Deck Staining in Etobicoke: Raised Deck With Black Aluminum Balusters, Stairs and Lattice Skirting Sanded and Stained Cedar

The deck: worn, grey and green on the stairs

This raised deck in an Etobicoke backyard has wood railings with black aluminum balusters and post caps, a set of wide stairs down to the interlock patio, and lattice skirting underneath. The old finish had worn away: the deck boards were grey and rough, the stair treads were worn through, and the risers had green mildew from staying damp in the shade.

Sanding the deck, stairs and railings

We sanded the deck boards, stair treads and risers, and the wood railings, posts and top rails back to fresh wood, working carefully around the black aluminum balusters. The sanding photo shows the clean, bright wood across the deck and stairs, with the grey and the mildew gone.

Warm cedar stain

We then stained the deck, stairs, wood railings and lattice skirting in a warm cedar tone. The colour brings out the grain, makes the black balusters and post caps stand out, and pairs well with the red brick of the house.

The result

A bright, warm deck that looks new from the patio to the house, with clean stairs, smooth railings and the wood protected from sun and moisture.

Deck staining: questions homeowners ask

Can you stain a deck with metal balusters?

Yes. We sand and stain the wood railings, posts and top rails around aluminum balusters and keep the stain off the metal, so the black balusters stay clean and crisp against the new colour, as on this Etobicoke deck.

Why do stair risers turn green?

Risers and the shaded side of stairs stay damp longer, so mildew and algae grow there first. Sanding removes it, and a penetrating stain helps the wood shed water and dry faster.

Do you pressure wash or sand a deck before staining it?

It depends on the job. We look at every deck first and decide whether it should be pressure washed and then sanded, or only sanded, based on the size of the project, the style of the deck, the weather in the forecast and the result the homeowner wants. On this deck, sanding everything back to fresh wood removed the grey and the mildew.

Can lattice skirting be stained?

Yes. Staining the lattice under the deck in the same colour ties the whole structure together and protects it from the moisture it sits close to.

Will the new stain peel?

Peeling usually happens when stain goes over a failing old coat or is applied too thick. We prepare the wood properly first, and our deck and fence staining comes with a 3-year non-peeling stain warranty.

How much does it cost to refinish a raised deck with stairs?

It depends on the size of the deck, its condition, whether it needs washing and sanding or sanding only, and how many stairs, railings and how much skirting there is. We come out, look at the wood and give you a written quote.