How long should I season my deck before staining?

• <div><p>It’s important to make sure the wood on a new deck is properly seasoned. Seasoning a deck is simple: Once you build it (or have a pro do so), just leave it alone so it can acclimate to the environment. If you don’t give the deck proper seasoning time before staining, the stain can lock in any lingering moisture and cause mold, rot, and other moisture issues down the road. Give the wood at least four to eight weeks to season before you stain.</p></div>

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Q: Is wood stain flammable after it dries?

• <div><p>Wood stain is not flammable after it dries. The solvent in wood stain is what causes the liquid form to be highly flammable, but the stain drying process involves the solvents dissolving, which leaves behind a non-flammable product on your wood project. Wood stain is, however, flammable before you apply it, so you should always store partially full cans and used wood stain rags away from sources of heat and open flames.</p></div>

Q: What maintenance does a wood deck require and how often should it be done?

• <div><p>A wood deck requires annual cleaning and regular inspections for loose or broken boards, nails, and screws. It should be refinished by applying a stain or sealer every two to three years to protect the wood from water damage, rot, mildew, and sun fading. The exact frequency can depend on the climate and the deck's exposure to sun and moisture. If your deck is painted, it will need repainting approximately every 10 years. Signs that your deck needs refinishing include faded, splintering, or warping boards.</p></div>

Q: How long should I season my deck before staining?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s important to make sure the wood on a new deck is properly seasoned. Seasoning a deck is simple: Once you build it (or have a pro do so), just leave it alone so it can acclimate to the environment. If you don&rsquo;t give the deck proper seasoning time before staining, the stain can lock in any lingering moisture and cause mold, rot, and other moisture issues down the road. Give the wood at least four to eight weeks to season before you stain.</p></div>

Q: What paint is best for an old deck?

• <div><p>The best paint for an older deck depends on the material and whether or not your deck already has a coat of paint. Generally, if your deck already has paint on it, you should choose the same type of paint when repainting the deck. For example, if an old deck has oil-based paint on it, stick with oil; if your deck has water-based paint, choose water-based paint. </p></div>

Q: How many coats of stain on a deck?

• <div><p>Two coats of stain are ideal for the best protection and aesthetic appeal. However, if your decking is made of particularly dense hardwood, you may only need one coat. If you want an intense color, two coats are ideal. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Staining pros in Clark, SD

*The Angi rating for Deck Staining companies in Clark, SD 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 Clark, SD 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 July 30, 2024

Reviewed in July 2024
I recently made a major move. I was overwhelmed by the amount of things I needed to do, from packing to donating goods to thoroughly cleaning the house when I departed. I got a tip that Jency and Side Kick Services could help me, and I contacted Jency, and Side Kick Services swept in and did it...
Side Kick Services, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2022
Extremely hard to contact or work with. Took forever to get the patch job done and then they showed up unannounced on a SUNDAY!? After that it took two months to even get them to send us a bill. Repeated phone calls got the runaround and excuses galore. If I could give them minus stars, I would.
Mitchell Roofing Company LLC
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Reviewed in October 2022
They were great. Good communication, they cleaned up very well after themselves. They installed it perfectly!
Homebound Construction LLC
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Reviewed in February 2020
He did everything properly and followed all the guidelines.
Chapman Home Inspection Services
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Reviewed in November 2019
Professionals, easy to schedule, incredibly helpful
Mr. Electric of the Black Hills
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Reviewed in April 2014
Prices were 5 times too much
Framers Unlimited
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Find Deck staining pros in Clark

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 Clark, SD 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

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

Serving Clark, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

"Jessie did a great job on our windows and his price was really reasonable. He was on time and very pleasant. Definitely recommend."

Response time1 day

Recommended by66%of homeowners

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Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

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

Serving Clark, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I only use James when I need some work done to my house. He responds fast, gets the work done quicker than just about anyone else I've ever used and seems very concerned with leaving his customers happy."

Recommended by60%of homeowners

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TH Painting and Designs

New to Angi

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

Serving Clark, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

TH's Paining and Designs is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.\n

Response time2 hrs

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Basic Fixes & More

New to Angi

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

Serving Clark, SD and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Offers commercial services

Welcome to Basic Fixes & More! We are committed to exceeding your expectations. As experts, we will handle your needs with the high quality expertise that your home or business deserves. We offer competitive prices and customer satisfaction is our number one priority. Call us today!

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Goudy Painting

New to Angi

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

Serving Clark, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

At company , our company is based on the belief that our customers' needs are of the utmost importance. Our team is committed to meeting those needs. We welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service. No job is too big or too small for our experienced team. Call today for a quote.\n

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

Serving Clark, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

David Ferguson's construction business is dedicated to quality and outstanding customer service. Our job is to provide you with quality service at a great price. Please don't wait call us today.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Hamilton Drywall and Painting Inc.

New to Angi

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain

Serving Clark, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 1996

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

Hamilton Drywall and Painting Inc.

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Terrance Bowers

New to Angi

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain

Serving Clark, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service that we provide to meet your needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

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Inscore Home Improvement

New to Angi

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain

Serving Clark, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2001

Free estimates

If you are in need of a local professional for Roofing, Siding or Painting, look no further than Inscore Home Improvement. We have over 15 years of experience in the area and take great pride in excellent work, honesty, fair pricing and happy customers. Our goal is that you will be so pleased with our work that you recommend us to your friends and neighbors.\n\nGive us a call. We look forward to serving you!

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Showing 1-10 of 13

Deck Staining questions, answered by experts

Wood stain is not flammable after it dries. The solvent in wood stain is what causes the liquid form to be highly flammable, but the stain drying process involves the solvents dissolving, which leaves behind a non-flammable product on your wood project. Wood stain is, however, flammable before you apply it, so you should always store partially full cans and used wood stain rags away from sources of heat and open flames.

A wood deck requires annual cleaning and regular inspections for loose or broken boards, nails, and screws. It should be refinished by applying a stain or sealer every two to three years to protect the wood from water damage, rot, mildew, and sun fading. The exact frequency can depend on the climate and the deck's exposure to sun and moisture. If your deck is painted, it will need repainting approximately every 10 years. Signs that your deck needs refinishing include faded, splintering, or warping boards.

It’s important to make sure the wood on a new deck is properly seasoned. Seasoning a deck is simple: Once you build it (or have a pro do so), just leave it alone so it can acclimate to the environment. If you don’t give the deck proper seasoning time before staining, the stain can lock in any lingering moisture and cause mold, rot, and other moisture issues down the road. Give the wood at least four to eight weeks to season before you stain.

The best paint for an older deck depends on the material and whether or not your deck already has a coat of paint. Generally, if your deck already has paint on it, you should choose the same type of paint when repainting the deck. For example, if an old deck has oil-based paint on it, stick with oil; if your deck has water-based paint, choose water-based paint.

Two coats of stain are ideal for the best protection and aesthetic appeal. However, if your decking is made of particularly dense hardwood, you may only need one coat. If you want an intense color, two coats are ideal.

The Clark, SD 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.
Deirdre Sullivan
•
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.