Decks and fences take more weather than any other painted part of a house. In Pittsburgh they sit under rain, snow and leaves for much of the year, and shaded boards stay damp. Product choice and dry wood matter more here than anywhere.
Price ranges on this page are national figures published by HomeGuide for 2026. They are not our quotes. Local labor, the paint you choose and the condition of your own walls move the number up or down. Last checked October 2026.
How much does it cost to stain a deck?
Nationally the cost to stain a deck is $1.50 to $4 per square foot when done by a professional, or $450 to $1,000 on average. A 12x16 deck is listed at $301 to $775.
For a 300 square foot deck, $1.50 to $4 per square foot comes to $450 to $1,200. For 400 square feet it comes to $600 to $1,600. Railings are extra at $4 to $12 per linear foot. The method changes the price:
- Stain and seal only: $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot.
- Power wash, stain and seal: $1.00 to $2.50.
- Power sand, stain and seal: $2.00 to $4.00.
- Strip, stain and seal: $2.50 to $5.50.
Should I paint or stain my deck?
Stain is the better choice for most decks. Whether you paint or stain your deck, the floor is the issue: paint forms a film, and on a flat surface that holds water and gets walked on, the film cracks and peels.
Stain soaks in and wears away gradually, so recoating is simple. Paint can suit railings, posts and covered porch floors. Nationally, deck painting costs $2 to $5 per square foot.
Solid or semi-transparent stain on an old deck?
Use solid stain on an old deck. It hides grey, mismatched and repaired boards under an even color. Semi-transparent stain shows the grain and suits newer wood that still looks good.
Solid stain protects longer on rails and posts. On the floor it shows wear paths sooner than semi-transparent.
How often does a deck need restaining?
A deck needs restaining every 2 to 3 years, by the national figure. Floors in full sun or under trees may need it sooner. Rails and posts last longer.
Splash water on the boards. If it soaks in and does not bead, it is time.
Can you paint a deck that was previously stained, or stain one that was previously painted?
A previously stained deck can be painted or coated with solid stain once it is cleaned and dry. A previously painted deck cannot simply be stained. Stain has to soak into wood, and paint blocks it.
To stain a painted deck, the paint has to be stripped or sanded off completely. That is the most costly prep method. Often the practical choice is to repaint, or to use a solid stain over a sound, sanded surface.
Why is my deck stain peeling after a year?
Deck stain is peeling because it sat on top of the wood and did not soak in. The usual causes are damp wood, too many coats, or new stain over an old film that was not removed.
Solid stains and deck paints peel more than penetrating stains. Snow sitting on the boards and wet leaves speed it up. The fix is to strip or sand back to sound wood and recoat thinly.
How long should I wait before staining a new deck or pressure-treated fence?
Wait until the wood is dry enough to take stain. New pressure-treated lumber is delivered wet with preservative and often needs several weeks to a few months of drying.
Use the water test: sprinkle water on the wood. If it soaks in within a few minutes, the wood is ready. If it beads, wait. Kiln-dried lumber can be stained sooner.
Can I stain a deck while the wood is damp?
No. Damp wood cannot absorb stain, so the stain sits on the surface and fails. After rain or washing, give the deck at least a day or two of dry weather.
In Pittsburgh this is the hardest part of the job. Shaded decks against wooded hillsides dry slowly, and morning dew can last until late morning. We check the boards before we start.
Should I stain or paint my wood fence?
Stain is usually the better choice for a wood fence. Whether you stain or paint your fence, remember it has two sides and many edges: stain fades and is simply recoated, while paint peels and has to be scraped first.
Paint suits a smooth picket fence that you want white or in a set color. Nationally, fence painting or staining costs $2 to $14 per linear foot, or $200 to $1,400 for 100 feet. No published figure exists for how long fence stain lasts.
Is an old pine fence worth staining, or should it be replaced?
An old fence is worth staining when the posts are solid and the boards are whole. Push on each post. If the posts are firm and upright, cleaning and staining adds years.
If posts are rotted at the ground and the fence leans, stain is wasted money. Posts fail first in our clay soil and freezing winters. A few broken pickets can be replaced before staining.
A free estimate and a written quote is the only way to get a real price for your job. Call or text (412) 668-1875.