Stain Types We Offer
- Transparent stain — preserves the natural wood grain with mild UV protection. Best for newer wood.
- Semi-transparent stain — tints the wood while showing the grain. Good for decks with some weathering. The most popular choice.
- Semi-solid stain — heavier pigment for older decks or where you want a more uniform color.
- Solid stain — paint-like finish that covers grain completely. Used for badly weathered decks or to match a specific color.
Not sure which is right for your deck? We'll walk through your wood's condition and color preferences during the estimate.
Our Deck Refinishing Process
- Inspect the surface for wear, peeling, and prep needs. (If we spot rotted or broken boards we'll flag them and recommend a carpenter — board replacement is outside our scope.)
- Clean with the right wood cleaner for the type of staining or mildew present.
- Patch small surface imperfections with wood filler as part of prep.
- Sand the surface to open up the grain so stain absorbs evenly.
- Stain — apply the chosen stain by brush or pad, working with the grain.
- Final coat — sealing topcoat where needed for traffic protection.
Fences, Pergolas, and Play Structures
Same process applies to fences, pergolas, gazebos, and outdoor play sets. We've restored several Grand Rapids play structures and decks that homeowners thought were done — strong cleaning, the right stain, and the wood comes back.
Timeline and Cost
A standard 200-400 sq ft deck typically takes 2 to 4 days from cleaning to final stain coat. Larger decks, multi-level structures, and fence-plus-deck combinations take longer.
Deck staining in Grand Rapids generally runs $700 to $2,500 depending on deck size, surface condition, and stain type. Every quote is free and fixed-price.
Common Questions
How often should I re-stain my deck in Michigan? +
Most decks in Grand Rapids need re-staining every 2 to 4 years. Semi-transparent stains fade faster than solid stains. South- and west-facing decks need attention sooner. We can inspect yours and tell you honestly whether it's due.
Should I stain or paint my deck? +
Stain is almost always the right call for decks. Paint sits on top of the wood and chips and peels as the deck flexes and ages; stain penetrates the wood and wears more gracefully. The exception is solid stain, which has paint-like coverage but still bonds with the wood.
What stain brands do you use? +
We use premium oil-based and waterborne stains from Sherwin-Williams (SuperDeck, DeckScapes) and Benjamin Moore (Arborcoat) — both lines hold up well to Michigan freeze-thaw and UV.
Can you bring back a really weathered deck? +
Often yes — a thorough cleaning, sanding, and the right stain can bring most weathered decks back to looking new. We focus on refinishing and staining only; if your deck has rotted, cracked, or broken boards, we'll point that out and recommend a carpenter for board replacement first. We don't do board replacement or structural repair ourselves.
How long does deck staining take? +
A typical 200-400 sq ft deck takes 2 to 4 days from initial cleaning through final stain coat. Weather can extend the timeline — stain needs dry conditions and surface temperatures in the right range.
Can you stain fences and pergolas too? +
Yes. Fences, pergolas, gazebos, and play structures all use the same process. We can do them at the same time as your deck or as standalone projects.