Backyard Deck and Privacy Screen Restored in Toronto

The deck: grey boards and a weathered privacy screen

This backyard deck behind a semi-detached home in Toronto has three wide steps down to the lawn, a lattice-top privacy screen on the neighbour side and a short railing by the back door. Sun and rain had worn the old finish away, and the deck boards, steps and privacy screen had all turned grey and dull.

Wood cleaner and power washing

We started with a wood cleaner and power washing on the deck, the steps, the privacy screen and the railing. That lifted the dirt and the grey surface fibres and brought back the natural colour of the wood, as the wet, freshly washed photo shows.

Sanding

Once the wood dried, we sanded it to smooth the raised grain left by washing and open the surface so the stain could soak in evenly.

Staining in a golden cedar tone

We then stained the deck boards, the step treads and risers, the privacy screen with its lattice top, and the railing in a warm golden cedar tone that brings out the grain and looks bright against the red brick of the house.

The result

A warm, even deck and privacy screen that look new again, with wide steps that lead straight onto the new lawn.

Deck staining in Toronto: questions homeowners ask

Can an old grey deck be stained to look new?

In most cases, yes. The grey is weathered surface wood. Cleaning, sanding and staining remove it and bring back the colour of the wood, as on this Toronto deck, as long as the boards and framing are still solid.

Do you always pressure wash a deck before staining?

No. We decide on every job whether to use wood cleaner and pressure washing followed by sanding, or to sand only. It depends on the size of the deck, its style, the weather in the forecast and the result the homeowner wants. This deck got wood cleaner, power washing and sanding.

Can you stain a privacy screen or lattice together with the deck?

Yes. We stain privacy screens, lattice panels, railings and steps in the same colour as the deck so the whole backyard matches.

What colour stain looks best on a deck next to red brick?

Warm wood tones such as golden cedar or a light brown usually look great next to red brick, because they keep the wood looking natural without clashing with the brick. We can help you choose a colour on site.

How often should a deck be restained in Toronto?

Most decks need a fresh coat every few years, depending on the sun, the shade and how much the deck is used. When the colour starts to fade or water stops beading on the surface, it is time to look at it again.

Will the stain peel?

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

How much does deck staining cost in Toronto?

It depends on the size of the deck, the steps, railings and privacy screens, the condition of the wood and the prep it needs. We come out, look at the deck and give you a written quote.

Deck staining in Toronto

UCO Construction Group cleans, sands and stains decks, fences and privacy screens across Toronto, East York, North York, Etobicoke and the rest of the GTA. See our deck and fence staining service and book an on-site estimate.