Decks and fences take more weather than any other painted or stained surface. They lie flat or stand in the open, they hold snow for weeks in winter and they bake in summer. In Boston a deck finish has a short life, so the product and the prep matter a great deal.
Price ranges on this page are national figures published by HomeGuide for 2026. They are not our quotes. Boston labor rates, the age of the building and the amount of prep 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 with a professional, or $450 to $1,000 on average. HomeGuide lists a national average of $730, a low of $300 and a high of $2,300.
| 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 and handrails are extra at $4 to $12 per linear foot. The method changes the price too: a power wash, stain and seal is $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot, and a strip, stain and seal is $2.50 to $5.50.
Should I paint or stain my deck?
Stain is the better choice for most decks here. Stain soaks into the wood and wears away slowly. Paint sits on top as a film, and on a flat surface that holds snow and water it cracks and peels. A deck that is already painted is usually kept painted. Nationally, deck painting costs $2 to $5 per square foot and staining $1.50 to $4.
Solid or semi-transparent stain on an old deck?
On an old deck, a solid stain is usually the better pick. It hides grey wood, old stains and replaced boards, and it has more pigment to block the sun. Semi-transparent stain shows the grain and suits newer wood in good condition. It is also easier to recoat, because it fades instead of peeling.
How often does a deck need restaining?
A deck needs restaining every 2 to 3 years, by HomeGuide's national figure. In Boston, with snow sitting on the boards and strong summer sun, that is realistic for the floor. Railings and other upright parts last longer. Sprinkle water on the boards. If it soaks in instead of beading, it is time.
Can you paint a deck that was previously 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. Going the other way is hard. A deck that was already painted cannot take stain until all the paint is stripped, because stain has to soak into bare wood. In most cases a painted deck is repainted or covered with a solid stain.
Why is my deck stain peeling after a year?
Deck stain is peeling because it formed a film on the surface instead of soaking in. The usual causes are stain put on damp wood, too much stain applied, a new coat over an old failing one, or wood that was never cleaned. The fix is to strip or sand back to bare wood, let it dry and apply a thin coat of a penetrating stain.
How long should I wait before staining a new deck or pressure-treated fence?
Wait until the wood is dry enough to take stain, which for new pressure-treated lumber is often several weeks to a few months. The wood is sold wet from the treatment. Use the water test: when a few drops soak in within minutes, a new deck is ready. Kiln-dried lumber and cedar can be stained sooner. Do not leave new wood bare through a whole winter.
Can I stain a deck while the wood is damp?
No. Damp wood cannot absorb stain, so the stain sits on top and peels. After rain or washing, let the deck dry for at least two dry days, longer in shade or cool weather. This is the most common reason deck finishes fail early here, because spring is wet and people rush.
Should I stain or paint my wood fence?
Stain is usually the better finish for a wood fence. It soaks in, lets the wood breathe and fades instead of peeling, so the next coat needs little prep. Paint gives a crisp solid color, which suits a picket fence in front of an older house, but it needs scraping when it fails. Nationally, fence painting or staining costs $2 to $14 per linear foot.
Is an old pine fence worth staining or should it be replaced?
An old pine fence is worth staining if the posts are solid and the boards are firm. Push on the posts. If they rock, or are soft at ground level, the fence is near the end and stain will not save it. If only a few pickets or rails are bad, replace them, wash the fence and stain it all one color. HomeGuide publishes no lifespan for fence stain, so plan to check it every couple of years.
A free estimate with a written quote is the only way to get a real price for your job. Call or text (617) 553-6484.