If you’re budgeting for a deck project, the first question is usually about deck staining cost. The honest answer is that it depends on your deck’s size, condition and the stain you choose, but you don’t have to guess. Below are the actual starting prices we use at AAA Power Washers & Deck Restorations for decks across Southwest Michigan.
Deck Staining Cost per Square Foot
- Standard stain: $1.75 to $2.25 per sq ft
- Premium stain: $2.00 to $2.50 per sq ft
- Power washing / cleaning: $0.45 per sq ft
- Sanding and prep: about $0.75 per sq ft
- Railings and stairs: washing at $10 per linear foot, plus staining
Sample Estimate: A 300 Sq Ft Deck
Here’s how the numbers add up for a typical 300 square foot deck that needs a full restoration:
- Power washing: $135
- Sanding and prep: $225
- Staining: $525 to $675
That puts the total deck staining cost for this deck at roughly $885 to $1,035, before railings and stairs. You can run your own numbers with our power washing cost calculator.
What Makes Deck Staining Cost More (or Less)?
Condition of the wood
A deck that was stained two years ago and just needs a wash and a maintenance coat costs far less than one with peeling, failed coating that has to be stripped and sanded.
Type of stain
Premium penetrating stains cost more up front but usually last longer, which lowers your cost per year.
Railings, stairs and multi-level decks
Vertical surfaces and stairs take much more hand work than open deck boards, so they’re priced by the linear foot.
Mold, mildew and gray wood
Moisture lets mold and mildew grow deep in the grain. The U.S. EPA explains that controlling moisture is the key to controlling mold, which is why we clean and brighten the wood before any stain goes on.
Is DIY Cheaper?
Doing it yourself saves labor, but rented pressure washers often gouge soft wood, and stain applied over dirty or damp boards can peel within a year. If you’d like to try it yourself, our post on how to restore a deck in Michigan walks through the steps.
Get an Exact Price
Every estimate is confirmed with a free, no-obligation on-site visit anywhere in Southwest Michigan. Learn more about our deck cleaning and restoration service, or call or text 269-292-2612.