Brush & Roll Painting Learning Center

How Much Does It Cost To Stain a Wooden Deck?

Written by Kaylea Kuhlman | Jun 30, 2023 5:10:29 PM

Is your wooden deck looking worn-out? Is the color driving you nuts? Just overall unappealing? You’ve come to the right place. Deck staining, not only looks great, it can prolong the life of your wooden deck through repairs and fresh stains. 

Brush & Roll Painting has been providing deck scrubbing and staining on wooden decks in Omaha and surrounding areas since 1996. Our detailed prep work process and use of high-quality stains leave the stain lasting for as long as possible.

In this article, we will discuss what goes into deck staining, the factors that specifically influence the cost of deck staining, and the average costs of what you can expect from a deck staining estimate.

Understanding Deck Staining

Definition and purpose of deck staining

Deck scrubbing and staining elevate the life of your deck. Decks can be beaten outdoors in the hot summer sun and cold winter nights. Having them re-stained when they are looking weathered will replenish them and help the wood last longer.

Without consistent deck staining, one problem area can soon turn into a hundred. The cost of completely replacing a deck is five to ten times the cost of staining it and taking care of those problem areas.

Benefits of staining a wooden deck

Staining a deck not only helps the deck visually look appealing in your backyard but helps prolong the life of the wood as well.

Decks can get worn easily, through trying weather conditions and natural wear and tear, so consistent re-staining helps refresh it.

Deck staining also repairs problem areas, peeling wood, gouges in the boards, and rotting wood. Decks can be prone to fading as well, so a new stain will look good as new.

Factors to consider before staining wooden decks

Wooden decks come with a consistent maintenance routine that also helps prolong their life. Caution with furniture and monthly cleaning are the main things to be aware of when owning a wooden deck.

Wooden decks can be sensitive, especially when put through rough conditions. In some cases, the staining process may need to be repeated every 2-3 years to keep it healthy. 

Factors Influencing Cost

Deck size and complexity

The size of a deck is one of the main factors that will affect the cost of staining a deck. A larger deck will require more labor and materials, while a smaller deck won’t require as much. The size is determined by the length and width of feet. 

If your deck is near bushes or shrubs, it may raise the price as it can be difficult to work around them. 

If your deck is ground level, the price will be lower because it is easier to stain. The more elevated the deck is, it will influence the cost.

Scrubbing the deck

A part of any deck staining job should be cleaning. Premium results will come on decks that are thoroughly power washed.

During this process, a cleaning chemical product can be applied, determined by the condition of your deck. This is to help remove any dirt or grime that is hiding on the surface of the wood.

Condition of the deck

Another factor of the final cost is the condition of the deck. When a deck is more weathered, has damage, or rotting wood, restoring it will take more repairs. These repairs include; nail pops and fixing or replacing boards. 

This factor is crucial to the longevity of a deck. It helps prolong its life so the conditions do not worsen. The replacement cost of the whole deck will be a huge cost, so it is typically better to get it properly repaired and re-stained. 

No matter the condition, an important part of the deck prep work process is to sand the wood. A thorough process includes carefully sanding the whole deck in order for the wood to adhere to a fresh stain.  This can take roughly 1 to 3 days depending on the size of the deck. 

Deck railings

If you have railings, as well as the type and style of those railings will also play a factor in the cost of your deck re-stain.

No railings or rod iron railings would drive the cost down, in comparison to other decks of a similar size. 

Stain quality and brand

The products have a say in the final price. The products that deck staining companies use vary in quality. 

At Brush & Roll Painting, the stains we use resist cracking, peeling, and blistering and are long-lasting, providing up to 2-3 years of protection. Other products on the market will likely need to be redone every year.

Stain color

The current stain on your deck compared to the stain that you want, will have an influence on the price. The four types of stains are transparent, semi-transparent, semi-solid, and solid. 

If you are switching to a stain that is less opaque, it will require more work to get the right tint. 

Labor and professional services

All deck staining companies will probably include the cost of their labor and professional services within their final cost. 

A high-quality company will have painters that are skilled, industry-trained professionals. Through many projects, they should have the experience to get your deck scrubbed and stained flawlessly the first time. 

Applying the stain is usually done by back brushing by hand, so this requires more labor than expected. 

This cost will vary depending on the value a company provides, but it typically can be estimated as $50-70 per hour of employee labor.

Average Cost Ranges

Small decks

Average size: 10x12

Cost range: $1200-2200

Medium-sized decks

Average size: 15x18

Cost range: $2200-2500

Large decks

Average size: 20x25 +

Cost range: $2500-3500+

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are a variety of factors in the final cost of deck staining. These factors can drive the cost up or down, depending on your deck.

To get an exact estimate of the cost to stain your deck, schedule an estimate with Brush & Roll Painting. We have been a trusted Omaha deck staining company since 1996. Our thorough prep work process and skilled use of high-quality materials set us apart from competitors. 

Next, check out our guide to deck staining. This guide will help you with your next deck staining project, as well as tips on proper wooden deck ownership.