What happens to unfinished wood
The USDA Forest Products Laboratory, the federal wood research lab, says decks left without maintenance develop checks, cracks, raised grain and mildew, and the risk of decay goes up.1 On the NC coast, add strong sun and constant humidity.
How often to stain and seal
- Clear water-repellent preservatives: about one year on fully exposed deck surfaces, per the Forest Products Lab.1
- Semi-transparent stains: the pigment blocks sunlight and lengthens the finish life.1
- General rule of thumb: Fixr puts wood decks at needing restaining and sealing every two to three years.2
An easy test: sprinkle water on the boards. If it soaks in instead of beading, the finish is spent.
Prep matters more than the stain
- Clean it. Mildew and gray, weathered fibers have to come off or the new finish won't bond. The Forest Products Lab notes that power washing can remove wood from the surface, especially softer woods like cedar,1 so the cleaning should be gentle and done with the right solution.
- Let it dry. The Forest Products Lab says to wait at least two warm, windy days before finishing.1
- Stain and seal. Stain goes on in even coats, with the end grain and the boards' edges getting attention, because that is where water gets in.
Because we wash and stain, the same crew handles both steps. See wood staining and sealing and deck and fence cleaning.
What about composite decks?
Composite boards don't get stained, but they do get dirty and grow mildew. Trex allows up to 3,100 psi on its current boards with a fan tip held at least 8 inches away, and warns that going over can damage the boards and void the warranty.4
Typical costs (national, 2025)
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Deck staining / sealing | $550–$850, about $2–$5 per sq ft; restaining older wood about $4–$7 per sq ft2 |
| Fence staining | About $1,000–$3,000 (about $1,150–$3,300 including the wash)3 |
These are national figures, not our prices. Size, condition and railings or spindles change the job a lot. We quote free.
Want a real number for your house?
We give free, no-pressure quotes across Onslow and Pender counties — usually the same day you call.
Get a Free Quote Call (910) 333-7369
We work in Jacksonville, Richlands, Swansboro, Sneads Ferry, Holly Ridge, Hampstead, Surf City, and by scheduled trip to Topsail Island and the Crystal Coast.
Sources
- Finishes for Wood Decks (FinishLine, rev. 2013) — USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory
- Cost to Stain a Deck (2025) — Fixr
- Cost to Pressure Wash a Fence (2025) — Fixr
- How to Clean a Trex Deck — Trex
Prices quoted from national sources are averages, not our rates. Every home is different — call for a free, no-pressure quote.