How much maintenance should you budget for deck staining?

For a 300-square-foot deck, you might plan for periodic cleaning and recoating every couple of years, with costs varying significantly based on whether you do the work yourself or hire a contractor. Professional cleaning, preparation, and staining can cost several hundred to over $1,000, depending on the deck's condition and complexity.

Our recommendation: For a new cedar or pressure-treated deck in Snohomish County, consider a quality exterior penetrating stain with UV protection, then inspect it every spring. Recoat when the finish starts to wear rather than automatically applying a new coat every year.