"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 did an excellent job. The moved all furniture, removed curtain rods, and covered all to prevent paint spatter. two coats were put on all surfaces. They thoroughly cleaned up after painting. All work was of excellent quality. The moved all furniture back and installed curtain rods."
"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!
Yes, you must thoroughly clean your deck before staining. If you don't, dirt, debris, grease, and mildew can get trapped between the wood and the new stain. This not only looks unsightly but also prevents the stain from penetrating the wood properly, reducing its ability to protect the deck from weather and UV rays. As a result, the stain won't last as long or look as good. Any existing mold or mildew left untreated can continue to grow beneath the new stain, potentially leading to wood rot and structural damage. Always wait at least 48 hours after cleaning for the wood to dry completely before applying stain.
Choosing the right product involves understanding deck material, desired finish, and local weather conditions. Opt for high-quality, weatherproof formulations ensuring long-term durability and appearance retention.
Hot, intense sunshine can cause your stain to dry too quickly, which could lead it to look uneven or patchy. If you’re staining the deck during hotter months, it’s best to do it in the morning or evening once the wood has had time to cool down. If you’re staining in cooler weather with less sunshine, the time of day won’t make as much of a difference.
Staining or sealing a cedar deck or fence is highly recommended to extend its lifespan and protect it from the elements. While cedar is naturally resistant to mold and mildew, it is not impervious to damage from moisture, sun exposure, splintering, fading, and rot over time. Applying a protective finish creates a shield that preserves the wood's strength and appearance, potentially extending its life by five to 10 years.
When choosing a finish, it's helpful to understand the difference between a sealer and a stain. A sealer sits on top of the wood, whereas a combination stain and sealer soaks into the top layer. Because it penetrates the wood, a stain generally offers better protection against UV damage and rot and lasts significantly longer. For the best results that also preserve the wood's natural color, consider using a near-translucent stain.
To maintain protection, plan on reapplying the stain or sealer every two to three years, either as a DIY project or by hiring a professional.
You’ll want to avoid excessively hot or humid conditions, so it’s best to apply your stain in late spring to early fall. It's also important to watch the weather forecast and aim for days when there isn’t rain expected for at least three days. For new decks, allow the wood to season beforehand for at least four to eight weeks.
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.