Deck Staining in Hershey & Central PA
Pennsylvania decks take sun, snow, rain and leaves. A stain that soaks into clean wood protects it. A stain sitting on dirty wood peels.
How we handle deck staining
We clean the deck with a deck cleaner, use a brightener to restore the wood's pH and color, and let it dry fully, usually a couple of days. Then we apply a penetrating stain by brush and pad so it works into the grain.
For most decks around Hershey we recommend semi-transparent penetrating stains. They show the wood grain and wear by fading rather than peeling, which makes recoating much easier. Solid stains cover more but need more upkeep on walking surfaces.
Horizontal boards wear out faster than railings. Expect to restain floor boards every two to three years and railings less often.
What happens on the job
- Clean
- Deck cleaner to lift dirt, mildew and gray weathered fibers.
- Brighten
- Wood brightener to neutralize the cleaner and restore color.
- Dry
- Wood left to dry fully so the stain can soak in.
- Stain
- Penetrating stain worked into floor boards, railings, stairs and skirting.
How much does deck staining cost?
Every job is priced after we see it, because the same square footage can take twice as long depending on condition. Your free written estimate lists exactly what's included. These are the things that move the number:
Call (717) 864-5769 for a price- Deck size in square feet
- Railings, stairs and lattice
- Condition of the existing finish
- Stripping old solid stain or paint
- Stain type: transparent, semi-transparent or solid
- Fences and porches added on
Deck Staining questions
How often should a deck be stained in Pennsylvania?
Most decks in Central Pennsylvania need restaining every two to three years on the floor boards, depending on sun exposure and the type of stain. Railings and vertical surfaces usually last longer.
When is the best time to stain a deck in Central PA?
Late spring and early fall are ideal: dry weather, moderate temperatures and no direct midday heat baking the stain. The wood should be dry and no rain expected for at least 24 hours after staining.
Should I use solid or semi-transparent deck stain?
Semi-transparent stain shows the wood grain and wears by fading, which makes it easy to recoat. Solid stain hides more and lasts longer on railings, but on walking surfaces it can peel and needs more prep to redo.
How much does deck staining cost?
Deck staining cost depends on size, the number of railings and stairs, the condition of the old finish and whether it must be stripped. We give a free written estimate after seeing the deck.
Deck Staining near you
deck staining in Hershey, deck staining in Hummelstown, deck staining in Harrisburg, deck staining in Camp Hill, deck staining in Mechanicsburg, deck staining in Carlisle, deck staining in Middletown, deck staining in Palmyra, deck staining in Lebanon, deck staining in Elizabethtown, deck staining in Lancaster, deck staining in York.
Tell us what needs painting. We'll come look.
Free written estimates across Hershey and Central PA. Call or text and you'll get a person, not a call center.