How To Paint A Wood Deck Or Front Porch
At this point you’ve probably all seen the big front porch makeover that we recently completed for the 48-Hour Challenge with Better Homes & Gardens and Home Depot. And now we’re back with a super simple tutorial for anyone looking to spruce up an old timeworn wood deck or breathe new life into a seen-better-days front porch. Back when we decided to pull the paint trigger on our front porch, we actually opted to go with some subtle tan and cream stripes. Here’s how it all went down.
Step 1: Pick A Color… Or In Our Case, Colors. We took home a bunch of paint swatches and laid them out on the porch floor so we could look at them in the same natural light that the front of our house gets every day. Looking at a number of tan and cream swatches in place helped us to decide that Behr’s Harvest Brown (tan) and Ralph Lauren’s Greenwich (cream) were the perfect combination, so we had them both color matched to a gallon each of Behr Porch & Floor Paint (which is meant to handle foot traffic and exterior conditions). We were given the choice of a glossy paint finish or a flat one and we opted for the flat finish since we reasoned that it would be less slick in wet conditions so that’s definitely something to consider for your project as well (we’ve since marched around the deck in the rain and we’re happy to report that it’s the same texture as unpainted wood).
Step 2: Hose Things Down. You want your deck to be nice and clean before applying the paint, so you may want to scrub things down with a wood cleaner (available at Home Depot or Lowe’s) before you get down to the business of painting (especially if you have severe mildew or grease and oil stains anywhere on your deck or porch). Our deck was already pretty clean, so we just sprayed each plank down at close range with a hose and a nozzle that was set on “full spray” which blasted any pollen, old acorn pieces and other debris off of the deck for a nice clean slate. We also used a flat head screw driver to knock out any rocks or leaves from between the wood planks before we cracked open the paint. Here’s our porch right before we hosed her down:
Step 3: Protect The House. You’ll definitely want to use blue painter’s tape to tape off the side of the house that meets the deck or porch so you have no worries about getting any of your floor paint on the siding, stucco or brick facade of your home. This will give you a nice clean line when you remove the tape, and it’ll also make it a lot easier to paint each plank of wood without worrying about staying in the lines. At this point you can get out a good quality angled brush (it’s much better than a roller since it’ll get in the cracks between the wood) and your paint because it’s go time… as long as the deck is thoroughly dry from your hosing off session (the last thing you want to do is attempt to paint moist wood).
Step 4: Start Painting. In our case we had two colors of paint, so we opened them both and used two different brushes to apply each stripe of color (being especially careful not to mix up the brush and the correlating can of paint). Whenever you’re painting a floor you have to strategically start painting at a point that makes it easy to paint yourself out of the area, and in this case we started at one end of the deck and worked our way to the center where the stairs are:
Step 5: Keep Painting. I’m not gonna lie. The striped effect took a substantial amount of time, so just keep at it and paint each plank and listen to your iPod and get into a rhythm so you’re not constantly thinking “two down, fifty nine to go”- which can really kill the excitement factor.
Step 6: Plan Your Escape. I decided early on that in the case of our front porch, the best approach would be to paint myself to the front steps and then stop and restart from the opposite corner of the deck so I could finish by painting myself down the front steps and enter the house from the back door while the front dried. Due to the striped effect it meant one thing. It was IMPERATIVE that I correctly calculated which planks would be tan and which planks would be cream so I could accurately restart painting at the opposite end of the deck without messing up my pattern (I counted “tan, cream, tan, cream” down each plank three times just to be sure before I grabbed my brushes and went to town).
Step 7: Be Edgy. After I painted myself off the front porch, you can see in the picture above that I still had to paint the side of the wood planks all around the porch for a finished look. I opted to stick to tan on the sides of each plank instead of alternating so that only the top of the planks boasted alternating colors while the side/front of the decking was all tan for a crisp look (which was a lot easier to apply than alternating colors would have been).
Step 8: Dance it out. You’re Done! Once you paint the edge of your wood planks all around the perimeter of your porch or deck, you’re finished. Well, assuming one coat does the trick like it did with ours. We actually liked the subtly weathered look of one coat, but for a super solid and opaque effect you might want to apply a second coat 24+ hours later when it’s safe to walk on the deck or porch again.
Oh and you may have noticed two photos up that we’d previously painted the front of our steps and the wide plank of wood around the deck in the same tan tone that we used for our stripes. This is an excellent way to accent a front porch and break up a whole lotta wood, so if anyone’s on the fence about painting their entire porch or deck, painting just the fronts of the steps and the trim around it can be a super simple way to add a bit of crispness to your entryway. Here’s the before picture of the front steps totally bare last fall:
To keep the paint from getting on the actual planks of the stairs, you can tape things off or even use a piece of cardboard to block any drips or accidental swipes like we did below:
Here’s a picture of the front of the steps after we painted them tan along with the wood “front” that encircles the porch. It took less than an hour and we didn’t even have to use porch and floor paint since it didn’t need to withstand foot traffic (we just grabbed some leftover trim paint from the railings and went to town without spending a dime). The lesson? Whether you’re interested in adding a little bit of zing with some painted porch “trim”…
…or a whole lotta polish and personality with a painted (and maybe even a striped) porch floor, there’s really nothing hard about either process. If you can paint a wall, you can definitely paint a deck or a porch floor… and you’ll be doing the happy dance in no time.
Wanna learn more about floor painting? Check out two old tutorials to learn how to stain a concrete floor or even paint one for a more polished and finished effect.
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Comments
Hi
I am currently attempting to repaint my front porch . ..it is 222 sq feet and is currently grey and i am going to repaint it grey. I am in the process of scraping and sanding but it just seems like there could be an easier way . . .is there???
Thanks
You might be able to use sone sort of chemical stripper to avoid all the sanding. Just ask the pros at your local home improvement center what they recommend. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Surfing the internet for ideas to paint my front porch. Like the stripes. Had thought about painting one solid color and then taping off an “area rug” and doing some stenciling. But like the striped effect. My porch goes down one step on the North and then a walkway and another step down. Same on the South end of the main porch. Will keep surfing.
hello,
How do you keep the exterior brick of your house looking so nice and clean?! I live in a row house in Philadelphia and I was thinking about renting a power washer but some people say that power washer are not good for brick. ty
Hey Adriana,
We actually don’t do a thing to maintain our brick- although we suppose if it looked a bit worse for wear we would google around for an eco and brick-safe option (like scrubbing it down with something non-toxic). So sorry we don’t have personal experience to share with you on the subject!
xo,
s
When you painted your porch/deck, I noticed that you did not refer to a “sealant.” Did you apply a water-proof sealant?
Thanks
Nope, didn’t use one and haven’t regretted it at all. Everything has held up just fine and looks great. We definitely include details like that in our descriptions if we use them (and the porch and floor paint that we used didn’t call for any topcoat). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
My deck is in really bad shape. Old wood with a lot of knotholes, and some splits in some of the planks. It has not been painted or stained in years. Last time I painted it, when it was relatively new, the paint all chipped and peeled off during the winter. Now it is REALLY weathered! I was planning on using KILZ on it as a basecoat. Then using an opaque paint– in a grey color. Would the KILZ help? Elle
You definitely want to get the deck to a non-peeling and flaky place before applying anything (otherwise the whole result is compromised before you even start) so we would suggest powerwashing it and even sanding it down to get a good base to work with. Then we would ask the pros at a paint store what they recommend since the kilz might not be meant to hold up to foot traffic (a lot of porch paint has primer built in so adding it beforehand isn’t necessary). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
I am in the process of getting my deck ready to repaint. I live in the mountains in CO where it gets really cold in the winter. Last year I put on half of the porch an oil-based paint, but after winter noticed it was peeling. What paint should I use?????? Also I noticed when that newly painted portion of the deck was wet, it was quite slippery. Should I not be using oil-based paint??? If I do use it, I thought I could sprinkle a tiny bit of very fine clean sand over the painted area to keep one from slipping. Thanks. Sherrylou
Just visit your local home improvement store to see what they recommend. Picking a flat finish instead of something glossy should cut down on the slippery problem, and something meant for foot traffic and weather durability shouldn’t peel or wear down. Good luck!
xo,
s
Your deck looks fantastic! I am planning to paint the floor of my sunroom (previously a porch). I would love to use a white or cream color, but it’s a high foot-traffic area, and I’m worried that it will be difficult to keep it looking clean. Would you mind sharing your thoughts on how your deck looks now, a year later, and whether the cream paint has held up well, or if it is difficult to clean? I’m planning to use Behr paint, as you guys did, so I’d appreciate any thoughts, suggestions and wisdom you have in hindsight of this project. Thank you so much!
It looks great! Really holds up very well. The main traffic goes in the back door though (99.9% of the time) so we’re not sure if it would be the most practical choice for a room that’s used extremely often (since it doesn’t hide dirt very well, even though it wears very well- at least in our experience). Maybe a smidge darker would make a difference, like a mocha tone? Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Lovely job! Congrats on a beautiful porch. The stripes were worth it (I did not have to do it, though!).
I found your page b/c I am about to paint the newly installed front steps on my house (fresh knotty pine, not pressure-treated). I’ve never done any exterior painting, so I was wondering if you had any tips on whether I need to prime first. I see that you didn’t, and wonder if you did research on it that you could share. I’m assuming that I don’t have to — that the exterior paint is designed to do what a primer does for indoor painting.
I also noticed, as did another commenter above, that you did not seal it. I don’t think that’s a problem b/c, again, I’m assuming that the exterior paint is, in and of itself, the sealer.
Thanks.
Exactly! Porch and floor paint is self-priming and made to go straight onto deck wood that is clean and dry without the need for any top coat or sealer. Just be sure to get something made for that job (so it holds up to weather and floor traffic). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Beautiful porch! Did you paint the lattice below the porch? If so, did you use spray paint?
Nope, we didn’t paint that area, but we bet an angled brush would work. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Your deck looks GREAT! I was just doing a “paint your deck & steps” search and found your site! Just yesterday I had our steps & landing & wrap around porch floor repainted – and I cannot tell you how happy I was to see you used a flat finish paint! My house is only 4 years old – so I knew the paint used was Sherwin Williams – so I went to the local Sherwin Williams store & the gentlement there told me I HAD to use an Ultra Gloss finish – I took a piece of wood in with the paint color I needed to match – and I asked was what I had Ultra Gloss? He said no – I said I wanted what I had as I wasn’t painting the entire wrap around porch right away and wanted it to blend in with what I had – I cannot tell you the almost heated discussion we got into! I finally got what I wanted – flat finish paint – I can understand how a gloss might be easier to clean – and like he said it was like “laminating” a piece of paper – but WHO in the world wants shiny steps? *LOL* Thanks for letting me vent but I DO feel validated now! :-)
i was reading the comment above by Hope Burns & I understand the heated discussion he got into, i’ve had so many of the same with many paint rep’s,salesmen or who ever is in any paint store, dept, ect. it’s not just Sherwin Williams as they are one of the top (paint stores) problem is there are many different opinions, ways, answers, solutions & products to use, I’ve been painting for over twenty years & know there are many ways & products to use all depending on $,where,what,when and so on. My opinion is most of these salesmen are just that… salesmen, NOT PAINTERS!!! Anyway Sherwin Williams Ultra is one of there better paints but gloss? maybe for the handrails not the deck I prefer satin or low sheen on the rails & sides if not the whole deck, flat wears better, just don’t buy that cheap flat paint but as he stated flat finish paint, Again satin looks new or lustrous (my opinion)flat is… well flat! And for tips it would depend on the type of surface that needed to be coated & the amount of $ to spend. The following info is how i’ve painted some decks that have lasted five years plus then a recoat on the deck giving it more years to go & still looks good at a cheap price. But if you read up on how to & what not to do from all kinds of sources it will state not to do some of the things i do, but try it on a piece of scrape wood. Alot of deck coatings/paint do not require priming as they are self priming, saving $$$ & time. I’ve used alot of different types of this coating they usually require two coats & cost more. So the $$$ & time saved on primer is not worth it, unless you get one of the top rated coatings, which cost alot more. So my opinion is to prime & making sure to back roll or brush to penetrate into the wood, i’ve gotten good results using a durable,flexible oil based primer which kills water stains, also make sure that the primer soaked in, allowing 1.5 mils.(wet) or less (more is not better)after being properly primed, I spray on one coat paint or brush & roll(not self priming)just deck paint, making sure not to apply to much paint(exceding max millage)refer to specs. On your test wood check for proper adhesine as I am sure you wont be disappointed. “To do a perfect job” it would consist of a system and a plan that whould be intended for that specific surface to be coated, the more time & $$$ you spend the better it would be.(Of Coarse !!!) It will be hard to beat the quality of the job i discribed and i have no idea how to beat the cost!!! REMEMBER THIS IS MY OPINION on how to…paint a deck… PROVE ME WRONG!!!
Bryan – THANK YOU so much for your post! I’m reading & re-reading your post because I think there’s a lot of info there! One thing – I’m a “she” and I think that’s another kind of intimidating thing when I’m walking into a paint store! I’m the first to admit my knowledge is VERY limited – but I find the best way to start out is to follow what I already have – that’s why I was so set on matching the original paint and paint finish – mainly because I LOVED how it looked :-) I always try to learn as much as I can when I DO go into stores – and the Sherwin Williams guy gave me some good tips – but we definitely disagreed on what finish the paint should be.
Here’s a coincidence – my brother’s name is Bryan !!! also with a “y” :-)
Thank you again so much for your post!
Partially inspired by your striped porch I just completed my aging deck (stripping, cleaning, and staining)and decided to use similar colors as you did (I chose Sikkens SRD Semi Transparent Stain…1 coat product!)Quail and Navajo White. I felt courageous in my decision to paint an erratic pattern of stripes on the deck walls (similar to what is in fashion for striped painted walls) so it’s not too much, not too patterny, just a little interest for an otherwise neutral toned deck. I’m loving it. Thanks.
Hey Nancy,
We wish we could help but your best bet would be to ask the pros at a few local home improvement or paint/stain shops. They might have a chemical stripper you can apply or some other tip to share. Good luck!
xo,
s