Residential
Deck & Fence Staining in Northern Virginia
Bring a gray, weathered deck back to life and keep it that way. We clean, brighten, sand and stain decks, fences, railings and pergolas with Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck and Benjamin Moore Arborcoat.
What We Stain and Seal
Pressure-treated pine decks, cedar and redwood decks, privacy and picket fences, railings, stairs, pergolas and porch floors. Northern Virginia's humid summers and freeze-thaw winters are hard on bare wood: it grays, checks and grows mildew within a season or two if nothing protects it. We offer the full range of stain opacities, from clear and toner finishes that show the grain to semi-transparent, semi-solid and solid stains that behave more like paint and cover older, weathered boards. If your deck was coated before, we identify what is on it, because a new stain has to be compatible with the old one to bond. HOA fence colors are matched from the approved list when your community has one.
How We Prep and Apply
Stain only performs on clean, dry, open-grained wood. We start with a deck cleaner to lift dirt, mildew and gray, wash at low pressure so the fibers are not torn, and follow with a brightener that restores the wood's color and neutralizes the cleaner. Loose or failing old stain is stripped. We sand rough boards, railings and handrails, set popped nails, and flag any split or rotten board for replacement. After two or three days of drying we confirm the moisture level with a meter, then apply the stain by brush and pad, working board by board so lap marks disappear. Horizontal surfaces get the number of coats the product specifies, and we back-brush the excess so nothing pools.
What to Expect
Staining is a two-visit job: one day to clean, brighten and sand, then a drying gap before the stain day. We need dry weather on both ends, so the schedule flexes with the forecast and we keep you posted. Furniture, planters and grills come off the deck and go back when the finish has cured — usually a day or two for foot traffic, longer before heavy furniture. Plants and siding next to the deck are covered. We leave you the product name, color and opacity so the next maintenance coat matches, and we tell you plainly how often that coat will be needed for the finish you chose.
What's Included
Everything below is part of the written quote — not an extra, not an upsell.
- Deck cleaner and low-pressure wash to remove dirt, mildew and gray
- Wood brightener to restore color and neutralize the cleaner
- Stripping of loose or failing old stain
- Sanding of rough boards, railings and handrails
- Popped nails set; split or rotten boards flagged
- Moisture check before staining
- Stain applied by brush and pad, board by board
- Plants and siding protected; furniture moved and returned
Our Gold Standard Process
A simple, proven process for beautiful, long-lasting results.
1. Consultation
We listen, learn about your goals, and provide a detailed quote.
2. Color Guidance
Get expert advice on colors and finishes that fit your style.
3. Surface Preparation
We properly prep every surface for maximum durability.
4. Precision Painting
Our skilled team delivers flawless, professional results.
5. Final Walkthrough
We ensure you're 100% happy before we consider the job complete.
Paints We Use
Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore lines matched to each surface — and your quote names the product before we order it.
- Decks and porch floors
- Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck
- Benjamin Moore Arborcoat (transparent through solid)
- Fences and privacy screens
- Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck Solid Color Stain
- Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Solid
- Railings, stairs and pergolas
- Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck Semi-Transparent Stain
- Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Semi-Transparent
Official Sherwin-Williams & Benjamin Moore partner
See the Difference
One recent project, before and after — drag the handle to compare.
Backyard Deck Restain
The same deck cleaned and stained a warm brown
View More ProjectsPricing
What Does It Cost?
Every quote is written for your project after we have seen the surfaces, measured the rooms and talked through paint and prep. The cost guide shows the typical ranges Northern Virginia homes fall into and what moves the number; the instant price calculator applies those ranges to your own rooms or siding.
Every range is confirmed after a free on-site walkthrough.
Ranges reflect 2026 Northern Virginia rates for licensed, insured crews and premium paint (Sherwin-Williams / Benjamin Moore). Your written quote is fixed after the walkthrough — no surprises.
Served from our Tysons, Chantilly, Annandale and Manassas offices.
See All LocationsFrequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most often about this service.
Should I stain or paint my deck?
Stain, in almost every case. Stain soaks into the wood and wears away gradually, so the next coat goes on without stripping. Paint sits on top, traps moisture and peels on horizontal boards. A solid-color stain gives you the covered look of paint with the maintenance behavior of stain.
How often does a deck need to be restained?
It depends on opacity and sun exposure. Clear and transparent finishes show the grain but need the most frequent renewal; semi-transparent stains last longer; solid stains last longest. Decks in full sun wear faster than shaded ones. We tell you what to expect for the finish you choose before you commit.
Can a new pressure-treated deck be stained right away?
Not usually. New pressure-treated lumber holds a lot of moisture and needs to dry out before stain can penetrate — often a few months, depending on the season and the product. The simple test: sprinkle water on a board; if it beads, the wood is not ready. We check with a moisture meter before we start.
Do you replace damaged deck boards?
We flag split, soft or rotten boards during the walkthrough and can replace individual boards, balusters and stair treads as part of the prep. Structural issues — wobbly railings, sagging framing or a loose ledger board — are outside painting work and should be looked at by a deck contractor before we stain.
How long before I can use the deck again?
Most stains are dry to walk on within a day and ready for furniture after a couple of days, depending on temperature and humidity. Water-based stains dry faster than oil-based. We give you the exact window for the product we used and ask you to keep pets, planters and grills off until then.
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