Staining a Deck Cost

How Much Does Staining a Deck Cost?

Do-it-yourself: $20-$250

Basic Pro Clean-and-Stain: $160-$800+ for 16'x20'

Complex Pro Clean-and-Strain: $800-$2,240+ for 16'x20'

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Staining a deck protects it from mildew, stains and damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight. A sealer is a clear product that protects against moisture but not UV rays, while a stain is tinted, and provides both color and UV protection. There are three categories of stain: toner (the lightest amount of color), semi-transparent (some wood grain show through) and solid stain (no grain shows through).

Typical costs:

Do-it-yourself supplies can cost $20-$250, depending on type and quality of stain, and size of deck. Buying or renting a pressure washer to power-wash the deck in preparation can cost $40-$200 (but some experts advise using brushes and non-pressurized water because high-pressure water can damage decks). The Family Handyman^[1] magazine estimates that stripping and staining a deck is a multi-day project requiring patience and elbow grease, but not much skill.
Having a handyman or deck company clean and stain a deck starts around $0.50-$2.50 a square foot ($160-$800 for 16'x20'), depending on the condition of the deck and the amount of prep work and hand-staining required, but it can cost $2.50-$7 a square foot or more ($800-$2,240 for 16'x20') with multiple levels and special features such as stairs, railing or spindles, as well as cleaning and sanding, whether any basic repairs are needed or if other handwork is required.
For example, the We Stain Decks^[2] company in Ohio estimates $330 to clean and stain a 10'x10' deck (100 square feet); $650 for a 20'x20' deck (400 square feet); and $1,010 to clean and stain a 20'x40' deck (400 square feet) -- with extra charges of $75-$150 for a deck more than 6 feet off the ground, $50-$100 for lattice below a first-floor deck, $75-$150 for lattice below a second-floor deck and $4 a linear foot for benches or flower boxes. Deck Doctor Refinishing^[3] in Boulder, CO charges $0.50-$1.50 a square foot for power washing and staining; $1-$1.50 a square foot for light sanding and staining; $2-$4 a square foot for power sanding and staining a poorly maintained deck; $4 a linear foot for power washing and staining rails; and $6.50-$12.50 a linear foot for power sanding and staining poorly-maintained railings.

Related articles: Deck, Patio, Porch, Swimming Pool

What should be included:

Typically any furniture, a grill or other items are removed from the deck (some companies include this in their price; others ask the homeowner to clear the area). All necessary repairs and sanding should be done, and the deck should be cleaned and allowed to dry for at least 24-48 hours before applying stain. However, improper cleaning with a power washer can cause serious damage; some experts recommend using brushes and a hand sprayer or hose.
Nearby plans should be covered with plastic sheeting before the stain is applied. Hot, direct sunlight can make stain dry too quickly, so it's best done when temperatures are below 80 degrees, usually in the spring or fall. When the staining is finished, the deck should be allowed to dry completely before being used. ThisOldHouse.com gives an overview^[4] .

Additional costs:

Some companies give separate quotes for cleaning and staining; be clear what is included in each bid.

Discounts:

There can be discounts for senior citizens or for multiple jobs in the same area; check whether anyone in the neighborhood wants to get their deck cleaned and stained at the same time.

Shopping for staining a deck:

A do-it-yourself project may require one product to strip off the old finish (to create an even surface to hold the new sealant), another for cleaning and a stain for the final finish, plus supplies such as paint brushes or plastic tarps to cover nearby plants. Lowe's provides a deck treatment buying guide^[5] .
To find a handyman or deck company to clean and stain a deck, ask for recommendations from family, friends, neighbors or staff at the local hardware store. Ask for (and check) references; look for complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau^[6] ; and confirm that the company is properly insured and licensed by the state^[7] .
Ask exactly which materials will be used both for the stain and for the cleaning products, and what steps will be taken to protect nearby walls or landscaping.

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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

Deck restoration

Amount: $1,700.00 total

Posted by: Mike willis in Portland, OR.	Posted: April 4th, 2016 10:04AM
Deck Material: Proressu washer, sanders, stripper,stain

I had my whole deck with stairs leading to the lower deck restored by BJ's Handyman Services Portland.They did an Awesome job i mean it looks great and the price was amazing I would highly recomend this company to anybody out in the Portland OR, area needing thier deck done. The phone number is 503/891/6075.