How much does it cost for someone to sand and stain a deck?

Author: Keven Blick  |  Last update: Sunday, October 5, 2025

If your deck only needs light sanding, you'll pay $1 to $1.50 per square foot, including staining. If the job requires heavy sanding, you'll pay $2 to $4 per square foot for sanding and staining.

How much does it cost to have a deck sanded and stained?

The average cost to stain a deck is $1.57 to $4.04 per square foot, with most homeowners paying someone $450 to $1,000 for materials and labor. Labor costs depend on the wood's condition, if the deck has railings, and whether power washing, sanding, and stripping are required.

How much does it cost to hire someone to refinish a deck?

Did you know that the average cost to refinish a deck ranges from $900 to $2,720? The national average is $980. In California, it could range from $1,100 and $3,200, with an average of $1,800.

How much does it cost to get a deck sanded?

Sanding only: If your deck only requires sanding to restore its surface, the average cost is approximately $40 per square meter plus GST. Sanding helps prepare the wood for staining or sealing, ensuring a smooth, even finish.

How much does it cost to sand and stain?

The average cost of a professional floor refinishing project is $1,800, but the cost varies based on square footage and other factors. Flooring pros usually charge $3–$8 per square foot to refinish hardwood floors, so a single bedroom could cost $300–$800, while a whole home could range from $2,400–$6,000.

How To: Deck Stain Price

How much does it cost to sand and refinish 1000 square feet?

Cost factors

100 square feet: $300-$800. 400 square feet: $1,200-$3,200. 1,000 square feet: $3,000-$8,000.

How long does it take to sand and stain?

It is standard for companies to take 6 days to refinish hardwood floors. It will take another 2-3 days before you can move your furniture back into the house once the wood floor is refinished. The exact time varies based on floor size, sanding duration, and drying time between multiple coats of finish.

How many hours does it take to sand a deck?

The time it takes to sand a wood deck depends on several factors, including the deck's size, the wood's condition, and the type of sander you use. On average, a medium-sized deck (about 300 square feet) can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day to sand properly.

How to quote a deck staining job?

Measure Your Deck

For this reason, most estimates are broken down to square footage -- generally speaking, deck staining itself runs about $2-$5 per square foot, sanding costs somewhere between $1-$3 per square foot, power washing around $0.15/sq. ft., etc.

Is it better to sand or strip a deck?

In almost all instance sanding back your deck to bare timber will give you the best results when compared to stripping agents but the cost factor and job site surrounds will need to be taken into consideration when making your final decision.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a deck?

In most cases, repairing a deck costs much less than replacing it. Deck repairs cost around $2,000 on average, while the cost of deck replacement is at least $7,900.

Should you hire someone to stain a deck?

Deck staining may look like an easy task. After all, it's just a case of sanding, cleaning, then brushing on. However, in reality, the process is typically more intricate and complicated. If you want the best outcomes possible, it's best to hire someone with a professional eye for details to do the task.

How much does a contractor charge for a deck?

The labor cost to build a deck runs, on average, $15 – $35 per square foot. Deck materials that are easier to install, like cedar and bamboo, are cheaper.

Can I just sand my deck before staining?

Sanding is an important step in refinishing a wood deck. The effects of weather and sunlight, as well as the deep cleaning that was just completed, will raise the grain of the wood. If the deck is to be stained, it's best to sand the wood smooth.

How much does a 5 gallon bucket of wood stain cover?

With 5 gallons of deck stain, you can cover around 875 ft2 of deck area. This result is an approximation — it depends on the type of wood and the number of coats you plan to apply.

Is it worth it to stain an old deck?

Ultimately, whether staining an old deck is worth it depends on the deck's condition, your budget, and your long-term goals. Staining can provide numerous advantages, including improved aesthetics, protection against weathering, and cost savings compared to replacement.

How much does a handyman charge to stain a deck?

The cost to professionally stain a deck ranges from $550 to $1,250, or around $850 on average. Staining a deck adds a rich, brilliant finish to the wood while protecting it from the elements and preserving its beauty for years to come.

Why is deck stain so expensive?

In conclusion, there are several factors that determine deck staining pricing. The size and condition of the deck, the type of stain used, the complexity of the job, the cost of materials, and the experience of the contractor are all factors that will affect the cost of deck staining.

How many coats of stain should you put on a deck?

Two Coats Recommended: Most manufacturers suggest applying two coats for optimal protection and appearance. Drying Time Matters: Wait at least 4 hours between coats and 24 hours before using the deck. Avoid Over-Application: Too much stain can lead to poor adhesion, peeling, and uneven color.

How much do you charge to sand a deck?

Sanding a deck typically requires seven hours of work, with an average cost of $280. The price range falls between $210 and $350, translating to $1 to $3 per square foot. While it's possible to take on this project yourself, you'll need to invest in an orbital sander, which generally costs around $75.

Should I pressure wash my deck before staining?

Should I Pressure Wash My Deck Before Staining? Yes, pressure washing your deck before applying a new stain is a good idea. This will provide a much cleaner surface to work with, which should prolong the life of the stain.

What is the best tool to sand a deck with?

Belt Sanders

When you need an even finish on a long expanse of wood, a belt sander is the tool for the job. These heavy-duty power sanders, which use sanding belts, are a carpentry must-have. It's one of the best sanders for decks.

What happens if I don't sand before staining?

Do You Have to Sand Before Staining Wood? Wood needs to be sanded well before it can be stained. The process opens up the wood's pores to better absorb the stain. It also smoothes away scratches in the surface which will only be enhanced by stain.

How long no rain after staining a deck?

Key Takeaways: Rain can cause stain to become uneven, washed-out, or patchy if it occurs before drying. Allow at least 24-48 hours of drying time before rain exposure. Optimal staining conditions include temperatures between 50°F and 80°F and humidity levels of 40%-70%.

How long does it take to sand 1000 square feet?

For a natural (no stain) sanding job with 3 coats of a water based polyurethane, we can complete a job of 100 - 1,500 sq ft in one day. We recommend a minimum of 3 coats of water based polyurethane as it coats in thinner, but harder layers, than an oil based poly.

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