Top 10 deck staining and sealing services in Middletown, CT
Frequently asked questions about deck staining, painting & refinishing companies
Deck stain and sealer serve basically the same function: to preserve wood and protect from moisture and the elements. A deck is exposed to wind, rain, and UV rains all year long. Moisture can lead to fungal and mold growth, and it could rot the wood. Protecting the deck from moisture intrusion can lengthen the life of a deck, and it can prevent individual boards from rotting which could create a safety hazard. A deck sealer is a transparent or clear finish that either forms a clear film on top of the wood or penetrates it. A deck sealer does a great job at protecting wood from moisture, but does not protect it from UV rays.
Prolonged exposure to UV rays dries up the wood’s natural oils causing cracking and splitting. Deck stains have the same moisture resistant qualities as deck sealing. However, deck stain has added pigment. This color is partially transparent which gives deck stain an added UV protection benefit.
Staining and sealing a deck achieve the same basic aim which is to protect the wood from moisture. Deck sealers are usually a clear finish that coats the outside surface of your deck’s wood. Sealer protects the wood from moisture, which is crucial. Unwanted moisture can cause rot, and encourage the growth of mold, fungus and mildew. Deck sealer does not protect the wood from UV rays. ‘’Even protected with deck sealer, your deck’s color may only last three-to-six months before graying and fading. Sealant should be applied once a year, and is relatively simple to apply.
Deck stains penetrate the surface of the wood. Stains contain pigment that changes the color of the wood providing UV protection. There are a wide range of stains. Getting the right level of opacity depends on the wood surface and your personal taste. Applying stain is tricky. It may make sense to hire a deck contractor to apply it for you. While stain is more expensive than sealer, and typically involves hiring a pro, it lasts up to five times longer. A sealed deck will look more professional. Ultimately, the choice as to whether to stain or seal your deck is up to you.
It’s great to be able to enjoy the outdoors on your deck. A deck provides extra room for entertaining, and a way to enjoy fresh air in the comfort of your home. It’s important to protect a wood deck from the elements. Unwanted moisture encourages rot which can weaken the structure of the deck and shorten its useful lifespan. Moisture also encourages harmful fungal and mold growth. Both staining and sealing your deck protects it from moisture. However, staining a deck offers the additional advantage of protecting the wood from UV rays.
Deck stain offers UV protection due to the pigment it contains. The darker the stain, the better the deck stain protects your deck. There is a wide array of stains. Getting the right opacity depends on the surface you are staining and your taste. Staining a deck is more expensive than sealing it. The stain itself is more expensive, and it makes sense to invest in hiring a deck contractor to apply the stain as application can be a bit tricky. However, staining a deck protects it from both moisture and UV rays. Deck stain lasts longer than deck sealant.
It’s important to protect your deck because wood on your deck is exposed to the elements all year long. Rain can seep into the wood and encourage the growth of mildew and fungus. Unwanted moisture leads to rot which weakens wood and shortens the life of your deck. Applying deck sealant protects the wood from moisture. But moisture isn’t the only threat to your deck. UV rays dry out the wood, causing splitting and cracking. In order to protect your deck from both moisture and woods, it makes sense to invest in a deck stain and sealant. The pigment in staining protects your deck from the sun’s harmful rays. Stain is more expensive than a sealant but lasts up to five times as long.
Many stains contain a protective sealant. You can test your deck’s surface to see if the stain with the protective sealant by sprinkling water on the wood periodically. If the water beads up, the sealant in the stain is still working. Some experts recommend resealing your stained deck yearly.
Recent reviews for Middletown deck staining & sealing services
Thor is a capable, flexible and skilled craftsman. He took on a challenging job in the hottest days of summer and worked doggedly in the heat to get this job done.
The kitchen project looks awesome! Seaside Restoration installed new cabinets, counter with under-mount sink, and hooked up a new dishwasher.
Thorsten was easy to work with and scheduled/completed work quickly. He converted my family room ceiling to a cathedral ceiling complete with recessed lights and wood beams.
Excellent to keep appointment. Excellent responsiveness in communication. Excellent work quality.
Very satisfied with work done repairing our deck and the interior painting.
I was really pleased with all their work. They returned timely to make a needed adjustment and very gracious in doing so. I would definitely hire them again.
Excellent to keep appointment. Excellent value. Excellent responsiveness in communication.
Eric and Fresh Coat are on time and on budget with high quality work. I have used them on numerous projects and they stand behind their work.
Eric and his crew are always on time and pleasant to have in the house. They keep things clean as they work and do a good job of cleanup at the end of the day if the project is to continue. We have used Fresh Coat several times, for large and small jobs, ...
Eric was prompt and fair with his estimate. I was not, in fact, satisfied with the work, though the workman said it was the best he could do. I contacted Eric months later, and he agreed the work was not up to his standards. He redid the ceiling patche...
Excellent responsiveness in communication. Excellent value. Excellent work quality.
Excellent experience - Project started on time. Need and professional, polite and courteous. Pricing very competitive. Quality, quality, quality. Listened to my needs on the project and delivered.
I hired Eric’s team at Fresh Coat Painters to refinish a bathroom vanity. He came highly recommended and I found great reviews online. I did not want my vanity painted, but was told they also did staining. My oak vanity was in good condition and in a natu...