Hear from Our Customers
Your deck stops looking weathered and gray. The wood grain pops with rich, even color that doesn’t peel or fade after one Michigan winter.
You get years of protection instead of months. The stain penetrates deep, creating a barrier against snow, rain, and UV damage that actually holds up.
Most importantly, you’re done worrying about it. No more weekend projects trying to fix what went wrong last time. No more watching your deck deteriorate while you research contractors online.
Legends Construction LLC has been handling deck staining and exterior painting in Birmingham for over 10 years. We’re a family operation – two brothers who’ve built our reputation on work that lasts.
Birmingham homeowners know Michigan weather destroys outdoor wood faster than anywhere. We’ve seen every type of deck failure, from cheap stains that wash off to improper prep work that causes peeling.
That’s why we focus on getting it right the first time. Our goal isn’t just to complete your project – it’s to make sure you’re satisfied enough to call us again when you need other work done.
First, we clean and prep your deck properly. This means removing old stain, sanding rough spots, and making sure the wood is ready to accept new stain. Most deck staining failures happen because this step gets rushed.
Next, we apply high-quality exterior wood stain using the right techniques for Michigan’s climate. We work in optimal weather conditions and apply the right number of coats for maximum protection.
Finally, we clean up completely and walk through the finished work with you. You’ll know exactly what was done and what to expect from your newly stained deck over the coming years.
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Our deck staining services include complete surface preparation, which is crucial for Birmingham’s climate. Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles are particularly hard on improperly prepared wood surfaces.
We use exterior wood stains specifically chosen for our region’s weather patterns. These products penetrate deeper and last longer than generic options you’d find at big box stores.
The service covers thorough cleaning, necessary repairs to loose boards or protruding nails, proper stain application, and complete cleanup. Birmingham homeowners appreciate that we handle every detail so their outdoor spaces are ready for entertaining season after season.
A properly applied deck stain should last 3-5 years in Michigan’s climate, depending on sun exposure and foot traffic. The key is proper surface preparation and using high-quality exterior stain designed for our freeze-thaw cycles.
Cheap stains or poor application might only last 1-2 years. That’s why we focus on doing the job right the first time – it actually costs you less in the long run than having to restain every couple of years.
Late spring through early fall offers the best conditions for deck staining in Birmingham. We need temperatures between 50-85 degrees with low humidity and no rain in the forecast for 24-48 hours.
May through September typically provides the most consistent weather windows. We don’t recommend staining in winter or during Michigan’s unpredictable spring weather when sudden temperature drops can affect stain curing.
Early fall is often ideal because humidity is lower and you’re less likely to get surprise thunderstorms that can ruin a fresh stain job.
It depends on the condition of your existing stain. If the old stain is peeling, flaking, or has turned gray, it needs to be removed completely before new stain can be applied effectively.
Solid stains almost always need to be stripped. Semi-transparent stains in good condition can sometimes be cleaned and restained directly, but this varies case by case.
We evaluate each deck individually because applying new stain over failing old stain is a waste of your money. The new stain won’t adhere properly and you’ll be dealing with the same problems within a year.
Deck staining costs vary based on deck size, condition, and the amount of prep work required. Most Birmingham homeowners spend between $2-4 per square foot for professional deck staining services.
Factors that affect pricing include whether old stain needs stripping, if boards need replacement, and the type of stain you choose. We provide detailed estimates that break down exactly what you’re paying for.
The investment typically pays for itself compared to DIY projects that fail early or hiring cheap contractors who cut corners on prep work.
Semi-transparent penetrating stains typically perform best in Michigan’s climate. They allow the wood to breathe while providing UV and moisture protection, which helps them handle our freeze-thaw cycles better than solid stains.
Oil-based stains generally last longer than water-based options in our climate, though water-based stains dry faster and have less odor. We recommend specific products based on your deck’s wood type and exposure.
The most important factor isn’t the brand – it’s proper application. Even the best stain will fail if it’s not applied correctly or if the surface preparation is inadequate.
You should wait at least 24-48 hours before walking on a newly stained deck, depending on temperature and humidity. In Michigan’s humid summers, drying can take longer than in dry climates.
We recommend waiting 72 hours before placing furniture back on the deck. Oil-based stains typically need more drying time than water-based options, but they also tend to last longer.
Weather conditions make a huge difference. Cool, humid days extend drying time significantly, while warm, dry days with good air circulation speed up the process. We’ll give you specific timing based on the products used and current conditions.
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