How to Stain a Wood Deck

Use a Drop Cloth to Protect the Deck Surface From Splatters and Drips
As you move to the last area, staining of the deck surface itself, you should use a drop cloth under the stain pan and pad loading area. I found a heavier weight canvas drop cloth is better than plastic because a canvas drop cloth will not blow around as easily. They also come with a plastic or rubber lining on the back side to prevent any soaking through.