A deck or fence is exposed to everything — sun, rain, and freeze-thaw — and unprotected wood greys, cracks, and rots. Staining isn’t just about looks; the seal is what keeps water out of the grain and extends the life of the wood. But stain won’t bond to a dirty or already-coated surface, so prep is most of the work.
Our process
- Clean. We wash off dirt, mildew, and the grey weathered layer so the new stain can soak in.
- Prep. Sand rough spots, set or replace popped fasteners, and let the wood dry to the right moisture level — staining wet wood traps moisture and fails.
- Stain and seal. We apply the stain evenly and work it into the grain, then seal it to shed water.
Choosing a stain
We’ll walk you through the options — transparent and semi-transparent let the grain show but need refreshing more often; solid-color hides the grain but lasts longer and covers older, weathered wood better. For most decks around here we’ll recommend based on the wood’s condition and how much upkeep you want.
Timing follows the same rule as exterior painting: dry wood, a dry stretch of weather, and moderate temperatures. Free estimate across Exton and Chester County.