How much does a five-gallon bucket of stain cover?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

What is better: wet-sanding or dry-sanding?

• <div><p>Wet-sanding and dry-sanding each have pros and cons. Dry-sanding is less messy, so it’s a good option if you’re trying to minimize dust (for example, if you’re sanding an occupied home or working with particularly dry or dusty drywall mud). However, dry-sanding is quicker because you don’t have to keep rinsing a sponge or wait for it to dry before painting.</p></div>

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Q: How long should I wait between coats?

• <div><p>When applying multiple coats, wait<b> four to six hours</b> for each coat to dry. Not waiting long enough can result in streaks, peeling, and uneven color. Plus, it will be more difficult to discern where the second coat has already been applied.</p></div>

Q: What paint will stick to composite decking?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s best to use an exterior latex acrylic paint to promote maximum adhesion to composite decking. This flexible paint type can better cope with the natural expansion and contraction that can occur with composite deck boards. Oil-based paints won&rsquo;t adhere as effectively and are more likely to crack and peel as the boards flex. Testing whether your chosen paint will stick on an inconspicuous section or a spare board is a good idea.</p></div>

Q: Should I seal my deck after painting?

• <div><p>You don't need to seal your deck after painting it because most exterior paints are waterproof and weather-resistant. While stealing is not necessary, it can add an additional layer of protection. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Staining pros in Valley City, ND

*The Angi rating for Deck Staining companies in Valley City, ND 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 Valley City, ND 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 21, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
Alli was very polite, professional with her presentation it was very informative, she made me feel very comfortable
DaBella - Fargo (Roofing/Windows)
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Reviewed in November 2025
Great work by mad city windows and bath - can be some expensive work but definitely worth it knowing you have a lifetime warranty in case anything goes wrong
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in August 2025
After receiving a fair bid for tree and stump removal, Johnny B's crew completed the task and left my lot smooth and clean so I was able to mow the grass in the area the next day.
Johhny B's Trees and Service
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Reviewed in November 2023
Our church hired Ace Plumbing to do remodeling or our sanctuary, offices, fellowship hall, bathrooms, kitchen, and much more. His work has been top-notch. We will continue to utilize Ace Plumbing!
Ace Plumbing
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Reviewed in May 2023
The deck started peeling. Peak Pro Painting is willing to work with us and the new owned of the house to resolve the issue.
Peak Pro Painting
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Reviewed in May 2023
We had some issues with the deck peeling. Peak Pro Painting is willing to work with us and the new owner to resolve the issue. Much appreciated!
Peak Professional Painting, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2023
I was visiting my GrandMother and spotted some Mold in her Bathroom and in her Bedroom. I called Stephen and he came out right away. The professionalism he had was out of this world. He walked me through everything in a manner we could understand. I would recommend this company of 1-800 WATER...
SM Kerley, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2021
Hard working, polite, An honest contractor.
MBF Drain Tile Systems, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2021
Midas Remodeling is fabulous A+++ We needed a total reroof on our home and before the winter rains. Jason (owner) is friendly, knows his roofing and his staff are friendly and easy to work with. The roofing crew were friendly, knowledgeable, efficient and respectful of the property. Thank you...
Midas Remodeling, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2020
Great. Very professional, polite and clean. Work is done in a timely manner. Very satisfied.
High Plains Water, Inc.
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Find Deck staining pros in Valley City

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 Valley City, ND 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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Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

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

Serving Valley City, ND 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."

Recommended by60%of homeowners

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J&J Painting and Drywalls

3.0(

)

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

Serving Valley City, ND and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

Free estimates

"They're amazing he exceeded his job I have recommended him my sister I am very satisfied with the work he did. He went above and beyond to help me."

Response time5 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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DRYWALL & PAINTING SERVICES LLC

New to Angi

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

Serving Valley City, ND and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

Experts in Drywall & Remodeling.\nFlat rate of $35/hour for labor.\nNo inflated prices.\nCommitment to quality and cleanliness.\nHonesty and experience to make your home look like new at a fair price.

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Deck Staining questions, answered by experts

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.

When applying multiple coats, wait four to six hours for each coat to dry. Not waiting long enough can result in streaks, peeling, and uneven color. Plus, it will be more difficult to discern where the second coat has already been applied.

Wet-sanding and dry-sanding each have pros and cons. Dry-sanding is less messy, so it’s a good option if you’re trying to minimize dust (for example, if you’re sanding an occupied home or working with particularly dry or dusty drywall mud). However, dry-sanding is quicker because you don’t have to keep rinsing a sponge or wait for it to dry before painting.

It’s best to use an exterior latex acrylic paint to promote maximum adhesion to composite decking. This flexible paint type can better cope with the natural expansion and contraction that can occur with composite deck boards. Oil-based paints won’t adhere as effectively and are more likely to crack and peel as the boards flex. Testing whether your chosen paint will stick on an inconspicuous section or a spare board is a good idea.

You don't need to seal your deck after painting it because most exterior paints are waterproof and weather-resistant. While stealing is not necessary, it can add an additional layer of protection.

The Valley City, ND 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

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