"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!
Oxygen bleach uses hydrogen peroxide as a base and won’t harm wood when using it as a cleaner. On the other hand, chlorine bleach breaks down wood at the cellular level and causes irreversible harm. Although you may not see immediate damage to wood after exposing it to chlorine bleach, its strength and integrity are now compromised.
Applying a sealer or topcoat after staining wood is highly recommended, though not always strictly required. A sealer protects the wood from moisture, UV rays, and weather-related issues, which is especially important for outdoor surfaces like decks and fences. It also enhances the stain's durability, prevents fading over time, and gives the wood a cleaner, more professional-looking finish. For some indoor applications, a sealer may not be necessary, depending on the type of stain used and the level of protection needed. It's always best to check the stain manufacturer's recommendations and consider the wood's intended use and exposure when deciding whether to apply a sealer.
Unless you’re using a 2-in-1 formula or painting over an existing coat of paint, it pays to apply a coat of primer ahead of your new paint. Decks see a lot of footfall and exposure to extreme and sudden temperature changes and moisture levels. The primer promotes better paint adhesion, moisture repellency, and a smoother finish, which means you’ll often need fewer coats of paint.
Yes, it is important to wash your deck before painting to ensure the paint applies well and adheres properly. While you don't have to use a pressure washer, it is one of the most efficient cleaning methods. Pressure washing can quickly remove dirt, wood fibers, and flaked paint, getting deeper into the wood than manual scrubbing. You can also clean the deck with a stiff broom and a cleaning solution. Regardless of the method, a clean surface is essential for good paint adhesion. Make sure the deck is completely dry before applying any paint.
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.
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.