How Much Does It Cost To Clean And Stain A Deck

The warmer conditions says it'south time to pull out the grill, uncover the outdoor furniture and commencement living your best life outdoors — merely your deck says otherwise. Maybe you've noticed some fading and discoloration, or areas where the woods is deteriorating. Either way, it's clear that you can't put it off for another summer: Your deck needs a fresh staining, stat.

Most experts recommend staining your deck every 2 to three years. Non only volition a new coat of stain revitalize the wood and bring your deck back to its original glory, it will also protect it from the elements, ward off pests, and prevent mold, mildew, and rot.

Paige NeJame is the owner of CertaPro Painters, a Boston-based business organisation which regularly stains and paints decks. She notes that in Boston's coastal towns, the weather condition tin can take a toll on wood decks and porches. "A deck floor is a horizontal surface that needs staining maintenance more often than a (vertical) home," explains NeJame. "The water puddles and pools on wood subsequently a rainfall, and this causes the stain to wear away speedily. The deck flooring as well is usually in the direct sun, and therefore fades chop-chop."

So, what will information technology cost to hire someone to stain your deck? We did some online digging, consulted a professional person contractor, and crunched the numbers to assist you know what to expect.

A quarter used to stain a deck. — Source: (Joshua Hoehne / Unsplash)

What will it price to have your deck stained?

The toll to stain your deck depends on how large it is, how much prep work is needed, what type of stain you lot choose, and other factors (more on those later). Nevertheless, it is possible to get a rough idea of what to look based on what other homeowners have paid and how the experts summate their quotes.

HomeAdvisor

Average depression-to-high cost range: $540 to $ane,050
Average cost: $700
Price per square foot: $two to $4

HomeGuide

Average cost range: $448 to $1,010
Boilerplate price: $700
Cost per square foot: $1.50 to $four

Thumbtack

Average cost range: $550-$800
Average cost: $674
Low- to high-end cost range: $250-$ane,875

Homewyse

Average cost range: $262-$614
Cost per square foot: $two.x-$4.91

Fixr

Average price: $750
Boilerplate cost range: $550-$850
Low to high toll range: $300-$1,000

NeJame's company calculates deck staining costs past measuring the square footage of deck flooring then the linear anxiety of the railings. About fifteen% of the price goes to materials, and the remaining 85% covers labor.

"For a 12 by 12-foot deck, you can plan on paying anywhere from $800 to $1,350 in the Boston area," she estimates.

What factors impact a deck staining quote?

It's rare that any 2 deck staining quotes will be the same, as in that location are so many variables that can drive the price upward or down. Take a wait at how the following impact staining price:

Deck size

The larger the deck, the more time and materials contractors need to complete the job — both of which drive upwards project costs. Fixr offers these general pricing guidelines based on the size of the deck:

Square footage	Cost to stain
x' x 10'	$300
12' 10 12'	$450
12' ten fourteen'	$500
fourteen' x 14'	$588
12' x 18'	$650
xiv' x 18'	$750
16' x 16'	$775
12' x 24'	$875
fourteen' 10 24'	$i,000
16' x 24'	$1,150
20' x xx'	$1,200
24' ten 24'	$1,750

Condition of the deck

A well-maintained deck in relatively good shape is cheaper to stain than i that'southward been neglected and shows signs of deterioration. If the contractor has to perform any repairs on the deck earlier staining — such as replacing rotted boards, filling in cracks, or filling gaps betwixt boards — look a higher price tag.

Pretreating

NeJame says information technology'southward rare that a deck doesn't require pretreating before staining. In almost cases, contractors need to clean or pressure-wash the deck to remove any dirt and debris. This pretreating ensures that the fresh coat of stain volition adhere properly, resulting in even coloration.

Later cleaning, the contractor may besides need to sand the deck to remove the elevation layer of the old pigment or finish. A smoother surface absorbs the stain better, particularly if you're switching to a unlike color. Be sure to inquire the deck staining company if these services are included in the quote.

HomeAdvisor breaks down the average price per square foot based on how much pretreatment is necessary:

Pretreatment	Price per square foot	Total cost range for a standard 350-foursquare-foot deck
Power sanding, staining, and sealing	$two-$4	$700-$1,400
Light sanding, staining, and sealing	$one-$1.l	$350-$525
Ability washing, staining, and sealing	$.50-$1.50	$175-$525

Elevation of the deck

NeJame points out that the college the elevation of the deck, the higher the labor costs will be. And if the deck has wood latticework effectually the lesser of the deck, that also increases the cost.

Type of stain

Co-ordinate to HomeAdvisor, stain prices can range from $20 to $120 per gallon. For a deep-penetrating stain, the average cost is at least $xxx to $40 per gallon. While information technology might cost more upfront to use a higher-quality stain, these stains are more often than not more than durable and last longer, which could save coin in the long run by extending the flow of time between stains.

Clearing the deck

If the contractor has to move heavy furniture, grills, and other objects off the deck, they might charge more than for the extra labor. Removing these items yourself is a good way to make the chore a little easier and perhaps save a few bucks.

Extra structural features

The price ranges we've presented here are based on a standard, single-level deck. If your deck includes multiple levels, a pergola, built-in benches, ornamental railings, or other decorative features, expect a higher deck staining quote.

A professional contractor that is staining a deck. — Source: (Dagmara_K / Shutterstock)

Finding a trusted professional to stain your deck

If your deck needs a staining and yous don't accept the time, skill, or patience for the task, achieve out to a contractor or handyman for a quote. Beneath are some of the best ways to detect a trusted professional:

Ask neighbors for recommendations.
Reach out to a real manor amanuensis, equally he or she likely has an existing network of professionals.
Search online for deck staining professionals in your area (be sure to read reviews!).
Find local professionals through sites similar Angi, The Domicile Depot, Thumbtack, Mr. Handyman, and Home Advisor.

Header Epitome Source: (Kathie Nichols / Shutterstock)