Written by
Tom Grupa
Edited by
Tara Farmer
Average Cost To Stain A Deck
The average cost to stain a deck is$1.57 to $4.04 per square foot, with most homeowners paying someone$450 to $1,000for materials and labor. Labor costs depend on the wood's condition, if the deck has railings, and whether power washing, sanding, and stripping are required.
| Deck size | DIY cost | Cost to hire someone |
|---|---|---|
| 10' x 10' | $41 – $134 | $157 – $404 |
| 12' x 12' | $59 – $176 | $226 – $582 |
| 12' x 16' | $78 – $222 | $301 – $775 |
| 12' x 20' | $98 – $268 | $376 – $969 |
| 14' x 14' | $80 – $226 | $307 – $791 |
| 14' x 24' | $137 – $360 | $527 – $1,357 |
| 16' x 16' | $104 – $283 | $401 – $1,034 |
| 16' x 24' | $157 – $406 | $602 – $1,551 |
| 20' x 20' | $164 – $422 | $628 – $1,616 |
| 24' x 24' | $236 – $590 | $904 – $2,327 |
The average time it takes to stain a deck is 4 hours per 100 square feet, over two days.
A deck should be stained every 2 to 3 years to improve its appearance and increase its lifespan.
Graying, discoloration, mold, mildew, rot, or warping are signs the deck needs staining.
The best time to stain a deck is when the weather is dry with no signs of rain and between 50° and 90° Fahrenheit all day.
One gallon of stain covers approximately 200 to 300 square feet.
Enter the dimensions of your deck in feet to calculate the cost to stain your deck and the gallons of stain needed.
Deck Staining Cost Calculator
Start by measuring the length and width of your deck and steps to get the total square footage in feet. If you are staining the railings and spindles, add about 3 square feet of surface area per 1 linear foot of railing.
| Item | Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Stain & Supplies | $0.41 – $0.96 |
| Labor | $1.16 – $3.08 |
| Deep Cleaning (Optional) | $0.48 – $1.18 |
| Total | $1.57 – $4.04 |
| Total + Deep Cleaning | $2.05 – $5.22 |
How Much Stain Do I Need For My Deck?
Deck stains cover 200 to 300 square feet per gallon. You'll need 2 gallons of stain to cover a 500-square-foot deck. Coverage depends on the stain brand, type, and the wood's age, condition, and porosity.
| Deck Size | Square Feet | Gallons Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 12’ x 12’ Deck | 144 | 1 |
| 12’ x 24’ Deck | 288 | 2 |
| 24’ x 24’ Deck | 576 | 3 |
Average Labor Cost To Stain a Deck
The average labor cost to stain a deck is$1 to $3 per square foot, not including the materials. Labor accounts for75%of the total cost depending on the deck's condition, whether the deck needs sanding or stripping, and the number of coats of stain applied.
| National Average Cost | $730 |
| Minimum Cost | $300 |
| Maximum Cost | $2,300 |
| Average Range | $450 to $1,000 |
Labor and prep work includes the equipment setup, moving any furniture, protecting surrounding areas, making minor wood repairs, power washing, and applying the stain. Some contractors offer cheaper labor by spraying vs. rolling on the stain, but spraying is not as durable.
Additional labor costs may apply depending on the deck's condition:
The cost to build a deck is $15 to $30 per square foot, or $4,400 and $10,000 on average.
Old decks may need new deck boards or other repairs. Repairing a deck costs $500 to $2,500 on average.
The average cost to refinish a deck is $300 and $1,200.
Cost To Pay Someone To Stain A Deck
The cost to pay someone to stain a deck is$0.50 to $5.50 per square footdepending on the condition of the wood, if the deck has railings, and whether the deck requires power washing, sanding, and stripping.
| Method | Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Stain & Seal | $0.50 – $1.50 |
| Power Wash, Stain & Seal | $1.00 – $2.50 |
| Power Sanding, Stain & Seal | $2.00 – $4.00 |
| Strip, Stain & Seal | $2.50 – $5.50 |
| Painting | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| Railings & Handrails | $4.00 – $12.00 per linear foot |
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Cost To Clean and Restain Deck
The cost to clean and restain a deck is $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot. Restaining a deck without deep cleaning runs$0.50 to $1.50 per square footand is recommended for decks in great condition. Prices depend on the type of stain, and whether the entire deck or just the flats need new stain.
Cost To Power Wash and Stain a Deck
Power washing a deck costs$0.35 to $0.77 per square footto remove dirt, debris, flaking stain, sealer, and stains. Renting a power washer costs$38 per daywith a $50 deposit, while buying one costs$200 to $400on average.
Cost To Strip and Stain a Deck
The cost to strip and stain a deck is$2.50 to $5.50 per square footfor just the flats, and$5.11 to $8.20 per square footfor the entire deck including the rails and spindles. The rails and spindles add$11.84 to $23.77 per linear foot.
| Area | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Flats / Planks Only | $2.47 – $5.50 per square foot |
| Entire Deck, Rails, and Spindles | $5.11 – $8.20 per square foot |
| Rails and Spindles | $11.84 – $23.77 per linear foot |
A gallon of wood stain stripper costs $20 to $30and covers about 150 square feet of deck surface area. However, the process to strip and stain a deck is labor-intensive, which makes it expensive to hire a professional.
Cost To Sand and Stain a Deck
The cost to sand a deck before staining is$30 to $50 per hourand takes 3 to 10 hours, depending on the surface area. Decks in great condition need only a light sanding with an orbital floor sander. Warped or water-damaged wood requires heavier sanding. Power washing raises the wood grain, which requires a second light sanding.
Cost To Stain Deck Railings or Handrails
The average cost to stain deck railings, handrails, and spindles is $4 to $8 per linear footwithout stripping the wood, and $10 to $14 per linear footwhen stripping is included. The railings stay in good condition longer than the planks and don't need staining as often.
Cost To Stain, Seal, and Waterproof a Deck
Sealing and waterproofing a deck costs$1.00 to $3.50 per square footfor just the planks, and$5 and $8 per linear footfor the rails and spindles. A standard 12’ x 24’ deck, including rails and spindles, costs$550 to $1,300to seal. The flats or planks need sealing every few years.
Sealing a deck protects it from water damage, rot, warping, and the growth of fungi, algae, and mildew.
Sealing does not prevent UV damage, which causes the wood to gray, crack, and split as the natural oils dry up.
Deck Painting Cost
The cost to paint a deckis$2 to $5 per square footincluding the railing and spindles, or between$1 and $4 per square footfor just the planks. Painting a standard 12’ x 24’ deck costs$300 to $1,300. One gallon of deck paint costs$30 to $50and covers approximately 300 to 400 square feet.
Deck Stain Prices
Wood Deck Stain Cost
Wood deck stain costs$20 to $50 per gallonand$80 to $200 for a five-gallon bucketdepending on the quality and brand.
Most deck stainscover 200 to 300 square feet per gallon.
The average deck requires two gallons of stain, depending on the wood's condition and porosity.
Types of Deck Stain
Deck stains are water or oil-based and come in a variety of different types. Transparent or clear stains provide a natural wooden look and work best for decks in excellent condition. Solid stains look similar to paint and help conceal flaws in older wood. A semi-transparent stain partially highlights the wood grain with added gloss.
| Type | Price (Gallon) | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Oil-Based Deck Stain | $20 – $50 |
|
| Water-Based Deck Stain | $20 – $45 |
|
| Semi-Transparent Deck Stain | $20 – $50 |
|
| Transparent or Clear Deck Stain | $20 – $60 |
|
| Semi-Solid Deck Stain | $45 – $80 |
|
| Solid Deck Stain | $10 – $60 |
|
Deck stain prices provided by Home Depot and Lowe's.
Consult with a deck staining professional.
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Deck Staining Materials
Deck staining materials cost$0.41 to $0.96 per square foot, or$100 to $250for a standard deck. Prices depend on the deck size, the product quality, and the process, including whether the old stain will be stripped.
| Material | Price Per Square Foot | Price Per Gallon |
|---|---|---|
| Deck Stripper | $0.12 – $0.21 | $20 – $80 |
| Deck Brightener | $0.03 – $0.11 | $9 – $30 |
| Deck Stain | $0.07 – $0.72 | $20 – $90 |
| Deck Sealer | $0.04 – $0.23 | $15 – $55 |
| Deck Stain + Sealant Combo | $0.05 – $0.29 | $15 – $75 |
Deck Stripper – Deck stripper is used to remove existing stain and sealer and to clean the wood of dirt and blemishes. Deck stripper costs $20 to $80 per gallon, which covers 150 to 200 square feet.
Deck Brightener – Wood deck brightener or deck neutralizer opens up the wood pores and restores the natural beauty of the wood grain. Deck brightener costs $9 to $30 per gallon and brightens approximately 250 to 300 square feet of surface area.
Deck Stain – Standard deck stain enhances the appearance of the wood and adds UV protection but provides little protection from mildew and moisture. A clear waterproofing sealer should be applied after the stain dries. Premium deck stains cost $20 to $90 per gallon and cover 150 to 300 square feet on average.
Deck Sealer – A clear deck sealer or waterproofing applied after staining protects the wood from moisture and water damage. Deck sealant costs $15 to $55 per gallon and covers 125 to 350 square feet.
Deck Stain + Sealer – The cheapest, fastest, and most common process uses a combination stain and sealer product. This protects the wood from UV exposure—which causes graying and drying, and moisture—which causes rot, warping, and algae growth that degrades the appearance and shortens the lifespan of the deck. Stain + sealer costs $15 to $75 per gallon and covers between 250 to 300 square feet on average.
Sundries – Other materials or “sundries” include brushes, rollers, sandpaper, painter’s tape, and plastic sheeting that costs $10 to $30, depending on the process.
Deck Sealing vs. Staining vs. Painting
Why Stain A Deck?
Staining a deck protects the surface against mold, mildew, rot, aging, and insects. Deck stain extends the deck's lifespan, repels water and moisture, adds UV protection against sun damage, gives the deck a decorative look, and makes the wood easier to clean.
Why Do Decks Need Sealing?
Sealing a deck provides waterproofing and protects the wood from moisture damage and the growth of mold, mildew, fungi, and algae. If water soaks into the wood rather than beading up, it's time to seal the deck. For wetter climates, heavy-duty waterproofing products are available for extra protection.
Combination deck + sealant products make it cheaper and easier to protect a deck, but the sealant in these products is typically of lower quality.
Is It Better To Paint or Stain A Deck?
Staining a deck is better than painting because it penetrates deeper into the wood for superior resistance to mold, mildew, and rot. Deck stain is less slippery, repels water, protects from UV rays, and is easier to clean. Solid deck stain looks like paint and comes in various colors.
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Deck staining FAQs
How Much To Charge To Stain A Deck?
Contractors charge$1.00 to $2.50 per square footto stain a deck, depending on the process. For power washing, sanding, stripping, staining, and sealing contractors charge$2 to $4 per square foot.
How Long Does It Take To Stain A Deck?
Staining a deck takes4 hours per 100 square feet over the course of two days. The first day is moving furniture, stripping, power washing, sanding, and repairs, while the second day is applying stain and sealer. An average deck takes10 to 15 hours of labor.
| Deck Size | Square Feet | Hours of Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Small (12’ x 12’) | 144 | 5 |
| Average (12’ x 24’) | 288 | 10 |
| Large (18’ x 24’) | 432 | 15 |
How Often To Stain A Deck?
Stain a deckevery 2 to 3 yearsto improve the appearance and increase the lifespan of the decking. Signs the deck needs staining include graying, discoloration, mold, mildew, rot, or warping.
When Is The Best Time To Stain A Deck?
The best time to stain a deck is during dry weather with no signs of rain and between 50° and 90° Fahrenheit throughout the day and night. Anytime between August and October is the ideal time to stain a deck.
Should I Stain Under My Deck?
It is not necessary to stain under your deck unless you notice signs of rotted wood underneath. If your deck is built from pressure-treated lumber, it naturally protects against mold and mildew and keeps wood-boring insects out.
When To Stain A New Deck?
Stain manufacturers recommend waiting3 to 12 monthsbefore staining a new deck, depending on the wood type and stain brand. Waiting allows the wood to weather, and natural oils and resins are extracted by UV rays, which creates the ideal porous surface to hold the stain.
When To Seal A New Deck?
Sealant manufacturers recommend waiting2 to 3 weeksbefore sealing a new deck made from pressure-treated wood. To preserve the wood grain of mahogany or cedar decking, wait1 to 2 weeksbefore sealing. Waiting allows the wood to dry and ensures the best protection from UV rays and water damage.
Why Does Deck Stain Peel?
Deck stains peel because of over-application, which creates raised lap marks and prevents moisture from evaporating. Peeling also occurs due to poor adhesion from improper preparation, poor weather conditions, or not waiting long enough for the deck to dry.
What Type of Roller To Use For Staining A Deck?
A mop or stain pad absorbs more stain than a traditional roller and enables you to stain a deck much faster.
What To Use To Clean A Deck Before Staining?
Follow these steps to clean a deck before staining:
Use a wood stripper to remove any prior paint or stain
Apply wood cleaner to remove dirt and pollen.
Treat any mold and mildew.
Use a power washer to rinse away the cleaner.
Allow the surface to dry for 24 hours.
How Much Does It Cost To Stain A Pergola?
Staining a pergola costs$6 to $7 per square foot, depending on the size, elevation, and the number of ornamentations. A small 12×12 pergola costs$860to stain, while a large 16×24 pergola costs$2,300for staining.
How Much Does It Cost To Stain Exterior of House or Log Cabin?
The average cost to stain a house exterior or log cabin is$1.37 to $3.28 per square foot, which includes materials, area preparation, professional labor, and clean up. DIY costs to stain the exterior of a house are$0.50 to $1.00 per square foot.
Still have questions? Ask a deck staining pro.
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DIY Deck Staining
DIY deck staining costs$0.50 to $1.50 per square footdepending on if you need to power wash the deck or apply paint stripper. Staining an average 16' × 16' deck yourself costs from$100 to $250.
Renting a pressure washer costs$38 per day, and additional supplies such as tape and paintbrushes cost$10 to $30from a home improvement store. Other tools you may need are:
Protective Cloths
Staining Pads
Plastic Sheeting
Brushes, Blocks
Stain Pad
Painter’s Tape
Deck Brush
Wood Filler
Sandpaper
Power Washer
Stain, Sealer & Stripper
How To Apply Deck Stain
To stain and seal a deck, follow these steps:
Remove Furniture – Remove all furniture, BBQ pits, and other items to prepare for pressure washing.
Power Wash – Power wash the deck to remove loose debris, sealant, and old deck stain that is peeling.
Sand & Sweep – Sand the deck with an orbital floor sander using coarse 20-grit sandpaper for hardwoods or warped boards, or 50-grit paper for softwood decks or if the wood is still straight.
Inspect and Repair – Check the planks and railings for loose nails and damages. Hammer the nails back in, replace the damaged boards, and use epoxy wood filler for any holes, cracks, or deep scratches.
Sand Again – Sand again using 50-grit sandpaper for hardwoods, and 80-grit sandpaper for softwoods. Make a third and final pass with the next finest sandpaper of 80 to 100-grit.
Protect Surrounding Areas – To prevent damaging the landscaping, wet the surrounding area, and cover plants and shrubs with plastic sheeting. Tape off any exterior walls adjacent to the deck.
Clean with Deck Brightener – Apply a deck brightener to remove stains, residue, tannins, mildew, algae, and restore the wood to its original look. Let the deck dry for 48 hours.
Apply Stain – Apply stain in a thin coat using a brush or roller. Spread out the puddles and work the stain into the wood using a broom or roller. If using a stain + sealant product, a second coat is usually optional. Allow to dry for 24 to 48 hours.
Apply Sealant – If your stain doesn't include a sealant, apply a clear sealant/waterproofing product to protect the wood from moisture. Apply an additional coat of waterproofing over a stain + sealant in wet regions. Allow to dry for 24 to 48 hours.
Rinse and Clean Up – Rinse the surrounding area and remove protective plastic sheeting.
DIY Deck Staining Tips
Wait 24 to 48 hours after it's rained before applying deck stain.
Confirm the deck is dry before staining.
Avoid staining a deck when it's above 90° Fahrenheit.
Test the color on a hidden spot to make sure it's what you are expecting. Ask for a free sample before purchasing.
Stir the stain thoroughly for a consistent color. When using multiple gallons, stir them together in a large container.
When buying stain and sealant, account for waste that will fall between the cracks of the decking.
Hiring A Deck Staining Professional
Staining and sealing a deck can be a very time-consuming DIY project. A professional gets the job done faster and at a higher quality. Also, contractors usually pay less for materials due to buying in bulk. Before hiring a professional, be sure to:
Ask friends, family, and neighbors for references.
Get at least three price quotes to compare.
Discuss whether a one-coat or two-coat process will be used.
Ask if they intend to spray the stain or roll and brush. Generally, spraying stain is not as durable.
Make sure the rails and spindles are calculated separately in linear feet.
Get an agreement in writing to be precise. Many companies will bill separately for cleaning and staining.
Remove the furniture from the deck yourself to save.
Check out their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Don't pay cash and never pay upfront.
