Deck & Fence Staining in Atlanta, GA

What this job actually involves

In Georgia, a wood deck or fence takes sun, rain, pollen and mildew all year. Stain only lasts if the wood is clean, dry and open enough to absorb it.

How the work runs

1. 1 Inspect and repair We check for loose boards, popped nails, rotted rails, wobbly posts and splintered edges. Screws replace failing nails. Bad boards are flagged for replacement because stain will not fix structural problems.
2. 2 Clean and strip Mildew, dirt and the old failing finish are removed with a wood cleaner or stripper and a controlled wash. Too much pressure fuzzes the wood and gouges soft boards, so we keep it moderate and follow the grain.
3. 3 Brighten and let it dry A wood brightener evens out the color and restores pH after stripping. The wood then has to dry before staining. That is often a couple of days, longer after rain or in humid stretches. Staining damp wood traps moisture and causes peeling.
4. 4 Sand rough spots Handrails, steps and splintery boards are sanded smooth. Fresh sanding opens the grain so stain soaks in evenly.
5. 5 Apply stain Stain goes on with a sprayer, brush or pad, worked into the grain and back-brushed so it does not pool. Boards are done full length to avoid lap marks, usually one coat of penetrating stain or two thin ones depending on the product.
6. 6 Cure and cleanup We keep traffic off until it is dry to the touch, typically a day, and longer for full cure. Overspray on siding, concrete and plants is cleaned or masked ahead of time.

What moves the price

• Total square footage of deck surface and rails, or linear feet and height of fence.
• Existing finish. Old solid stain or paint takes more stripping than a bare or lightly weathered surface.
• Condition of the wood, including how much sanding and board replacement is needed.
• Stain type: clear sealer, semi-transparent, or solid color.
• Ground-level versus elevated work, and details like spindles that take more brushwork than flat boards.
• Whether both sides of a fence are done.

Materials

We use a penetrating exterior wood stain with UV and mildew resistance, plus a wood cleaner and brightener beforehand, because a stain applied over dirty or damp wood fails early.

Questions we get asked

How often does a deck or fence need restaining in Georgia?

It varies with the product and sun exposure. Horizontal surfaces like deck floors wear fastest. If water no longer beads on the wood, it is time to restain.

How long is the deck off limits?

Plan on a few days around the work, mostly drying time. Foot traffic can usually return in a day after staining, with furniture waiting a bit longer.

Can you stain over old stain?

Sometimes. If the old finish is intact and the new stain is compatible, yes. If it is peeling, it has to come off first.

What if it rains?

We postpone. Stain needs dry wood and dry weather for several hours afterward. Summer storms in the afternoon often shape our schedule.

Do I need to move my plants and grill?

Yes, please clear furniture and move potted plants. We cover nearby shrubs and the house siding.