What deck staining costs
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Most decks, total | $550–$1,250 |
| Clean and re-stain Existing finish still sound | $0.50–$1.00 / sq ft |
| Clean, sand and stain | $1–$4 / sq ft |
| 2026 calculator estimate with prep Homewyse national estimate | $3.04–$6.28 / sq ft |
| Labor only | $1–$2.50 / sq ft |
| Stain and supplies | $0.41–$0.96 / sq ft |
The spread comes almost entirely from preparation. Cleaning and brightening a weathered deck is quick; sanding out a peeling finish or stripping failed solid stain is slow, and it is the part most estimates leave vague.
Choosing a stain
- Transparent and semi-transparent. Show the wood grain, soak in rather than forming a film, and wear gradually, so recoating is easy. They need recoating more often.
- Solid stain. Looks like paint and hides worn boards, but forms a film that can peel on horizontal surfaces, and peeling solid stain is expensive to remove.
- Oil or water based. Oil penetrates well and is easy to maintain; modern water-based stains dry faster and clean up with water. Stay with the same type the deck already has unless it is stripped.
How a deck is stained properly
- Repair first: replace split or soft boards and reset raised fasteners. See replacing deck boards.
- Clean with a deck cleaner, and use a brightener on weathered gray wood. Pressure washing, if used, is done at low pressure so it does not raise the grain.
- Let the deck dry completely, typically a day or two of dry weather.
- Sand any fuzzy grain or peeling finish.
- Apply stain in thin coats, a few boards at a time along their full length, and back-brush so it soaks in evenly.
- Keep foot traffic off until it has cured, and furniture off for longer.
Staining new wood
New pressure-treated lumber is too wet to stain right away. Wait until water soaks in instead of beading on the surface, which can take weeks to a few months. Cedar and redwood can usually be finished sooner. Staining too early traps moisture and the finish fails.
How often to re-stain
Horizontal surfaces take the most sun and water, so decks usually need attention every two to three years, and a recoat before the finish is completely worn costs far less than a strip and restain. If boards are soft or the frame is rotting, fix that first; see deck repair cost. Fences follow a similar schedule: see fence staining cost.
Common questions
How long does deck stain last?
On horizontal surfaces, usually two to three years for semi-transparent stain, depending on sun, shade and foot traffic. Railings and vertical parts last longer.
Should I seal or stain my deck?
A clear sealer protects against water but not sun; stain adds pigment that also blocks UV, which is what turns wood gray. Most decks do better with a semi-transparent stain.
Can you stain a deck in the fall?
Yes, if temperatures stay within the stain's application range and there is a stretch of dry days. Check the label for minimum temperature.
Related guides
Compiled from published 2026 national cost data (Angi, HomeAdvisor, Homewyse, Thumbtack). We update these figures as we complete jobs.