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  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.8
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon32
    Verified deck staining services reviews

Find Deck staining pros in State College

Avatar for Happy Valley Painting Solutions Company LLC
Happy Valley Painting Solutions Company LLC
5.0(
6
)
Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving State College, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Outstanding final product and customer service. I would hire again without hesitation. Their dedication and professionalism are unmatched. They completed a project I started a couple of years ago. Best choice I could have made. They're on time, flexible, and eager to make your home look new again. I was amazed at the transition from the contractors eggshell (from 2005) to the modern grays. Thank you and I appreciate all you've done!"
Response time3 days
Recommended by60%of homeowners
Henderson Residential Mechanical
4.2(
58
)
Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving State College, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Free estimates

"Everything went very well and the work was quickly completed.  Mr. Henderson was able to get started on the work within a week after giving us his quote and completed the work in about a week.  He removed the damaged drywall and fit a replacement piece back into the area, sanded it even and then repainted the ceiling and the walls near the corner of the ceiling.  The work was done extremely well and it is hard to even tell where the damage was/where the repair area is located.  We are extremely pleased with the work.
"
Recommended by97%of homeowners
Avatar for Romanworx Painting Co.
Romanworx Painting Co.
5.0(
3
)
Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving State College, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Dominic was great to work with. He painted 4 rooms in our townhouse with excellent results. The estimate was accurate. The time to complete the job was correct. They moved all our furniture and placed back. The crew all were pros. They left our house just the way they found it. I would highly recommend!!"
Stairwell
Landing
Landing
Hallway
Farmhouse Interior

+17

Response time2 days
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Deck Staining questions, answered by experts

Applying too much sealer to a deck might seem like extra protection, but it can cause more harm than good. Wood is a porous material with a limited capacity to absorb liquids. When you go overboard with sealer, the excess can't soak in and instead forms a film on the surface. This leftover layer is prone to peeling, cracking, and trapping moisture, ultimately defeating the purpose of sealing in the first place. 

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.

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.

Staining a deck with a rag is typically a better option than using a brush, as it helps the stain penetrate deeper into the wood. However, both brushes and rags are best reserved for detailed work because using these tools on an entire deck can require tediously crawling around on your hands and knees. A pad applicator, sprayer, or roller are preferred alternatives to applying stain over the majority of a deck. Use a rag for railings and other detailed work, and let the wood soak up as much of the stain as possible before wiping away drips or pools.

Stains penetrate wood best when it's cool and dry, so you want to avoid moisture. If the wood is wet upon application, or if it rains before the stain dries, the water will soak into the wood and displace the staining solution. This leads to a flaky and blotchy look, which is the opposite of a sumptuous even coat. Once the stain has fully cured, after about 3 days, rain shouldn’t cause you any problems.

The State College, PA homeowners’ guide to deck staining services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.