Deck Staining Cost in Seattle

How much does deck staining cost in Seattle? Hi, my name is Anar and I am a deck restoration specialist at Alexandria Builders. If you live in Seattle or anywhere around Puget Sound, chances are your home has a deck too. It fits our lifestyle perfectly. With evergreen trees around us, fresh air, and those rare but beautiful sunny days, having a wooden deck is a big part of enjoying the Pacific Northwest.
Today I want to talk about something every deck owner eventually faces: how to properly maintain a wooden deck and what goes into staining it. And of course the question everyone asks at some point: how much does deck staining actually cost in Seattle.
To understand the pricing the best approach is to first understand the work itself.

Step 1. Preparation

Every project starts with a thorough physical cleaning. We remove leaves, branches, moss, dirt, and anything else that collects on the surface over time. This simple step plays a big role because it helps the cleaning solutions absorb evenly later on. We also protect nearby plants and siding so they stay safe during the chemical and washing stages.

Step 2. Stripping

Next comes stripping which is the process of applying a special solution that softens the old stain. We use brushes or rollers to make sure the product gets into every corner of the deck and railings. Sometimes we cover the deck with plastic film after applying the stripper to help it work faster and more efficiently.
After the solution sits for 25 to 45 minutes, it fully activates. At this point we scrub the surface with a stiff brush and edge scraper to remove the softened coating. Only after this step is the deck ready for proper washing.
Once the scrubbing is done, we start pressure washing. We work with professional washers and special tips that distribute water in a safe way so the wood fibers do not get damaged. The goal is to remove everything that should not stay on the deck while keeping the wood healthy.

Step 3. Washing and Brightening

Pressure washing usually takes 40 minutes to 2 hour, depending on the deck size. When the washing is finished and the water drains off, we apply a brightener.
This is an important — and often overlooked — step. The brightener restores the natural pH balance of the wood, lightens the surface, and opens the grain so the stain absorbs evenly. It also dramatically improves the final appearance.
After brightening the deck needs 2 to 3 days to dry. Moisture levels must be below 12 percent before we can move forward.

Step 4. Sanding

Sanding is where the surface truly transforms. It removes splinters, leftover stain, and smooths the boards. It also opens the pores of the wood so the new stain penetrates deeply.
This is one of the most labor intensive parts of the project. Each board is sanded either with hand tools or industrial sanders until the surface becomes clean and consistent. After sanding we either blow the deck off with high pressure air or rinse it lightly depending on the project.

Step 5. Staining

Finally we apply the stain. Brushes and stain pads allow for detailed and controlled coverage. For railings we sometimes use a sprayer if it produces a cleaner and more even finish.
After application the stain needs up to 48 hours to dry and fully cure. Once that is done the deck is ready for everyday use again.
In total a full deck staining project in the Seattle area usually takes 2 to 5 days of work plus 2 to 3 additional days for proper drying.
As you can see, stain is only the last step. Everything before it is what actually determines how long the deck will last and how beautiful it will look.

So how much does deck staining cost in Seattle

For a typical homeowner the cost ranges from $1,500 to $7,000.
The final price depends on:

• the size of the deck
• the condition of the wood
• whether stripping or heavy washing is needed
• how much sanding the deck requires
• the complexity of the design and railings

These prices include all materials, labor, equipment, taxes, and the company’s operating expenses.

Deck Washing in Progress

Deck Sanding in Progress

Deck After Staining