Deck Staining and Refinishing in Santa Rosa
A gray, weathered deck, stain worn through where the gutter drips, boards marked by oak leaves. We wash, prep and restain wood decks so they look cared for again.
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Deck staining
What does deck refinishing involve?
Getting the wood clean and ready, then putting a new finish on it. Dirt, mildew and worn stain come off first, the deck dries out, and stain goes on the boards, rails and steps. Small problems found along the way, like a soft board end or a gutter dripping onto the deck, get pointed out before the stain goes on.
- Weathered gray decks
- Peeling or worn-through stain
- Boards marked by wet leaves
- Rails, stairs and benches
- Washing before paint or stain
- Yearly deck maintenance
- Decks under dripping gutters
Good to know
Why do decks under trees wear out faster?
Because they rarely get to dry. Leaves sit wet on the boards and mark them, needles pack into the gaps and hold moisture, and an overflowing gutter can pour onto the same spot every storm. Wood that stays damp turns gray, grows mildew and loses its finish much faster than wood that dries out between rains.
Getting the deck ready
- Move furniture, grills, rugs and planters off the deck.
- Sweep off leaves and needles, especially from the gaps between boards.
- Look above the deck for a gutter that overflows or drips onto it.
- Think about the finish you want and tell us what’s on the deck now.
- Call (707) 940-7875 to have Dave come look at the deck.
How the job runs
From weathered to refinished
- See itDave looks at the deck, the old finish and whatever drips onto it.
- ProposalYou get the prep and staining scope in writing.
- WashThe deck is washed to take off dirt, growth and loose finish.
- Dry and prepThe wood is left to dry before any stain goes on.
- StainStain goes on the boards, rails and stairs, then the area is cleaned up.
FAQ
Deck Staining Questions
How often does a deck need restaining in Sonoma County?
Every two to three years is common for a wood deck here, but sun, shade and what hangs over it change that. A deck in full afternoon sun fades faster, while one under oaks or redwoods fights leaves, needles and damp. When water soaks straight in instead of beading, or the wood has gone gray, it’s time for a look. A yearly wash and check stretches the time between coats.
Do you repair deck boards too?
The small ones, yes: a few loose or split boards swapped out, or a wobbly railing made solid, all pointed out before the stain goes on. Larger deck repairs, new framing or structural work are outside what we do on a refinishing job, so you’d want a contractor for that part. The dry rot repair page covers the small exterior repairs we take on.
Should the gutters be fixed before the deck is stained?
If they drip on the deck, yes. A gutter that overflows onto the same boards every storm will wear through fresh stain right where it lands. Cleaning the gutter, adding a gutter guard or moving a downspout fixes the cause, and that’s worth doing before new stain goes down.
What does CAL FIRE say about decks?
Keep the space underneath clear. CAL FIRE’s home hardening guide says to maintain an ember-resistant zone beneath decks by removing all flammable materials, and it suggests ignition-resistant materials like composite for deck construction. For a wood deck you’re keeping, that means no firewood, dry leaves or cushions stored under it. See CAL FIRE’s guide.
When is a good time of year to stain a deck here?
In the dry months. Stain needs dry wood and a stretch of dry days to cure, so late spring through early fall is the usual window in Sonoma County, and fall jobs should wrap up before the first rains. Smoke and red-flag days can interrupt outdoor work in late summer, so booking earlier leaves more room.
Service area
Where do you refinish decks?
Wood decks around Windsor, Santa Rosa, Healdsburg and the rest of Sonoma County, handled from our offices in those first two towns. We also take deck work in Napa and Marin counties. Tell us the town and roughly how big the deck is when you call (707) 940-7875, and Dave will set up a visit.
Related services
Keep the deck from wearing out again
Talk to Dave's team
Deck looking tired?
Call (707) 940-7875 and tell us about the deck: its size, the old finish and what hangs over it. We’ll come out and send a written proposal.