Get matched with top deck staining pros in Livingston, WI

Q: Do I need to sand an old deck before staining?

• <div><p>In most cases, sanding an old deck before staining it is necessary to achieve a decent finish. If your old deck has a relatively new stain finish on it and you're only doing touch-ups, you can generally skip the sanding part. However, if your goal is to make the deck look and function better, sanding first is a must. </p></div>

Q: How long does Ipe wood last?

• <div><p>Ipe wood can last up to 75 years with minimal maintenance because its own oils help to preserve it. However, to get the most out of your Ipe wood deck, you should perform some routine maintenance, including regular cleaning, sweeping of leaves and debris, and rinsing spills with a hose. It&rsquo;s also important to repair any deep scratches as soon as you spot them and reseal the deck annually to protect against scratches and scuffs. </p></div>

Q: When is the best time to stain a deck?

• <div><p>You&rsquo;ll want to avoid excessively hot or humid conditions, so it&rsquo;s best to apply your stain in late spring to early fall. It's also important to watch the weather forecast and aim for days when there isn&rsquo;t rain expected for at least three days. For new decks, allow the wood to season beforehand for at least four to eight weeks. </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 long do exterior paint fumes last?

• <div><p>Exterior paints contain more volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, making them dangerous when used indoors. Without the free ventilation of the great outdoors, it can take longer for the fumes to dissipate than interior paint. While you may notice the smell lessening more quickly, you should be wary of paint fumes inside for 48 to 72 hours after it dries.</p></div>

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Find Deck staining pros in Livingston

The Mini Convenience Home Repair & 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 Livingston, WI and surrounding areas

"It went well, better than I expected."

+25

Recommended by100%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 Livingston, WI 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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Nicholas Palm Tile and Stone

4.8(

)

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

Serving Livingston, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Nic was professional, courteous, and ensured that I was happy and satisfied with his work. I would definitely hire him again to help with my future home projects."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Hip & Ridge Construction

4.5(

)

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

Serving Livingston, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"When they were here they worked all day. However there were many days when they had to go to other jobs and that caused delays on our project. Project took much longer than we thought it would. Had a hard time communicating, many times only got voice mail.Seemed to us the contractor had too many jobs going on at the same time. We did not feel our project was a high priority. Overall we are happy with the results but were quite frustrated at times"

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 Livingston, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"It went really well. He did the work and completed it on the evening he came. He was on time and we were pleased with getting it done.
"

Recommended by90%of homeowners

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Matthew Moss Painting

3.7(

)

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

Serving Livingston, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 1990

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Well it took some time for them to get out there because we had lots of rain that week, but when they showed up, they were great, I cant believe they even took the time to do a little shed for me that was not even in the quote, and did not charge me for it, they said they felt bad because the rain kept delaying them but that was not there fault, wow what a professional company, you don't see guys like Mr. Moss anymore you could tell his work is very important to him....."

+24

Recommended by66%of homeowners

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Premier Sandblasting & Painting

3.1(

)

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

Serving Livingston, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Neat. On time excellent service"

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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American Paint & Stain

New to Angi

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

Serving Livingston, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2004

Let American Paint & Stain help you with all your Painting and Staining needs. I am looking to start to grow my business, and I will do whatever it takes to earn your trust. All our work is guaranteed and I am a man of my word. My goal is to be your Painting and Staining professional for life.

Request Quote

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 Livingston, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They were good. They were pretty fast and came on time. My overall experience with them has been good."

Recommended by60%of homeowners

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

Serving Livingston, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Ernz Painting is dedicated to providing our customers with the best quality and craftsmanship. We are here to build relationships with our customers and communities. No job is too big or too small! We look forward to working with you!

Response time30 mins

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Showing 1-10 of 22

Deck Staining questions, answered by experts

In most cases, sanding an old deck before staining it is necessary to achieve a decent finish. If your old deck has a relatively new stain finish on it and you're only doing touch-ups, you can generally skip the sanding part. However, if your goal is to make the deck look and function better, sanding first is a must.

Ipe wood can last up to 75 years with minimal maintenance because its own oils help to preserve it. However, to get the most out of your Ipe wood deck, you should perform some routine maintenance, including regular cleaning, sweeping of leaves and debris, and rinsing spills with a hose. It’s also important to repair any deep scratches as soon as you spot them and reseal the deck annually to protect against scratches and scuffs.

You’ll want to avoid excessively hot or humid conditions, so it’s best to apply your stain in late spring to early fall. It's also important to watch the weather forecast and aim for days when there isn’t rain expected for at least three days. For new decks, allow the wood to season beforehand for at least four to eight weeks.

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.

Exterior paints contain more volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, making them dangerous when used indoors. Without the free ventilation of the great outdoors, it can take longer for the fumes to dissipate than interior paint. While you may notice the smell lessening more quickly, you should be wary of paint fumes inside for 48 to 72 hours after it dries.

The Livingston, 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
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 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.
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.
Audrey Bruno
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
When Is the Best Time to Stain a Deck?
There isn’t just one best time to stain a deck but a couple, and which you choose will depend on factors like local climate and materials used.