Get matched with top deck staining pros in Elmwood, WI

Q: Should you stain or seal a cedar deck or fence?

• <div><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p></div>

Q: How long does stain take to dry?

• <div><p>Wood stain is typically dry to the touch within 6 to 12 hours, but it is not fully cured at this point. You should wait at least 24 hours before applying a second coat or a protective finish. For surfaces like decks, avoid walking on them for at least 24 to 48 hours, and wait even longer before placing furniture. The full curing process can take from 24 hours to one week, depending on the type of stain. Factors like high humidity and cold temperatures can extend drying and curing times, so it's wise to allow for extra time in these conditions.</p></div>

Q: Can you waterproof all wood?

• <div><p>Yes, you can waterproof any wood that has not already been treated. A good way to test this is to splash some water on it. If the water starts to bead up, the wood is treated and most likely doesn&rsquo;t need another coating.</p></div>

Q: Will painting a composite decking prevent warping?

• <div><p>The plastic in composite decking boards protects them enough that you do not need to paint them to prevent warping. In fact, painting composite decking voids the warranty of some manufacturers. Painting can also increase maintenance on the deck, as you must paint regularly to keep it looking its best. </p></div>

Q: How to restore faded Trex decking?

• <div><p>There are deck restoration products and oil-based wood stains that can help bring back some of the color and shine to your faded Trex decking. However, if your boards are suffering from serious fading due to UV rays or chemical cleaning products, don&rsquo;t expect miracles. Also, these products are only suitable for use on the older Trex boards, not the capped, second-generation Trex products. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Staining pros in Elmwood, WI

*The Angi rating for Deck Staining companies in Elmwood, WI 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 Elmwood, WI 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 January 22, 2026

Reviewed in January 2026
Jerold and his crew do an excellent job with every project I give them. He has done several projects big and small at our home, our rentals and he recently did a remodel of our daughter’s kitchen. He has built decks, repaired exterior siding, installed doors, etc. He is my go to person for...
Elk Valley Construction
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Reviewed in January 2024
BEWARE!!! I don’t even know where to start…at first, they were prompt and responsiveness— that was until they had our insurance checks, of course. Then, excuse after excuse why things weren’t ordered and they were delayed. Ongoing lack of communication and responsiveness is a huge concern. When...
Built Strong Exteriors LLC
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Reviewed in July 2020
Went well if one disregards the weather delays. The owner was very good at communicating the project. I plan on hiring them again later this summer to stain this deck.
Been Doin' It Construction LLC
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Reviewed in January 2018
This is the second time they have cleaned the carpets. I have a new puppy and they got out the stains. Also got out the ink stain they could not the first time.
HEPA Cleaning Services - Inicio Facebook
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Reviewed in December 2017
Working with Huntsman Builders was an EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD experience. We are an older couple and have worked with many contractors in the past, but none could compare. We really appreciated the amazing quality of work and integrity that was demonstrated. We would HIGHLY recommend Huntsman...
Huntsman Builders
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Reviewed in July 2017
Business Owner performed carpet cleaning himself and did a great job. He responded immediately to my initial call, fit me in his schedule quickly, was on time, was courteous, did an excellent and thorough job. Carpets dried within a couple hours with no fans - even on a humid day. All stains...
Superior Carpet Cleaning
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Reviewed in July 2014
Beautiful job! Carpets thoroughly cleaned and looking gorgeous. All belongings were handled with care. Stains that a previous carpet cleaner could not remove were gone. Everything was done professionally. And all was done quickly. Highly recommend! <br />
Apex Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
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Reviewed in September 2011
The workers arrived, removed the old siding, and replaced it. They helped my husband take some things off the walls that they were afraid would get jostled with the work, which was nice. They removed all traces of the old siding. They repaired the end of our old deck and added to it...
Brion Construction
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Find Deck staining pros in Elmwood

Priceless Painting Contractors LLC

4.8(

)

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

Serving Elmwood, WI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Aaron, Nathan, and their crew did a very thorough job with power washing our house and fence, caulking, and prep-work. They did a meticulous job painting the house and staining the fence. The team was costumer focused. We had a very positive experience with Priceless Painting Contractors."

+50

Recommended by89%of homeowners

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Eggenberger Construction

4.9(

)

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

Serving Elmwood, WI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1998

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Tad was very helpful, kind, and knowledgeable. He explained the process and product to me, answered all my questions and concerns, and double-checked on my preferences. He and his crew worked very long days to get the job done quickly and correctly, often in blistering heat. Our house looks great!"

+18

Response time6 hrs

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by97%of homeowners

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: MediumExterior Home or Structure - Paint or StainExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Large

Serving Elmwood, WI and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Tommy and his crew did a great job re-staining our cabin and deck. Tommy communicated throughout the planning and painting process, which was very appreciated. He sent before and after photos to me because I could not be on site to see how it was going. Great experience working with him throughout the process. Highly recommended!"

Hardwood Flooring Sales/Installation/Refinishing Project

+56

Response time2 days

Response rate100%

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Large

Serving Elmwood, WI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Jake and his crew were great! Their attention to detail, communication, and quality of work was amazing. I will be hiring them again for my next painting project!"

Response time40 mins

Response rate100%

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

Serving Elmwood, WI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Quality professional work at a fair price. I would recommend him to anyone and hire him again. Our old faded silver/gray roof looks like brand new now."

+21

Response time4 days

9 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by60%of homeowners

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

Serving Elmwood, WI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Excellent sales approach, no stress, no pushiness. Polite, he's a good guy."

Response time3 days

Response rate85%

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

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

Serving Elmwood, WI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Easy to work with and very clean!"

Response time5 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Mast Home Improvement

5.0(

)

Exterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: MediumExterior Home or Structure - Paint or Stain: Large

Serving Elmwood, WI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Will do in mid july"

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

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

Serving Elmwood, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

"It went very well. They were on time, taped the windows and masked the floors. Stain matched the windows. Excellent"

+42

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Elmwood, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Summit cares about doing good work."

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Showing 1-10 of 49

Deck Staining questions, answered by experts

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.

Wood stain is typically dry to the touch within 6 to 12 hours, but it is not fully cured at this point. You should wait at least 24 hours before applying a second coat or a protective finish. For surfaces like decks, avoid walking on them for at least 24 to 48 hours, and wait even longer before placing furniture. The full curing process can take from 24 hours to one week, depending on the type of stain. Factors like high humidity and cold temperatures can extend drying and curing times, so it's wise to allow for extra time in these conditions.

Yes, you can waterproof any wood that has not already been treated. A good way to test this is to splash some water on it. If the water starts to bead up, the wood is treated and most likely doesn’t need another coating.

The plastic in composite decking boards protects them enough that you do not need to paint them to prevent warping. In fact, painting composite decking voids the warranty of some manufacturers. Painting can also increase maintenance on the deck, as you must paint regularly to keep it looking its best.

There are deck restoration products and oil-based wood stains that can help bring back some of the color and shine to your faded Trex decking. However, if your boards are suffering from serious fading due to UV rays or chemical cleaning products, don’t expect miracles. Also, these products are only suitable for use on the older Trex boards, not the capped, second-generation Trex products.

The Elmwood, WI 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.

Get matched with top deck staining pros in Elmwood, WI

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your deck staining project in Elmwood, WI?

Small Projects Painting or Staining

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch Clean and Seal

Exterior Home or Structure Painting or Staining Service

Verified Reviews for Deck Staining pros in Elmwood, WI

Find Deck staining pros in Elmwood

The Elmwood, WI homeowners’ guide to deck staining services

How Much Does It Cost to Stain a Deck? [2026 Data]

Cost to Seal or Waterproof a Deck [2026 Data]

5 Deck Stain Problems and How to Fix Them

How Often to Stain Your Deck and When to Do It

Who to Hire for Deck Staining and Painting Services

What Are the Pros and Cons of Staining a Deck?

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Get matched with top deck staining pros in Elmwood, WI

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your deck staining project in Elmwood, WI?

Small Projects Painting or Staining

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch Clean and Seal

Exterior Home or Structure Painting or Staining Service

Verified Reviews for Deck Staining pros in Elmwood, WI

Find Deck staining pros in Elmwood

The Elmwood, WI homeowners’ guide to deck staining services

How Much Does It Cost to Stain a Deck? [2026 Data]

Cost to Seal or Waterproof a Deck [2026 Data]

5 Deck Stain Problems and How to Fix Them

How Often to Stain Your Deck and When to Do It

Who to Hire for Deck Staining and Painting Services

What Are the Pros and Cons of Staining a Deck?

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