Protect and beautify your wood deck with professional staining, sealing, and painting services that extend its life and enhance its appearance.
Wood is a natural material that reacts to its environment. Sun, rain, humidity, and temperature changes all work against your deck every single day. Without proper protection, wood dries out, cracks, warps, and loses its color. Eventually, it starts to rot.
Staining and sealing your deck is not just about making it look nice. It is about protecting your investment from the elements. A quality finish blocks moisture that causes rot, filters UV rays that fade and damage wood fibers, and creates a barrier against dirt and mildew.
We have been staining and sealing decks throughout Albany for years. We know what products work best in our climate and how to apply them properly for maximum protection and longevity. Your deck will look better and last longer with professional finishing compared to letting it weather naturally.
New decks need time to dry before staining. Pressure-treated wood contains a lot of moisture and chemicals that need to escape first. We typically recommend waiting three to six months after construction before applying stain or sealer.
Existing decks need refinishing every two to three years on average. The exact timing depends on sun exposure, foot traffic, and what products were used previously. If water no longer beads up on the surface or the wood looks dry and gray, it is time.
Here is how to tell when your deck needs attention:
Catching these signs early makes the refinishing process easier. Waiting too long means more prep work to restore the wood before applying new finish.
Quality results come from proper preparation. We never take shortcuts because surface prep determines how well the finish adheres and how long it lasts.
We start by thoroughly cleaning your deck to remove dirt, mildew, old finish, and any contaminants. This usually involves pressure washing with appropriate cleaners and brighteners formulated for wood decks.
Pressure washing requires skill. Too much pressure damages the wood. Too little leaves contaminants behind. We use the right techniques and equipment to clean effectively without harm.
After cleaning, we let the deck dry completely. Moisture trapped under a new finish causes adhesion problems and cloudy appearance. We also sand rough spots, set any popped nails, and make minor repairs if needed.
Not all deck stains and sealers perform the same. We use professional-grade products that hold up better than consumer options from big box stores. These products cost more but deliver superior protection and appearance.
You have options in finish type. Semi-transparent stains let the wood grain show through while adding color. Solid stains provide more coverage and hide imperfections better. Clear sealers protect without changing the wood color. We will recommend the best choice for your situation.
We apply stains and sealers with methods appropriate to the product. Some work best with brushes that push finish into the wood grain. Others spray on and get back-brushed for even coverage. We follow manufacturer specifications while using our experience to achieve optimal results.
Timing matters during application. We avoid extreme heat, direct sun, and high humidity that affect drying. The temperature needs to stay within the right range for 24 to 48 hours after application. We watch the weather carefully and only work when conditions are right.
While most people prefer stain that shows wood grain, painting your deck is another option. Solid color deck paint provides excellent protection and can cover up imperfections or mismatched boards.
Deck paint creates a completely opaque finish in any color you choose. It is especially useful for older decks with discoloration or if you want a specific look that matches your home. Modern deck paints are formulated to flex with the wood and resist peeling better than regular house paint.
Keep in mind that once you paint a deck, you are committed to repainting it going forward. You can't easily go back to a natural stained look. We will discuss the long-term implications before you make this choice.
After we finish your deck, you want to protect that work. Regular maintenance extends the time between refinishing projects and keeps your deck looking its best.
Sweep your deck regularly to remove leaves and debris that trap moisture. Clean up spills promptly. Once a year, give it a gentle cleaning with a deck wash product and hose. These simple steps make a big difference.
Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning that damage the finish. Don't let snow and ice sit on the deck all winter. Use plastic shovels instead of metal if you need to clear snow.
There is a big difference between maintaining a deck that has been properly cared for and restoring one that has been neglected. Maintenance finishing is straightforward. Restoration takes more work.
If your deck has gone years without protection, the wood has likely weathered, grayed, and may have damage. We need to spend extra time on prep work, possibly sand more aggressively, treat problem areas, and apply more coats.
This is why staying on a regular maintenance schedule saves money long-term. Preventing damage costs less than fixing it later. If you have a wood deck, plan on refinishing every two to three years as part of normal upkeep.
You have more choices than you might think when it comes to deck colors. Stains range from light natural tones that barely change the wood color to deep browns, grays, and even blues or greens.
Lighter colors show less dirt and stay cooler underfoot in summer sun. Darker colors hide stains better and create a richer, more dramatic look. Medium tones offer a good balance of both.
We keep samples of popular colors so you can see them on actual wood before deciding. What looks good in a photo might not work with your home's colors and surrounding landscape. Seeing samples in your actual lighting helps you choose confidently.
You can stain your own deck, and many homeowners do. But there are real advantages to hiring professionals. We have the right equipment, proven techniques, and experience that delivers better-looking, longer-lasting results.
We also work efficiently. What might take you a long weekend or multiple weekends, we complete in a day or two. You don't have to buy or rent equipment, figure out product selection, or risk making mistakes that are hard to fix.
If you enjoy working on home projects and want to maintain your deck yourself, we respect that. But if you would rather have professionals handle it and guarantee the outcome, we are here to help. We also offer repair services if your deck needs structural work before refinishing.
Ready to refresh your deck? We offer free estimates where we look at your deck's current condition, discuss color and product options, and provide a detailed quote for the complete job.
Most deck finishing projects take one to three days depending on size and weather. We handle all the prep, application, and cleanup. You just get to enjoy a beautifully protected deck that looks like new.
