Average Cost to Stain a Deck
The cost to stain a wood deck depends on a number of factors, including the size of your deck, condition/age of the deck, and whether you do it yourself or hire someone. However, the average cost to have a pro stain a deck ranges between $1.75 to $4.50 per square foot if the deck has been regularly maintained. If the deck is in really bad shape, powersanding, powerwashing and staining it can be much more expensive reaching up to the $6.00 per square foot range. At some point you have to consider the costs to replace your deck when it reaches a certain age.
How Much Does It Cost to Stain a Deck if You Do it Yourself?
This also depends on whether you own (or can borrow) equipment like a power washer and sander, as well as what type of stain you choose. Generally speaking, estimate that the worse the condition of your deck the more you’ll save, as the labor is "free".
A deck in good condition, considering you’ll have to rent or buy the necessary equipment, should cost between $1.25-$1.75 per square foot. A deck that’s not been taken care of is about double that at $2.00-$2.50 per square foot. Again, the time it takes to properly powersand and prep the dilapidated surface for stain is much different, and this is where the savings come from.
Cost to Stain Deck Railings
Railings are a bit more difficult part of the deck to estimate. There are many different configurations of wood railing, which can dramatically affect the cost and difficulty to maintain. If you have taken care of your railing or it’s fairly new, you can expect to pay a pro about $4.00 to $12.00 per linear foot. More extensive maintenance is going to run more. Expect to pay $6.00 to $16.00 per linear foot for railing that is in dire need of TLC or is a design that is challenging to work with. You always have to keep in mind the costs of replacing railing vs. maintaining it. Depending on design and materials, you can typically replace wood railing for $15.00-$30.00 per linear foot.
Average Cost to Seal a Deck
How much does it cost to hire a pro to just seal a deck? Stain is usually a little more expensive than sealant because stain contains pigmentation that provides protection against sun damage and also allows you to change the coloration of your deck.
However, including light sanding, the average cost to seal a deck per is about $1.00-$1.25 per square foot. Typically a deck that is a good candidate for stain is already in good shape and just needs some protection from the elements. If you have a deck in good condition and want to seal it yourself you are usually going to come in under $1.00 per square foot.
DIY Deck Resources
Planning is key to most successful DIY projects, and there are plenty of resources online that can guide you away from making common mistakes. For example, Decks.com has several guides that can help you get started, including:
- How to Seal Your Deck
- How to Stain Your Deck
- How to Pressure Wash Your Deck
- How to Clean Your Deck
- How to Sand Your Deck
Pressure Washer Buying Guide
When it comes to cleaning your deck, it's important to choose the right pressure washer. Use this pressure washer buying guide from Decks.com to help with your decision!
How to Pressure Wash a Deck
Pressure washing your deck is the best way to keep your investment looking like new. Learn how to properly clean your wood deck with these tips from Decks.com.
Can You Paint or Stain Composite Decking?
Most composites don’t require painting or staining. However, if you are considering staining or painting your deck, you can learn how to do so and what you’ll need at Decks.com.
Capped Composite Decking
What is capped composite decking? It's a great option if you like the look of wood but not the maintenance. Learn about capped composite at Decks.com.
Genovations Vinyl
Genovations Vinyl Decking is manufactured by Genova Products, Inc. in Davison, MI.
More Helpful Resources
Explore Articles by Topic
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Design
The basics of deck design
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Average Cost to Stain a Deck
The cost to stain a wood deck depends on a number of factors, including the size of your deck, condition/age of the deck, and whether you do it yourself or hire someone. However, the average cost to have a pro stain a deck ranges between $1.75 to $4.50 per square foot if the deck has been regularly maintained. If the deck is in really bad shape, powersanding, powerwashing and staining it can be much more expensive reaching up to the $6.00 per square foot range. At some point you have to consider the costs to replace your deck when it reaches a certain age.
How Much Does It Cost to Stain a Deck if You Do it Yourself?
This also depends on whether you own (or can borrow) equipment like a power washer and sander, as well as what type of stain you choose. Generally speaking, estimate that the worse the condition of your deck the more you’ll save, as the labor is "free".
A deck in good condition, considering you’ll have to rent or buy the necessary equipment, should cost between $1.25-$1.75 per square foot. A deck that’s not been taken care of is about double that at $2.00-$2.50 per square foot. Again, the time it takes to properly powersand and prep the dilapidated surface for stain is much different, and this is where the savings come from.
Cost to Stain Deck Railings
Railings are a bit more difficult part of the deck to estimate. There are many different configurations of wood railing, which can dramatically affect the cost and difficulty to maintain. If you have taken care of your railing or it’s fairly new, you can expect to pay a pro about $4.00 to $12.00 per linear foot. More extensive maintenance is going to run more. Expect to pay $6.00 to $16.00 per linear foot for railing that is in dire need of TLC or is a design that is challenging to work with. You always have to keep in mind the costs of replacing railing vs. maintaining it. Depending on design and materials, you can typically replace wood railing for $15.00-$30.00 per linear foot.
Average Cost to Seal a Deck
How much does it cost to hire a pro to just seal a deck? Stain is usually a little more expensive than sealant because stain contains pigmentation that provides protection against sun damage and also allows you to change the coloration of your deck.
However, including light sanding, the average cost to seal a deck per is about $1.00-$1.25 per square foot. Typically a deck that is a good candidate for stain is already in good shape and just needs some protection from the elements. If you have a deck in good condition and want to seal it yourself you are usually going to come in under $1.00 per square foot.
DIY Deck Resources
Planning is key to most successful DIY projects, and there are plenty of resources online that can guide you away from making common mistakes. For example, Decks.com has several guides that can help you get started, including:
- How to Seal Your Deck
- How to Stain Your Deck
- How to Pressure Wash Your Deck
- How to Clean Your Deck
- How to Sand Your Deck
Pressure Washer Buying Guide
When it comes to cleaning your deck, it's important to choose the right pressure washer. Use this pressure washer buying guide from Decks.com to help with your decision!
How to Stain a Wood Deck
Staining your deck, porch or patio can help maintain the longevity of its appearance. Learn how to stain your deck with these easy to follow steps at Decks.com.
Average Cost to Stain a Deck
Find the national average costs for staining and sealing a deck per square foot, including sanding and power washing prices. Learn more at Decks.com
Capped Composite Decking
What is capped composite decking? It's a great option if you like the look of wood but not the maintenance. Learn about capped composite at Decks.com.
Differences Between PVC & Composite Decking
Both PVC and composite materials can be a great alternative to traditional wood decking. Learn the pros and cons of each material with our full comparison.
Explore Articles by Topic
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Design
The basics of deck design
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights