A good stain job is mostly prep. Because we’re a washing company first, we do the cleaning and the staining ourselves, so the wood is clean, dry and ready before any stain goes on. We stain decks, fences and pergolas for homeowners in Beaufort, Lady’s Island, Port Royal, Bluffton and Hilton Head Island.
Why Wood Needs Stain in the Lowcountry
Bare wood has a hard life here. Summer sun bleaches it gray. Afternoon storms soak it, then the heat bakes it dry again, so boards swell, shrink, check and cup. And with marsh humidity and shade from live oaks, mildew and green algae can settle into the grain fast, especially on fences and deck boards that stay damp along the ground.
A quality penetrating stain helps in three ways:
- It sheds water, so boards soak up less moisture and move less.
- It blocks UV, which slows the graying and keeps the color you chose.
- It slows mildew and algae, because water beads off rather than sitting in the grain.
Stain doesn’t make wood maintenance-free, but it stretches the time between big jobs and helps your deck or fence last longer.
Deck, Fence & Pergola Staining We Do
Decks
Wood decks, steps and railings. We work board by board for even coverage without puddles or lap marks.
Fences
Privacy fences, picket fences and horse- or ranch-style board fences. We keep stain off your siding, pavers and plants.
Pergolas
Pergola posts, beams and rafters get the same clean-dry-stain treatment. Have other outdoor wood you’d like stained? Ask us when you request a quote.
Our Process: Clean, Dry, Prep, Stain
- Look it over. We check for loose boards, popped nails, soft spots and old coatings that are peeling. Stain won’t fix rotten wood, so we’ll point out anything that needs a carpenter first.
- Clean the wood. We wash with low pressure and a wood-safe cleaner to lift mildew, algae, dirt and gray, weathered fibers. High pressure can fur and gouge soft pine, so we keep it gentle.
- Let it dry. Wood has to dry out before it will take stain, and Lowcountry humidity can slow that down. We schedule the stain once the wood is ready.
- Prep. We protect siding, pavers, plants and anything else we don’t want stained.
- Stain. We apply the stain evenly and work it into the grain so it soaks in instead of sitting on top.
- Walk it with you. We clean up, remove the masking and go over care tips before we leave.
Choosing a Stain
The main choice is how much color you want:
- Clear or toner: shows off the wood grain but gives the least UV protection, so it needs redoing sooner.
- Semi-transparent: a popular choice for decks and fences. You get color and better UV protection, and you can still see the grain.
- Solid color: looks more like paint and hides old stain and uneven wood. Good for older, weathered wood, but it can peel on walking surfaces over time.
We’ll help you pick a color that suits your house. If you live in a community with an architectural review board, check whether your HOA needs to approve the color before we start.
How Long It Lasts
It depends on the wood, the sun, the stain and how the deck is used. Horizontal surfaces like deck floors and steps wear fastest because they take direct sun, standing water and foot traffic. Vertical surfaces like fences and pergola posts hold up longer. A gentle deck cleaning or fence cleaning between stain jobs helps the finish last.
Deck & Fence Staining Prices in Beaufort
Every staining job is quoted individually, and the quote is free. The main factors are:
- Size: square footage of deck floor, or length and height of fence
- Detail work: railings, spindles, stairs, lattice and pergola beams take more time than flat boards
- Condition: new wood, weathered gray wood, or old stain that’s peeling
- Stain type: clear, semi-transparent or solid
- Access: tight side yards, steep lots or second-story decks
Staining FAQs
Should I pressure wash my deck before staining it?
The wood should be cleaned, but not blasted. High pressure can gouge and fuzz the wood and make the stain go on blotchy. We use low pressure with a wood cleaner, then let the wood dry before staining.
How long after cleaning can you stain?
The wood has to be dry first, and in Lowcountry humidity that can take a while. We’ll schedule the stain once the boards are ready.
Can you stain a new pressure-treated deck or fence?
New pressure-treated lumber is often too wet to take stain right away, so it usually needs time to dry out first. We can check it and tell you when it’s ready.
Do you do the cleaning too?
Yes. One crew handles the cleaning and the staining, so the prep is done right.
Related Services
- Deck Cleaning: low-pressure cleaning for wood and composite decks
- Fence Cleaning: wood and vinyl fences cleaned gently
- House Washing & Soft Washing: siding, trim and doors
Get a Free Staining Quote
Ready to bring your deck, fence or pergola back? Request a free quote and choose Wood / Fence Staining on the form, or call (843) 592-6848. We’re licensed and insured, and we’re open 9 AM to 7 PM, seven days a week.
Proudly serving Beaufort, Lady’s Island, Port Royal, Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, SC.
Get Your Free Quote
Prefer to text? Text us at (843) 592-6848 or call.