The stain a deck cost from most contractors include cleaning the deck, making minor repairs such as fastening loose boards and filling wood gouges. Other deck staining cost factors are what type of cleaning is done and whether you hire a pro or do the work yourself.

Average DIY deck staining cost: $0.75 – $1.40 per square foot

Average Contractor deck staining cost: $2.75 – $4.25 per square foot

Here are stain a deck cost estimates per square foot when pros are hired:

• 10 x 10, or 100 square feet: $275 to $415
• 12 x 15 or 180 square feet: $495 to $745
• 12 x 20 or 240 square feet: $660 to $995
• 15 x 20 or 300 square feet: $825 to $1,245
• 15 x 25 or 375 square feet: $1,030 to $1,550
• 20 x 25 or 500 square feet: $1,375 to $2,075

Below is the Deck Stain Costs, in this Chart are national averages per square foot.

Deck Staining Costs Per Square Foot
Deck Size	Pro Stain	Pro Wash & Stain	DIY Wash & Stain
Small Deck	$3.45	$3.90	$1.25
Medium Deck	$3.25	$3.70	$1.10
Large Deck	$3.10	$3.55	$0.95
Two Tier Deck	$3.55	$4.05	$1.00

Note: The DIY Wash & Stain price includes the cost of power washer rental, deck sealer and stain combined in one product – or deck paint if that’s your preference – and applicator tools such as rollers, brushes and a stain/paint tray.

Overview of Deck Staining Costs

A beautiful deck is one of the best investments you can make on the outside of your home, and maintaining your deck is important in order to get the best return on that investment. On average, wood decks should be stained every two to three years. Stain protects your deck from mold, rot, mildew, and insect damage. Stain also repels moisture and provides protection from UV rays.

One of the most important considerations when staining a deck is whether to do it yourself or hire a deck professional. Doing it yourself saves on labor costs but can take considerable time and energy and requires an array of tools.

Professionals also know how to avoid common mistakes when staining a deck such as uneven stain application, streaking and incomplete preparation.

Factors in the Cost of Staining a Deck

The following list includes factors to consider when estimating your cost of staining or restaining a deck:

• Deck Size – Of course, the bigger the deck, the more costly the project, but the cost per square foot does go down slightly as deck size increases.
• Extra components – Does your deck have stairs, railings, ledges, or built-in benches that will need to be cleaned and stained? These extras can increase costs between 20% and 40%.
• Dirtiness – Very dirty and stained decks take more time to clean, so cost goes up.
• Damages – Most minor repairs, like tightening loose deck boards or removing and filling a small amount of wood rot are generally included in cost estimates. Major repairs such as replacing deck boards might push deck staining costs above the estimates given here. You can learn more about this topic on our Deck Repair and Maintenance page.
• Deck shape – Square and rectangular decks are the easiest to clean and stain. Irregularly shaped decks or decks with multiple levels will add to the cost of staining or restaining the deck.
• Quality of deck stain – Using one of the best deck stain and sealer combinations to stain a deck will provide increased protection but will also be more expensive. Over the course of 20 years, your maintenance costs will likely be lower if you use a better grade of deck stain and sealer combination.
• Time of Year – While warm, dry weather is the best time to stain a deck, hiring a professional will likely cost more in fair weather since demand is higher. Weather permitting, having your deck stained in the off-season can save money.

Power Washing Decks and Prep Work Costs

Another factor when determining the stain a deck cost is whether you will be deep cleaning the surface with a power washer. Power washing will remove dirt and debris embedded in the grain of the wood, allowing fresh stain to penetrate deeper for increased protection. This will improve both the look of your deck and the durability.

Power Washer – Rent vs Buy

Power washing is something you can do yourself, either by purchasing or renting a machine, or by a deck professional. Renting a pressure washer will cost around $50 – $60 for four hours or around $80 – $100 per day. A refundable deposit is also required for rental.

Purchasing a power washer

A power washer is suitable for deck restoration will cost $250 to $400. That will boost the square foot cost for deck staining, but you’ll likely use the machine to wash siding, roofing, concrete and asphalt driveways, vehicles and more. If you like DIY rather than dishing out the cost to pay someone to stain a deck, buying a power washer will “pay for itself” in labor costs pretty quickly.

Power Washing Pro Tip

Pros recommend a PSI of about 1,500 for washing most decks. Start at about 1,000 on an inconspicuous part of the deck. If the pressure washing isn’t damaging the deck, boost pressure to about 1,500 and complete the work. Keep the wand 12-18 inches above the deck surface. Here is a basic demo on using a power washer to clean a deck.

A deck professional will have a power washer available and you won’t have to worry about setting the pressure too high, which can damage the surface, or too low, not getting the wood fully clean.

A power washer will remove any minor flaking or peeling of a previous stain or paint, but if the peeling is severe, it will be necessary to use a deck stripper before restaining. A deck stripper ensures a smooth, clean surface that the new stain can adhere to. Any mold or mildew will also need to be treated.

Even if your deck is in good condition, it is a good idea to give your deck a light sanding before applying new stain. Sanding the deck will remove a layer of dirty, stained wood. And it will open up the woodgrain for the better reception of wood stain/sealer. If the deck is older or more damaged, a heavier stain may be necessary. Orbital sanders can be rented from your local hardware store from about $50-$65 per day. If you’re planning a DIY budget for the cost to restain deck boards, Deck rails and stairs, consider rental fees.

Types of Deck Stain

Commonly Deck stains come in water-based and oil-based options. Oil-based stains are more commonly used, as they penetrate deeper into the wood and provide a richer look. Oil-based stains do take longer to dry than water-based stains, which is something to consider in choosing when to stain your deck.

One gallon of stain costs between $25 – $55 and will cover about 200 – 300 square feet. Most stains today include a sealant, but if not, this will need to be purchased separately. Using a professional contractor will help take the guesswork out of choosing the correct stain for your project.

How to Stain a Deck FAQ’s

Q: How often do I need to stain my deck?
A: To maintain the deck’s look and durability, it should be stained every 2-3 years. This will also extend the lifespan of the deck.
Q: How long will it take to stain my deck?
A: Typically, staining a deck takes 4 hours per 100 square feet, more if you will be staining rails and stairs. Keep in mind, this is only the time it takes for the actual staining. The total time will depend on the amount of prep work required. This could take an additional couple of days.
Q: How much stain do I need for my deck?
A: A gallon of stain covers approximately 200-300 to square feet. If you are also staining railings, increase your stain needs by at least 20%.
Q: What tools do I need to stain my deck?
A: Basic tools include a stain applicator pad and pole, quality brushes, and a stain tray. Depending on the state of the deck, you may also need to rent or buy a pressure washer and rent or buy an orbital sander.
Q: Are there any special considerations when staining pressure treated wood?
A: If the wood has been stained before, there is no special prep necessary for staining pressure treated wood. The deck can be cleaned and stained as normal lumber. If your pressure-treated deck is new and has not yet been stained. Experts recommend waiting 2 to 3 weeks before sealing and 3 to 12 months before staining.

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A wood deck addition, in particular, has a cost recovery rate of 73%. This means that a wood deck project that costs $14,500, for example, can be expected to increase your home’s resale value by approximately $10,600. A composite deck addition, on the other hand, has a 67% cost recovery rate, so a project that costs $20,000 (because composite is usually more expensive than wood) can be expected to increase your home’s resale value by approximately $13,400.

Wait and Spend Less

There are two take-aways from the data on the ROI or resale value of a deck.  First, since the recovery rates for decks are less than the cost of building them, you will lose money on your house if you decide to sell it immediately after having your deck installed. It would be in your best interest, then, to wait to sell your house three to five years after building your deck – or don’t build one at all if you’re in sell mode.

Secondly, the less money you spend on a deck project, the more resale value you will earn on it. Of course, we are not suggesting that you purchase the lowest quality materials or pay for substandard installation.

To hit the sweet spot in ROI, choose deck material at the low end or mid-point of what’s acceptable in your area.

For modest homes, a pressure-treated deck is ideal. For mid-priced homes, composite deck is better. Upscale homes need a deck made from exotic wood, aluminum or other high-end material.

Other Deck Benefits

Beautification

Aside from the fact that a deck will increase the monetary value of your home (that is, when the deck is properly cared for), it will also beautify your property, giving your home a welcoming aesthetic, and provide you with an open space for community enjoyment and outdoor relaxation.

Traction Near Decks

If you have an above-ground pool, you may already know the issues that can come from it being in the yard: the ground becomes muddy, the grass flattened, and the area slippery. Kids and adults alike can fall and get hurt. Installing a deck would provide secure footing, reducing the chances of tripping and injury. We’ve completed a comprehensive guide to pool decks and their cost.

Deck vs Patio

If you are debating having a patio or deck installed, it is important to know that while patios are less costly and easier to make than decks, their return on investment is about 55% in the 2019 Cost vs. Value report. You’ll get better ROI from a deck than a patio.

Are Building Codes Significant for Your Deck?

IRC and IRC Standards

Yes they are. Building codes serve a few functions: first, they ensure that builders, professional or DIY, maintain integrity in their work. Building inspectors judge the quality of a builder’s work using the International Residential Code (IRC) standards—and/or the local codes of your specific area, which are based off the IRC.

The IRC furnishes specific measurements that are required for every aspect of a building project. If a builder has taken short cuts and/or has poorly installed your deck, the building inspector will not permit the builder to finish the project until all the issues have been fixed.

The IRC standards also ensure safety. The International Code Council (ICC), through its consensus code development process, synthesizes the data from hundreds of building and safety experts across North America to determine what building practices work. As a result, the codes are updated every three years, refining the building process to be smarter and more concise while also utilizing new and necessary technologies in order to retain the health and safety of residents and the public.

Deck standards & Codes

Having your deck built to code makes it more likely you’ll sell your home – and eliminates potential hassles later when the homeowner discovers the deck doesn’t meet code. Listing associations require homeowners to disclose any house modifications or additions before putting a house on the market.

If the modifications or additions were done without a permit, and code wasn’t followed, you may be required to demolish the addition or pay for new modifications (that are up to code). It’s a rare problem, but worth avoiding.

Legal proceedings that will occur if a deck is not built up to code:

• A written notice of violation will be given to the owner of the property, the owner’s agent, or the person doing the work.
• If the notice is not complied with, the project can be stopped by law, given as another written notice.
• The structure can be removed, taken down, or made safe (that is, made up to code), depending on what is deemed necessary by local jurisdiction.
• Legal fees may be issued.
• See these slides, made by the ICC, for more information.

For more on deck and hand/deck railing codes, see our article here.

Creative Liberties

Using decking material that suits the area does not mean that you have to kick creativity by the wayside. In fact, as we stated in our deck railing codes article, there are other ways to make your deck distinct. Here are ideas:

Deck style

You can choose from a variety of deck appearances that fit your preferences and home. For instance, you can decide on:

• A ground level deck or an elevated deck. Having a ground level deck will allow for a cozy gathering spot while being the cheaper of the two project options. An elevated deck can create space to separate a dining area and a fireplace.
• A curved deck. The curvilinear aesthetic breaks from traditional deck appearances, presenting a unique deck layout.
• A hexagon or octagon perimeter. Perhaps you do not want a curved deck or a traditional rectangular layout. As an alternative, you can design a hexagonal (six-angles) or an octagonal (eight-angles) perimeter for your deck, capturing a more modern artistic flavor. Keep in mind, however, that decks with unusual shapes will cost more since both the layout and the deck board cutting will take more time.
• A herringbone surface design. This surface design can be compared to a zipper: it is the intersection of two opposing diagonal decking patterns that meet in the center of the deck.
• A decking inlay. With this, you will not just have a deck surface pattern, but you will also have an image/shape that breaks the monotony of the pattern and makes a statement. You can use a combination of contrasting colors and angles for your inlay.

Deck railing

Handrails or deck railing do not have to be dull. Here’s a brief list of different types to choose from (but keep in mind that some railing designs only work with a wider deck or a specific deck style):

• Curved Railing: This can be used for the deck itself or for a staircase on an elevated deck. It provides a different aesthetic from the traditional square railing design.
• Aerial Railing: For dual-leveled decks, aerial railing extends from the top level to the bottom, encompassing a seating area or fireplace.
• Cocktail Railing: A wider, flatter surface, this type of railing allows for food, drinks, and other handheld items to rest on top of it without the concern for falling off.
• Glass Balusters: Your deck railing can be made to hold this type of baluster, which will allow for an unobstructed view.
• Baroque Balusters: A European design, this type of baluster will distinguish your deck from those in the neighborhood.

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What’s more important, a deck that boasts natural wood beauty and lovely wood aroma, even if it requires a lot more deck maintenance?

Or is a wood-look composite or plastic deck good enough, especially because it is nearly maintenance-free?

This guide to composite decking vs. wood decking will help you decide from these angles and more:

• Deck Cost: Wood deck cost vs composite deck prices
• Deck Cost Factors
• Pros and Cons: Wood vs. composite decks – The advantages and disadvantages of each

Both sections include the cost of popular wood types and the best-selling composite decking brands.

Wood vs Composite Decking Costs

This table shows installed deck costs for the major wood types and composite brands.

1. Deck Costs are per square foot.
2. All costs reflect a pressure-treated wood substructure (Posts and the supporting frame of the deck)

Labor on most decks ranges from $3.50-$6.00 per square foot. Labor is included in these costs.

Did you Know? Most deck cost estimating sites calculate prices that are way too low. $4 per square foot for a pressure-treated wood deck? $7 for composite? That’s not going to happen, even if you DIY.

The problem is that most look at the cost of the deck boards – wood or composite – and use that to produce a deck cost estimate. Those boards are used for the deck boards, railings, steps and fascia.

Other potential deck costs include

• The pressure-treated substructure
• Fasteners
• Optional concrete to set the posts or concrete piers for posts to rest on
• Railings and steps when local code requires them or you want them for the aesthetics
• Fees for permits and inspections
• Labor costs, unless you DIY

We mention this because our deck prices are accurate – and we hope to prevent “sticker shock” when you see them. In fact, for most brands, we use cost calculators they provide to produce the most accurate deck prices for materials. Then, we add appropriate labor costs to get a total average cost for the decking you’re considering.

Deck Cost Factors

Let’s start with material factors and then consider labor factors.

Deck Material Cost Factors

• Wood Type: As you can see, price generally gets higher as wood progresses from treated pine all the way to ipe, also called Brazilian walnut.
• Wood Quality: Cedar, redwood and ipe are graded for quality and the clarity of the wood. Boards with fewer knots, mineral stains and other imperfections are graded higher and can cost significantly more.
• Wood Board Width: Wider pieces cost more per square foot for the simple reason that they are made from wider logs, which are less common.
• Composite Decking or PVC Decking Grade: As the table above shows, each deck manufacturer makes products in at least two grades and usually three grades.
  • Trex, for example. It makes Enhance Basic (Basic quality), Select (Better quality) and Transcend (Best quality).
  • Fiberon makes even more lines including Good Life (Basic), ProTect Advantage (Better) and Paramount (Best).
• Railings or No Railings: If building code requires railings or you want them for the good looks they provide, materials and labor cost can be 40% higher.
• Substructure Material: Most decks are built with a pressure-treated substructure. A few brands makes a lightweight steel substructure option, and it can be costly. For example, Trex Elevations steel substructure costs about 35% more than a treated lumber substructure.

Deck Labor Cost Factors

We’ve mentioned that adding a railing and stairs means higher labor costs. Here are other cost factors.

• Who Does the Work: You’ll save $3.50 to about $6.00 per square foot of decking if you install it yourself. Of course, you might need to purchase or rent a few tools for the work, so there migth be some costs.
• Deck Design: Rectangular decks cost the least to build. As deck design gets more complex, more measuring and cutting is involved, so cost goes up. Multi-level decks can come with higher labor costs too. Stairs are time-consuming, so a long flight of stairs can really drive up labor cost.
• Terrain: Decks built on flat, bare terrain have lower labor costs than when the crew is working with a slope or has to remove shrubbery, stumps or a lot of rocks.
• Time of Year: Peak building periods differ by climate. Where winters are snowy, the peak season is late spring through summer. Cost estimates might be higher during that stretch than they would be as soon as the snow melts or into fall as snow threatens again.
• Where You Live: Decks, like everything else, cost more along the coasts, especially in the Northeast and Northwest and in major metropolitan areas. Costs are average in cities of the Midwest and South and lowest in rural areas.
• Note on ipe/Brazilian walnut: This wood is very hard. As a result, pilot holes are often drilled for the fasteners. This increases labor time and cost above the typical $3.50 – $5.50 or $6.00 per square foot.

Pros and Cons of Wood vs Composite Decks

We’ll look at the pros of each first and then the cons.

Wood Deck Pros

• Natural wood is preferred for its genuine wood grain and woodsy aroma
• Cost of a treated or cedar deck is less than the mid-rage and expensive composite decking products
• Believe it or not, some homeowners enjoy cleaning and staining their deck every few years to refresh it – to make it look new all over again
• You can stain your deck or paint it in a wide range of hues and colors

Composite Deck Pros

• Composite wood and PVC is low-maintenance material that needs occasional washing but not staining or sealing
• The material resists stains and general weathering better than wood
• It is lighter than wood, especially PVC decking, so easier to work with
• The price of some composite decking is competitive with the cost of pricier wood decks
• Color, texture and style options are quite good for composite/PVC decking
• You get a materials warranty with most composite – and that’s rare for wood

Wood Deck Cons

• Maintenance – while some enjoy it, power-washing, repairing and staining/sealing a deck is a hassle for most homeowners
• Maintenance costs can drive up the lifetime cost of a wood deck to the point it costs more than composite
• Wood can split, crack, warp, etc., requiring costly repairs with new wood that won’t truly match the color of the old wood
• Splinters, insects and woodpeckers!

Composite Deck Cons

• Significantly higher upfront cost than the most affordable wood decks
• Plastic decks can have a higher surface temperature than most wood decks, to the point they are uncomfortable to walk on
• Cheap plastic decking looks just that – Cheap
• If spans are too great, composite and PVC will sag more than wood
• Can be slippery in wet weather, especially if mold or algae has been allowed to grow in shady areas of the deck

The Bottom Line: Wood Deck vs Composite Deck

The lower cost of treated wood and cedar vs the lower maintenance of composite and PVC is an important consideration.

But also consider:

How long will you live in the home? If it’s less than 10 years, you might not get good value from an expensive composite material or from ipe. If you plan to be there “forever,” then a good composite or PVC or elegant ipe deck is a better long-term value.

Appearance and Feel: Better grades of composite and PVC look a lot like real wood, but it aren’t, of course. PVC can feel plasticky too. Be sure to get samples of composite and PVC decking you’re considering. Does it look and feel enough like the “real thing” to satisfy you?

Green Considerations: Most composite and PVC decking has a good percentage of recycled material. But more energy and water are used in their production. PVC decking can be recycled quite easily. It isn’t as easy with composite. Wood, especially pine and cedar, is a renewable resource. Deck boards can be repurposed or used for fuel when your deck is replaced.

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