"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!"
"Donald and his team were very professional! They painted my deck and it looks beautiful! They even came back next day to finish up the small details! Price is very reasonable too! I would definitely hire them 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 did a great job for a good price on our new house, painting the exterior. Got the work done in the time he said he would. Ron seems to be an old-school guy that does not take credit card and uses a handshake or conversation to seal the deal. Was worried at first but he did everything we asked. Other painters could not match our timing or were very expensive. Good work. "
"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!
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.
Your tool of choice ultimately comes down to personal preference. Many DIYers prefer applying stain with a lint-free rag, but others stick with a paint brush or a roller. Wipe the stain and work it into the wood, working with and against the grain. If you’re applying multiple coats, allow the stain to dry for around four hours between coats.
It’s a good idea to sand your porch before painting. This will remove loose or chipped paint and debris, and give you a cleaner surface so that your new paint goes on smoothly. But if the existing surface is in good condition, it’s not necessary to sand your porch before you paint.
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.
Beyond liquid rubber, homeowners can use sealants, stains, membranes, or tapes as waterproofing options. Oil-based or water-based sealants soak into the wood, creating a moisture-resistant barrier. Waterproofing stains—available in transparent, semi-transparent, and solid colors—add both protection and style to your deck. For heavy-duty waterproofing, deck membranes and waterproof tapes can be applied under the deck boards to direct water away from the structure below. Whatever method you choose, clean and prep the deck first to ensure the best, longest-lasting results.
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.
