A deck in Santa Rosa gets about six dry months of sun and then a wet winter. Redwood boards turn gray, split and take in water once the finish wears off. We clean the deck, let it dry, replace what cannot be saved and apply a stain or paint suited to the wood.
Redwood is the usual decking around Santa Rosa, with pressure-treated framing underneath and some composite boards on newer homes. A deck here sits in full sun from late spring to fall and then stays wet for much of the winter. That cycle dries the boards, opens small cracks and wears away any finish on the flat surfaces long before the railings. Horizontal boards simply take more punishment than a wall does, so deck finishes need renewing more often than house paint.
We start by checking the boards, railings and stairs for rot and loose fasteners. The deck is then cleaned to remove gray fibers, dirt and mildew, and old peeling finish is stripped or sanded. After washing, the wood must dry fully, which usually takes a few clear days. Stain is brushed into the boards so it soaks in instead of sitting on top. You can choose a clear or semi-transparent stain that shows the grain, or a solid stain or deck paint that hides it.
The best window is the dry part of the year, on days that are warm but not scorching. In midsummer we stain early, because hot boards make the finish dry before it can soak in. Expect to keep foot traffic, furniture and planters off the deck until the finish has cured. We also tell you honestly when boards are too far gone. Coating rotten wood wastes your money, and replacing a few boards first gives a better and safer result.
Deck painting & staining in Santa Rosa: common questions
Should my redwood deck be stained or painted?
Stain is usually the better choice for the walking surface. It soaks into the wood and wears away gradually, so it can be cleaned and recoated. Paint forms a film that can peel on flat boards where water sits.
How do I know my deck needs a new coat?
Sprinkle water on the boards. If it beads, the finish is still working. If it soaks in and darkens the wood within a few minutes, the protection is gone. Gray, fuzzy or splintering boards are another sign.
Can you stain a deck in winter in Santa Rosa?
Sometimes, during a dry spell. The wood has to be dry all the way through and stay dry while the stain cures, and that is hard to count on between November and March. Spring through fall is more dependable.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We walk the job and measure.
- Written quote: Prep, paint and price in writing.
- Prep & protect: We cover floors and furniture, repair and prime surfaces.
- Paint & walk-through: Two coats, clean lines, full clean-up and a final walk-through.