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Your deck isn’t just outdoor space—it’s a significant investment in your Bloomfield Hills home. When done right, professional deck staining creates a protective barrier that shields your wood from UV damage, moisture penetration, and Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles that destroy unprotected surfaces.
The difference shows immediately. Instead of that weathered gray look that screams neglect, you get rich, natural wood tones that complement your home’s architecture. More importantly, you get years of protection that prevent costly repairs down the road.
Quality deck staining extends your deck’s lifespan significantly. We’re talking about the difference between replacing boards every few years versus enjoying your outdoor space for decades. That’s real value for homeowners who understand that maintenance today prevents major expenses tomorrow.
Legends Construction brings over 10 years of painting experience to Bloomfield Hills, where we understand exactly what your deck faces every season. We’re not another fly-by-night contractor—we’re local brothers who’ve built our reputation on quality work and competitive pricing.
We’ve seen what happens when homeowners trust their deck to the lowest bidder. Peeling stain, uneven coverage, and damage to landscaping are common problems we fix regularly. That’s why we focus on doing the job right the first time, using professional-grade materials and proven techniques.
Our goal is simple: make you so satisfied with our work that you call us again. In Bloomfield Hills, where property values and neighborhood standards matter, that means delivering results that protect your investment and maintain your home’s appearance for years to come.
First, we properly prepare your deck surface. This means thorough cleaning, addressing any damaged boards, and ensuring the wood is ready to accept stain. Most failures happen because contractors skip this crucial step—we don’t.
Next comes material selection. We use professional-grade stains that penetrate deep into the wood fibers, not the water-based products from big box stores that sit on the surface and peel. Our stains are specifically chosen for Michigan’s climate challenges.
Application is where experience matters most. We hand-brush every surface for complete control and even coverage. No overspray on your landscaping, no missed spots, no rush job. Each board gets the attention it needs for maximum protection and appearance.
The final step is timing. We schedule your project around weather conditions, ensuring proper cure time before exposure to moisture. This attention to detail is what separates professional results from amateur work that fails within months.
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Every deck staining project includes complete surface preparation, professional-grade materials, and hand-brushed application for superior results. We handle everything from minor board replacement to thorough cleaning and brightening before staining begins.
In Bloomfield Hills, where home values average over $677,000 and many properties exceed $1 million, your deck staining needs to meet the neighborhood’s standards. We understand this market and deliver work that maintains your property’s prestigious appearance.
Our service includes detailed inspection of your deck’s condition, honest assessment of what’s needed, and transparent pricing without surprises. We also provide realistic expectations about maintenance schedules—typically every 18-24 months for horizontal surfaces in Michigan’s climate.
You’ll also get practical advice about timing, weather considerations, and how to extend your stain’s lifespan. This isn’t just about applying product; it’s about educating homeowners so they can make informed decisions about their property maintenance.
Most exterior deck stains in Michigan last 18-24 months on horizontal surfaces and 24-36 months on vertical surfaces, even with premium products. This shorter lifespan compared to other regions is due to Michigan’s harsh climate—intense UV exposure in summer, freeze-thaw cycles in winter, and significant moisture variations throughout the year.
The key is using the right type of stain for our climate. Oil-based penetrating stains typically perform better than water-based products because they penetrate deeper into the wood fibers and provide better moisture resistance. However, even the best stains from Olympic, TWP, and Sikkens will show wear within two summers on high-traffic horizontal surfaces.
Don’t trust contractors who promise longer warranties—they either don’t understand Michigan weather or they’re not using quality materials. Regular maintenance every 18-24 months is much more cost-effective than dealing with wood rot and structural damage from neglected protection.
Deck staining penetrates into the wood fibers to protect from within while allowing the natural grain to show through. Paint sits on the surface and provides complete coverage but can trap moisture if it chips or peels. For most Michigan decks, staining is the better choice because it handles our freeze-thaw cycles more gracefully.
Stain comes in transparent, semi-transparent, and solid options. Transparent stains offer the most natural appearance but provide less UV protection. Semi-transparent stains give you color while still showing wood grain. Solid stains provide maximum protection and coverage but look more like paint.
The choice depends on your deck’s condition and your preferences. Newer decks in good condition work well with transparent or semi-transparent stains. Older decks with imperfections might benefit from solid stain that hides flaws while providing maximum protection. We’ll assess your specific situation and recommend the best option.
Proper preparation is crucial for stain adhesion and longevity. We start with thorough power washing using appropriate pressure settings—too much pressure damages wood fibers, too little doesn’t remove old stain and debris effectively. After washing, the deck must dry completely, typically 48 hours in good weather.
Next comes inspection and repair. We replace any damaged or rotted boards, secure loose fasteners, and sand rough areas. If your deck has previous stain that’s peeling or failing, we’ll strip it using biodegradable chemicals and controlled pressure washing. This step is essential because new stain won’t adhere properly over failing coatings.
The final preparation step is applying wood brightener to neutralize any cleaning chemicals and open the wood pores for better stain penetration. This step is often skipped by inexperienced contractors, but it’s critical for achieving professional results that last. Only after complete preparation and proper drying do we begin stain application.
Rain timing is critical for deck staining success. We need at least 24-48 hours of dry weather after application for proper curing, depending on the stain type. Oil-based stains need longer cure times than water-based products, and high humidity or cool temperatures extend drying time significantly.
If rain hits before the stain is properly cured, you’ll see washout, blotching, or uneven appearance. This often requires stripping and restarting the entire project. That’s why we carefully monitor weather forecasts and only begin projects when we have adequate dry time predicted.
We also avoid staining in direct sunlight during hot days because the stain can dry too quickly, preventing proper penetration and causing lap marks. The ideal conditions are temperatures between 50-80 degrees, low humidity, and no direct sun on the surface during application. Professional contractors plan around weather—amateurs hope for the best.
Deck stain peeling usually happens because of poor surface preparation, wrong product choice, or improper application technique. The most common cause is applying new stain over old, failing coatings without proper removal. The new stain bonds to the old coating instead of the wood, and when the old coating fails, everything comes off together.
Another major cause is using film-forming stains (like many big box store products) in climates with freeze-thaw cycles. These products sit on the wood surface and can’t handle the expansion and contraction that happens in Michigan winters. They crack and peel, allowing moisture to get underneath and cause further damage.
Prevention starts with complete removal of any failing coatings, proper wood preparation, and using penetrating stains that soak into the wood rather than sitting on top. We also ensure the wood moisture content is appropriate before application and never rush the process. Quality preparation and materials cost more upfront but prevent the expensive problems that come with failed stain jobs.
Professional deck staining costs in Bloomfield Hills typically range from $2-4 per square foot, depending on your deck’s size, condition, and the level of preparation required. Factors that affect pricing include existing stain removal, board replacement needs, deck accessibility, and the type of stain selected.
Higher-end properties often require premium materials and more detailed preparation work, which increases costs but provides better long-term value. We’ve found that Bloomfield Hills homeowners understand the difference between cheap work and quality results—they’re usually more concerned with protecting their investment than finding the lowest price.
We provide detailed written estimates that break down all costs, so you know exactly what you’re paying for. This includes preparation work, materials, labor, and cleanup. We don’t believe in surprise charges or change orders unless you request additional work. Our goal is transparent pricing that reflects the quality of work your property deserves.
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