Staining a deck adds protection and appeal to your yard.
Properly stained decks are protected from damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, mildew and unwanted stains. It is important to know whether a deck needs staining or sealing. A stain is a tinted sealer that provides color and UV protection, while a sealer is clear and does not have UV protection. The cost to stain a deck will vary depending on whether you do it yourself or hire someone to professionally clean and stain the deck. When hiring a professional, be sure to ask neighbors, family members and friends for recommendations to ensure they specialize in decks.
Common Do-It-Yourself Costs
Do-it-yourself deck staining supplies run from $100 to $250 depending on the quality of the stain for a 500 square foot deck. A basic pressure washer can cost anywhere from $40 to $200 depending on whether you rent one or buy one. An alternative to using a pressure washer is to use non-pressurized water, brushes and acid-free cleaner to avoid damaging the deck.
Common Costs to Hire a Professional
Common costs to hire a professional to clean and stain the deck will start around 50 cents to $2.00 per square foot, depending on the condition of the deck. Special features such as stairs, spindles or railing will raise the cost to between $2.00 and $7.00 per square foot. Some professionals may offer a set minimum cost; a 500 square foot deck can start from $250 to $1,000 and can run from $1,000 to $3,500, depending on the repairs and handy work needed.
Additional Cost and Discounts
Homeowners looking to hire a company to clean and stain their decks should completely understand what is included in each bid, as many companies will give separate quotes for each service. For example, hiring someone to wash a 10x15 foot deck might cost $100, plus another $150 for staining. Some companies may offer discounts for senior citizens and multiple jobs around the same area, so asking a neighbor if they need their deck stained may pay off if you split the cost.
Preparation and Shopping
It is crucial that the deck is properly prepared prior to staining. The deck should have at least 24 to 48 hours to dry after washing prior to applying a sealer or stain. All repairs and sanding should be done ahead of time. It is best to stain the decks when the temperature is below 80 degrees to avoid having the stain dry too fast. Allow newly stained decks to dry completely prior to being used. Some woods, like redwood and cedar, need to be sealed rather than stained. When shopping for do-it-yourself products, you might need additional products for stripping or cleaning in addition to the sealer or stain. Additional costs include paint brushes and plastic tarps to cover deck plants and furniture.
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