Deck staining
and sealing.

Decks, stairs, railings and cedar shingle, cleaned down, stained and sealed against sun, rain and snow.

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Freshly stained hardwood deck with cable railing
Stained deck with dark rails and Adirondack chairs
Deck and railings stained a deep redwood
Stained deck rail with a cable railing above the trees

Freshly stained hardwood deck with cable railing

How Ed does
deck & exterior staining.

A deck takes more weather than any other part of the house. Water sits on the flat boards, snow piles up all winter, and the summer sun dries everything out. Deck stain that goes on over grey, dirty wood soon peels or wears through along the paths people walk.

Ed looks at the wood, the old coating and how much sun the deck gets before he recommends anything. Sometimes a semi-transparent stain is right, sometimes a solid one. The same thinking goes into exterior staining on cedar shingle and clapboard. Storm System stains are one of the lines he trusts for decks and cedar.

What's included

  • Deck cleaningDirt, mildew and grey surface fibers are washed off so the stain can soak in.
  • Old coatings dealt withLoose, failing stain is removed or sanded so the new coat doesn't peel along with it.
  • Decks and stairsFloor boards, treads and risers, with extra attention on the end grain.
  • Railings and spindlesDone by hand, so every face gets covered.
  • Cedar shingle and clapboardStained or sealed cedar siding refreshed in the tone you want.
  • Doors and wood trimExterior doors and trim stained to match or contrast.

5 steps,
in the right order.

  1. He looks at the boards, the old finish and the exposure, and checks for soft or rotted spots.

  2. The cleaning, prep and stain are spelled out, along with why Ed chose that product.

  3. The deck is cleaned and given time to dry fully, because stain won't soak into wet wood.

  4. Rough or fuzzy spots are sanded, loose coating removed, and plants and siding protected.

  5. Stain goes on in dry weather, worked into the boards, end grain and railings. Ed checks the result with you.

Stained deck stairs on a white houseHardwood deck stained a deep red-brownStained hardwood deck with cable railing and patio tableFreshly stained picket fenceStained deck stairs and railing
Freshly stained hardwood deck with cable railing
Freshly stained hardwood deck with cable railing
Stained deck with dark rails and Adirondack chairs
Stained deck with dark rails and Adirondack chairs
Deck and railings stained a deep redwood
Deck and railings stained a deep redwood
Stained deck rail with a cable railing above the trees
Stained deck rail with a cable railing above the trees
Stained deck stairs on a white house
Stained deck stairs on a white house
Hardwood deck stained a deep red-brown
Hardwood deck stained a deep red-brown
Stained hardwood deck with cable railing and patio table
Stained hardwood deck with cable railing and patio table
Freshly stained picket fence
Freshly stained picket fence
Stained deck stairs and railing
Stained deck stairs and railing
Sage home with a back deck and stairs
Sage home with a back deck and stairs
Red cedar home with a new deck and steps
Red cedar home with a new deck and steps
Stained deck rail corner with cable railing
Stained deck rail corner with cable railing

Want this on your house?

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Why it
lasts.

How long deck stain lasts depends on sun, shade and foot traffic, but early failures usually come from the same few mistakes: stain over dirty or damp wood, or a new product that doesn't suit the old one. Ed has the deck cleaned and fully dried, matches the stain to the wood and to what's already on it, and works around rain in the forecast. Flat boards will always need care sooner than siding. Done right, the next coat is a simple refresh instead of a strip job.

  • Storm SystemStains for decks and cedar
  • Benjamin MooreClassic colors, trusted finishes

“He gave good advice and used quality materials with a lot of attention to detail.”

Jane M.

Questions about
deck & exterior staining.

Or ask Ed himself: call now.

When is the best time to stain a deck?

Late spring to early fall, after a few dry days and in mild temperatures. Ed plans the work around the forecast.

How long does deck stain last?

It depends on sun, shade and traffic. Flat boards wear faster than railings, so many decks need a maintenance coat every few years. Ed can tell you what to expect for yours.

Should I paint or stain my deck?

Stain is usually the better choice for deck floors, because paint forms a film that peels where feet and water wear it. Railings and trim can take paint more easily. Ed will tell you what suits your boards.

Solid or semi-transparent stain?

Semi-transparent shows the grain and wears away gradually. Solid stain hides more and suits older wood, but it can peel if it's built up too thick. Ed will recommend one for your boards.

What affects the cost of deck staining?

The size of the deck, the number of stairs and railings, the condition of the old coating and how much stripping or sanding it needs. Ed gives you a detailed written estimate after he's seen the wood.

Can you stain a brand-new deck?

New pressure-treated wood usually needs time to dry out before it will take stain. Ed can tell you when yours is ready.

Do you stain cedar shingles?

Yes. Cedar shingle and clapboard can be stained or sealed, with the same washing and prep first.

When can we use the deck again?

Once the stain is dry, which is often about a day. The crew will tell you when furniture and grills can go back.

Deck & Exterior Staining in
20 towns around Stow.

Beacon is based in Stow and works about 18 miles in every direction. Pick your town to see how Ed works there.

Often done with deck & exterior staining

Pale yellow home with a white garagePower WashingSiding, decks and trim washed the right way, on its own or as the first step before paint or stain.Cedar-shingle home with teal window trimExterior PaintingWashing, scraping, sanding, priming and two finish coats, with paint Ed picks to suit your siding and New England weather.

What your estimate
will spell out.

Ed walks the house himself, then writes down every step and every product for your deck & exterior staining job, so you know exactly what you're paying for.

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BEACONEstimate · Deck & Exterior Staining
  • Deck cleaning
  • Old coatings dealt with
  • Decks and stairs
  • Railings and spindles
  • Cedar shingle and clapboard
  • Doors and wood trim

Ed NorrisWalks every house himself