Deck and fence staining
Decks, fences and porches washed, brightened and stained, so the wood is protected through Wisconsin winters.
Sun dries the wood, water swells it and frost cracks it. A deck or fence that is not protected turns grey, splinters and starts to rot at the ends of the boards. Stain keeps water out and slows all of it.
Preparation
We wash the wood to remove dirt, mildew and old loose stain, then apply a brightener that brings the wood back to its own color. The wood has to dry fully before stain goes on, usually a day or two.
Staining
Stain is brushed into the wood so it soaks in, rather than sprayed on and left to sit on top. Railings, balusters and steps are done by hand. Before we start, we fix loose boards and set popped nails, and we point out any boards that are soft or rotten.
When
Staining needs a few dry days in a row with mild temperatures, so we do it from late spring to early fall, booked around the weather.