Exterior · Specialty
Wood decks don't rot from age. They rot from neglect. The right coating changes that — and prep is 80% of the job.
This is the question most homeowners ask first. The answer depends on what you want and what condition the wood is in.
Stain soaks into the wood instead of sitting on top of it. A semi-transparent stain shows the grain and natural color while sealing out moisture. It's the right choice when the wood is still in good shape and you want it to look like a deck, not a painted floor. Stain also tends to age more gracefully — it fades instead of peeling.
Solid paint gives you full color coverage and a clean, bold finish. It's the better call when the wood is weathered, has inconsistent color, or you want something that reads more intentionally designed. It requires more prep and will eventually need recoating, but it holds up well when applied correctly.
Either way, a Michigan deck needs some kind of protection. Bare wood soaks up water, splinters, and grays out fast. The right coat extends the life of the deck by years — sometimes decades.
Stain or solid paint
I'll look at the wood and tell you which option makes more sense. You pick the color and finish — I'll make sure it's applied right.
Sanding & cleaning prep
Old loose coatings get sanded back. The surface gets cleaned and dried before anything goes on. Skipping prep is why coatings fail in 2 years.
Weatherproofing
Every product I use is rated for exterior exposure. Michigan gets sun, rain, snow, and freeze-thaw — the coating handles all of it.
Edge & detail work
Railing posts, stair stringers, and the board ends get the same attention as the deck surface. The whole thing holds up together or it doesn't.
Sand & clean the surface
Any old peeling coating gets sanded off. The deck gets cleaned and any dirt or mildew gets treated. The surface has to be right before anything goes on.
Spot-treat any damage
Soft spots, minor rot, or raised nails get addressed before coating. I'll tell you if there's anything that needs a carpenter first — I won't coat over a structural problem.
Primer where needed
Bare or weathered wood usually needs a penetrating primer before stain or paint. It seals the grain and helps the topcoat bond evenly.
Two coats of stain or paint
Applied with a brush and roller for even penetration and coverage. Stain usually needs two coats on bare wood; paint always does.
Pricing
From $600
Depends on deck size, surface condition, and whether we're staining or painting. Fill out the estimate form and I'll give you a real number.
Get Your PriceEvery season you wait, the wood absorbs more water and the prep job gets bigger. Reach out now and I'll get it done before it becomes a replacement instead of a refresh.