Deck Staining, Painting & Repairs

Board repairs plus staining or painting that brings weathered wood back and protects it for seasons to come. Gray, splintering, or soft boards are the tell.

Worker staining a wooden deck — Stain going on after the boards underneath are repaired and prepped.

Signs you need it

When a deck needs work

DC rain and summer sun wear a deck down every year. Signs it is time:

Gray, weathered woodWood gone gray has lost its protective finish and is soaking up water every rain.

Splintering boardsSplinters mean the surface is drying out and breaking down — uncomfortable barefoot and a sign the finish is gone.

Soft or spongy boardsSoft spots mean rot has started. A soft board needs replacing, not just a coat of stain over it.

Loose boards or railsMovement underfoot or a wobbly rail is a safety issue as well as a wear issue — it needs fixing before staining.

Peeling finishA finish peeling off in sheets has stopped protecting the wood underneath.

Repair first

Repair first, finish second

A finish over damaged boards just hides the problem for a season. So we repair first: replace rotted or damaged boards, tighten up loose boards and rails, and prep and clean the surface. Only then does the stain or paint go on — on wood that is sound enough to hold it. That order is what makes the finish last.

Stain or paint?

Which finish is right for your deck

Stain soaks into the wood and shows the grain, and it is generally easier to recoat when it wears. Paint sits on top with solid color and coverage, and it hides a wider range of wear and old finishes. Which one suits your deck depends on the wood's condition and the look you want — the free estimate covers the recommendation and the price, with no pressure either way.

Get a free estimate See recent deck work →Call (202) 710-9397

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