How long should I season my deck before staining?

• <div><p>It’s important to make sure the wood on a new deck is properly seasoned. Seasoning a deck is simple: Once you build it (or have a pro do so), just leave it alone so it can acclimate to the environment. If you don’t give the deck proper seasoning time before staining, the stain can lock in any lingering moisture and cause mold, rot, and other moisture issues down the road. Give the wood at least four to eight weeks to season before you stain.</p></div>

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Q: What not to do when staining a deck?

• <div><p>When staining a deck, don&rsquo;t skip surface prep, avoid staining damp or dirty boards, and don&rsquo;t apply stain in extreme heat, cold, or wet conditions. Never overload the wood with a stain, as too much can cause tackiness or peeling. Also, don&rsquo;t forget to test a small area first to ensure the color and finish look right. </p></div>

Q: How long should I season my deck before staining?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s important to make sure the wood on a new deck is properly seasoned. Seasoning a deck is simple: Once you build it (or have a pro do so), just leave it alone so it can acclimate to the environment. If you don&rsquo;t give the deck proper seasoning time before staining, the stain can lock in any lingering moisture and cause mold, rot, and other moisture issues down the road. Give the wood at least four to eight weeks to season before you stain.</p></div>

Q: How long does exterior paint last?

• <div><p>Many types of exterior paint last <b>five to 10 years</b>. Factors that determine exterior paint&rsquo;s lifespan include the type of paint, type of siding, climate, and the quality of the primer and paint. For example, wood siding will require a fresh coat of paint more frequently than paint on brick.</p></div>

Q: Do you have to remove all the old paint before repainting a deck?

• <div><p>You don&rsquo;t necessarily have to remove all the old paint before repainting your deck, but it&rsquo;s best to remove as much as possible to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish. Prioritize scraping off loose, peeling, or flaking paint, and sand down rough areas to create a smooth surface for the new paint to bond with. </p></div>

Q: Should decks be painted or stained?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/should-i-paint-or-stain-my-deck.htm">Decks can either be stained or painted</a>, depending on your preference. Typically stain is less expensive than paint, but paint offers more color options that might better match your aesthetic. No matter what you choose, both options protect your deck from outdoor elements like rain, snow, and general wear and tear. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Staining pros in Clare, MI

*The Angi rating for Deck Staining companies in Clare, MI 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 Clare, MI 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 October 30, 2025

Reviewed in June 2025
Evergreen was amazing from start to finish. Dominic came out and gave us not only a fair price but also gave us multiple options to achieve the design and space we wanted. The crew was on time and worked very hard to finish our deck in a timely manner. The craftsmanship and expierence was...
Evergreen Deck Builders LLC
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Reviewed in December 2024
Kevin and company were able to grind, patch cracks, stain and seal my 30 year old, 1350 sqft concrete basement floor in less than two days. The result is beautiful! I also had Kevin epoxy my 30 year old, 2-car garage concrete floor with amazing results that all visitors have complemented when...
Webb Industries, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2024
From start to finish they were very professional and went above and beyond what I expected. The deck turned out great and I get compliments from everyone that has seen it. They definately have made a very happy customer out of me and will definitely hire them for future projects.
TSP Painting LLC
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Reviewed in August 2022
I had multiple small things needed. Deck,repair and seal,yard regrade and grass seed, partial fence replace and new gate,rocks placed around garage. Jasen and his team did an excellent job. He was very helpful and made sure I was satisfied with each job as it was done. Very professional and...
Jay's Construction
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Reviewed in March 2021
They removed shoe molding, hung plastic to secure the rooms, sanded the floors, applied the stain and then the coats of poly. (over a 3 day period). They always let me know before they arrived each day and updated me on their progress and what would still need to be done. The floors look great....
Unique Hardwood Floor LLC
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Reviewed in July 2017
Carl is a great guy and someone who knows what he's doing. He was friendly, attentive, adaptive, and responsive during the entire process. He completed the deck on time and brought my vision to life better than I could imagine. I'd highly recommend him to friends and family.
CARL ZATSICK CARPENTRY
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Reviewed in August 2014
They did a good job on the carpet and couch. Even threw in a free stain removal which was nice. I would recommend the service.
CLEANTECH CARPET CLEANING
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Reviewed in June 2014
We are usually do it yourself people but our deck is huge and needed serious attention. I am so glad we found Gary. Gary Vargas is one of the hardest workers I have ever seen. He came early and left late, never seemed to take a break, just kept working. He was well prepared with all the...
American Cleaning Services
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Reviewed in June 2011
They came and cleaned the carpet. When I woke up the next morning my house smelled terrible. There were new stains on my carpet. I called and left a few messages with him. He refuses to return my calls. I have my own carpet cleaner and went over it twice. We even had another professional company...
Noah's ARK Rainbow Carpet
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Reviewed in January 2011
He was amazing. I spent $1000 on that work. He is a 65 year retired union carpenter. He knows everything there is to know about remodeling and that kind of thing because he has been doing it for 45 years. He is extremely hard working and charges on $20 an hour. He is very careful to find...
Jerry Finley
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