Get matched with top deck staining pros in Susquehanna, PA

Q: Is it okay to paint over rotted wood?

• <div><p>No, it is not okay to paint over rotted wood. Painting over rotted wood will not address the underlying issue and can trap moisture, leading to further decay. Properly addressing the rotted wood by removing and replacing or repairing the damaged areas is necessary before you can even consider painting.</p></div>

Q: Does wood stain go bad?

• <div><p>Wood stain does go bad, but it will last in the can for between three and six years, provided you use proper storage techniques. Storing wood stain in open containers or in extremely low or high temperatures will cause your wood stain to become unusable much more quickly. Water- and latex-based wood stains typically last for just two to four years, while oil-based wood stains can last for three to six years. </p></div>

Q: How many coats of stain should you put on cedar?

• <div><p>The general consensus is that two coats of stain are required and since the cedar is siding, a third coat of sealant is always a good idea. This helps protect the wood and stain, so you won&rsquo;t need to resand and restain for at least a decade. Each stain after the first will darken the wood, so be aware of that when choosing a colored stain. </p></div>

Q: Should decks be painted or stained?

• <div><p>Whether to paint or stain a deck depends on your personal preference for appearance and budget. Stain provides a natural look with a range of undertones, is typically less expensive, and may only require one coat, but it does not last as long as paint. Paint offers a sleeker finish with a virtually unlimited color palette. Both options will protect your deck from outdoor elements like rain, snow, and general wear and tear.</p></div>

Q: How long does wood stain last?

• <div><p>Wood stains last anywhere from two to five years, depending on exposure to the elements, your local climate, the type of stain, and the surface it&rsquo;s on. For instance, vertical surfaces last longer than horizontal surfaces. Some types of woods, like dense hardwoods, will require a recoat yearly, as they are too dense for the stain to absorb. In any event, apply a recoat every 2 to 4 years. As for storage, a can of unopened stain can last up to 5 years, though results may vary.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Staining pros in Susquehanna, PA

*The Angi rating for Deck Staining companies in Susquehanna, PA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck Staining needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Deck Staining companies in Susquehanna, PA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck Staining needs.

Last update on April 18, 2024

Reviewed in April 2024
Joe Smith from modern scapes and Hydroseeding did an absolutely fantastic job replacing my old deck. He was always in contact with me with any questions he had about what I wanted. It was done in a timely fashion and it is a beautiful well built sturdy deck. I highly recommend him for anybody...
Modern Scapes and Hydroseeding
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Reviewed in July 2023
Very professional. The crew worked very hard through hot summer temperatures to get the job done. We are very happy with the new look of our house, garage & decks. Only a few minor complaints - some damage to flowers around the house & garage, and some problems with scheduling (partly...
Snyder's Painting
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Reviewed in August 2021
Joe did a great job on my house and decks. Was very pleased and happy. Very professional.
Joe's Power Washing Solutions
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Reviewed in August 2021
The Super intendant was always available and their crew did a Fabulous job on our Now very large deck. I highly recommend this Company for all of my remodel needs!!!
RPC Custom Builders LLC
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Reviewed in June 2021
Northern Tier Hyrdro Wash was a pleasure to work with. They arrived right on time, were energetic and customer focused. This family run business were reasonable, looked over the job, made the necessary adjustments for the one older portion of the deck, covered the rose bushes and did a great...
Northern Tier Hydro Wash
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Reviewed in May 2020
D.E.Nolan has done numerous construction projects for me over the years. Last year he completely remodeled our kitchen and the end result is amazing! It is beautiful and functions so well. He also remodeled 2 rooms in my place of business and put down all new floors and put in a new bathroom...
D.E. NOLAN
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Reviewed in October 2018
Great carpet guy. Took stain out of couch and rug. Highly recommended.
Christys Carpet Steaming and Cleaning Co
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Reviewed in November 2017
Working with Emilio and his team was an absolute pleasure! Emilio always followed up immediately with any questions and his team did an outstanding job painting my entire home - including the garage, staining the deck and power washing the entire exterior. I gladly recommend this company with...
All Seasons Painting & Powerwashing
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Reviewed in December 2015
Throughout the quoting process and the job, Terrence ("Mr. Decorative Concrete" ) was responsive to our questions and informative. He arrived when expected and stayed until the job was completed. He and his crew worked hard. We chose a multicolor acid stain with etched tile pattern in...
Terrence Alden Mr. Decorative Concrete
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Reviewed in April 2014
Jon did a great job on our deck remodel. He helped us by talking to our insurance company prior to the job and helped us navigate the Homeowners insurance quote. He repaired dry rot and replaced our pergola and the work completed looks fantastic. Jon and crew were prompt, hard working, and...
Russo Remodeling
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Find Deck staining pros in Susquehanna

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Susquehanna, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Excellent job, very professional, courteous, and timely. Rob handled everything on my project, the job site was always very clean and tidy throughout. He was punctualand reliable. Most important, he's an extremely nice guy. He's one of those type of people that you feel like you have known forever after having just met him. He is now my go to guy!"

Recommended by96%of homeowners

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Susquehanna, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"DPO did a great job on our siding project. Timely, quick and efficient. Super easy to communicate with and answered all of our questions. Would absolutely hire again for any of our home needs!"

+46

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Susquehanna, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"He was prompt and quick. He did a great job."

+15

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Elite Professional Painting

4.3(

)

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Susquehanna, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They were efficient and thorough"

+65

Recommended by83%of homeowners

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Welcome Home Moving Services

5.0(

)

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Susquehanna, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They were excellent, I would highly recommend. Everyone was very professional and showed up right when they said they would. They were gentle and everything arrived intact. They had us on the road in no time."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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A Good Fix Handyman Service

5.0(

)

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain

Serving Susquehanna, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

"He was punctual, did a good job and it was a fair price."

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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PARLOR CITY DRYWALL & PAINTING, Inc.

3.8(

)

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Susquehanna, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1984

Free estimates

"Estimate given and contract signed. All concerns were handled by company rep promptly. Workers were respectful, nice to have working in our home. Overall project went well."

+14

Recommended by75%of homeowners

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Robert Davies Home Improvement

4.3(

)

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Susquehanna, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1990

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Everything was done just like I wanted. Bob is very professional. He handled the small stuff really well and I would hire him for larger projects as well because he's a general contractor.
"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Moore and brown pressure washing service

4.3(

)

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Susquehanna, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

"The service is very good, there were professionals and travel to finish the job, we will recommend them."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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KMK Custom Construction

3.8(

)

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: LargeExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Medium

Serving Susquehanna, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2001

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Thank you for coming and looking at the area for the fencing, I appreciated your time. I did expect to have a response for the estimate other than the rough estimate done at my house, as we had discussed with alternative materials. As I did not get a further response and needed to do something with my fencing needs, I had to look else where and have managed a solution which has been equitable to me. I would not normally rate you further as I felt that we really weren't to the stage of my being able to rate performance, nor be able to tell further if I would recommend you to a friend. Only answered to be able to process the form."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 20

Deck Staining questions, answered by experts

No, it is not okay to paint over rotted wood. Painting over rotted wood will not address the underlying issue and can trap moisture, leading to further decay. Properly addressing the rotted wood by removing and replacing or repairing the damaged areas is necessary before you can even consider painting.

Wood stain does go bad, but it will last in the can for between three and six years, provided you use proper storage techniques. Storing wood stain in open containers or in extremely low or high temperatures will cause your wood stain to become unusable much more quickly. Water- and latex-based wood stains typically last for just two to four years, while oil-based wood stains can last for three to six years.

The general consensus is that two coats of stain are required and since the cedar is siding, a third coat of sealant is always a good idea. This helps protect the wood and stain, so you won’t need to resand and restain for at least a decade. Each stain after the first will darken the wood, so be aware of that when choosing a colored stain.

Whether to paint or stain a deck depends on your personal preference for appearance and budget. Stain provides a natural look with a range of undertones, is typically less expensive, and may only require one coat, but it does not last as long as paint. Paint offers a sleeker finish with a virtually unlimited color palette. Both options will protect your deck from outdoor elements like rain, snow, and general wear and tear.

Wood stains last anywhere from two to five years, depending on exposure to the elements, your local climate, the type of stain, and the surface it’s on. For instance, vertical surfaces last longer than horizontal surfaces. Some types of woods, like dense hardwoods, will require a recoat yearly, as they are too dense for the stain to absorb. In any event, apply a recoat every 2 to 4 years. As for storage, a can of unopened stain can last up to 5 years, though results may vary.

The Susquehanna, PA homeowners’ guide to deck staining services

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

See all articles

Deane Biermeier
•
Oct 1, 2026Oct 1, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Stain a Deck? [2026 Data]
The cost to stain a deck varies depending on its size, location, and type of stain. Keep reading to learn more about how much you might spend.
Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
Aug 31, 2026Aug 31, 2026
Cost to Seal or Waterproof a Deck [2026 Data]
Sealing a deck is important for protecting it against the elements. Find out the cost to seal a deck, whether you DIY or hire a pro to do the job.
Deirdre Sullivan
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
5 Deck Stain Problems and How to Fix Them
Don’t let deck stain problems steal the spotlight from your outdoor space. Here is how to fix these issues before your next backyard party.
Erica Lamberg
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
How Often to Stain Your Deck and When to Do It
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.
Angi
•
May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
Who to Hire for Deck Staining and Painting Services
Not sure who to hire for deck staining and painting? Learn which pros to call, how they work, and how to choose the right fit.
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•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
What Are the Pros and Cons of Staining a Deck?
A well-stained deck is beautiful and durable. Dive into the pros and cons of staining a deck to help your outdoor oasis stand the test of time.