Decks and fences are flat, bare wood sitting in full sun. In Modesto that means months of dry heat, then winter rain and fog. Stain protects the wood, but it has to be the right product, put on dry wood, at the right time of day.
Price ranges on this page are national figures published by HomeGuide for 2026. They are not our quotes. Local labor, paint prices and the condition of your own walls move the number up or down. Last checked October 2026.
How much does it cost to stain a deck?
It costs $1.50 to $4 per square foot to stain a deck professionally, by the national figures, or $450 to $1,000 on average. The national average is $730.
| Deck size | National range |
|---|---|
| 10 x 10 | $157 to $404 |
| 12 x 12 | $226 to $582 |
| 12 x 16 | $301 to $775 |
| 12 x 20 | $376 to $969 |
| 16 x 16 | $401 to $1,034 |
| 20 x 20 | $628 to $1,616 |
The method changes the rate. Power wash, stain and seal is $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot. Sanding first is $2.00 to $4.00, and stripping an old finish first is $2.50 to $5.50. Railings are $4.00 to $12.00 per linear foot.
Should I paint or stain my deck?
Stain is the better choice for most decks. It soaks into the wood and wears away slowly. Paint sits on top as a film, and on a walking surface it cracks and peels where water gets under it.
Paint or a solid stain makes sense on an old deck with worn or mismatched boards, because it hides them. Nationally, deck painting is published at $2 to $5 per square foot.
Solid or semi-transparent stain on an old deck?
Use solid stain on an old, weathered deck and semi-transparent on newer wood in good condition. Solid stain covers grey patches, old stains and replacement boards. Semi-transparent shows the grain, so it also shows every flaw.
Solid stain has more pigment, and pigment is what blocks the sun. In Modesto that extra sun protection is worth having on older wood.
How often does a deck need restaining?
A deck needs restaining every 2 to 3 years, by the national published figure. In full valley sun, plan on the short end of that for the flat boards. Railings and shaded areas last longer.
Test it with water. If drops soak in instead of beading, the stain has worn out. Restaining before the wood turns grey is less work than restoring it later.
Can you paint a deck that was already stained, or stain one that was already painted?
You can paint or solid stain a deck that was already stained, once it is clean and dry. You cannot put a penetrating stain on a deck that was already painted, because the paint blocks it from soaking in.
To go from paint back to stain, the paint has to be stripped or sanded off completely. That is the most expensive deck prep there is, published at $2.50 to $5.50 per square foot for strip, stain and seal.
Why is my deck stain peeling after a year?
Deck stain is peeling because it formed a film on top of the wood and did not soak in. The usual causes are damp wood, too much stain, stain over an old finish or stain applied in hot direct sun.
That last one is common in Modesto. On a hot deck, stain dries on the surface in minutes. The fix is to remove the failed finish, let the wood dry and restain in the cool part of the day.
How long should I wait before staining a new deck or pressure-treated fence?
Wait until the wood is dry enough to absorb stain. Pressure-treated lumber is sold wet with preservative and can need several weeks to a few months. Kiln-dried and redwood boards can be ready much sooner.
In a Modesto summer, new wood dries quickly. Do the water test: sprinkle some on a board. If it soaks in within a few minutes, the wood is ready. If it beads, wait.
Can I stain a deck while the wood is damp?
No. Damp wood cannot absorb stain. The stain sits on the surface, dries blotchy and peels.
After washing, a deck needs a day or two of dry weather in the warm months. In winter, with rain and tule fog, it can take a week or more. We check the wood before we open a can.
Should I stain or paint my wood fence?
Stain your wood fence in most cases. Stain soaks into rough fence boards, lets the wood breathe and fades with time instead of peeling. Paint gives a solid color but peels where sprinklers soak it, and then the fence needs scraping.
Nationally, fence staining or painting costs $2 to $14 per linear foot, with a 6-foot fence at $4.00 to $9.00 per linear foot. A 100-foot fence is published at $200 to $1,400.
Is an old pine fence worth staining, or should it be replaced?
An old fence is worth staining if the posts are firm and the boards are solid. If the posts rock, the rails sag or the boards crumble at the bottom, replace or repair it first.
In Modesto, fences fail at the ground line, where sprinklers and wet winter soil rot the posts and lower boards. Push on a few posts. Stain makes a sound old fence look far better, but it adds no strength.
When is the best time to stain a deck or fence in Modesto?
Spring and fall are best. The wood is dry, the days are warm and the boards are not too hot to work on. In summer, staining is done early in the morning or in shade.
Winter work waits for a dry spell long enough for the wood to dry out first.
A free walkthrough and a written quote is the only way to get a real price for your job. Call or text (209) 231-7078.