After the effort and expense of installing up a deck, you’ll want it to last for several years. Staining your deck can help. It protects the deck from the elements and enhances its natural colour. But how much does staining a deck cost? And how should you go about getting and comparing quotes for this task? This post will guide you on:
- Should I use deck stain or oil?
- DIY vs. hiring a decking pro
- Deck care 101
- How much does it cost to stain a deck?
- Questions to ask a decking expert
Should I Use Decking Stain or Oil?
You might wonder whether decking stain or oil is better. Stains are designed to change the color of wood but don’t offer much protection from sun or rain damage. Oils penetrate the wood, replenishing natural oils and resins that leech out over time. Decking oils are better at binding wood fibers together and providing weather resistance.
There are oil-based and water-based decking stains. Oil-based stains offer deeper penetration and better durability but take longer to dry. Water-based stains dry faster, are easier to clean, and provide better colour retention.
DIY vs. Hiring a Decking Expert
Many tasks are cheaper when you DIY. However, when it comes to deck staining, a service that specializes in sealing and staining decks will ensure a superior finish. They’ll also make sure the staining is done in the best conditions, as weather and temperature can affect the finish. They can recommend a stain colour to match your outdoor area and the desired look. For this reason, it might be worth spending a few hundred more rand to have a professional prepare, clean, and stain the deck.
Deck Care 101
Most decks can’t be stained immediately. The deck will first need cleaning and preparation. This ensures a quality finish. So, when determining the cost of staining your deck, include the cost of preparation work. This typically involves pressure cleaning and repairing any damaged boards. The deck will then need to dry before applying the stain in several coats. The cost of deck staining depends on the amount of repair and preparation needed. If you’re having a new deck installed, the installer will likely offer staining as an add-on service to save time
How Much Does It Cost to Stain a Deck?
After visiting your property, your service provider will base their quote on factors such as:
- The size of your deck
- If sanding is needed
- The number of coats of stain or oil required
- If repairs or new dealings are needed
For deck staining and sealing, expect to pay around:
- R3300 to R4950 to stain a small deck.
- R7700 to R11000 to stain a medium-sized deck.
- R14300 to R27500 to stain a larger deck.
Working with a Decking Expert
When hiring a decking expert, ensure they are the right fit for your project. Questions to ask include:
- Are you insured?
- How long will my project take?
- Can you provide a written quote?
- Do you have any references I can follow up on?
- Can I see examples of your work?
- What warranty do your products have?
To calculate the actual cost of your project, get quotes from services that specialize in sealing and staining decks. Inform them about the size and type of wood used on the deck and your stain colour preferences.
