Exterior House Painting

The Western Climate Advantage of Stain

At Moorhouse Coating, we typically recommend staining over painting for exterior wood surfaces throughout western regions. This recommendation stems from our 25+ years of experience with the unique climate challenges in states like Utah, Arizona, California, and Colorado.

Superior Wood Protection

Stain penetrates the wood rather than creating a surface film, allowing the wood to breathe while providing essential protection. This penetrating quality is crucial in western environments where:

• Intense UV Exposure - Higher elevations and clear skies in western states create extreme ultraviolet radiation that quickly breaks down surface coatings - Dramatic Temperature Variations - Daily temperature swings of 30-40°F force wood to expand and contract, causing paint to crack and peel - Low Humidity Conditions - Dry desert and mountain air causes wood to contract, potentially separating paint films - Snow Contact Surfaces - Horizontal surfaces with direct snow exposure perform significantly better with penetrating stains

Maintenance Benefits

Our extensive experience with mountain properties demonstrates that properly applied stains typically require less aggressive preparation for maintenance coats. When paint inevitably fails in harsh western environments, it often requires complete removal—a labor-intensive and costly process.

Natural Aesthetic Alignment

Beyond practical advantages, staining offers aesthetic benefits that naturally complement western architecture:

• Enhanced Wood Character - Semi-transparent stains showcase the natural beauty of wood grain - Landscape Integration - Earth-toned stains harmonize with mountain and desert surroundings - Graceful Weathering - Quality stains age gracefully, developing character rather than failure points - Architectural Authenticity - Stained wood honors the traditional building materials of western architecture

Surface-Specific Approach

Our recommendations vary based on specific surfaces and exposures:

• Vertical Siding - Typically requires staining every 3-5 years - Horizontal Decking - Needs more frequent maintenance every 2-3 years due to direct exposure - South/West Facing Surfaces - Require more frequent attention due to intense afternoon sun

For optimal protection in western environments, we recommend specialized oil-based penetrating stains formulated specifically for high-altitude and desert conditions. Our color specialists can help select the perfect stain color that enhances your property's natural beauty while providing maximum protection.