Depends. Most stains require some sort of maintenance every 3 to 5 years. Some may just need a light bath and fresh clear coat applied. Some stains do not have a clear coat and will require a fresh coat of the actual stain be applied. The problem with these stains is that that they continue to get darker and darker over time with additional coats. Basically you need to watch it and when it shows any signs of dulling or wear it needs treatment. South and west sides are first to go.h