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You get a deck that can handle what Michigan throws at it. Michigan’s variable climate of sun, rain, snow, and ice can easily damage unprotected wood decking, but quality staining creates a real barrier against the elements.
Professional deck staining forms a protective barrier against harsh UV rays that break down wood fibers over time and helps repel rain and snow, reducing the risk of water soaking into the wood. Your deck stays looking good longer, and routine maintenance becomes simpler because the treated surface resists absorbing spills and dirt.
The result? You spend more time enjoying your outdoor space and less time worrying about expensive repairs or premature replacement.
At Legends Construction LLC, we bring over 10 years of combined painting experience to Hazel Park. We’ve been operating as Legends Construction for two years, focusing on what matters most: quality work at competitive pricing.
We understand the particular climate challenges your deck faces in Michigan. We know the winters here can be brutal on outdoor wood, which is why we select materials and use application methods designed for local conditions. Our approach is straightforward—do the job right so you’ll call us again when you need more work done.
First, your deck surface gets thoroughly cleaned using dedicated wood cleaner and sometimes gentle pressure washing to remove dirt, mildew, and old finish buildup. This step matters because if dirt and debris aren’t properly cleaned, these stains get trapped between the wood and new stain, creating an unsightly surface where your wood is only partially protected.
Next, we apply the selected deck staining product using tools like staining pads or brushes, working so it penetrates the wood deeply for maximum protection and an even look. All of our stain is hand brushed for control—no messy spraying that gets stain where it doesn’t belong.
After applying the stain, we check our work for consistency and allow the deck the necessary time to dry completely, based on temperature and humidity conditions. You get a deck that’s properly protected and ready to handle Michigan weather.
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We select stain products formulated to resist UV damage and moisture specific to Oakland County conditions. Stains range from clear or transparent, which primarily protect, to solid colors, which cover the wood grain completely while offering strong UV resistance.
With most Hazel Park homes built around 1955, we understand that mature properties often have decks with unique characteristics that need specific attention. Our preparation might include light sanding with fine-grit paper to smooth the surface and open the wood grain, helping the stain product soak in properly for better adhesion and a smoother finish.
When applying stain, we work with the wood grain to promote uniform coverage and penetration, helping avoid lap marks and patchy areas for consistent protection and color. The goal is a deck that looks great and performs well for years in Michigan’s challenging climate.
It’s generally recommended to clean your deck annually and reapply stain or sealer every two to three years based on wear and sun exposure. Sticking to this type of maintenance every 3-4 years will help preserve wood and prolong the life of your deck and prevent unnecessary damage that could require expensive replacement.
Michigan’s climate puts decks through the wringer with beautiful but harsh conditions and brutal winters on outdoor wood. If you live in a region with harsh weather, you’ll likely see fading and deterioration happen sooner than in milder climates, and if you spill water on the deck and it soaks into the wood rather than beading on the surface, it’s a sign that the waterproofing qualities are diminishing.
Generally, late spring and early fall are the best times to stain a deck, when temperatures tend to be moderate—neither too hot nor too cold—and humidity is often lower, creating the ideal environment for stain to cure properly, with more stable weather so you’re less likely to encounter sudden rain or extended heat waves.
Late September is perfect because the days are not very hot and it’s still fairly mild overnight, but by mid October, the days are cool and the nights get pretty cold. The ideal temperature window for most stains is 50°-90°F, and you need to make sure temperatures won’t drop below 32°F the night after staining.
If there’s severe damage from rain or other issues, cases might require stripping and restaining, and sanding and cleaning can improve blotchy spots before reapplying stain. If you notice peeling, uneven layers on the surface of your deck, the old stain could be lifting off the lumber.
New cedar lumber has a mill glaze that acts like a skin and doesn’t allow stain to penetrate properly, and most repair companies buy new cedar decking from big box stores, so when it’s installed the floor looks very uneven with old and new boards. We properly prepare all surfaces, including weathering new boards when needed, so everything takes stain evenly and looks consistent when finished.
Most deck stain brands warn against applying their product within 12-24 hours of rain. A light drizzle most likely won’t hurt anything, but a good downpour can be a different story, and the type and brand of stain can make a difference as some stains can handle rain better shortly after being applied than others.
Rain can cause issues with fresh stain, leading to washout, blotches, or an uneven finish, and once the deck is dry, you need to inspect for damage to see if touch-ups or a full redo are needed. That’s why we always check weather forecasts carefully and place a waterproof cover or tarp over the deck as a preventative measure when conditions look questionable.
Many wood types, including pressure-treated pine, cedar, and redwood, benefit from staining, with proper preparation being key regardless of the wood. The cedar that most people are using for decks is not as rot resistant as the cedar that was being used 30 years ago, which makes proper staining even more important for protection.
We use wood cleaners specifically designed to lift deeply embedded dirt and graying without harming the underlying structure. Each wood type has different characteristics, and we adjust our preparation and product selection accordingly. Even composite decks without PVC wrap should be sealed with water-based deck sealer to prevent mold, and by using composite cleaner and pressure washing we can eliminate most black mold spots.
Deck staining costs typically fall from $550 to $1,250, averaging $850, with the price per square foot ranging from $1 to $2.50. The primary determinant is the deck’s size, with smaller decks around 100 square feet costing around $100 to $250 for materials, and if your deck exceeds 500 square feet, services may reach up to $2,500.
Our focus is on competitive pricing while maintaining the quality standards that keep customers coming back. We provide free estimates so you know exactly what you’re investing in before we start work. The final cost depends on your deck’s size, condition, the type of stain you choose, and how much prep work is needed to get the surface ready for proper stain application.
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