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Your deck stops being a liability and becomes an asset again. No more worrying about winter damage, UV fading, or moisture seeping into the wood. No more watching your investment deteriorate while you figure out who to trust with the fix.
The right stain application means your deck weathers Michigan’s brutal seasons without the constant maintenance headaches. You get years of protection instead of months, and your outdoor space stays ready for family gatherings, not repair projects.
When we’re done, you’ll have a deck that looks great and stays that way. The kind of outdoor space that adds value to your Franklin home instead of detracting from it.
Legends Construction LLC brings over 10 years of painting experience to Franklin’s unique climate challenges. We’re a family-owned company run by two brothers who understand that your deck needs more than a quick coat of stain.
We’ve seen what Michigan weather does to decks. We’ve also seen what happens when contractors cut corners or don’t understand the local conditions. That’s why we focus on doing the job right the first time, using quality materials and proven techniques that actually hold up.
Franklin homeowners trust us because we deliver what we promise. No surprise costs, no shortcuts, no leaving you with a bigger problem than when we started.
We start with a thorough inspection of your deck’s current condition. This tells us what prep work is needed and helps us choose the right stain for your specific situation.
Next comes the preparation phase. We clean the deck thoroughly, sand rough spots, and make any necessary repairs. This step determines whether your stain job lasts three years or fifteen. We don’t skip it.
Then we apply the stain by hand, not spray. Hand brushing gives us complete control over coverage and prevents the overspray problems that damage your landscaping and home exterior. We time the application based on weather conditions and the specific stain we’re using.
The final step is a walkthrough with you to ensure everything meets our standards and yours. We clean up completely and leave you with care instructions to maximize your investment.
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Our deck staining service covers everything needed to protect your outdoor investment. We handle surface preparation, minor repairs, premium stain application, and complete cleanup.
In Franklin’s climate, proper preparation is crucial. Michigan’s temperature swings cause wood to expand and contract, creating gaps and rough spots that need attention before staining. We address these issues as part of our standard service.
We use premium stains designed for Michigan weather conditions. These aren’t the basic options you’ll find at big box stores. They’re formulated to handle UV exposure, moisture, and temperature extremes that are common in our area.
Our hand-brush application ensures even coverage and prevents the overspray issues that can damage your landscaping or home exterior. This method takes longer but delivers results that last significantly longer than spray applications.
Most decks in Franklin need restaining every 2-3 years, but this depends on several factors. The type of stain used, your deck’s sun exposure, and how well it was prepared all affect longevity.
Michigan weather is particularly hard on deck stains. Our winters with freeze-thaw cycles and summers with intense UV exposure break down protective coatings faster than in milder climates. A properly applied premium stain typically lasts longer than basic stains, making the investment worthwhile.
The best indicator is the water test. If water soaks into the wood instead of beading on the surface, your stain is losing its protective qualities and needs renewal.
Late spring and early fall are ideal for deck staining in Michigan. You need temperatures between 50-90°F with low humidity and no rain in the forecast for at least 24 hours before and after application.
Summer can be challenging because high temperatures cause stain to dry too quickly, preventing proper penetration and creating an uneven finish. Winter is obviously out due to freezing temperatures that prevent proper curing.
We typically schedule most deck staining projects in May-June and September-October when weather conditions are most predictable. These windows give the stain optimal conditions to cure properly and provide maximum protection.
Poor preparation and cheap materials are the main culprits. Many contractors skip proper cleaning and sanding, apply stain over dirty or damaged surfaces, or use inferior products that aren’t designed for Michigan’s climate.
Weather timing also plays a huge role. Stain applied when it’s too hot, too cold, or before rain can fail quickly. We’ve seen stains wash off completely because they were applied just before unexpected weather.
The application method matters too. Spraying stain might be faster, but it often results in uneven coverage and overspray issues. Hand brushing takes more time but ensures the stain penetrates properly and provides lasting protection.
We cover all plants and landscaping before starting any staining work. This includes plastic sheeting for nearby bushes and drop cloths for ground areas where overspray might occur.
Our hand-brush application method significantly reduces the risk of stain getting where it shouldn’t. Unlike spray application, brushing gives us complete control over where the stain goes. This protects your landscaping and prevents staining of your home’s siding or windows.
We also clean up any accidental drips immediately. Quality stains can be difficult to remove once they dry, so prevention and quick action are key to protecting your property.
Semi-transparent stains typically perform best in Michigan’s climate. They provide good protection against UV rays and moisture while still showing the wood’s natural grain. Solid stains offer maximum protection but hide the wood completely.
The key is choosing a stain formulated for extreme weather conditions. Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles, high humidity summers, and intense sun exposure require stains with superior flexibility and UV resistance.
We typically recommend oil-based stains for their superior penetration and weather resistance, though high-quality water-based options can work well too. The specific choice depends on your deck’s condition, wood type, and your preferences for appearance.
Most deck staining projects in Franklin take 2-3 days from start to finish, depending on the deck’s size and condition. This includes preparation time, which is crucial for lasting results.
Day one typically involves cleaning and any necessary repairs. We need to allow time for the deck to dry completely before applying stain. Day two is usually the staining application, weather permitting.
The actual staining goes relatively quickly, but proper preparation takes time. Rushing this process is where many contractors fail. We’d rather take an extra day to do it right than have you call us back next year with problems.
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