---
title: "How To: Stain Outdoor Wood Furniture and Equipment"
description: "Stain outdoor wood furniture and equipment for enhanced beauty and durability."
date: "2013-08-06"
modified: "2020-11-09"
authors:
  - name: "Jennifer Noonan"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/jennifer-noonan/"
url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-stain-outdoor-wood-furniture-and-equipment/"
categories:
  - "DIY"
  - "Easy DIY Projects"
tags:
  - "How To"
---

# How To: Stain Outdoor Wood Furniture and Equipment

![How to Stain Outdoor Wood Furniture - Complete](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/complete.jpg>)
*Photo: Flickr / jencelene*

Outdoors, [stain](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/2150-paints-and-finishes/>) helps wood furniture or backyard equipment look at home in the landscape. Whether you're working on an Adirondack chair or a swing set (like I did), the same do-it-yourself process applies.

Note that many outdoor stains are meant to be added when your local temperature is within a certain range, so carefully check for the recommendation listed on the packaging of the product you plan to use.

Also, for optimal curing, make sure that your stain will be able to dry completely. That means watching the weather forecast and if necessary, interrupting the regular operation of your lawn irrigation system.

### Tools & Materials

Bobvila.com may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

- [Pump sprayer](</asearch?q=Pump%20sprayer>)
- [Scrub brush](</asearch?q=Scrub%20brush>)
- [Garden hose](</asearch?q=Garden%20hose>)
- [Spray nozzle for hose](</asearch?q=Spray%20nozzle%20for%20hose>)
- [Paint brushes](</asearch?q=Paint%20brushes>)

- [Water bucket](</asearch?q=Water%20bucket>)
- [Cleaning rags](</asearch?q=Cleaning%20rags>)
- [Deck cleaning solution](</asearch?q=Deck%20cleaning%20solution>)
- [Outdoor wood stain](</asearch?q=Outdoor%20wood%20stain>)

## Step 1

If applicable, remove all peripherals and extras from the outdoor wood piece you are staining. (For example, in my own project, I detached the swings and climbing gear from our children's [play set](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/backyard-landscaping-ideas/>).) Tape over any unremovable parts of the wood piece that you do not wish to stain, such as metal bolt heads.

![How to Stain Outdoor Wood - Cleaning](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/cleaning.jpg>)
*Photo: Flickr / jencelene*

## Step 2

For best results, the wood you are staining should be free of dirt and mildew. Apply deck wash (or a homemade water-and-bleach solution) with a pump sprayer to clean the surface. Scrub any spots that are especially dirty, rinsing them with water as you go. Allow at least 24 hours for the wood to dry completely.

![How to Stain Outdoor Wood - Application](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/application.jpg>)
*Photo: Flickr / jencelene*

## Step 3

Beginning at the highest point, brush on your stain in the direction of the wood grain. Because stain is thinner than paint, it's a good idea to keep a bucket of water and a clean rag handy; that way, you can easily address accidental drips. Add a second coat (once the first has dried) for a smoother finished look.

Strictly speaking, pressure-treated wood does not require staining. That said, stain helps outdoor wood look nicer for a longer period of time. There are lots and lots of color choices, from traditional tones to bright hues. With a [paint brush](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-paint-brushes/>) and a weekend of work, you can add a lot of character to your property this way.

## Author
A confessed DIY junkie, Jennifer Noonan writes about home improvement, gardening, and all things do-it-yourself. The recipient of degrees in International Relations and Library & Information Science from Syracuse University, Noonan has worked in media and related fields for over 15 years, including her time at [MTV Networks](<https://www.paramount.com/about/brands/mtv>), where she served as Manager of Digital Programming at [Nickelodeon](<https://www.nickelodeon.com>). Today, Noonan lives in Delaware with her husband and daughters, where she is ardently teaching the next generation how to use power tools.

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-noonan-ab62a05/>)