How much does it cost to stain a deck in Fort Collins?

Professional deck staining costs about $1.50 to $4 per square foot, based on national cost guides. Elegant Edge Painting charges $3.45 per square foot to wash and stain your deck. When the boards need sanding, the price could go up to approximately $5.75 per square foot. Railings and stairs are measured in feet of length rather than square feet, at about $5.75 per foot. A 15-foot railing costs about $86, and railings with many spindles can cost more. When old stain is peeling badly, Elegant Edge sands the deck down to bare wood and cleans it back to its natural color. On a 300 to 400 square foot deck, that adds about $1,700. Elegant Edge uses Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck or Benjamin Moore Arborcoat. Chief Painter Pat Dougherty looks at your deck at a free estimate and gives you one price for the full project.

How often should you stain a deck in Colorado?

Most Colorado decks need a fresh coat of stain every two to three years. Decks that face south or sit in full sun wear out faster, and covered decks last longer. Fading color, rough gray boards, and water that soaks into the wood are signs a deck is due. Elegant Edge Painting recommends restaining about every three years. At three years, a wash and a fresh coat are usually enough. Waiting five years usually means sanding first, which raises the price from $3.45 to as much as $5.75 per square foot. Chief Painter Pat Dougherty assesses the condition of your deck at your free estimate, then gives you a quote for the full scope.

How do you prep a deck for staining in Colorado?

Prepping a deck for stain takes five steps: clean, repair, sand or strip, brighten, and dry. First, the deck is swept and washed with a deck cleaner and a pressure washer, which removes dirt, mildew, and the gray, sun-damaged layer that Colorado sun leaves on the boards. Next, cracked or rotted boards are replaced, and nails and screws that freeze-thaw cycles have pushed up are reset. Where old stain is peeling or the boards feel rough, the deck is sanded. When all the old stain has to come off, such as a change from a solid color to a stain that shows the wood grain, the deck is stripped to bare wood. A wood brightener then brings the wood back to its natural color, and the wood dries completely before any stain goes on. Elegant Edge Painting washes every deck and adds sanding, stripping, or brightening only where the wood needs it. Chief Painter Pat Dougherty assesses the condition of your deck, helps guide your stain color, and gives you a free estimate covering the full scope of the project.

When is the best time to stain a deck in Colorado?

The best time to stain a deck in Colorado is late spring through summer, with a second window in early fall. Stain goes on best when daytime temperatures run between 50 and 85 degrees. Colorado's high-altitude sun heats deck boards fast, so painters work in the morning and avoid the hottest afternoon hours. Elegant Edge Painting stains decks through the summer and into fall, as long as nights stay above 35 degrees and the forecast shows at least four dry hours after staining. Chief Painter Pat Dougherty gives you the expected start and duration at your free estimate.

Friends enjoying a freshly stained wooden deck and cabin exterior

Deck and Fence Staining for Upscale Homes in Fort Collins and Northern Colorado

Wood that looks new again and holds its color

Schedule Consultation

An Elegant Edge craftsman staining a wooden deck

Wood Staining for Discerning Homeowners in Larimer, Weld, and Boulder Counties

Elegant Edge Painting stains and seals decks, deck railings, fences, pergolas, and interior wood for upscale homes across Larimer, Weld, and Boulder counties from Fort Collins, Colorado. Chief Painter Pat Dougherty, a master painter with more than 30 years in the trade, walks every property, assesses the condition of the wood, guides stain color and sheen selection, and inspects the finished work himself.

On bare gray wood we wash, and we sand where needed. On a failing finish we take the old coating off before anything new goes on. We stain with Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck and Benjamin Moore Arborcoat, and Pat gives you a free estimate in person that includes the full scope of the work. We are insured and bonded, EPA Lead-Safe Certified for pre-1978 homes, five-star rated on Google, and we have a 10-year workmanship warranty.

We get what you're dealing with

We understand the disastrous outcomes that occur when an unsuitable company is chosen for high-quality wood staining.

Colors look different than anticipated
Several disruptions and painful conversations
Delays and rework
A crew that starts and disappears

Trusted to Deliver Masterful Wood Finishes

Whether you desire to preserve existing stain or embark on a color transformation, our team possesses a deep understanding of wood intricacies. We meticulously assess the wood's condition, undertake thorough preparation, offer expert recommendations for suitable stains, and skillfully apply them to enhance the grain and ensure long-lasting protection. Once we start your project, our painters stay on it until it is finished.

What Our Customers Say

Austin Hill

Google Local Guide. April 10, 2024 on Google

After working with Elegant Edge Painting for a year on a $700k luxury rehab, I couldn’t recommend him more. The painting is obviously their super power. But far more than just painting. Eye for perfection: near the end of my project, Pat, the owner, stayed till 7:00 am working 24 hours straight as he wouldn’t leave till he knew everything was perfect Design: feel confident knowing that they’ll give honest feedback, and if needed select the perfect color scheme for your project. Staining: they matched perfectly the stain I had in a 100 year old bar, didn’t think it would be possible until I saw it done. Incredible eye that can only be learned from 30+ years of experience. Craftsman: Painting is their focus, but the list of trades they covered for me is plumbing repair, trim work, window installation, hanging doors, fine finish work, on site project management, concrete work mand countless others. Truly can’t recommend Elegant Edge more, couldn’t have completed my project without them.

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Bright Rain

June 11, 2025 on Google

Elegant Edge did an outstanding job painting the entire exterior of our 100+ year old historic home. The attention to detail was truly amazing - clean, precise edges everywhere including around all the many windows (both glass storm windows and screens). What really impressed me was the extra work he did without even being asked. He identified and fixed wood rot in several soffit areas, using the appropriate repair method for each spot - sometimes wood replacement, sometimes quality filler. He even replaced an entire piece of wood at the bottom of our barn door. Most contractors would have just painted over these issues, but he fixed them properly. This shows both high quality workmanship and high character. Beyond the excellent painting, his professionalism was exceptional. Communication was clear throughout the project, he provided a detailed contract that outlined exactly what would be done and the cost (which he honored), and he was reliable - showing up when he said he would. He maintained a clean worksite each day and did a thorough cleanup upon completion. After working with many contractors over the years, I can say this level of communication, reliability, and quality is rare. The name "Elegant Edge" perfectly describes the work - highly recommend!

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Barbara pringle

April 29, 2025 on Google

I have known Pat for over 20 years. He’s painted the interior of my house twice and the exterior of my house twice. I wouldn’t consider calling anybody else. He is simply the best painter I have found. A true professional. He does an exceptional job with great attention to detail. Pat and his son, Tim, make a great team. You definitely get what you pay for with Elegant Edge

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Becky McFadden

March 25, 2025 on Google

Pat and his employee Tim were amazing. Beyond our expectations on attention to detail. So impressed with the quality of work and timing of project!

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Kevin Shaffer

Google Local Guide. March 25, 2025 on Google

After evaluating multiple companies, we went with Elegant Edge for our home improvements. We bought a brand-new house, which was a blank canvas. Elegant Edge instilled confidence in us with their knowledge, recommendations and understanding our vision of what we wanted done. Elegant Edge went above and beyond and was able to provide us not only outstanding paint work, but was able to assist us in all remodeling aspects, i.e. trim, electrical, tile work, etc. We were remote for most of the remodeling and the communication was outstanding and the staff was accommodating with any last-minute changes or curve balls that were thrown at them. They changed our blank canvas into a beautiful model home. Their prices are fair, and I plan to use them for more renovation projects in the future. I would not hesitate to recommend this company.

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Unmatched Peace of Mind

Elegant Edge Painting 10-year workmanship warranty seal

Elevating industry standards, Elegant Edge stands behind its workmanship with a groundbreaking 10-year warranty, providing homeowners with the utmost peace of mind.

Tried & True Path to Success

With little disruption to your home and life, Elegant Edge's team of expert painters follows a proven four-step process to ensure every staining project is carried out with unparalleled workmanship and professionalism.

Personalized In-home Consultation
Elegant Edge Chief Painter, Pat Dougherty, personally conducts an in-home consultation to initiate the staining process. During this initial step, Pat:
- Assesses the condition of surfaces to be stained and identifies any repairs, patching, or cleaning needed.
- Engages with you to understand your unique vision and requirements.
- Acts as a knowledgeable guide and trusted advisor for color selection.
- Provides a comprehensive project estimate to outline the pricing for your project.
Scheduling and Planning
After making the decision to entrust your project to Elegant Edge, we swiftly:
- Coordinate a convenient start date and time for your project.
- Procure high-quality materials and premium stains.
- Assign and introduce you to our elite painting crew.
Preparation and Staining
Our team employs meticulous preparation and cutting-edge staining techniques while ensuring utmost care to safeguard your home and minimize disruptions.
- Careful measures to safeguard the surrounding areas, such as siding, landscaping, furniture, flooring, and fixtures, from stain drips or damage.
- Thorough preparation of surfaces by washing bare wood and sanding where needed, or stripping a failing finish, to create an ideal foundation for stain application.
- Masterful application of the chosen stains using precise techniques, ensuring even coverage and a precision finish.
- Removal of painting supplies, proper disposal of waste materials, and restoration of the area to its original condition.
Final Quality Inspection

Once the project is complete, Chief Painter Pat Dougherty schedules a time with you to perform a final walkthrough to ensure all work has been completed according to Elegant Edge's unparalleled standards.

Transforming Homes Across Larimer, Weld, and Boulder Counties

Covering over 1,700 square miles, we stain decks, fences, and interior wood for upscale homes in prominent communities across Larimer, Weld, and Boulder counties.

Larimer County

Fort Collins
Loveland
Wellington
Timnath
Berthoud
Campion
Masonville
Arrowhead

Weld County

Windsor
Johnstown
Severance
Eaton
Mead
Buda
Kelim

Boulder County

Longmont
Hygiene

Ready to start bringing your vision to life?

Take advantage of our user-friendly calendar and secure a convenient day and time for your personalized in-home consultation with our Chief Painter.

Schedule Your Consultation

A couple admiring their home's freshly stained wood

Our Promise

We guarantee to be a trusted painting partner that will ensure your stain selection is brilliant, your home's wood is stained with precision, and you get the highest return on your investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to stain a deck in Fort Collins?

Professional deck staining costs about $1.50 to $4 per square foot, based on national cost guides. Elegant Edge Painting charges $3.45 per square foot to wash and stain your deck. When the boards need sanding, the price could go up to approximately $5.75 per square foot. Railings and stairs are measured in feet of length rather than square feet, at about $5.75 per foot. A 15-foot railing costs about $86, and railings with many spindles can cost more. When old stain is peeling badly, Elegant Edge sands the deck down to bare wood and cleans it back to its natural color. On a 300 to 400 square foot deck, that adds about $1,700. Elegant Edge uses Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck or Benjamin Moore Arborcoat. Chief Painter Pat Dougherty looks at your deck at a free estimate and gives you one price for the full project.
How often should you stain a deck in Colorado?

Most Colorado decks need a fresh coat of stain every two to three years. Decks that face south or sit in full sun wear out faster, and covered decks last longer. Fading color, rough gray boards, and water that soaks into the wood are signs a deck is due. Elegant Edge Painting recommends restaining about every three years. At three years, a wash and a fresh coat are usually enough. Waiting five years usually means sanding first, which raises the price from $3.45 to as much as $5.75 per square foot. Chief Painter Pat Dougherty assesses the condition of your deck at your free estimate, then gives you a quote for the full scope.
How do you prep a deck for staining in Colorado?

Prepping a deck for stain takes five steps: clean, repair, sand or strip, brighten, and dry. First, the deck is swept and washed with a deck cleaner and a pressure washer, which removes dirt, mildew, and the gray, sun-damaged layer that Colorado sun leaves on the boards. Next, cracked or rotted boards are replaced, and nails and screws that freeze-thaw cycles have pushed up are reset. Where old stain is peeling or the boards feel rough, the deck is sanded. When all the old stain has to come off, such as a change from a solid color to a stain that shows the wood grain, the deck is stripped to bare wood. A wood brightener then brings the wood back to its natural color, and the wood dries completely before any stain goes on. Elegant Edge Painting washes every deck and adds sanding, stripping, or brightening only where the wood needs it. Chief Painter Pat Dougherty assesses the condition of your deck, helps guide your stain color, and gives you a free estimate covering the full scope of the project.
When is the best time to stain a deck in Colorado?

The best time to stain a deck in Colorado is late spring through summer, with a second window in early fall. Stain goes on best when daytime temperatures run between 50 and 85 degrees. Colorado's high-altitude sun heats deck boards fast, so painters work in the morning and avoid the hottest afternoon hours. Elegant Edge Painting stains decks through the summer and into fall, as long as nights stay above 35 degrees and the forecast shows at least four dry hours after staining. Chief Painter Pat Dougherty gives you the expected start and duration at your free estimate.