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You’re not just getting color on wood. You’re getting protection that stops water damage before it starts, UV resistance that prevents that gray weathered look, and a finish that brings out your deck’s natural beauty instead of hiding it.
Your deck stops being something you avoid looking at and becomes the outdoor space you actually want to use. No more splinters, no more gray boards, no more wondering if this is the year you’ll need to replace the whole thing.
The right stain, applied correctly, means your deck handles Rochester Hills’ temperature swings from 19°F winters to 83°F summers without falling apart on you.
Legends Construction brings over 10 years of painting experience to Rochester Hills. We’re not the guys who show up, spray everything in sight, and leave your landscaping looking like a crime scene.
We hand-brush our stains for control. We prep surfaces properly so the stain actually sticks. And we understand what Michigan weather does to outdoor wood, so we use materials that can handle it.
You won’t find us cutting corners or rushing jobs. When you’re dealing with a significant investment like your deck, you want contractors who know the difference between doing it fast and doing it right.
First, we clean your deck properly. That means removing old stain, dirt, mildew, and anything else that would prevent the new stain from bonding correctly. Most problems with deck staining come from skipping this step.
Next comes sanding where needed and letting everything dry completely. Wet wood doesn’t take stain evenly, and uneven stain looks terrible and fails early.
Then we apply the stain by hand with brushes. No spraying that gets stain all over your siding and kills your plants. We control where the stain goes, how much gets applied, and make sure it penetrates properly into the wood grain.
Finally, we clean up completely and give you specific guidance on when you can use your deck again and how to maintain it.
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You get stains specifically chosen for Michigan’s climate. Not whatever’s cheapest, but products that handle the freeze-thaw cycles, UV exposure, and moisture that Rochester Hills throws at outdoor wood.
Our process includes thorough surface preparation, proper application techniques, and cleanup that leaves your property better than we found it. No stain on your brick, no dead plants, no shortcuts that cost you money later.
We work around your schedule and weather conditions. Michigan weather can be unpredictable, but we know when conditions are right for staining and when to wait. Rushing a stain job because of schedule pressure leads to failures that you end up paying to fix.
You also get straightforward pricing with no surprises and contractors who show up when we say we will.
Every 2-3 years for most decks, but it depends on exposure and wood type. If you’re seeing gray wood, water soaking in instead of beading up, or the stain looking worn, it’s time.
Rochester Hills weather is particularly hard on decks. The freeze-thaw cycles, UV exposure from summer sun, and moisture from snow and rain break down stain faster than in milder climates. Waiting too long means you’ll pay more because we’ll need to do more prep work to get the surface ready for new stain.
The key is not waiting until your deck looks terrible. Regular maintenance staining is much less expensive than restoration work on badly weathered wood.
Stain soaks into the wood and lets the grain show through. Paint sits on top and covers everything with a solid color. Both protect, but they work differently.
Stain is usually better for decks because it moves with the wood as it expands and contracts. Paint can crack and peel when the wood moves, especially with Michigan’s temperature swings. Stain also tends to wear more gradually, while paint failure is usually more obvious and dramatic.
If you want to see wood grain and have a more natural look, stain is your choice. If you want solid color coverage or need to cover up damaged wood, paint might work better. We can help you decide based on your deck’s condition and what you’re trying to achieve.
Depends on the condition of the existing stain. If it’s still adhering well and just faded, we can often stain over it. If it’s peeling, flaking, or has been painted, it needs to come off first.
We test the existing finish by trying to scrape it and checking how water reacts to the surface. If water beads up, the old finish is blocking penetration and needs removal. If water soaks in, we can usually work with what’s there.
Stripping or sanding adds cost and time, but it’s necessary for a good result when the old finish has failed. Trying to stain over failing finish just means the new stain will fail too, usually within a year. Better to do it right the first time.
Usually 24-48 hours before you can walk on it, but full cure takes longer. Michigan humidity and temperature affect drying times significantly.
We don’t start staining if rain is forecast within 24 hours or if humidity is too high. The stain needs time to penetrate and begin curing before moisture hits it. Cool temperatures slow drying, high humidity slows drying, and direct sun can actually cause problems by making the surface dry too fast.
Spring and fall are ideal for staining here because temperatures are moderate and humidity is typically lower. Summer can work but requires more careful timing. We track weather conditions and plan accordingly so your stain job doesn’t get ruined by an unexpected shower.
The wood starts absorbing water, which leads to rot, warping, and structural problems. What starts as a cosmetic issue becomes a safety and expense issue pretty quickly.
Unstained wood in Rochester Hills typically starts graying within the first year. After that, you get cracking, splintering, and water damage. Once water gets into the wood regularly, you’re looking at board replacement rather than just refinishing.
The cost difference is significant. Regular staining might cost $1,500-3,000 every few years. Replacing deck boards or entire sections can easily cost $5,000-15,000 or more. Plus you lose the use of your deck during major repairs, and matching new wood to old is always challenging.
Typically $1.50-4.00 per square foot depending on the deck’s condition, size, and what prep work is needed. A 500 square foot deck usually runs $750-2,000 for complete service.
Price varies based on how much cleaning, sanding, or stripping is required. A deck in good condition that just needs cleaning and fresh stain costs less than one that needs extensive prep work. Railings, stairs, and complex shapes add to the cost because they take more time.
We provide written estimates that break down exactly what’s included so you know what you’re paying for. No surprises, no extra charges for normal prep work, and no pressure to decide immediately. Good staining work is an investment in your property, and you should understand exactly what you’re getting for your money.
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