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Your deck stops looking like driftwood and starts looking like the outdoor space you actually want to use. The stain penetrates deep into the wood fibers, creating a barrier that keeps Michigan’s weather from turning your investment into expensive kindling.
You get years of protection, not months. The right stain applied correctly means fewer headaches, fewer callbacks, and more time enjoying your outdoor space instead of worrying about it.
No more embarrassing gray patches when neighbors come over. No more splinters catching your kids’ feet. Just a deck that looks intentional and well-maintained.
Legends Construction LLC has been protecting Wixom decks for over 10 years, back when we were just getting started in the painting business. We’ve seen what Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles do to unprotected wood.
We’re not the cheapest option in Wixom, and that’s intentional. You’re paying for stain that actually penetrates the wood, application that doesn’t leave lap marks, and contractors who show up when they say they will.
Two brothers running a business built on repeat customers. That means we can’t afford to cut corners or leave jobs half-finished like some of the fly-by-night operations around Oakland County.
First, we clean your deck properly. Not just a quick spray-down, but specialized wood cleaners that lift dirt and mildew without damaging the fibers. We’ll power wash if needed, but at the right pressure to avoid gouging the wood.
Next comes the stain. We hand-brush everything because spraying creates overspray that kills your landscaping and stains your brick. Takes longer, costs more, but your neighbors won’t hate you and the stain actually penetrates where it should.
Then we wait. Michigan weather doesn’t care about your timeline, so we check forecasts and only apply when temperatures will stay between 50-90 degrees with no rain for at least 24 hours. Your deck cures properly or we come back and fix it.
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Complete surface preparation including cleaning, minor repairs, and proper drying time. We use oil-based stains for deep penetration and water-based options for faster cleanup, depending on your wood type and preferences.
In Wixom’s climate, we typically recommend semi-transparent stains that last 2-3 years or solid stains that can go 3-5 years between applications. Clear sealers look natural but need annual reapplication with Michigan’s weather extremes.
Every job includes protecting your landscaping, cleaning up completely, and a walkthrough to make sure you’re satisfied before we consider the work done. We’re building relationships, not just staining decks.
Professional deck staining in Wixom typically runs $500-$1500 for an average-sized deck, depending on size and condition. That includes complete surface preparation, quality stain, and proper application.
Bigger decks cost more, obviously. Decks in rough shape need extra prep work. But trying to save money with the $99 pressure washing guys usually means you’re calling us six months later to fix the damage.
The investment makes sense when you consider deck replacement runs $25-$50 per square foot. Proper staining every 2-3 years keeps that major expense off your list for years.
Late spring through early fall works best in Michigan, but timing matters more than season. We need temperatures between 50-90 degrees with no rain forecasted for at least 24 hours after application.
September is often ideal because days aren’t blazing hot but nights don’t drop below 50 degrees. Avoid staining when it’s too hot because the stain dries too fast and leaves lap marks.
New decks need to weather for about a month before staining. Pressure-treated lumber has a mill glaze that prevents proper stain penetration until it weathers off naturally.
Light drizzle probably won’t hurt anything if the stain has had 4-6 hours to set. Heavy rain within the first 24 hours can cause washout, blotching, or uneven coverage that requires fixing.
We check weather forecasts religiously and only start jobs when conditions look stable. If unexpected rain hits, we assess the damage once everything dries and touch up or redo sections as needed.
This is why we don’t cut corners on timing. Better to wait an extra week than rush the job and have to come back because Mother Nature didn’t cooperate.
Oil-based stains penetrate deeper and typically last longer in Michigan’s climate, but they take longer to dry and have stronger odors. Water-based stains dry faster and clean up easier but may need more frequent reapplication.
For most Wixom decks, we recommend oil-based semi-transparent stains because they handle freeze-thaw cycles better and show the wood grain. Solid stains work better for older decks with imperfections you want to hide.
The wood type matters too. Cedar and pressure-treated lumber respond differently to various stain formulations. We’ll recommend the best option based on your specific deck and preferences.
Quality stain properly applied typically lasts 2-3 years for semi-transparent and 3-5 years for solid stains in Michigan’s climate. Clear sealers need annual reapplication but show more natural wood grain.
Decks facing south or getting full sun fade faster. High-traffic areas wear sooner. Proper surface prep and application technique matter more than stain brand for longevity.
You’ll know it’s time for reapplication when water stops beading on the surface or the wood starts looking gray again. Don’t wait until the stain is completely gone or you’ll need more prep work.
Sometimes, but it depends on the existing stain’s condition and type. If the old stain is peeling, flaking, or a different base type, it needs to come off first for proper adhesion.
We test a small area by sprinkling water on the surface. If it beads up, the old stain needs removal. If it soaks in, we can usually apply new stain directly over it after proper cleaning.
Solid stains generally need complete removal before reapplication. Semi-transparent stains often accept new coats if they’re not peeling. We’ll assess your specific situation and recommend the best approach.
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