Brooklyn decks are small and work hard. They sit behind row houses in shaded yards, or on roofs in full sun and wind. Fences are mostly wood privacy fences between narrow lots.
Price ranges on this page are national figures published by HomeGuide for 2026. They are not our quotes. Brooklyn labor, parking, walk-up access, building rules 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 have a deck stained, or $450 to $1,000 on average, by the national figures. A 12x16 deck is listed at $301 to $775 and a 10x10 deck at $157 to $404. Railings are $4 to $12 per linear foot.
| Method | Per square foot |
|---|---|
| Stain and seal | $0.50 to $1.50 |
| Power wash, stain and seal | $1.00 to $2.50 |
| Sand, stain and seal | $2.00 to $4.00 |
| Strip, stain and seal | $2.50 to $5.50 |
Should I paint or stain my deck?
Stain is the better choice for most deck floors. Stain soaks in and wears away slowly. Paint sits on top and peels where water gets under it. Paint or a solid stain suits railings and posts, which do not get walked on. Deck painting is listed at $2 to $5 per square foot nationally.
Solid or semi-transparent stain on an old deck?
Use a solid stain on an old deck with mixed boards, stains and repairs. It hides the differences. Semi-transparent stain shows the grain and suits newer wood in good shape. Solid stain lasts longer but can peel if the wood was not clean and dry.
How often does a deck need restaining?
A deck needs restaining every 2 to 3 years, by the national figure. Sprinkle water on the boards. If it soaks in instead of beading, the deck is due. Roof decks in full sun wear fastest.
Can you paint a deck that was previously stained, or stain one that was painted?
A previously stained deck can be painted or coated with solid stain after cleaning and sanding. Going the other way is harder. A deck that was already painted cannot take a penetrating stain until all the paint is stripped off, since stain has to soak into bare wood.
Why is my deck stain peeling after a year?
Deck stain is peeling because it could not soak in. The usual causes are damp wood, too many coats, stain put over an old film or new wood that still had mill glaze on it. The fix is to strip or sand back to bare wood and apply one thin coat.
How long should I wait before staining a new deck or pressure-treated fence?
Wait until new pressure-treated wood has dried out, which can take several weeks to a few months. Use the water test: when drops soak in, it is ready. Wood sold as kiln dried after treatment can be stained much sooner.
Can I stain a deck while the wood is damp?
No. Damp wood cannot take in stain, so the stain sits on top and peels. After rain or washing, give the deck a couple of dry days. Shaded Brooklyn back yards dry slowly, so we check the boards before we open a can.
Should I stain or paint my wood fence?
Stain a wood fence in most cases. Stain soaks into rough fence boards and does not peel, so the next coat needs only a wash. Paint looks sharp on a smooth picket fence but needs scraping later. The national figure for painting or staining a fence is $2 to $14 per linear foot, and $4 to $9 for a 6 foot fence.
Is an old pine fence worth staining or should it be replaced?
An old fence is worth staining if the posts are solid and the boards are whole. Push on the posts. If they rock, or the bottoms of the boards are soft, put the money toward a new fence. Grey color alone is not a reason to replace.
A free estimate with a written quote is the only way to get a real price for your job. Call or text (917) 746-3274.