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>

Top 10 Best Deck maintenance specialists in Strafford, VT

Q: What is the best material or fill to put under a deck?

• <div><p>While you can use various materials like sand or even just soil, gravel is widely considered the best option to put under a deck. It provides excellent drainage and is resistant to water, fire, and pests. Gravel also helps anchor the soil to prevent erosion during heavy rain and acts as a built-in weed blocker, reducing regular upkeep. Furthermore, it is simple to spread, available in various textures and tones, and adds a polished look that complements any deck design.</p></div>

Q: Is pressure-treated decking worth it?

• <div><p>Pressure-treated decking may be worth it if you want a natural, insect- and rot-resistant decking material that will last for decades with proper maintenance. As such, it&rsquo;s a much better option than untreated pine. Alternative wood decking materials like cedar and redwood tend to be less durable and more expensive. Some homeowners prefer <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/which-best-decking-material-wood-or-composite.htm">composite decking</a>, which is a low-maintenance alternative to wood but is also more costly.</p></div>

Q: Is PVC decking hotter than composite?

• <div><p>PVC decking tends to be cooler than composite because the material is less dense and absorbs less heat. However, it depends on the deck&rsquo;s color. A dark-colored PVC deck may run hotter than a light-colored composite deck. If you&rsquo;re concerned about your deck getting too hot, it&rsquo;s best to stick to a light color such as beige or gray. </p></div>

Q: What is the most affordable type of decking?

• <div><p>Pressure-treated lumber is one of the most affordable types of decking upfront. This material is widely available, so you can usually find pressure-treated lumber at almost any local home improvement store you visit. Keep in mind that wood requires a lot of upkeep with repainting and restaining, so any kind of wood may be more expensive in the long run than something like PVC decking.</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>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Strafford, VT

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

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

Last update on March 19, 2025

Reviewed in March 2025
Dennis and his team were fantastic. He came in and took a look at what I wanted which was a deck replacement, made some really good recommendations and his team got started fairly quickly. The attention to detail was unexpected. They did a great job and I love the result. I would recommend them.
Urban Decks
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Reviewed in August 2024
We are very happy that we selected Jarrett and his team to replace our roof. Jarrett's relatively large team of hardworking men and women began work on the date scheduled and knocked off the bulk our rather large project (7000 sq foot house) in 4 days. They did a great job keeping the sight...
Jarrett Olsen Roofing and Contracting
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Reviewed in May 2024
Greg has expertise in many areas, he "does it all!" As he told me "My work is my life! And I DO Care!!" No question he will give you his best in knowledge, experience, and creativity. And he works non-stop like an Energizer Bunny! He thinks about your projects after hours to...
Precision Building Enterpises
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Reviewed in January 2023
Everything went very well. I have used Eddy at my home and a rental property I own. He is an all around repairman who has replaced windows, did plumbing, carpentry and masonry work for me. He shows up on time and completes the work in a timely manner. He is very professional and always has a...
Eddy's General Home Repair and Handy-Man Service
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Reviewed in June 2022
We had an older roof that needed replacing. They found and repaired slight structural damage as well as replacing all the roofing. They were prompt, polite and professional and worked well with the solar company that had to remove and reinstall our solar panels. Very knowledgeable and did a...
Clear Choice Home Improvements, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2020
Ray and Steve are two of the best at carpentry I have experienced. They are fair priced, reliable, and do beautiful work. They refurbished our deck. They took their time, they were neat, cleaned up each day, and the finished deck is perfectly done. In today's world it is rare to fine the ...
R-Squared Enterprises
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Reviewed in May 2020
Good communication, prompt estimate, work performed per estimate, at scheduled time. Work was done just prior to 1st snowfall. System installed worked as planned. No snow pile in front of deck door this past winter. Recommend.
Willey's Seamless Gutters
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Reviewed in November 2018
These guys are great! They are friendly, professional, and they do great work! Our porch steps and deck are now beautifully stained, the wood pecker holes on our house are patched up, and our dining room windows are much better insulated. I would definitely recommend these guys. Get on their...
Jim's Home Improvements, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2012
Luckily I did my 'due diligence' and asked for quotes from 3 other dealer/ installers. I asked each to visit the premises and recommend the best equipment for the size of the house. One of the other dealers, examined my existing furnace and said that there was absolutely nothing wrong with it...
Dead River Co
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Find Deck maintenance specialists in Strafford

Peter Forrest Painting Service

4.9(

)

Serving Strafford, VT and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2001

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"I concur with Steve L. in North Clarendon,Vt. Peter was precise, careful and thoroughâ ¦and honest. He set up his â working stationâ and kept everything neat and cleanâ ¦He did a complete overhaul of the outside of my houseâ ¦replacing the rotten wood and painting the new wood."

+11

Response time8 hrs

Response rate93%

Recommended by90%of homeowners

Serving Strafford, VT and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The result exceeded my expectations and I could not be more satisfied with the service received. It is a real pleasure to find a company that cares about doing things well and providing friendly and respectful treatment. I will recommend your services without hesitation. Thank you for a job well done!"

Response time2 hrs

Response rate97%

13 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Barton's Perfection +, LLC

3.4(

)

Serving Strafford, VT and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"The most careful, neat, accommodating, organized, and qualified painter we ve experienced in our 6 decades of hiring painters. The work was of the highest standard."

+77

Response time5 hrs

Recommended by80%of homeowners

Serving Strafford, VT and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

"I was very pleased with the work he did, he has a nice way of explaining things , I sure I will hire him again for other projects when needed he is a very pleasant person to deal with. Tank you Scott for being such a nice guy ."

26 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Hill Top Home Services, LLC

New to Angi

Serving Strafford, VT and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

We are 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.

Response time4 days

7 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Hansen Contracting

New to Angi

Serving Strafford, VT and surrounding areas

Approved

Hansen Contracting has more than 25 years of experience for all of your contracting needs. We specialize in new residential construction as well as general home remodeling.

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Total Coverage Painting

New to Angi

Serving Strafford, VT and surrounding areas

Approved

I have twenty five plus years of painting experience along with drywall and taping repairs. i have many repeat customers and I take pride in my work. I do all the necessary prep work and written estimates for everything that will be done .\n

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Cully Thurston Painting

4.9(

)

Serving Strafford, VT and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Work was done in a timely professional manner, most items we initially spoke about got put in the work order.
"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Strafford, VT and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

"The job came out great: straight/plumb, and so on. The crew worked hard and cheerfully through some very tough weather to complete the job in a timely fashion.
"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Vermont Pressure Washing - Home Facebook

4.6(

)

Serving Strafford, VT and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They were very professional and dedicated. Some of the decks were in pretty bad shape. They stayed on it until all old mold was out. One of them was in sch bad shape that when it was wet it was dangerous. Well now it looks like new. Very nice work. Thank you!"

+21

Response time3 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 37

Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

While you can use various materials like sand or even just soil, gravel is widely considered the best option to put under a deck. It provides excellent drainage and is resistant to water, fire, and pests. Gravel also helps anchor the soil to prevent erosion during heavy rain and acts as a built-in weed blocker, reducing regular upkeep. Furthermore, it is simple to spread, available in various textures and tones, and adds a polished look that complements any deck design.

Pressure-treated decking may be worth it if you want a natural, insect- and rot-resistant decking material that will last for decades with proper maintenance. As such, it’s a much better option than untreated pine. Alternative wood decking materials like cedar and redwood tend to be less durable and more expensive. Some homeowners prefer composite decking, which is a low-maintenance alternative to wood but is also more costly.

PVC decking tends to be cooler than composite because the material is less dense and absorbs less heat. However, it depends on the deck’s color. A dark-colored PVC deck may run hotter than a light-colored composite deck. If you’re concerned about your deck getting too hot, it’s best to stick to a light color such as beige or gray.

Pressure-treated lumber is one of the most affordable types of decking upfront. This material is widely available, so you can usually find pressure-treated lumber at almost any local home improvement store you visit. Keep in mind that wood requires a lot of upkeep with repainting and restaining, so any kind of wood may be more expensive in the long run than something like PVC decking.

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 Strafford, VT homeowners’ guide to deck maintenance services

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

See all articles

Mitchell Grant
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
How Much Does a Pressure-Treated Wood Deck Cost? [2026 Data]
Looking to update your yard with a new outdoor entertaining area? Learn how much a pressure-treated wood deck costs and how to estimate your total.
Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 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.
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•
Apr 16, 2026Apr 16, 2026
How Much Does Mahogany Decking Cost? [2026 Data]
Discover mahogany decking costs and learn about material, labor, and installation factors to budget your new deck project with confidence.
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•
Apr 5, 2026Apr 5, 2026
Top Deck Maintenance Tips for Every Decking Material
Deck maintenance is vital to protecting a wooden deck. Cleaning, staining and sealing a deck after pressure washing will add years to its lifespan. Protect a deck by following these deck maintenance tips for cedar and other types of wood materials.
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•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Deck Maintenance Checklists for Every Season
Keep your decking looking new with this deck maintenance checklist.
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•
Apr 9, 2026Apr 9, 2026
7 Best Maintenance-Free Decking Materials
Finding maintenance-free decking that works for your home, budget, and lifestyle can be challenging. This guide lists the 7 best low-maintenance deck materials.