Deck Staining, Sealing & Painting

Why Your Deck Needs Staining and Sealing

Wood decks are beautiful, but they're constantly exposed to San Bernardino's intense sun, occasional rain, and temperature changes. Without protection, wood fades to gray, dries out, cracks, and eventually rots. Staining and sealing creates a protective barrier that keeps moisture out, blocks UV damage, and prevents wear and tear.

Think of staining and sealing like putting sunscreen on your deck. It's preventive maintenance that extends your deck's life by years, maybe even decades. Most wood decks should be restained every 2 to 3 years, depending on sun exposure and weather conditions. If you can't remember the last time your deck was sealed, it's probably overdue.

Stain, Sealer, or Paint? Here's the Difference

Homeowners often ask us what's best for their deck. The answer depends on your goals and the condition of your wood. Here's how each option works:

• •Clear sealer: Provides waterproofing and UV protection while letting the natural wood grain show through
• •Semi-transparent stain: Adds color while still showing the wood grain, offers more UV protection than clear sealer
• •Solid stain: Covers the wood grain completely, maximum UV protection, looks similar to paint but penetrates the wood
• •Paint: Sits on top of the wood surface, good for hiding old or damaged wood, requires more maintenance than stain

For most San Bernardino decks, we recommend semi-transparent or solid stain. These options provide excellent protection, look great, and are easier to maintain than paint. We'll help you choose the right product and color for your deck during our free consultation.

Our Professional Staining Process

Proper preparation is what separates a professional staining job from a DIY disaster. We start by thoroughly cleaning your deck to remove dirt, mildew, and old finish. We use professional-grade cleaners and pressure washing techniques that clean deep without damaging the wood.

Next, we sand any rough spots or splinters to create a smooth surface. If your deck has minor damage, we can handle those repairs before staining. Once the wood is clean and dry, we apply stain or sealer using professional equipment that ensures even coverage and proper penetration.

We protect your landscaping, patio furniture, and home exterior during the process. Most jobs take 2 to 3 days from cleaning to final coat, depending on deck size and weather conditions. You'll need to stay off the deck for about 24 to 48 hours while it dries, but after that, you're good to go.

Making Your Stain Last Longer

After we stain your deck, simple maintenance keeps it looking great. Sweep off leaves and debris regularly so they don't trap moisture against the wood. Clean spills quickly before they can stain. Once or twice a year, give your deck a gentle wash with soap and water.

When water stops beading up on the surface and starts soaking in, it's time to reseal. This usually happens every 2 to 3 years. Many of our San Bernardino customers schedule regular maintenance with us so they never have to think about it. As your local deck builder, we keep track of when your deck needs attention and reach out when it's time.

Common Questions About Deck Staining