"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." With alfresco entertaining season upon us, it's the perfect time of year for any last-minute upgrades to ...

Ensure your deck stain looks and performs its best. The best time to stain a deck in general is in the late spring or early fall. Temperatures between 50°F and 90°F and humidity ranging from 40% to 70 ...

Water can take a toll on a wood deck’s finish, whether it’s pounding rain or piles of snow. You can tell whether your deck stain is still protecting the wood if it repels water. If it doesn’t, it’s ...

Make any necessary repairs before re-staining. Secure any loose fasteners on the deck with a hammer or cordless drill. Replace large areas of rotted wood or entire boards if necessary. Use an ...