Staining a deck costs $1.50 to $4 per square foot in 2026, by national published figures. In South Florida, sun, daily summer rain and humidity are harder on horizontal wood than on any wall, so product choice and timing matter.
Price ranges on this page are national figures published by HomeGuide for 2026. They are not our quotes. Local labor, paint prices 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, it costs $1.50 to $4 per square foot to have a deck stained, or $450 to $1,000 for an average deck. The national average is $730.
| Deck size | National range, professional staining |
|---|---|
| 10 x 10 | $157 to $404 |
| 12 x 12 | $226 to $582 |
| 12 x 16 | $301 to $775 |
| 12 x 20 | $376 to $969 |
| 16 x 16 | $401 to $1,034 |
| 20 x 20 | $628 to $1,616 |
Prep changes the price. HomeGuide lists a power wash, stain and seal at $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot, and a strip, stain and seal at $2.50 to $5.50. Railings are $4 to $12 per linear foot.
Should I paint or stain my deck?
Stain is the better choice for most decks. It soaks into the wood and wears away slowly, so it does not peel in sheets. Paint sits on top as a film, and on a floor that gets wet and walked on, a film cracks and peels.
Paint or a solid stain makes sense on an old deck with mixed boards that needs full coverage. HomeGuide publishes deck painting at $2 to $5 per square foot.
Solid or semi-transparent stain on an old deck?
Use a solid stain on an old deck with gray, patched or mismatched boards, and a semi-transparent stain on wood that still looks good. Solid stain hides the wood grain and evens out the color. Semi-transparent shows the grain.
More pigment also means more protection from the sun, which counts in Miami. Clear sealers give the least.
How often does a deck need restaining?
A deck needs restaining every 2 to 3 years, by HomeGuide's published figure. In full South Florida sun, expect the short end, and check it each year.
Sprinkle water on the boards. If it soaks in instead of beading, the deck is ready for a new coat.
Can you paint a deck that was previously stained, or stain one that was already painted?
You can paint or solid stain over a previously stained deck after cleaning and sanding. You cannot stain over a deck that was already painted unless the paint is stripped off, because stain has to soak into bare wood.
Stripping paint from a deck is slow work. HomeGuide lists repainting a deck at $3 to $9 per square foot.
Why is my deck stain peeling after a year?
Deck stain is peeling because it formed a film on top of the wood and did not soak in. The usual causes are too much stain, stain over old sealer, damp wood or new wood that was not ready.
The fix is to strip or sand back to bare wood and apply a thin coat of a penetrating stain. More coats are not better on a deck.
How long should I wait before staining a new deck or pressure-treated fence?
Wait until new pressure-treated wood is dry, which can take from a few weeks to a few months. The wood is sold wet from the treatment, and stain cannot soak into wet wood.
Use the water test. Drops that soak in within a few minutes mean the wood is ready. Kiln-dried lumber and tropical hardwoods follow their own makers' advice.
Can I stain a deck while the wood is damp?
No. Damp wood will not take stain properly, and the finish fails early. The deck needs to dry after washing or rain, usually a day or two of dry weather.
In the Miami rainy season that window is hard to find. We plan deck work for dry spells and start early in the day.
Should I stain or paint my wood fence?
Stain is usually better for a wood fence. It is quicker to apply, it does not peel and it is simple to recoat. Paint gives a solid color but needs scraping when it fails.
HomeGuide publishes fence painting or staining at $2 to $14 per linear foot, or $300 to $2,800 for an average job. A 6 foot fence is listed at $4 to $9 per linear foot. No lifespan figure is published for fence finishes.
Is an old pine fence worth staining, or should it be replaced?
An old fence is worth staining if the posts are solid and the boards are sound. Replace it if the posts are rotted at the ground or the fence leans. Push on the posts to find out.
In Miami-Dade, wood posts rot at ground level from wet soil and termites, and storms finish off weak fences. Stain protects good wood. It does not hold up a failing fence.
Can you paint or stain a dock, pergola or pool deck?
Yes for wood docks and pergolas, which are treated like decks. Concrete pool decks are a different surface and take concrete coatings, not wood stain. Ask us what yours needs.
A free estimate with a written quote is the only way to get a real price for your job. Call or text (786) 745-7109.