Get matched with top deck staining pros in Lakeside, MT

Q: Is it worth sanding a deck?

• <div><p>It is definitely worth sanding a deck to ensure the wood absorbs new stain. Sanding a deck removes the outer layers of aging wood, allowing the stain to penetrate. It also gives a fresh look to the entire surface as part of the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-refinish-deck.htm">deck refinishing process</a>. Without sanding, your stain or sealant is less likely to absorb into the wood. While sanding a deck is a time-intensive project, the rewards are noticeable and long-lasting.</p></div>

Q: Should I stain my deck with a brush or rag?

• <div><p>Staining a deck with a rag is typically a better option than using a brush, as it helps the stain penetrate deeper into the wood. However, both brushes and rags are best reserved for detailed work because using these tools on an entire deck can require tediously crawling around on your hands and knees. A pad applicator, sprayer, or roller are preferred alternatives to applying stain over the majority of a deck. Use a rag for railings and other detailed work, and let the wood soak up as much of the stain as possible before wiping away drips or pools.</p></div>

Q: Is satin paint a good choice for woodwork compared to flatter finishes like eggshell or matte?

• <div><p>Satin paint is generally considered a better choice for woodwork&mdash;including trim, baseboards, cabinets, and doors&mdash;than flatter finishes like eggshell or matte. Its soft sheen enhances architectural details and stands up well to frequent cleaning and daily wear. Compared to eggshell and matte finishes, satin is more durable for high-touch areas because it is less porous and doesn't absorb dirt as easily. Matte finishes, in particular, are prone to scuffs and are harder to clean, making them less practical for surfaces like doors and cabinets.</p></div>

Q: What happens if an oil-based stain gets wet?

• <div><p>Stains penetrate wood best when it's cool and dry, so you want to avoid moisture. If the wood is wet upon application, or if it rains before the stain dries, the water will soak into the wood and displace the staining solution. This leads to a flaky and blotchy look, which is the opposite of a sumptuous even coat. Once the stain has fully cured, after about 3 days, rain shouldn&rsquo;t cause you any problems.</p></div>

Q: What maintenance is needed after staining or painting a deck?

• <div><p>Aftercare includes routine cleaning, checking for water repellency, and promptly addressing any chips or peels, maintaining the deck's appearance and functionality.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Staining pros in Lakeside, MT

*The Angi rating for Deck Staining companies in Lakeside, MT 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 Lakeside, MT 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 May 09, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
I had a pole barn carport with a cement slab built for my 33 foot RV, David gave me a quote that was cheaper than his competitors and he did an outstanding job, I am very pleased with his work and plan on using him in the future
Cabinet Peak Construction LLC
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Reviewed in February 2026
This company has done several jobs for me and all have been done with care and in a timely manner. Projects included bathroom remodels, kitchen cabinet installation, window replacement and major deck and roof replacements. I am quite pleased with this company and will use them again.
All American Custom Builders LLC
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Reviewed in October 2024
We were so impressed by the quality of the work by Valley Finishes. Their attention to detail was impressive. We are hiring them to do the interior painting of our home as well, and I have recommended them to friends and neighbors. The results of their work was stunning!
Valley Finishes LLC
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Reviewed in August 2023
Nathan did an excellent job redoing my deck and porch. In addition, he painted all my shutters. He was thorough and responsible during power washing, repairs and painting. He did all work while we were away and communicated very well and provided many photos of his work. He discovered a...
Nate's Home Improvement And Services
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Reviewed in October 2021
Fantastic service. They showed up on time, did what they said they would. They cleaned up messes left before by previous contractors. I would highly recommend this company!
Guardian Home Services
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Reviewed in April 2021
Wildhorse landscaping has wonderful service! They do a great job, and my lawn has never looked better!
Wild Horse Landscaping
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Reviewed in June 2016
Built deck and repaired mistakes on 20x30 driveway made by previous contractor. Jeremiah was on time and on cost with both projects, made the city permit process with city go smoothly. Jeremiah comes highly recommended and we will use him for all future projects. Thank You Jeremiah Steve and...
On The Level Enterprises, Inc.
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Reviewed in November 2014
Owner's bid seemed fair; I did not look for further bids, although if the bid was a bit high, the final quality was worth the price. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />He gave me a starting time for September and in spite of less than favorable weather which might have delayed his overall schedule...
Rooftop Systems INC
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Reviewed in April 2013
Their attention to detail is second to none and communication was excellent with lots of photos of the project on their website as well <br /> for us to look at almost daily. Friends and family (some of whom had been in the trade) that came to see the place during construction were amazed at...
Bob Rossman Group
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Find Deck staining pros in Lakeside

Eaton Consolidated

5.0(

)

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Lakeside, MT and surrounding areas

Approved

Eaton Consolidated offers a complete Design, Build, and Maintain philosophy. We have provided service to the Flathead valley for over 15 years. We aim to create value and be of service. We look forward to building a relationship with you and serving you for many years to come. Please reach out to me at 617-413-9299 or by email at [email protected]

Response time1 day

Response rate100%

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Request Quote

Rugged Ridge Contracting

4.2(

)

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Lakeside, MT and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"The fit and finish greatly exceeded our expectations. Excellent attention to detail, and completed all the work on-time, exactly as quoted and estimated, with hard-to-find work ethic and integrity. Friendly, polite & considerate crew, always arrived on time and when they said they would. Honestly, the best workmanship we have seen here in Montana."

Head-on View from Ground Level Below Upper Deck

Side View from Ground Level Below Upper Deck

Angled View from Ground Below Upper Deck

+13

Response time1 day

Response rate95%

11 neighbors recently requested a quote

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Lakeside, MT and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

We invite you to experience a tradition of customer satisfaction that will exceed your greatest expectations. Our professionalism and quality workmanship will accurately reflect your taste and lifestyle. From conception to completion, we work with you until the job is done. We are ethical, honest, and easy to communicate with. Call us today you'll be pleased you did. Thank you

17 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Streamline Painting LLC

New to Angi

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Large

Serving Lakeside, MT and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

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 Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Lakeside, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"The stain work was very well done. Great attention to detail. Thorough work. We would definitely hire again."

+21

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Lakeside, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Response time4 hrs

Response rate98%

Request Quote

ZJs Painting and Special Coatings LLC

5.0(

)

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Lakeside, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I have two cabins and two garages and two wood sheds an outhouse and porches on each cabin. He pressure washed everything, the porches he had to pressure wash three times. They were pretty dirty. He then masked the windows, rock and doors. Most of the painting was by brush. Some was sprayed. His work has added years to our property. I highly recommend hiring this man to paint your property."

+12

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Welcome Home Moving Services

5.0(

)

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Lakeside, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Tanya and her crew are professional and get the job done."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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O'Connor's Paint, Floor and More

4.9(

)

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Lakeside, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I did part of this project and Chelsie did some too. I am very ignorant of painting and she was very helpful in setting up the room, sequencing, helping me identify what types of paint and supplies I needed and cleanup."

Vaccum couldnt get through the old carpet.

Response time8 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Lakeside, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Excellent work. Would hire again."

Bathroom before picture. The existing sink sticks out a couple of inches into the doorway.

A functional sink was installed that did not come out into the doorway. A custom cabinet needed to be built for the plumbing.

+26

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 42

Deck Staining questions, answered by experts

It is definitely worth sanding a deck to ensure the wood absorbs new stain. Sanding a deck removes the outer layers of aging wood, allowing the stain to penetrate. It also gives a fresh look to the entire surface as part of the deck refinishing process. Without sanding, your stain or sealant is less likely to absorb into the wood. While sanding a deck is a time-intensive project, the rewards are noticeable and long-lasting.

Staining a deck with a rag is typically a better option than using a brush, as it helps the stain penetrate deeper into the wood. However, both brushes and rags are best reserved for detailed work because using these tools on an entire deck can require tediously crawling around on your hands and knees. A pad applicator, sprayer, or roller are preferred alternatives to applying stain over the majority of a deck. Use a rag for railings and other detailed work, and let the wood soak up as much of the stain as possible before wiping away drips or pools.

Satin paint is generally considered a better choice for woodwork—including trim, baseboards, cabinets, and doors—than flatter finishes like eggshell or matte. Its soft sheen enhances architectural details and stands up well to frequent cleaning and daily wear. Compared to eggshell and matte finishes, satin is more durable for high-touch areas because it is less porous and doesn't absorb dirt as easily. Matte finishes, in particular, are prone to scuffs and are harder to clean, making them less practical for surfaces like doors and cabinets.

Stains penetrate wood best when it's cool and dry, so you want to avoid moisture. If the wood is wet upon application, or if it rains before the stain dries, the water will soak into the wood and displace the staining solution. This leads to a flaky and blotchy look, which is the opposite of a sumptuous even coat. Once the stain has fully cured, after about 3 days, rain shouldn’t cause you any problems.

Aftercare includes routine cleaning, checking for water repellency, and promptly addressing any chips or peels, maintaining the deck's appearance and functionality.

The Lakeside, MT homeowners’ guide to deck staining services

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

See all articles

Deane Biermeier
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Stain a Deck? [2026 Data]
The cost to stain a deck varies depending on its size, location, and type of stain. Keep reading to learn more about how much you might spend.
Deirdre Sullivan
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
5 Deck Stain Problems and How to Fix Them
Don’t let deck stain problems steal the spotlight from your outdoor space. Here is how to fix these issues before your next backyard party.
Erica Lamberg
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
How Often to Stain Your Deck and When to Do It
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.
Angi
•
May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
Who to Hire for Deck Staining and Painting Services
Not sure who to hire for deck staining and painting? Learn which pros to call, how they work, and how to choose the right fit.
Deirdre Sullivan
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
What Are the Pros and Cons of Staining a Deck?
A well-stained deck is beautiful and durable. Dive into the pros and cons of staining a deck to help your outdoor oasis stand the test of time.
Audrey Bruno
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
When Is the Best Time to Stain a Deck?
There isn’t just one best time to stain a deck but a couple, and which you choose will depend on factors like local climate and materials used.