How Long Does It Take to Stain a Deck in Omaha?

You may have been thinking about re-staining your deck for awhile now, but the uncertainty of what you’re getting yourself into may have made you put the project off. The answer to how long deck staining takes isn't as straightforward for every project. But don't worry, we're going to break it down for you step by step.

Here at Brush & Roll Painting, we've been beautifying Omaha homes (including decks!) for years. We've seen every type of deck, from brand new to decks that need a little TLC. Our team has the experience and know-how to guide you through this process, whether you're considering a DIY deck staining project or thinking about hiring a professional deck painter in Omaha.

In this article, we're going to break down the deck staining timeline for you. We'll cover how long it typically takes professionals to do the job, what you can expect if you decide to go the DIY route, and why some painters might rush through the process (spoiler alert: that's usually not a good thing). By the time you finish reading, you'll have a clear understanding of what goes into a quality deck staining job and how to plan your summer BBQ schedule around it. 

How Long Does Professional Deck Staining Take?

When you hire a reputable professional painting company, you can expect the deck staining process to take anywhere from 3 to 5 days. Now, before you start thinking, "five whole days?!", let's break down why it takes this long and why it's worth every minute.

Day 1-2: Prep, Prep, and More Prep 

The first few days is all about getting your deck ready for its glow-up. This includes:

• Thorough cleaning: power washing is essential for a new lasting stain. Power washing will remove any dirt, grime, or stains on your deck and provide a good foundation for a new stain.
• Sanding: Sanding wooden deck boards is important for the new stain to have good adhesion to the old stain.
• Repairing any damaged boards: A new stain wouldn’t be worth the investment if you could still see damaged boards covered up by a new coat of stain.

Days 3-4: Staining or Painting

Now comes the fun part! Your painters should apply the stain carefully and evenly, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered. 

Often times, one painter will spray or roll the stain while another back brushes the stain into the grain.

Depending on the size of your deck and the type of stain used, this could take 1-2 days.

Day 5: Final Touches and Drying Time 

Next comes a final inspection, touch up any spots that need it, and then let everything dry thoroughly and clean-up. This ensures your deck is ready for all those summer shenanigans you've been planning.

At Brush & Roll Painting we also do a walk through with you to ensure that you are happy with the finished result. 

How Long Does DIY Deck Staining Take?

Now, for all you considering the DIY approach, buckle up. Staining your deck yourself can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks, assuming you're working on weekends and maybe a few evenings. Here's why:

1. Learning Curve: Unless you're a painter, there's going to be some trial and error involved. You might spend a whole day just figuring out how to use that power washer without turning your deck into driftwood.
2. Weather Delays: In Omaha, we know the weather can be as unpredictable as a Huskers football game. One weekend it's perfect staining weather, the next it's raining cats and dogs.
3. Time Constraints: Most folks can only work on their decks during free time on evenings and weekends. This stretches out the process considerably.
4. Multiple Coats: Depending on the product you're using, you might need to apply multiple coats with drying time in between each one.

How Quickly Can A Deck Be Stained?

Now, you might hear about some painters who claim they can stain your deck in just 1-3 days. While this might sound tempting (especially if you've got a big event coming up), it's important to understand what corners might be cut to achieve this speed:

1. Inadequate Preparation: They might skip crucial steps like thorough cleaning or proper sanding. This is like trying to put makeup on without washing your face first – it might look okay for a hot minute, but it won't last.
2. Rushing the Drying Process: Applying stain to a deck that hasn't fully dried can lead to all sorts of problems, from uneven color to peeling and flaking down the road.
3. Skipping Multiple Coats: Some stains require multiple coats for optimal protection and appearance. Skipping this step might save time now but could cost you in longevity.

Why Does Deck Staining Take That Long?

Now that we've covered the different timelines, let's talk about why proper deck staining takes the time it does. 

According to a study by the National Association of Home Builders, a well-maintained deck can last 30+ years. However, the same study found that decks that aren't properly maintained might only last 10-15 years. That's potentially a whole decade of extra deck time just by doing things right!

Here's a breakdown of why each step in the process is crucial:

• Thorough Cleaning: Proper cleaning before staining can increase the lifespan of your deck stain.
• Proper Drying Time: Allowing proper drying time ensures all that moisture evaporates, allowing the stain to penetrate deeply and adhere properly.
• Quality Products and Application: High-quality stains, when properly applied, can protect your deck from UV damage, moisture, and wear and tear for up to 5 years, compared to 1-2 years for lower quality products or poor application.
• Weather Considerations: The Paint Quality Institute recommends applying stain when temperatures are between 50°F and 90°F. Here in Omaha, where we can see temperature swings of 30 degrees in a single day, timing is everything.

Planning Your Deck Staining Project

So, how do you plan for your deck staining project? Here are some tips:

1. Check the Weather: Look for a stretch of 3-5 days with temperatures between 50°F and 90°F and no rain in the forecast. In Omaha, late spring or early fall often provide ideal conditions.
2. Clear Your Schedule: If you're going the DIY route, block out several weekends. If you're hiring pros, make sure you won't need to use your deck for about a week.
3. Prep in Advance: Clear your deck of furniture, grills, and planters. This saves time when the actual work begins.
4. Consider Your Neighbors: If you live in a close-knit Omaha neighborhood, giving your neighbors a heads up about the project is always appreciated. 

Deck Staining in Omaha

Remember when you were staring at your sad, weathered deck, wondering if you'd ever be able to host another backyard BBQ? Now you're armed with the knowledge to tackle this project like a pro – or hire one with confidence.

Whether you choose to embark on a DIY adventure over a few weekends or opt for the professional 3-5 day transformation, you now understand the importance of each step in the process. 

At Brush & Roll Painting, we're passionate about helping Omaha homeowners like you make the best decisions for their homes. We believe in doing things right the first time, even if it takes a little longer. Because at the end of the day, your deck isn't just a bunch of wooden boards – it's where memories are made, where summer evenings are spent, and where you might just grill the perfect steak.

Ready to give your deck the TLC it deserves? Just click the button below, and we'll be happy to provide you with a detailed estimate for your deck staining project. If you’re not ready to get a quote, click the button below to download your deck staining project checklist. Whether you’re doing the project yourself or hiring a professional, the checklist will help you be confident throughout the entire process and help ensure that you aren’t making any costly mistakes.