Deck staining that survives the rain.

A Bellingham deck takes more weather than most. 40 inches of rain, cedar pollen, moss under the rails, and UV when the clouds finally break. Without stain, the wood grays, splits, and rots. A proper stain job every 3-5 years keeps the deck looking new and adds a decade to its life.

Most residential decks in Whatcom County run $770-$2,000 including rails, steps, and spindles. That range covers a recoat on a deck whose finish is still sound. Heavily weathered decks that need mold remediation, sanding back to sound wood, or board replacement price as restorations, typically $3,500 to $5,500 depending on size and condition. We tell you which one your deck is at the walkthrough, in writing. We prefer semi-transparent oil-based stains for new-ish wood and solid stains for anything over 10 years old. The key is prep: pressure wash, let dry for 48+ hours, light sand, then stain in a dry weather window.

What it actually costs.

How the job goes.

1. Walkthrough & quote

   We measure the deck, check for rot, look at the existing finish, and write a line-item quote.

2. Pressure wash & sand

   Strip existing finish where needed, pressure wash with deck-safe cleaner, then wait 48 hours for full dry.

3. Stain application

   Apply stain by brush, pad, or sprayer depending on product. Two coats on high-wear surfaces.

4. Cure & walk

   Allow 24-48 hours for full cure before foot traffic. Final walkthrough checks every board.

What you get when you hire us.

• Stains rated for 3-5 year performance in the PNW climate
• Full prep: pressure wash, sand, and moisture check
• Spindle and rail detail work included
• Weather scheduling, meaning we wait for a proper dry window
• Color picks with actual wood samples

Frequently asked questions.

How much does deck staining cost in Bellingham?

Most residential decks run $770-$2,000 or roughly $3.30-$6.60 per square foot including rails and spindles for a recoat on a sound finish. Heavily weathered decks needing mold remediation, sanding, or board replacement price as restorations, typically $3,500 to $5,500. Price depends on square footage, condition, and stain choice.

How often should a deck be restained in Bellingham?

Every 3-5 years for semi-transparent stain, every 5-7 for solid. Shaded decks with moss need more frequent attention. We can do a cleaning-and-recoat for less than a full redo if the finish is still sound.

Can you stain a brand-new deck right away?

No. New pressure-treated lumber needs 3-6 months to dry before stain can penetrate. Cedar and redwood can be stained sooner. We check moisture content during the walkthrough.

Related services.

Deck staining across Whatcom County.

Every neighborhood we serve has its own character. Pick your area for local notes and pricing:

Read the full deck staining guide for bellinghampaintpros, with cost tables, a bid checklist and a PDF you can download.