"The contractor Johnny was willing to discuss the project and products with me in detail. He was punctual and committed to getting my deck cleaned and stained even though the weather was not cooperative. Our deck looks really nice!"
"STOP-- if your looking for a professional painting contractor, look no further. you just found one. Donald and his crew prepared and painted 2 coats of paint to the exterior of our house. It is a 5 bedroom brick with a lot of wood trim, a rather large job. he started and was finished as per his estimate, there were no " I need more money requests " as is common with others. also, they sealed and stained a new deck. he is not happy, until you are with his work.no down payments for the job, you pay only when you are happy and they are done. he actually answers the phone, unlike others you call and your call goes straight to voice mail. I would use his company again."
"Bill and the other workers were very friendly, worked hard, did the permitting for us, and dealt with the inspector. Roman is very personable, easy to get a hold of, and called to see what we thought of the work being done. We are very pleased with the sturdy new decks and steps they built~"
"Ron and crew were prompt and efficient. They power washed one day and stained two days later. They were respectful of the plants growing around and near the fence. They consulted with us about the type and brand of stain. This fence had not been staiined for several years and now looks like new. Ron was recommended by Dave Zora, our handyman,, who we found on Angies a few years ago."
"They were very easy to deal with. Returned phone calls quickly and scheduled when it was convenient for me. I had numerous small cracks and several big ones that needed repaired. I could tell that he knew what what he was doing by how quickly he did the repairs. Even though we haven't painted yet they look like the cracks weren't even there. I was so impressed I am having them come back to paint. "
"It was a pleasure working with Dorin and his crew. We had a tree fall on our roof during a windstorm and it damaged some of the bricks in the back which we had to get fixed before the roof could be replaced. Not only did 3 Rivers have great reviews on Angie's List, the roofing contractor I was working with also recommended them! Dorin came out in the evening the day I called to do the estimate and was able to get a crew of two guys out to do the work within a week. They did a beautiful job and cleaned everything up when they were done. I would recommend 3 Rivers to anybody. Very, very happy with the job they did."
Smithhammer Painting is your leading source for all types of residential painting in the Latrobe area. We offer our customers the highest quality of work around, and would love to come out to your home and take on your next big home improvement project!
The opposite is actually true: Wood stains tend to appear lighter when they’re fully dry. However, stains may darken as they weather and oxidize with age. Stains might also darken on surfaces left in direct sunlight, as UV rays can break down pigment particles and cause them to darken over time.
Always wait until the morning dew has dried before you stain your deck. The stain needs a fully dry surface to sink into.
Hiring a contractor or professional deck refinisher is the best way to ensure your deck is properly stained. They have the expertise, tools, and supplies to do the job quickly and efficiently. However, staining a deck is a manageable task for most homeowners, and doing the job yourself can save money. Just keep in mind that DIY staining is a long process requiring physical strain, so it may not be the best option for everyone.
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.
The best time to paint your deck is when temperatures are neither too cold (below 60 degrees) nor too hot (above 85 degrees). Always paint your deck when there’s no risk of rain. For fast-drying paint like acrylic or latex, ensure your deck can dry for at least four hours. Oil-based paints take longer to dry and may require 48 hours to completely cure.
The New Florence, PA homeowners’ guide to deck staining services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Deck replacement costs depend on materials, any structural damage you need to fix, and more. This guide explores how much it costs to replace or repair a deck.
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.