"I can not say enough about Shepherd Contracting. They were on time listened to every idea I had in this remodel. Tile and river rock in shower. Garden tub with river rock backsplash, tiled vanity and river rock backsplash with copper sinks. We love our spa like on Suite Thank you Tommy and team."
"J.D.S. Improvements is a company that I can fully stand behind. Their employees are very responsible, respectful, and professional. We had a large TREX deck built and it turned out beautiful. I would recommend them for all your renovations."
"All of the work was done as described and in a timely manner. Alvaro (president) explained the process and answered any questions we had. The crew was punctual, courteous and respectful of the property. Windows, doors and vigas were taped off, drop cloths were used where material would splatter. After the completion of the project everything was cleaned up and put back in place. The workmanship is outstanding and the house looks brand new."
"Nothing but a positive experience from Aaron Trail. Very easy to communicate with. Very prompt, kept all appointments. The new paint looks amazing and just the colors we selected. All stucco repairs that were made were blended so well, there is no way to tell where the original issues were! I already have recommended them to friends and family, I will continue to do so. Very happy with Aaron Trail! "
"They were professional and he is always looking online to find ways to get the job done and ask my opinion about it. He also clean the space where he works and that is incredibly the best quality service."
"We really enjoyed working with Dan and his team. Very professional. They kept us informed of everything thing they did because we could not be out at the house everyday."
Yes, you must thoroughly clean your deck before staining. If you don't, dirt, debris, grease, and mildew can get trapped between the wood and the new stain. This not only looks unsightly but also prevents the stain from penetrating the wood properly, reducing its ability to protect the deck from weather and UV rays. As a result, the stain won't last as long or look as good. Any existing mold or mildew left untreated can continue to grow beneath the new stain, potentially leading to wood rot and structural damage. Always wait at least 48 hours after cleaning for the wood to dry completely before applying stain.
Wood stain is typically dry to the touch within 6 to 12 hours, but it is not fully cured at this point. You should wait at least 24 hours before applying a second coat or a protective finish. For surfaces like decks, avoid walking on them for at least 24 to 48 hours, and wait even longer before placing furniture. The full curing process can take from 24 hours to one week, depending on the type of stain. Factors like high humidity and cold temperatures can extend drying and curing times, so it's wise to allow for extra time in these conditions.
Ultimately, overapplication of stain can compromise the deck's appearance, durability, and longevity. It may result in an uneven finish, with excess stain pooling, dripping, or drying into thick patches. It can also obscure the wood's natural grain and texture, detracting from the desired aesthetic. Moreover, excessive staining may not fully penetrate the wood, leading to poor adhesion and premature wear. Additionally, thick layers of stain are prone to peeling, cracking, and blistering as they struggle to bond with the surface.
Wood stain does go bad, but it will last in the can for between three and six years, provided you use proper storage techniques. Storing wood stain in open containers or in extremely low or high temperatures will cause your wood stain to become unusable much more quickly. Water- and latex-based wood stains typically last for just two to four years, while oil-based wood stains can last for three to six years.
If you want to achieve a deeper, darker stain color, wait 5 to 10 minutes before wiping it off. However, wipe it off faster for a lighter tone. When wiping off the stain during this part of the process, be sure to work in the direction of the wood’s grain for best results.
The Leupp, AZ homeowners’ guide to deck staining services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The best time to stain a deck is when it’s dry but not too sunny. How often you restain a deck depends on climate and wood type, but every two to three years is normal.
