Hear from Our Customers
You know what happens when deck staining goes wrong. The stain starts peeling within a year. Uneven coverage makes your deck look worse than before. You’re back to square one, except now you’ve wasted money and time.
Professional deck staining changes that cycle completely. Your deck gets proper surface preparation that makes stain actually stick. You get consistent coverage that looks intentional, not patchy. The stain penetrates deep enough to handle Michigan’s weather swings without failing.
Most importantly, you get years of protection instead of months. Your deck stays looking good while your neighbors deal with peeling, fading, and constant touch-ups.
Legends Construction LLC has been serving Clawson homeowners for two years, built on over 10 years of painting and staining experience. We’re not a massive company with rotating crews – it’s primarily the two of us, which means you get consistent quality on every project.
We’ve seen what happens when contractors cut corners on deck staining. That’s exactly why we focus on doing the job right the first time. Our approach is straightforward: proper preparation, quality materials, and workmanship that keeps customers calling us back.
Clawson’s weather is tough on decks. Between the freeze-thaw cycles and summer UV exposure, your deck takes a beating. We understand exactly what products and techniques work in this climate because we’ve been protecting decks here for years.
First, we inspect your deck thoroughly to identify any repairs needed before staining. Loose boards get secured, protruding nails get countersunk, and any damaged areas get addressed. You can’t stain over problems and expect good results.
Next comes the critical step most people skip: proper surface preparation. We clean the deck completely, removing old stain, dirt, and mildew. Then we sand where necessary to create the right surface texture for stain adhesion. This step determines whether your stain lasts two years or ten.
Finally, we apply the stain in optimal weather conditions using professional techniques. We work systematically to ensure even coverage and proper penetration. You get a deck that’s protected from day one and stays protected through multiple seasons.
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Your deck staining service includes complete surface preparation, which is where most DIY projects fail. We handle all necessary cleaning, sanding, and repairs to ensure proper stain adhesion. You don’t have to worry about renting equipment or figuring out the right prep sequence.
We use professional-grade exterior wood stains designed specifically for Michigan’s climate challenges. These aren’t the same products you’ll find at big box stores. They’re formulated to handle freeze-thaw cycles, UV exposure, and moisture penetration that destroys cheaper alternatives.
Clawson homeowners particularly benefit from our understanding of local conditions. We know how the clay soil affects deck settling, how the tree coverage in different neighborhoods impacts drying times, and which stain colors hold up best under Michigan’s intense summer sun. This local knowledge translates directly into longer-lasting results for your deck.
Professional deck staining typically lasts 3-5 years in Michigan, compared to 1-2 years for most DIY applications. The difference comes down to surface preparation and product quality.
Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles are particularly hard on deck stains. When water gets under poorly applied stain, it freezes and expands, causing the stain to lift and peel. Professional preparation includes thorough cleaning and proper surface texture, which prevent this water infiltration.
We also use commercial-grade stains formulated specifically for harsh climates. These penetrate deeper and flex with temperature changes instead of cracking. The result is protection that actually lasts through multiple Michigan winters.
Late spring through early fall offers the best conditions for deck staining in Clawson, with May through September being optimal. You need consistent temperatures between 50-85°F and no rain for at least 24-48 hours after application.
Michigan’s unpredictable spring weather makes timing crucial. We monitor weather forecasts carefully and only schedule staining when conditions support proper curing. Rushing the job during poor weather conditions leads to stain failure within the first year.
Fall staining can be excellent because temperatures are stable and humidity is lower. However, we avoid late fall applications because the stain needs adequate cure time before winter freeze cycles begin. Proper timing is just as important as proper application technique.
Professional deck staining typically costs 2-3 times more upfront than DIY, but lasts 2-3 times longer, making the cost per year roughly equivalent. However, the real savings come from avoiding premature deck replacement.
DIY deck staining often fails within 1-2 years, requiring complete stripping and reapplication. This cycle of failure and redo actually costs more over time than doing it professionally once. Plus, you avoid the time, equipment rental, and frustration of repeated DIY attempts.
Poor staining can also damage your deck permanently. We’ve seen decks where improper preparation or wrong product choice led to stain penetrating unevenly, creating permanent discoloration that requires expensive deck replacement. Professional application protects your investment properly from the start.
Yes, we handle all necessary deck repairs as part of our staining service. Staining over damaged wood is like painting over rust – it looks good initially but fails quickly.
Common repairs include securing loose boards, countersinking protruding nails, replacing damaged boards, and addressing any structural issues. We identify these problems during our initial inspection and handle them before any stain application begins.
Michigan’s weather is particularly hard on deck hardware and connections. Freeze-thaw cycles loosen fasteners, and moisture causes wood movement that creates gaps and splits. We address these issues systematically so your newly stained deck stays structurally sound and looks great for years.
Semi-transparent penetrating stains work best for Michigan decks because they provide weather protection while allowing the wood to breathe. Solid stains tend to peel in our freeze-thaw climate, while clear sealers don’t provide enough UV protection.
The key is choosing stains formulated specifically for harsh climates. These contain better UV blockers, mildew resistance, and flexibility compounds that prevent cracking during temperature swings. We use commercial-grade products that aren’t available to consumers.
Cedar and pressure-treated pine, common in Clawson decks, each require different stain formulations. Cedar needs stains that won’t react with natural tannins, while pressure-treated lumber requires products that penetrate properly despite chemical treatment. Using the wrong stain type leads to poor adhesion and premature failure.
Most deck staining projects take 2-3 days total, with actual work time being 1-2 days depending on deck size and condition. The timeline includes proper drying time between preparation and staining phases.
Day one typically involves inspection, repairs, and surface preparation including cleaning and sanding. The deck then needs to dry completely – usually 24-48 hours depending on weather conditions. Day two or three involves the actual stain application and final inspection.
Weather can extend timelines, particularly in Michigan where sudden rain showers are common. We never rush the process or apply stain in marginal conditions. It’s better to wait for proper conditions than deliver results that fail within the first year. Quality work requires adequate time for each phase of the process.
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