Deck Staining, Sealing & Painting
Professional deck finishing that protects your investment and keeps your wood looking beautiful for years.
Why Your Wood Deck Needs Protection
Wood is a natural material, which means it reacts to its environment. Rain soaks in and causes swelling. Sun dries it out and causes cracking. Temperature changes make it expand and contract. Over time, unprotected wood rots, splinters, and turns gray. Staining, sealing, or painting your deck protects against all of these problems.
At ECD Eau Claire Deck Builder, we provide professional deck finishing services that extend the life of your wood deck by years. Proper finishing is not just about appearance, though a freshly stained deck does look amazing. It is about protecting your investment and preventing expensive repairs down the road.
Wisconsin weather is especially tough on decks. We get freezing winters, hot humid summers, and everything in between. Your deck faces moisture, UV rays, temperature swings, and seasonal freeze-thaw cycles. Professional-grade stains and sealants give your deck the protection it needs to handle all of this.
Stain, Seal, or Paint: Which is Right for You?
You have several options for protecting and beautifying your wood deck. Here is how they compare:
- •Clear sealers: Protect the wood without changing its color. You get a natural wood look with water and UV protection. Best for new decks or recently cleaned wood.
- •Semi-transparent stains: Add subtle color while letting the wood grain show through. These enhance the natural beauty of wood while providing excellent protection.
- •Semi-solid stains: Give more color coverage but still allow some grain to show. Good for older decks that have weathered and lost their original color.
- •Solid stains: Provide opaque color coverage similar to paint but penetrate into the wood better. Great for heavily weathered or uneven-colored decks.
- •Deck paint: Forms a solid colored coating on the surface. Paint hides all the wood grain but gives maximum color options and excellent protection.
Most homeowners choose semi-transparent or semi-solid stains because they protect well while showing off the wood's natural character. We bring color samples to your home so you can see how different options look with your deck before deciding. If your deck structure needs work before finishing, we also offer repair and restoration services.
Our Professional Deck Finishing Process
Proper deck finishing is 80 percent preparation and 20 percent application. Skipping or rushing the prep work leads to finishes that peel and fail within a year. We do it right so your deck stays protected.
Cleaning and Stripping
We start by thoroughly cleaning your deck to remove dirt, mildew, algae, and old finish. For decks with existing stain or paint, we use professional strippers that remove the old coating without damaging the wood. This step is critical. New finish will not adhere properly to dirty wood or flaking old stain.
We use the right cleaning products and techniques for your specific deck. Power washing works for some situations, but too much pressure damages wood fibers. We know when to use chemical cleaners, brighteners, and low-pressure washing to get the best results.
Sanding and Repairs
After cleaning, we sand the deck surface to smooth out rough spots and open the wood pores. This helps stain penetrate evenly. We also check for any damaged boards, popped nails, or loose screws and fix them before finishing. There is no point in putting beautiful stain on damaged wood.
Application
We apply stain or sealant when conditions are right. Temperature, humidity, and weather all affect how finish soaks into wood and dries. We use professional-grade products designed for exterior wood in harsh climates. These products cost more than big-box store stains, but they last much longer.
Most stains and sealants need two coats for maximum protection. We apply the first coat and let it dry completely, then add the second coat. This gives you deeper penetration and longer-lasting results. We also make sure to coat all six sides of your deck boards, including the ends and edges where moisture enters most easily.
Drying and Curing
After application, your deck needs time to dry and cure fully. Depending on the product and weather, this can take 24 to 72 hours. We let you know exactly when you can use your deck again. Walking on or placing furniture on stain that has not cured can damage the finish.
If you are building a new deck, we can handle finishing as part of the installation process so your deck is protected from day one.
How Often Should You Re-Stain Your Deck?
Most deck stains and sealants last 2 to 3 years before they need to be reapplied. You will know it is time when water stops beading up on the surface and starts soaking in instead. This means the protective coating has worn away and your wood is exposed to moisture damage.
Decks in full sun often need restaining more frequently because UV rays break down the finish faster. Shaded decks stay protected longer but are more prone to mildew growth. We can set you up on a maintenance schedule so you never have to worry about when your deck needs attention.
Between staining, you should sweep your deck regularly to remove debris. Dirt and leaves trap moisture against the wood, which accelerates wear and rot. A quick sweep once a week goes a long way toward extending the life of your finish and your deck.
Some homeowners prefer to handle routine cleaning themselves but hire us for the heavy prep and restaining every few years. Others want us to handle all the maintenance. We offer flexible service plans to match your preferences.
Choosing the Right Stain Color
Stain color changes the entire look and feel of your outdoor space. Natural wood tones like cedar, redwood, and honey browns create a warm, traditional appearance. Gray tones give you a more modern, weathered look that is very popular right now. Darker browns and even black stains create dramatic contrast against light-colored homes.
We recommend choosing a stain color that complements your home's exterior. Bring paint chips or siding samples when we discuss colors. We can also test small areas with different stains so you see exactly how they look on your actual wood before committing to the full deck.
Keep in mind that darker stains show less dirt and wear, but they also absorb more heat from the sun. If you walk barefoot on your deck in summer, lighter colors stay cooler. There is always a balance between aesthetics and function.
If you are also updating your railings, consider coordinating colors for a cohesive look. Our railing services can be combined with staining to give your entire deck a fresh, unified appearance.
Why Professional Finishing Beats DIY
Staining a deck looks easy when you watch videos online. But doing it right requires the right equipment, products, technique, and experience. We see plenty of DIY stain jobs that start peeling after one winter because the prep work was rushed or the wrong products were used.
Professional finishing also saves you time and physical effort. Cleaning, sanding, and staining a deck is hard work that takes most homeowners an entire weekend or longer. We complete the same job in a day or two with better results because we have the right tools and a trained crew.
We also use commercial-grade products that are not available at retail stores. These professional stains and sealants penetrate deeper, last longer, and provide better protection than consumer products. The difference in longevity more than makes up for the cost of professional application.
And if something goes wrong with a professional job, we stand behind our work. If a DIY finish fails, you have wasted your time, money, and materials. Professional service comes with accountability and peace of mind.
Common Questions About Deck Finishing
Ready to Protect Your Deck?
Let's talk about staining or sealing your deck. We will assess your deck's condition and recommend the best finishing option.
(534) 429-7461