Staining your wood deck is a great way to ensure it looks its best and lasts for a long time. You can expect to pay between $2.40 and $8.15 per square foot to stain your deck, including materials and labor.
For a 600-square-foot deck, you can expect to pay between $1,440 and $4,890, depending on the type of stain and the complexity of the application.
Our cost estimates are based on our survey of deck staining prices across the U.S., including major metros and more rural cities. The cost of deck staining will be influenced by a number of factors, including the condition of your deck, the type of stain you use, the square footage of your deck, and the amount of time it takes to complete the project.
Cost by Location
As with any service, prices will vary by location because of regional differences in the cost of materials, labor, and other factors. Therefore, the cost of professionally staining your deck will vary from state to state.
The table below offers a snapshot of the costs of deck staining across the U.S.:
| City | Cost per Square Foot (Including Labor and Materials) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Pawtucket, RI | $2.90 – $6.10 |
| Newark, NJ | $3.35 – $7.15 |
| New York, NY | $3.85 – $8.15 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Dothan, AL | $2.40 – $5.10 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FL | $2.45 – $5.20 |
| Nashville, TN | $2.50 – $5.35 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| South Bend, IN | $3.05 – $6.45 |
| Chicago, IL | $3.35 – $7.15 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Corvallis, OR | $2.75 – $5.85 |
| Seattle, WA | $3.50 – $7.40 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Houston, TX | $2.50 – $5.25 |
| Roswell, NM | $2.55 – $5.35 |
| San Diego, CA | $3.10 – $6.65 |
Cost by Deck Size
The size of your deck influences the cost of staining more than almost any other factor. More deck space means more labor, materials, and work, all of which have a price tag.
Knowing that the average cost of deck staining is about $2.40 to $8.15 per square foot, you can easily calculate an approximate cost for basic deck staining services by measuring your deck.
Here are some prices for typical deck sizes to give you an idea of what you may pay based on square footage:
| Deck Size | Typical Price Range per Square Foot |
| 120 Square Feet | $288 – $978 |
| 144 Square Feet | $346 – $1,174 |
| 200 Square Feet | $480 – $1,630 |
| 240 Square Feet | $576 – $1,956 |
| 280 Square Feet | $672 – $2,282 |
| 320 Square Feet | $768 – $2,608 |
| 400 Square Feet | $960 – $3,260 |
| 600 Square Feet | $1,440 – $4,890 |
Bear in mind that these costs will vary from professional to professional according to their labor costs, taxes, and rates. And, if you want additional services and prep work, such as sanding, power washing, or deck painting, you will pay more.
Be sure to ask your professional for the cost per square foot when obtaining a quote.
Cost by Type of Stain
There are various deck stains, each with its own price range and ideal use. Different stains are designed for certain materials, and each type has a different cost associated with it. Stain costs typically range from $21 to $87 per gallon.
One gallon of staining solution covers 150 to 300 square feet, depending on the wood’s age, condition, and porosity.
The table below shows a breakdown of the costs per gallon for each type of deck stain.
| Type of Deck Stain | Average Cost per Gallon |
| Transparent Stain | $21 – $60 |
| Solid Stain | $21 – $66 |
| Semi-Transparent | $22 – $80 |
| Water-Based Stain | $25 – $76 |
| Oil-Based Stain | $29 – $84 |
| Semi-solid stain | $42 – $87 |
- Water-based stains are low-maintenance.
- Oil-based stains penetrate deeply for a richer finish.
- Transparent stains enhance the wood’s natural look.
- Solid stains provide full coverage and durability.
- Semi-transparent stains offer a balance of color and grain visibility.
- Semi-solid stains give more coverage while still allowing some wood grain to show through.
Labor Cost
Staining a deck is a labor-intensive process, and hiring a professional is often the best choice. On average, labor costs range from $1.15 to $2.70 per square foot, not including materials. Some professionals charge by the hour, typically $30 to $95 per hour per worker. While more workers mean a higher hourly total, the job gets done faster.
The entire staining process usually takes two to three days, depending on the products used and the complexity of the job. Factors like deck size, weather conditions, and prep work can also impact the timeline.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
Using a professional to stain your deck is a good way to ensure a quality finish, but you may feel confident enough to tackle the job on your own. Even so, it’s vital to understand the costs associated with taking on the project yourself.
You’ll need to gather the tools and supplies you need to strip, wash, sand, and stain your deck. It will cost around $321 to $497 to stain a deck yourself, depending on the type of stain you use and whether you decide to rent or purchase a pressure washer.
Note: Both pressure washing and sanding require a full understanding of the correct settings and operation of these tools to avoid damaging your deck. Wear appropriate safety gear and read all of the manufacturer’s instructions before using any heavy equipment. If you don’t feel completely comfortable with these tools, contact a professional to perform these tasks for you.
Other Factors that Affect Deck Staining Costs
Before embarking on any home improvement project, it’s important to break down the cost for every aspect of the job, and deck staining is no different. Among the things to consider are:
Inspection
A professional may want to inspect for damage before staining the deck. Wood rot and damage from pests are two of the most significant issues, but there may be hidden problems that are challenging for the untrained eye to catch.
Your deck should undergo a general inspection annually, especially if it is over 10 years old. While the condition of your deck boards is paramount to staining, it’s also vital to check that all of your deck’s connectors, fasteners, and joints are in good condition. Hire a contractor to fix them if any of these structures are in disrepair.
Deck Board Repairs
There’s no point in staining a deck if the boards are damaged. If your deck boards are loose, chipped, rotting, molded, or mildewed, you’ll need to replace them first.
The cost of deck board repairs varies depending on the material. On average, however, the cost of decking material will range from $7.30 to $35.65 per square foot. The following table reflects prices for the most common decking materials.
| Deck Material | Average Cost per Square Foot |
| Redwood | $7.30 – $31.65 |
| Pressure-treated Wood | $8.60 – $23.30 |
| Cedar | $10.35 – $23 |
| Ipe | $11.65 – $28.30 |
| Composite Decking | $13 – $35.65 |
Pressure Washing
Pristine deck boards should still be cleaned before you begin staining. If the deck isn’t terribly dirty, you might be able to tackle the job with a garden hose in a couple of hours.
If the deck requires a bit more work, a pressure washer is probably the right tool for the job.
Pressure washing not only removes dirt and grime but also eliminates set-in grime. The average cost of pressure washing ranges from $0.25 to $0.50 per square foot, although some professionals charge by the hour. Expect to pay between $50 to $127.50 per hour, but that could be higher or lower depending on the complexity of the job and the materials required.
And if you’d rather pressure wash your own deck, a good pressure washer will set you back about $246, although you can spend as little as $75 for a small electric one or as much as $9,549 for a commercial-grade one. You can also rent one for about $42 to $120 a day.
Deck Sanding
Once you thoroughly clean your deck, you’ll need to smooth the rough edges to create an even surface for staining. Sanding the deck removes splinters, rough spots, loose fibers, and residue that could interfere with the appearance and comfort of your newly stained deck.
Professional contractors charge varying prices that depend on the square footage of the deck, the type of material used in the deck’s construction, and whether you’re looking for a light sanding or a more thorough job. Usually, light sanding costs around $1 to $2.85 per square foot.
Sealant
While wood stain has protective qualities, your deck may need extra protection against the elements. Sealing your deck alone costs an average of $550 to $1,300. However, if you’re having your deck stained and sealed, some contractors may consider the two tasks part of the same job and include sealing in the overall staining price.
FAQ
If you have a brand-new deck, you should let it dry for 30 days before applying a coat of stain to help protect it. After that first staining, your deck should get a new coat of stain every two to three years. This time frame is only a general rule, however, as decks in areas with high humidity should be stained more often to compensate for the effects of the weather.
You should stain your deck in the late spring or early fall. Excessive humidity or rain will create moisture that will prevent the stain from adhering to your deck’s wood. In addition, excessive heat may cause the deck stain to evaporate too fast.
Both. A roller will allow you to cover a larger area in less time with a smoother finish, and a roller is easier to operate for an extended period. On the other hand, you can use a brush in hard-to-reach spaces like corners and under deck railings.
Make Your Deck Look New Again
Staining your deck isn’t just about aesthetics. It protects against weather damage, prevents wear and tear, and extends its lifespan. But if spending your weekend with a brush and stain isn’t your idea of fun, it’s best to hire a pro to keep your deck looking beautiful without the hassle.
Read More:
— How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Pool Deck?
Main Image Credit: Viktorus / Adobe Stock Free / License
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