Horizontal wood has the hardest life of anything we coat. A St. Louis deck sits in humid heat and strong sun all summer, then goes through freeze and thaw and snow in winter. The right product and dry wood matter more here than anywhere else on the house.
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, wood and brick 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 stain a deck professionally, or $450 to $1,000 on average, with a national average of $730. To stain a 12 by 16 deck, the published range is $301 to $775.
| Deck size | National range, professional |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Railings are extra, published at $4 to $12 per linear foot. Stripping an old finish first raises the rate to $2.50 to $5.50 per square foot. Deck painting is published at $2 to $5 per square foot.
Should I paint or stain my deck?
Stain is the better choice for most deck floors. It soaks into the wood and wears away slowly. Paint forms a film on top, and when water gets under that film on a flat board, it peels. Paint can make sense on railings, posts and old decks that are already painted.
If you are asking whether to paint or stain your deck for looks alone, a solid stain gives a painted look with less peeling.
Solid or semi-transparent stain on an old deck?
Solid stain is usually right for an old deck. It hides grey wood, old stains and the mismatch between old and new boards. Semi-transparent stain shows the grain and looks best on newer wood in good condition.
Semi-transparent is easier to recoat later, because it fades instead of peeling.
How often does a deck need restaining?
A deck needs restaining every 2 to 3 years by the published national figure. In St. Louis, a deck in full sun may need it at the short end of that, and a shaded deck may grow mildew before the stain wears out.
Sprinkle water on the boards. If it soaks in instead of beading, it is time.
Can you paint a deck that was already stained, or stain one that was painted?
A previously stained deck can be painted or coated with solid stain once it is cleaned and sanded. A deck that was already painted cannot be stained until the paint is stripped off completely, which is slow work. The published national figure for repainting a deck is $3 to $9 per square foot.
In most cases the practical path for a painted deck is to scrape, sand, prime and repaint, or to use a solid stain over sound paint.
Why is my deck stain peeling after a year?
Deck stain is peeling because it sat on top of the wood instead of soaking in. The usual causes are too much product, a film-forming stain or paint on a floor, wood that was damp or dirty when coated, or old finish left underneath.
The cure is to strip or sand back to bare wood, let it dry, and apply a thin coat of a penetrating stain.
How long to wait before staining a new deck or pressure-treated fence?
Wait until the wood is dry enough to absorb water. New pressure-treated lumber is sold wet and can take weeks to a few months to dry, depending on the season. Kiln-dried lumber can be stained sooner.
Use the water test on a new deck or fence: if drops soak in within a few minutes, it is ready.
Can I stain a deck while the wood is damp?
No. Damp wood cannot take in stain, so the stain sits on the surface and fails early. Let the deck dry for a day or two of fair weather after rain or washing, and longer in humid spells or in shade.
Avoid staining in direct midday sun as well. The stain dries before it can soak in.
Should I stain or paint my wood fence?
Stain your wood fence in most cases. Stain soaks into rough fence boards and fades slowly, so recoating is simple. Paint looks crisp on a picket fence but peels in time and needs scraping before every repaint.
The published national figure for fence painting or staining is $2 to $14 per linear foot, or $4 to $9 per linear foot for a 6 foot fence.
Is an old pine fence worth staining or should it be replaced?
An old fence is worth staining if the posts are firm and the boards are solid. Grey color is only weathering. Push on the posts. If they rock at the ground or the boards are rotted at the bottom, put the money toward repair or a new fence instead.
A few new pickets and a solid stain can make a sound old fence look even again.
A free estimate with a written quote is the only way to get a real price for your job. Call or text (314) 742-3507.