Sidequest 22: Deck Staining Secrets, Patio Permits, & Why We Hate Wood Filler 🪵🛠️
Welcome back to another Side Quest episode of How To Handyma'am!
This week, we're answering your questions about exterior home projects—from staining a brand-new deck to whether you need a permit for a paver patio. We also explained why wood filler and outdoor projects don't mix, shared our favorite deck stain products, and talked through some common mistakes homeowners make when tackling projects outside.
If you're planning to spruce up your yard this season, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you do it right the first time.
Tune in on Spotify or Apple Podcasts now!
Here is a breakdown of what we discussed this week:
Choosing the Right Deck Stain
One listener asked what stain we'd recommend for a deck that had weathered for a couple of seasons but had never been stained.
Our favorite products are:
If your deck has never been stained before, you have more flexibility than someone refinishing an older deck. Depending on the look you're going for, transparent stains, oils, or semi-transparent finishes can all be great options. Most of the decks we work on professionally are older, so we often use semi-solid or solid stains to help hide wear and tear.
Prep Work Makes All the Difference
Before you ever open a can of stain, your deck needs to be properly cleaned.
Instead of pressure washing, we recommend soft washing with a deck cleaner followed by a deck brightener. High-pressure washing can damage wood fibers, leaving your deck rough and fuzzy.
After cleaning, be patient:
Let the deck dry for at least two full days before staining.
Watch the weather carefully.
Avoid staining if rain is expected within the next 24 hours after you finish.
Cutting corners during prep is one of the quickest ways to end up with a finish that won't last.
One Product We'd Skip
While we generally like Cabot's stain products, there is one exception.
Cabot DeckCorrect isn't a product we recommend.
Although it's designed to fill imperfections in older decks, we've found that it tends to trap moisture and eventually peel, especially on ground-level decks where moisture can rise from underneath.
A quality solid stain provides better durability while still allowing the wood to breathe.
Why We Don't Recommend Wood Filler
Another listener asked whether deep grooves in deck boards should be filled with wood filler.
Our answer?
No.
Traditional wood filler isn't made for outdoor use, and even exterior repair products like wood epoxy or wood Bondo don't expand and contract the same way natural wood does. Over time, those repairs often crack or fail.
If a board has deteriorated enough to create a tripping hazard, the better solution is to replace it with a new cedar board or kiln-dried pressure-treated lumber and stain it to match the rest of the deck.
Sometimes replacing a board is actually the easier—and longer-lasting—repair.
Do You Need a Permit for a Paver Patio?
We also answered a question about whether installing a paver patio requires a permit.
In general, a standard paver patio typically doesn't require a building permit, but that doesn't mean you can start digging without making a phone call.
Before beginning any excavation project, always contact 811 to have underground utilities located. It's a free service that can help you avoid damaging gas, electric, water, or communication lines buried beneath your yard.
It's one of the easiest safety steps you can take before breaking ground.
Our Biggest Takeaway
Outdoor projects are often won or lost during the preparation stage.
Whether you're staining a deck, replacing damaged boards, or installing a new patio, using the right products, allowing enough drying time, and knowing when to replace something instead of patching it can save you a lot of time—and frustration—in the long run.
Keep the questions coming! We love answering your DIY and home improvement questions in these Sidequest episodes, so be sure to send them our way. You might hear your question featured in a future episode!
