Tips How to Painlessly Stain Your Pergola for the Best Results

When we built our pergola attached to our house the rain was so strong, torrential in fact.

We wrapped up the project, but delayed the staining until the rainy season subsided. In Seattle the rainy season is very long ha ha.

The goal for our pergola is to act as a trellis for the mature roses in our yard. Because of the roses growing on the posts, the staining is a bit tricky.

Staining a pergola can be a challenging task, but with the right tips and tricks, you can make the process easier and achieve beautiful, long-lasting results.

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1. Gather supplies.

As with anything, preparing ahead of time will set you up for success.

Before you start staining your pergola, it is important to choose the right stain. There are two main types of stain: oil-based and water-based. Oil-based stains are durable and offer good protection against the elements, while water-based stains are eco-friendly and dry quickly. Choose a stain that suits your needs and preferences.

We used a transparent stain that contains a sealer.

In addition to the stain, sanding blocks, brush and staining pad, a ladder is necessary to get the high beams.

2. Clean and prep your pergola.

As I said above, the key to a successful staining project is preparation. Start by cleaning your pergola thoroughly. Remove any dirt, debris, and mildew that may have accumulated on the surface. Use a pressure washer or a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the pergola. Allow it to dry completely before moving to the next step.

We’ve had the pergola less than one year and the wood has already started to show some dark spots from weathering.

3. Sanding the pergola.

Once the pergola is clean and dry, use a sander to smooth out any rough areas or splinters. This will ensure that the stain adheres evenly to the surface. Use a fine-grit sandpaper to avoid damaging the wood.

This was important since the wood had been exposed to the elements and got roughed up.

4. Work around plants.

If you are staining your pergola immediately after building it and have no plants surrounding it, you won’t need to bother with this part.

Use twine to corral plants out of the way.

Take the opportunity to prune plants back and make less foliage to fight with!

5. Apply the stain.

Before you apply the stain, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Apply the stain evenly using a brush, roller, or sprayer. Work in small sections to avoid overlap and ensure a uniform finish. Apply a second coat if necessary.

Different types of wood will react differently to stain.

The cedar wood on the vertical posts required a brush to apply, while the horizontal beams did better with a staining pad.

If your stain does not include a sealer, make sure to purchase a separate sealer.

Stain Saving Tip!

My sister taught me a great tip for stain and paint cans- tap four holes into the can rim so that when you pour the paint you can turn the can and sort of guide the paint/stain into a hole. This saves the paint, which saves money!

Fall pergola decorating ideas.

With your pergola freshly stained, your outdoor space will be ready for the elements and it might inspire you to decorate for the season!

You don’t need much to spruce up a pergola for fall.

Pumpkins, gourds, pots of chrysanthemums and maybe some lights.

In conclusion, staining a pergola can be a daunting task, but with the right tips and tricks, you can achieve beautiful, long-lasting results.

This year I am focusing my decorating outdoors because our almost one year old is on the move and into everything!

Even our potting table is getting decorated.

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Some gardening inspiration:

Tips for growing dahlias. I haven’t tried, but when I finally do, I will follow her steps!

Attract butterflies to your garden

Some fall decorating ideas:

A beautiful pumpkin makeover with paint.

A super cute pumpkin craft.