Most homeowners pay $550–$1,250 to have a deck professionally stained, with a national average of about $850. Pros typically charge $2–$4 per sq. ft. including cleaning, while restaining a deck in good shape can cost as little as $0.50–$1.50 per sq. ft. (Angi and HomeGuide data, as of October 2026).
Updated October 8, 2026. Source: Angi + 1 more. National US estimates.
Staining protects wood decking from sun, moisture and mildew, and most wood decks need it every two to three years. The price mostly depends on the deck's size, how much prep the wood needs and the type of stain you choose.
This guide covers professional prices by deck size and prep level, a line-item breakdown, and ways to save. If you're weighing a low-maintenance alternative for a future project, compare materials in our guide to the cost to build a deck.
Average cost
Professional deck staining costs, national averages as of October 2026:
| Scenario | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small deck, about 100–150 sq. ft., light cleaning | $200–$580 | Simple restain on wood in good condition |
| Mid-size deck, about 250–400 sq. ft., wash and stain | $550–$1,250 | Most common job; average about $850 |
| Large deck or heavy prep (sanding or stripping), with railings | $1,150–$2,350+ | 24x24 decks and decks with peeling old finish |
Deck staining cost by deck size
| Deck size | Square feet | Professional cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 x 10 ft | 100 | $160–$400 |
| 12 x 12 ft | 144 | $225–$580 |
| 12 x 16 ft | 192 | $300–$775 |
| 12 x 20 ft | 240 | $375–$970 |
| 16 x 24 ft | 384 | $600–$1,550 |
| 24 x 24 ft | 576 | $900–$2,350 |
Cost by prep level
Professional price per sq. ft. of deck surface (HomeGuide).
| Service | Cost per sq. ft. |
|---|---|
| Restain only (no deep cleaning) | $0.50–$1.50 |
| Power wash, stain and seal | $1.00–$2.50 |
| Power sanding, stain and seal | $2.00–$4.00 |
| Strip, stain and seal | $2.50–$5.50 |
| Painting (for comparison) | $2.00–$5.00 |
Cost breakdown: materials, labor, permits and extras
Line-item estimate for power washing and staining a 300 sq. ft. wood deck with about 40 linear feet of railing (one coat of semi-transparent stain). Ranges are national, as of October 8, 2026.
| Cost item | Typical range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Materials (stain, brightener, supplies) | $125–$290 | About $0.41–$0.96 per sq. ft.; 1–2 gallons cover this size |
| Labor (staining) | $300–$750 | About $1–$2.50 per sq. ft. |
| Prep: power washing | $105–$230 | About $0.35–$0.77 per sq. ft. |
| Railings | $160–$480 | $4–$12 per linear foot |
| Contingency (about 10%) | $50–$100 | Extra sanding of rough or gray boards |
| Estimated total | $740–$1,850 | Before any discounts or rebates |
Labor is about three-quarters of the bill, which is why prep and deck condition matter more than the price of the stain.
What affects the price
- Area. Staining is priced by the square foot, so total cost scales with deck size: about $200–$400 for a 10x10 deck and $1,150–$2,350 for 24x24. Railings add $4–$12 per linear foot, and stairs are counted in the square footage.
- Stain type. Stain itself costs roughly $20–$90 per gallon for water-based and $35–$120 for oil-based products, with each gallon covering about 150–300 sq. ft. Solid stains hide more and last longer; transparent and semi-transparent stains show the grain but need recoating sooner.
- Preparation (cleaning and sanding). Prep is the biggest swing factor. A simple restain costs $0.50–$1.50 per sq. ft., power washing first brings it to about $1.00–$2.50, sanding to $2.00–$4.00, and stripping old paint or peeling finish up to $9–$12 per sq. ft. in Angi's data.
- Number of coats. Most decks need one coat of a stain-and-sealer product, but dense hardwoods and very porous or weathered wood can need a second application. Each extra coat adds labor time and stain, and the number of coats is one of the inputs contractors use when pricing labor.
Ways to save
- Restain every 2–3 years before the finish fails; a quick restain at $0.50–$1.50 per sq. ft. is much cheaper than stripping and sanding a neglected deck.
- Do the power washing yourself. A pressure washer rents for about $35–$175 per day, and it removes a line item from the pro's quote.
- Stick with the same stain type and similar color you used before; switching from solid to semi-transparent often requires stripping.
- Consider DIY if you have the time: materials run about $0.50–$1.50 per sq. ft., and a 12x12 deck takes roughly five hours.
- Get at least three quotes and ask each painter to state the prep method, number of coats and product brand.
How to get an accurate quote
Ask at least three painters or deck-care companies for written quotes after they see the deck. Share:
- The deck's size in square feet, the linear feet of railing and the number of stairs.
- The current finish (bare, transparent, semi-transparent, solid stain or paint) and any peeling, graying or mildew.
- The stain type and color you want, or ask for their recommendation for your wood species and climate.
- Ask what prep is included (washing, brightening, sanding, stripping), how many coats, and whether there's a warranty against peeling.
FAQ
How often should a deck be stained?
Most wood decks should be restained every 2–3 years. A quality stain lasts about 2–5 years depending on sun exposure and traffic, and dense hardwoods may need attention yearly.
Is it cheaper to stain or paint a deck?
Staining is usually cheaper. Professional deck painting costs about $2–$5 per sq. ft., or $500–$2,000 total, and paint can peel and require stripping later, which costs more than a simple restain.
How long does it take to stain a deck?
A pro spends about 4 hours per 100 sq. ft., so a 12x12 deck takes roughly 5 hours and an 18x24 deck about 15 hours, plus drying time between washing and staining.
For the big picture, start with our complete fence installation cost guide.
Related cost guides
Sources
Prices are estimates and vary by location and provider. See our methodology and editorial policy. Browse all yard & pests cost guides.