Staining a deck costs $450 to $1,000 on average in 2026, by national published figures. Decks have the hardest life of any painted or stained surface in Michigan. They lie flat under snow, soak up meltwater and bake in summer. The right product and dry wood matter more than anything else.
Price ranges on this page are national figures published by HomeGuide for 2026. They are not our quotes. Local labor, paint prices and the condition of your own walls or siding move the number up or down. Last checked October 2026.
How much does it cost to stain a deck?
The national cost to stain a deck is $1.50 to $4 per square foot, or $450 to $1,000 on average. The published range for a 12x16 deck is $301 to $775.
| Deck size | National range, professional staining |
|---|---|
| 10x10 | $157 to $404 |
| 12x12 | $226 to $582 |
| 12x16 | $301 to $775 |
| 12x20 | $376 to $969 |
| 16x16 | $401 to $1,034 |
| 20x20 | $628 to $1,616 |
Railings are extra, at $4 to $12 per linear foot. Stripping an old finish first raises the rate to $2.50 to $5.50 per square foot.
Should I paint or stain my deck?
Stain is the better choice for most decks here. Whether you paint or stain your deck, the floor will take foot traffic, snow shovels and standing water. Paint forms a film that peels when water gets under it. Stain soaks in and wears away slowly.
Paint can suit railings and a covered porch floor. HomeGuide lists deck painting at $2 to $5 per square foot.
Solid or semi-transparent stain on an old deck?
Solid stain suits an old deck. It hides gray, mismatched and repaired boards and carries more pigment to block the sun. Semi-transparent stain shows the grain and looks best on newer wood in good condition.
How often does a deck need restaining?
A deck needs restaining every 2 to 3 years, by the published figure. In Michigan, the open floor boards wear faster than the railings. Sprinkle water on the boards. If it soaks in at once and does not bead, it is time.
Can you paint a deck that was stained, or stain one that was painted?
A previously stained deck can be painted or coated with solid stain after cleaning and sanding. A previously painted deck cannot take a penetrating stain until the paint is stripped or sanded off, because stain has to soak into bare wood.
Why is my deck stain peeling after a year?
Deck stain peeling after a year usually means it went on damp wood, on new wood that was not ready, or too thick. Stain should soak in. Extra coats that sit on top form a skin, and a winter of freeze and thaw lifts it.
The fix is to strip or sand the failed finish, let the wood dry and restain in thin coats.
How long to wait before staining a new deck or pressure-treated fence?
Wait until the wood is dry enough to absorb water. Pressure-treated lumber is sold wet and often needs several weeks to a few months in the open air, depending on the season. Do the sprinkle test. If water beads, wait. If it soaks in, the wood is ready.
Can I stain a deck while the wood is damp?
No. Damp wood cannot take in stain, so the finish sits on the surface and fails. Let a deck dry for at least two dry days after rain or washing, and longer in cool or shady spots.
Should I stain or paint my wood fence?
Stain is easier to live with on a fence. If you stain or paint your fence, remember that both sides and every edge face the weather. Stain fades and can be recoated with little prep. Paint looks crisp but peels in time and then needs scraping.
Nationally, fence painting or staining costs $2 to $14 per linear foot, or $200 to $1,400 for 100 feet.
Is an old pine fence worth staining or should it be replaced?
An old fence is worth staining if the posts are solid at the ground and the boards are firm. If the posts rock, rails are rotted or many pickets are split, put the money toward a new fence. Stain does not strengthen wood.
Do you wash the deck first?
Yes. A deck or fence is cleaned before any finish goes on, and then left to dry. We offer power washing on its own or as the first step of a staining job. A free estimate with a written quote is the only way to get a real price for your job. Call or text (734) 399-4198.