Strong sun, dry air and weeks of snow cover make decks grey and splinter quickly in the Salt Lake Valley. We wash and sand the boards, let them dry and apply a penetrating stain, which wears away slowly instead of peeling.
Decks wear out fast in the Salt Lake Valley. The sun at this altitude breaks down the surface of the wood, the dry air pulls moisture out and opens cracks, and then snow sits on the boards for weeks in winter. A deck that is left bare turns grey and splinters in a few seasons. Stain slows all of that down, but it has to be renewed. How often depends on how much sun and foot traffic the boards get.
We wash the deck, let it dry fully and sand rough or raised grain. Old finish that is peeling has to come off, because new stain will not hold on top of it. On most decks here we suggest a penetrating stain. It soaks into the wood and wears away slowly, so the next coat goes on without stripping. Paint and thick coatings on a walking surface tend to peel after freeze and thaw.
Stain needs dry wood and mild weather. Our low humidity means a washed deck dries quickly, often in a couple of sunny days. On hot days we stain in the morning or follow the shade, since stain put on hot boards flashes off before it can soak in. Bench and canyon homes with west-facing decks need the most care and the most frequent coats. Rails, steps and posts are done by brush so the stain reaches every joint.
Deck painting & staining in Salt Lake City: common questions
How often does a deck need restaining in Salt Lake City?
National published figures say every 2 to 3 years. A deck in full sun on the west side of a house can need it sooner, and a shaded or covered deck can go longer. When water stops beading and the color looks dry, it is time.
Should I paint or stain my deck?
Stain suits most decks here. It soaks in and does not peel in sheets. Paint gives a solid color and hides old boards, but when it fails it peels and has to be scraped. We look at the wood and the old finish and tell you which will hold.
Can you stain a deck in summer heat?
Yes, with care. We work early in the day or on the shaded side. Stain on boards that are too hot to hold your hand on dries on the surface instead of soaking in.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We walk the job and measure.
- Written quote: Prep, paint and price in writing.
- Prep & protect: We cover floors and furniture, repair and prime surfaces.
- Paint & walk-through: Two coats, clean lines, full clean-up and a final walk-through.