Deck Staining & Painting in Denver, CO

Deck staining in Denver typically costs $3–$6 per square foot depending on deck condition, stain type, and accessibility. A standard 300 sq ft deck runs $900–$1,800. Decks requiring significant prep work (old stain stripping, board replacement) may cost more. We provide a fixed-price estimate after inspection — no hourly billing.

In Denver’s climate, most decks need restaining every 2–3 years. South- and west-facing decks exposed to direct afternoon sun may need attention every 18–24 months. Decks under covered structures or on north-facing exposures can often go 3–4 years. We offer an annual maintenance program that includes inspection and touch-up to extend time between full restaining.

For Denver’s climate, we recommend penetrating oil-based stains for hardwood decks (ipe, mahogany) and high-quality water-based penetrating stains for softwood decks (cedar, pine, pressure-treated). Film-forming stains (solid color) tend to peel in Denver’s freeze-thaw cycles. Penetrating stains soak into the wood grain and wear gradually without peeling, which is far better for Colorado’s extreme temperature swings.

New pressure-treated lumber needs to weather for 3–6 months before staining to allow the wood to dry and the treatment chemicals to dissipate. New cedar and redwood can be stained sooner, typically after 30–60 days of weathering. We’ll assess your new deck’s moisture content with a meter and advise on optimal timing.

It depends on the condition of the existing finish. If the old stain has worn off evenly, we power wash and brighten without stripping. If there’s peeling, flaking, or patchy old stain, we chemically strip the surface before restaining. Applying new stain over failing old stain is a waste of money — it won’t adhere properly and will fail prematurely.