How Much Does It Cost to Stain a Deck in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

On average, you can expect to spend between $550 and $1,250, or $1 to $4 per square foot, to stain your deck. Costs depend on factors like location, deck size, and the quality of stain used. Staining your deck enhances its appearance and curb appeal and protects your investment from weather and wear. Proper budgeting and hiring a deck staining professional ensures the job is done safely and prevents common issues like uneven coverage, peeling, and fading.

Deck Staining Cost Factors

The total cost to stain your deck depends on several factors, including size, the stain type you choose, and local labor rates.

Deck Size

The cost to stain your deck largely depends on its size. Most deck staining contractors charge between $1 and $2.50 per square foot. For example, staining a standard 350-square-foot deck might cost between $350 and $875, while a 586-square-foot deck can cost up to $2,350.

Stain Type

There are several types of stains available, with prices ranging from $20 to $120 per gallon. Water-based stains are environmentally friendly and resist mold, making them a good choice for humid climates. Oil-based stains penetrate deeply into the wood for lasting protection. Solid stains provide durable coverage but hide the wood grain, while semi-transparent stains highlight the wood's natural beauty. Choosing the correct type of stain affects the total project cost and your deck’s appearance.

Labor

Professional deck stainers charge between $1 and $2.50 per square foot for labor. If you’re staining a standard 350-square-foot deck, expect to pay between $350 and $875 for labor. Rates may increase to $7 per square foot for complex projects or in areas with a higher cost of living.

Cost by Deck Treatments

Many homeowners combine staining with other deck treatments. The treatment(s) your deck needs depends on the condition of the wood, its age, and the kind of maintenance it has undergone.

Power Wash and Stain

If you want to reduce labor costs, you can power wash your deck before hiring a professional. Renting a power washer costs between $35 and $175 daily, while buying one outright can range from $100 to $1,200. However, many professional deck stainers include cleaning as part of the staining process, with combined wash-and-stain services costing $50 to $100 per hour.

Sanding and Staining

Sanding helps to remove imperfections, old finishes, and smooth rough spots on your deck. For light sanding, costs range from $1 to $1.50 per square foot, including staining. For extensive jobs, expect to pay between $2 and $4 per square foot for combined sanding and staining services.

Strip and Stain

Removing paint is a time-consuming process that involves applying remover products and allowing them to sit overnight. On average, stripping paint costs between $9 and $12 per square foot, depending on the wood’s condition and the type of remover used.

Stain and Seal

Sealing your deck costs between $550 and $1,300 and should be done every few years to protect the wood from the elements. While staining enhances the color, sealing adds another layer of protection. Combining both in one project reduces the cost of labor, bringing your required budget to $800 to $1,700 in total.

Re-Staining

Expect to pay between $0.50 and $1.00 per square foot if your deck only needs a new stain without additional prep work. In most cases, though, at least a surface-level clean helps to prepare the wood and keeps your deck in better shape. To be safe, you should consider budgeting an average of $2 to $4 per square foot.

Railing Staining

The cost to stain your deck railings ranges between $4 and $12.50 per linear foot and includes power washing or power sanding to prepare the surface. The process also includes staining the individual handrails and spindles for a smooth, even finish.

DIY vs. Hiring a Deck Staining Pro

If you plan to stain your own deck, expect to pay between $20 and $250 in materials, depending on the mixture type and how much stain you’ll need for the surface area of your deck. While staining your deck yourself might save on labor costs, hiring a professional ensures the job is done right and can prevent costly mistakes. Professionals have the expertise to select the appropriate products and techniques for lasting results.

Hiring with a deck staining pro near you gives you peace of mind, prevents accidents, and ensures that the job is done right.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.