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Verified Reviews for Deck Staining pros in Ottumwa, IA

*The Angi rating for Deck Staining companies in Ottumwa, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck Staining needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Deck Staining companies in Ottumwa, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck Staining needs.

Last update on September 17, 2025

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Do it All Davis Construction
4.8(
6
)

Serving Ottumwa, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We have used Josh Davis service twice. (1) For power washing and weather painting our wooden deck (2) Clean up landscape and cut an unwanted tree near exterior wall. Josh was very professional and suggested the correct cleaning and painting option for the deck. On both the jobs, he was very reasonably priced and the job was really well done. He responded promptly and finished the job on scheduled time. I would definitely hire him again."
Response time6 hrs
Response rate100%
Recommended by83%of homeowners
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Avatar for Emerald Painting & Remodeling LLC
Emerald Painting & Remodeling LLC
5.0(
6
)

Serving Ottumwa, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!

Exterior Garage Painting
Exterior Home Painting
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Avatar for Hampton Enterprise LLC
Hampton Enterprise LLC
3.7(
9
)

Serving Ottumwa, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I only use James when I need some work done to my house. He responds fast, gets the work done quicker than just about anyone else I've ever used and seems very concerned with leaving his customers happy."
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Recommended by60%of homeowners
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Deck Staining questions, answered by experts

Stain is meant to be absorbed by the porous wood, allowing some of the natural grain to show through. With that in mind, you don’t want to add more stain than the wood can absorb, as you risk covering up its natural markings. Generally, two coats is the maximum you should do, although very dense hardwoods may only be able to take a single coat.

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.

A five-gallon bucket of deck stain will cover roughly 875 square feet in a single coat. Actual coverage will vary based on the type of wood you’re staining and the number of coats. If you plan on doing multiple coats, multiply the square footage by the number of coats to calculate how many buckets of stain you’ll need.

Staining or sealing a cedar deck or fence is highly recommended to extend its lifespan and protect it from the elements. While cedar is naturally resistant to mold and mildew, it is not impervious to damage from moisture, sun exposure, splintering, fading, and rot over time. Applying a protective finish creates a shield that preserves the wood's strength and appearance, potentially extending its life by five to 10 years.

When choosing a finish, it's helpful to understand the difference between a sealer and a stain. A sealer sits on top of the wood, whereas a combination stain and sealer soaks into the top layer. Because it penetrates the wood, a stain generally offers better protection against UV damage and rot and lasts significantly longer. For the best results that also preserve the wood's natural color, consider using a near-translucent stain.

To maintain protection, plan on reapplying the stain or sealer every two to three years, either as a DIY project or by hiring a professional.

Here's the deal with leaving used rags covered in oil-based stain lying around in a pile: Depending on the conditions, these rags can take just an hour or up to a few days to combust. The source of ignition is caused by trapped heat that can be compounded if the rags are near a heat source.

The Ottumwa, IA homeowners’ guide to deck staining services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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