Protect Your Wood Deck With Professional Staining & Sealing in Atlanta

In Georgia's climate, most wood decks need restaining every 2-3 years. Decks that get full sun exposure or heavy foot traffic may need attention closer to the 2-year mark. If water no longer beads on the surface and instead soaks into the wood, it's time.

We recommend semi-transparent penetrating oil stains — brands like TWP, Cabot, and Ready Seal. They soak into the wood grain, provide UV and moisture protection, and let the natural wood texture show through. Oil-based stains penetrate deeper and last longer in this climate than water-based alternatives. Solid stains offer more color but can peel in high-humidity environments. Clear sealers provide minimal UV protection and need reapplication every 1-2 years.

It depends on the condition and type of old finish. Penetrating stains can often be recoated after a thorough power wash and light sanding. Film-forming stains that are peeling or flaking need to be stripped completely — applying new stain over failing old stain will look terrible and won't last. We assess the existing finish during our free estimate and include any needed prep in the price.

New pressure-treated lumber needs to dry out before it can absorb stain properly. We typically recommend waiting 3-6 months after construction, depending on the time of year and weather. You can test by sprinkling water on the surface — if it beads up, the wood is still too wet. If it soaks in within 10 seconds, you're ready to stain. Cedar and hardwood decks can usually be stained sooner than pressure-treated lumber.

Yes. Going darker is straightforward — we prep, clean, and apply the new color. Going lighter from a dark stain requires stripping or heavy sanding to remove the existing pigment before applying the new color. We'll walk you through color options and what's realistic based on your deck's current condition.

Typically $3-$6 per square foot for a full job including power washing, prep, and stain application. A standard 300 square foot deck runs $900-$1,800. Larger decks, multi-level decks with railings and stairs, and decks requiring stripping or heavy prep work will cost more.

Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the best windows. You need temperatures between 50-90 degrees, low humidity, and at least 24-48 hours of dry weather after application. Mid-summer staining is possible but trickier — afternoon thunderstorms and extreme heat can interfere with proper curing. We schedule around the weather and won't start a job if the forecast doesn't cooperate.

Yes. We stain the entire deck structure — boards, railings, stairs, spindles, and posts. Railings and spindles are always brushed by hand to ensure full coverage on all surfaces. These areas often show wear faster than deck boards because they're exposed to rain and UV on multiple sides, so thorough application is critical. We include railings and stairs in our standard pricing.