Professional deck staining costs $3.00 to $6.50 per square foot, including prep. A 200 square foot deck runs $600 to $1,300. Here is the price by size, what moves it and how often to do it.
Prep. Most of the cost is labor, and most of the labor is prep. A deck with peeling old stain needs stripping or sanding before new stain will bond. HomeGuide puts a separate pressure wash at $0.08 to $0.20 per square foot.
Railings and spindles. They take longer than the floor and are priced per linear foot.
Stain type. Transparent and semi-transparent stains soak in and need recoating more often; solid stains last longer but hide the grain. Our best deck stain guide compares products.
Repairs first. Loose boards and popped fasteners should be fixed before staining. Angi lists fastener fixes at about $0.30 per square foot.
How often
How often to stain a deck
Angi recommends staining and resealing every two to three years, followed by a clear sealant. In North Carolina sun and humidity, horizontal surfaces wear faster than railings, so the floor often needs it first.
A simple test: sprinkle water on the boards. If it beads, the finish is still working. If it soaks in and darkens the wood, it is time.
Questions
Deck staining cost questions
How much does it cost to stain a deck?
$3.00 to $6.50 per square foot including prep, per HomeGuide. Angi puts a typical professional job at $550 to $1,250.
How much does it cost to stain a 12x12 deck?
A 144 sq ft deck at $3.00 to $6.50 per sq ft is roughly $430 to $940, before railings.
Is it cheaper to paint or stain a deck?
Staining runs $3.00 to $6.50 per sq ft and painting $3 to $9, per HomeGuide.
How often should a deck be stained?
Every two to three years, per Angi, with a clear sealant after.
Should I repair the deck before staining?
Yes. Fix loose boards, popped fasteners and soft spots first, or the new stain goes over problems.
We get on the roof, photograph what is actually there, and hand you a written report with a price. No charge, and no obligation to book the work with us. If the roof has years left in it, that is what the report will say.
