Most wood decks should be restained approximately every 2–3 years, but the actual timing depends on the type of stain, sun exposure, weather, foot traffic, and the condition of the wood. We can inspect the existing finish and determine whether your deck is ready for restaining.

Yes. Proper preparation is an important part of professional deck staining. Depending on the condition of the deck, preparation may include cleaning, carefully controlled pressure washing, stripping failing finishes, and other surface preparation before staining.

Not every deck requires the same amount of sanding. Sanding may be recommended for weathered surfaces, rough boards, peeling or failing finishes, or areas where additional preparation will improve the final appearance and stain adhesion. We evaluate the deck during the estimate and recommend the appropriate preparation.

Transparent stain preserves the most visible natural wood grain while adding protection. Semi-transparent stain adds more color while still allowing the grain and texture of the wood to show. Solid stain provides much greater color coverage and is often suitable for older or previously solid-stained decks.

Yes. If we find rotten or damaged boards during the inspection, minor repairs and board replacement can often be completed before the deck is prepared and stained. If the deck has significant structural problems involving joists, posts, framing, stairs, or other structural components, we can evaluate it for more extensive deck repair.

Most projects take several days from preparation through staining, although the schedule depends on deck size, condition, preparation requirements, weather, and drying time. Rain or high wood moisture can extend the schedule because the wood must be sufficiently dry before stain is applied.

We generally recommend waiting at least 24 hours before walking on the deck and approximately 48 hours before returning furniture, subject to the specific stain, weather, temperature and drying conditions. We will provide instructions for your particular project.

We can help you select a stain color that complements your existing deck and home exterior. Exact matching can vary depending on the wood species, age, previous coatings and condition of the deck. For solid colors, testing samples on the actual wood is often the best way to evaluate the final appearance.

Core Improve provides professional deck staining, cleaning, sanding, refinishing and restoration services throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, including communities across Cook, Lake, DuPage, McHenry, Kane, Kendall, DeKalb and Boone counties.