style, and how much work you are willing to do to maintain the job.

What Is the Best Time to Stain an Arbor?

If you’ve just built or had your arbor installed, then it’s best to wait before you start staining. The wood needs time to cure before you stain it, and the way your wood has been treated dictates how long to wait. You know when it’s time to stain if water seeps into the wood rather than beading up on the surface.

It’s best not to stain in direct sunlight, so pick a couple of dry, cloudy days to do your work. If you’re working on wood that’s previously been stained, you’ll want to use a wood stripper to get rid of the old stain jobs; otherwise, the new stain won’t set in properly.

How to Prepare for Staining Your Arbor

Once you’ve decided it’s time to stain, or stripped off the old stain, there are just a few more things to do to prepare for the work ahead. The number one thing is to make sure that you have properly mixed your stain and sealer products. You’ll also need to wash the wood with a good pressure washer, to make sure that dirt and mildew don’t end up as unintentional additions to your staining project.

You should also use a wood brightener after you’ve cleaned it since cleaner can darken the wood. A brightener will help restore your wood to its natural beauty. The manufacturer’s instructions will help guide you through the process.

It’s also important to move any furnishing and plants away from the arbor. You should cover up any concrete or items that can’t be moved to protect them from the stain.

Once everything is cleaned, brightened, and out of the way, it’s time to get started on staining the pergola! Make sure to wear protective clothing so you don’t get any of the product on yourself, and working from top to bottom will make the job much easier. Then all you have to do is wait for your stain to dry, and you can enjoy the beauty of your arbor or pergola once more.

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