DECKS
How Much Does Deck Staining Cost?
Estimate deck cleaning, staining and sealing cost per square foot — product, labor and prep — with the free calculator.
Deck staining is a recurring maintenance job most contractors quote every season. The price depends on deck size, product quality and how much prep the wood needs. This guide covers the ranges and a calculator to price it.
THE SHORT ANSWER
The short answer
Deck staining runs $1.50–$4 per sq ft installed, or $600–$1,600 for a typical 400 sq ft deck. Product is $0.50–$1.50 per sq ft; cleaning, sanding and labor are the rest.
Product vs. labor
Stain or sealer product runs $0.50–$1.50 per sq ft depending on quality. The real cost is preparation: power washing, light sanding, masking and application take most of the hours.
- Product: $0.50–$1.50 per sq ft
- Cleaning + prep: $0.50–$1.50 per sq ft
- Application labor: $0.50–$1.50 per sq ft
- Total: $1.50–$4 per sq ft installed
Prep is the difference maker
A deck with peeling stain needs stripping and sanding first — that doubles the price. A deck that's clean and dry is a one-day job. Quote prep honestly or the job loses money.
When to stain
Stain every 2-3 years depending on exposure and product. New decks need 4-8 weeks of drying before the first coat. Staining in direct sun causes uneven drying — schedule for morning or shade.
Try the calculator with your deck
Enter the deck area, product cost per sq ft and cleaning + labor per sq ft to see the total.