A neglected deck doesn't just look bad — it rots. Kentucky's humidity, rain, and freeze-thaw cycles are brutal on exposed wood. If your deck is gray, splintering, or the old stain is peeling, it's time for a full restoration. I'm Mike Inman, and I've been restoring and staining decks in Lexington since 2009 — over 8,000 properties served with a perfect 5.0 Google rating.
Deck staining isn't just slapping a coat of stain on old wood. Done right, it's a multi-step process. First, I pressure wash the deck at the correct pressure for the wood species — too much pressure damages the grain, too little doesn't clean properly. I remove all the gray oxidation, old stain residue, mildew, and ground-in dirt. After washing, I apply a professional wood brightener that restores the wood's natural pH and opens the grain to accept stain evenly. This step is what separates a professional job from a DIY weekend project. The deck needs 24 to 48 hours to dry completely before staining.
For the stain application, I use high-quality, commercial-grade stains — not the watered-down big box store products. I apply stain by brush, roller, or sprayer depending on the deck's design, and I back-brush everything to work the stain into the wood grain. Rails, spindles, stairs, and the deck boards all get thorough, even coverage. I protect your siding, landscaping, and any adjacent surfaces from overspray and drips.
Most deck staining projects in Lexington run $400 to $800, depending on the deck's size, condition, rail complexity, and how much prep work is needed. A simple 12x12 deck in decent shape is on the lower end. A large multi-level deck with heavy stripping work will be higher. I provide an exact quote after seeing the deck in person.
A properly stained deck should look great for 2 to 3 years before needing a maintenance coat. That's far cheaper than replacing rotted boards or rebuilding an entire deck. I carry $2 million in insurance, an A+ BBB rating, and 226 five-star reviews from Lexington homeowners who trust me with their properties.
Common Questions About Deck Staining
How long do I need to stay off the deck after staining? Plan on 24 to 48 hours before walking on it, and I'd wait a full week before putting heavy furniture back. Dry time depends on temperature, humidity, and the stain product used. I'll give you specific guidance on job day.
Should I use solid stain or semi-transparent? It depends on the wood's condition. Semi-transparent stain shows the wood grain and looks more natural, but solid stain hides imperfections on older wood. I'll recommend the best option based on your deck's condition and what you want it to look like.
Can you stain a new deck? Yes, but new pressure-treated lumber needs to weather for a few months before staining so the wood can dry out and accept stain properly. If your deck was just built, I'll tell you when it's ready.
Do you stain fences and pergolas too? Absolutely. The same prep-and-stain process works for fences, pergolas, gazebos, and any other exterior wood structure. I quote those separately based on size and condition.
