Deck Refinishing& Staining

Colorado is unusually hard on decks

At this altitude the UV is stronger and the humidity swings are wider than most of the country. A deck finish that would last four years at sea level gets about two here. Once the finish fails, the wood starts absorbing water, and that's when you get checking, splitting and cupped boards.

So a gray deck is not only a cosmetic problem. It's wood that's no longer protected, and every freeze-thaw cycle from that point is doing damage you'll eventually pay to replace instead of pay to refinish.

Stripping and sanding is most of the job

Anyone can roll stain onto a dirty deck. It will look acceptable for a few months and then peel in sheets, because stain applied over failed finish and mill glaze never bonds to anything.

The work is in the prep: strip the old finish, neutralize, let it dry fully, then sand to open the grain so the new finish actually penetrates. We replace any board that's too far gone and set popped fasteners before finishing. Then the stain goes on — and it lasts, because there's clean open wood underneath it.

Our deck photos on the work page show all of it: gray and weathered, stripped back to bare, and the finished redwood-stained result with the benches.

Pricing

What Drives the Price

We don't publish flat rates, because a number quoted without seeing the job is either padded to cover the worst case or it's going to change later. Neither is fair to you. Here's what we're actually looking at when we price it:

• Square footage, including stairs, railings and benches
• How much old finish has to come off, and what kind it is
• Condition of the boards and how many need replacing
• Railing complexity — spindles take far longer than flat rail
• Stain type and whether you want solid, semi-transparent or clear
• Whether attached fencing or pergola is included

Estimates are free, there's no obligation, and you get the number before any work starts.

Questions

Straight Answers

Can my deck be saved or does it need replacing?

Most decks people assume are finished just need refinishing. The test is structural: joists, ledger and posts. If the framing is sound, gray surface boards are a finish problem, not a demolition problem. We'll tell you straight which one you have.

How long does it take?

Typically two to four days for an average deck. Stripping and sanding is day one, the wood has to dry completely before stain goes on, and the finish needs cure time before furniture comes back.

How long will the finish last?

Two to four years in Colorado depending on sun exposure and the product. South and west-facing decks fade fastest. A light maintenance coat every couple of years is far cheaper than another full strip.

Solid or semi-transparent stain?

Semi-transparent shows the grain and looks better on decent wood, but needs recoating sooner. Solid hides damage and lasts longer but reads more like paint and is harder to reverse later. We'll show you both on your actual boards.

Can you do the fence at the same time?

Yes, and it's worth it. Matching the deck and fence in one visit costs less than two separate trips and makes the whole yard look intentional.