COST CALCULATOR

How Much Does It Cost To Stain A Deck?

Q: How do I choose between oil and water-based stains?

The choice comes down to how much time it takes to apply the stain and the appearance of your deck as the stain ages. Oil-based deck stains are easier to paint with, they penetrate the wood better, and they fade as the deck ages. Water-based stains require more precise application to create a smooth finish, and they peel as they age, rather than fade.

Q: Can I use a mix of oil and water-based stains?

You can use oil and water-based stains on separate areas of your deck, but you can’t overlap or mix oil and water-based stains on the same areas because oil and water don’t mix. Instead of a beautiful finish on your hardwood deck, you’d get a blotchy mess that peels or chips.

Q: What other materials do I need for a DIY deck-staining project?

You’ll need a few important materials to start your DIY project, like painter’s tape, various angled and straight brushes, a roller and handle, and a dropcloth or plastic sheeting to protect your siding and sidewalk. Gloves and painter’s overalls are also good investments to keep your hands and clothes stain-free.

Q: When should I hire a professional to work on my deck?

If your deck has any structural issues like rotting support posts or crumbling concrete at the base, it’s best to hire a carpenter to make sure your deck is sturdy and safe. It’s also good to keep in mind that you might need a construction permit for anything more in-depth than sanding and refinishing.

Typical range: $93-$225

Find out how much your project will cost

Zip Code

cost to stain a deck Calculator

For your project in zip code 43215 with these options, the cost to stain a deck starts at $1.85-$4.50 per square foot. Your actual price will depend on job size, conditions, finish options you choose.

Deck stain prices

Whether you hire a professional or stain your deck yourself, the price of the raw materials will be a major part of the overall project cost. The best way to work out how much stain you'll need is to measure your deck and calculate the square footage, then use an average stain cost of $3 per square foot to arrive at a total.

Here are the calculated prices for some of the most common deck sizes.

A 10'x10' deck covers 100 square feet, with a typical staining cost of $300.
A 12'x12' deck covers 144 square feet, costing an average of $432.
8'x10' works out at 80 square feet, with a final cost of $240.
A deck measuring 10'x20' covers 200 square feet for a typical cost of $600.
Lastly, a 12'x16' deck amounts to 192 square feet, with an average cost of $576.

Bear in mind that these figures are for a simple, flat deck or porch on one level. Decks with stairs, railings, or furniture will use up more stain, and also need more work, pushing up the prices considerably.

Cost Calculator

Zip Code

Calculations are dependent on where you live

Square Feet

Standard Services		Quantity	Low	High
What you can expect
Range per square foot:			$1.85	$4.50
Range for this type of project:			$93	$225
Estimate: $159
	Deck Staining Cost	54 square feet	$15	$41
	Complete cost of oil-based, semi-transparent stain for a weather-resistant, durable finish. Natural and attractive look for any deck or balcony. Rate is inclusive of local delivery, as well as standard excess for perfect coverage and occasional touch-ups.
	Basic Labor for Deck Staining	2 hours	$73	$178
	Labor costs for the complete project under standard conditions. This will start with a full assessment of the space. Your team will plan the sequence, acquire appropriate equipment, transport materials, and execute preparation, painting and cleanup. Prep work may will include clearing away debris and masking adjacent areas. Two coats of deck stain will ensure long-lasting, beautiful coverage.
	Job Supplies for Deck Staining	54 square feet	$5	$6
	All of the supplies and materials necessary to stain the deck, such as masking tape and paper, materials to repair the deck surface, solvents, and cleaning supplies.
Optional Services
	Power Wash Deck Labor (Optional)	1 hour	$30	$74
	Ensure perfect preparation with power-washing in advance of painting. Surface will be cleared of solid debris, cleaner applied with light scrubbing, and the surface will be thoroughly power-washed and rinsed.

Standard services

Deck Staining Cost
$15 -$41

54
square feet

Complete cost of oil-based, semi-transparent stain for a weather-resistant, durable finish. Natural and attractive look for any deck or balcony. Rate is inclusive of local delivery, as well as standard excess for perfect coverage and occasional touch-ups.

Basic Labor for Deck Staining
$73 -$178

2
hours

Labor costs for the complete project under standard conditions. This will start with a full assessment of the space. Your team will plan the sequence, acquire appropriate equipment, transport materials, and execute preparation, painting and cleanup. Prep work may will include clearing away debris and masking adjacent areas. Two coats of deck stain will ensure long-lasting, beautiful coverage.

Job Supplies for Deck Staining
$5 -$6

54
square feet

All of the supplies and materials necessary to stain the deck, such as masking tape and paper, materials to repair the deck surface, solvents, and cleaning supplies.

Optional Services

Power Wash Deck Labor (Optional)
$30 -$74

1
hour

Ensure perfect preparation with power-washing in advance of painting. Surface will be cleared of solid debris, cleaner applied with light scrubbing, and the surface will be thoroughly power-washed and rinsed.

What you can expect

Range per square foot:
$2 - $4

Range for this type of project:
$93 - $225

Estimate:
$159

Cost Comparison

YOUR ESTIMATE

$159

NATIONAL AVERAGE RANGE

$96 -$233

YOUR ESTIMATE

Stain a deck: national average cost

The national average materials cost to stain a deck is $0.55 per square foot, with a range between $0.29 to $0.80. The total price for labor and materials per square foot is $2.93, coming in between $1.71 to $4.16. A typical 300 square foot project costs $880.24, with a range of $513.94 to $1,246.54. Your actual price will depend on your location, job size, conditions and finish options you choose.

cost to stain a deck
National Avg. Materials Cost per square foot	$0.55
National Avg. Cost (labor and materials) for 300 square foot	$880.24
National Cost Range (labor and materials) for 300 square foot	$513.94 - $1,246.54

Cost to stain a deck

If you’re staining your deck on your own (or with some helpful volunteers), you can ballpark your overall cost by multiplying the square footage of your deck by the national average of $3 per square foot. You’ll have to factor in their hourly rate if you hire a contractor or handyman.

Here are the calculated prices for some of the most common deck sizes. Prices are calculated assuming a simple deck with no built-in furniture:

Cost to stain a 8'x10' deck: $240
Cost to stain a 10'x20' deck: $600
Cost to stain a 10'x10 deck: $300
Cost to stain a 12’x12’ deck: $432

Types of deck stain

There are a couple of factors to consider when choosing your deck stain — the type of stain (water or oil-based) and what level of transparency you prefer. Oil-based stains are known for weathering better, but they’re messier and take longer to apply than water-based stains. Transparency is a style choice — if you want to see more of the wood grain, choose a more transparent stain.

Deck Stain Types	Average Cost	Lowest Cost	Highest Cost
Water-based	$32.50	$20.00	$45.00
Oil-based	$35.00	$20.00	$50.00
Solid	$35.00	$10.00	$60.00
Semi-solid	$62.50	$45.00	$80.00
Semi-transparent	$35.00	$20.00	$50.00
Transparent	$40.00	$20.00	$60.00

Labor cost to stain a deck

When you take your car to the mechanic, it’s not the parts that result in an expensive bill — it’s the labor. The same goes for your deck staining project. If you decide to hire a professional, you can expect to pay between $1 to $7 per square foot, depending on the level of complexity. If you want to have an older deck refinished, the labor costs will be higher to have a pro strip, sand, and stain your deck.

DIY deck staining vs hiring a professional

Staining a deck is a fun DIY project for people who don’t mind getting their hands a little dirty. All you need to get started are a paintbrush and a wood stain that works well for your deck type and the weather it’s exposed to throughout the year.

You’ll likely need to carve out a few days in your schedule to stain a moderately-sized deck. The process takes a bit to complete between painting and the time the paint takes to dry between coats. Set aside a weekend, stock a cooler with your favorite cold drinks, and enjoy some time outside.

If your budget allows, hiring a professional contractor or handyman can help you save time — and a sore back from all that leaning over and painting. Consider hiring a professional to come in while you’re away for a few days so you can come home to a beautifully stained deck.

Cost of other deck treatments

There are a few different types of deck treatments, and it’s important to know the costs before you start your project. Read on for a quick rundown of deck treatment costs.

Cost to restain a deck

The process is more straightforward if you’re staining a brand new deck because you don’t need to worry about sanding, power washing, or stripping the old finish. Restaining an older deck includes a few extra steps.

Restaining a deck that’s in good condition is a simple process. With a thorough powerwash, you can apply stain and sealant to a clean, dry surface and get a beautiful outcome for $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot.

If your deck needs more TLC to get back into excellent condition, you’ll likely need to sand it down before staining to refresh the surface and eliminate any discoloration from weathering. This process is more involved, and you can expect to pay between $1 and $4 per square foot.

Cost to refinish a deck

Some decks are still structurally sound but need to have old or rotten boards replaced before being refinished in order to look new again. A carpenter or handyman can do this for you, saving you the cost of putting in an entirely new deck. The cost of having a pro do the dirty work ranges from $2.50 and $5.85 per square foot.

Cost to stain deck railings or handrails

Intricate deck surfaces take more time and expertise to stain if you don’t want visible brush strokes or drips that show on the final product. For this reason, a carpenter or handyman will charge between $4 and $12 per linear foot for detailed areas like handrails, spindles, and railings.

Cost for power washer hire

If you decide to catch the DIY train and refinish your deck on your own, you’ll need to power wash it to remove old paint or stain, dirt, and other debris. If you don’t own a power washer, not to worry — you can rent one for a day for $50 to $65 for a light-duty model or $185 to $380 for a higher-end machine.

Power washers come in electric or gas models, and both are very straightforward to use — the choice comes down to how much surface area you need to clean and your comfort level with gas-powered tools.

Cost of using a deck stripper

For decks that are particularly weathered or moldy, you can use a chemical stripper before sanding. These products loosen old finishes and are especially useful in stripping decks with multiple coats of paint or stain applied. A gallon of chemical stripper costs anywhere from $20 to $80, and you’ll be able to treat 150 to 200 square feet per gallon.