Decks and fences take the weather and the traffic that nothing indoors ever sees. Boards expand and shrink, sun dries the surface, rain gets into the end grain, and then someone drops a barbecue tool on it. A finish that is applied well slows all of that down, and a finish applied badly peels in the first season.

On outdoor wood, the quote starts with a plain question: is the wood still sound? Soft or rotting boards need replacing before any stain, and we will say so before pricing the finishing.

Outdoor wood we finish

Deck floors, steps and stair stringers
Railings, balusters and posts that get gripped and rubbed
Privacy fences and picket fences on property lines
Pergolas, gates and storage sheds in the yard
Stripping or sanding old stain that has failed
A choice between a penetrating stain and a solid-colour coating

Outdoor wood in a Kelowna yard

Kelowna is the largest city in the Okanagan, and for many households the deck is the room they use most once the weather turns warm. A surface in direct sun dries stain quickly, so we work in sections and watch the board temperature to avoid lap marks.

A fence is a different kind of job. It is vertical, long, and often shared with a neighbour, so we talk about which side gets finished and how we deal with the neighbour’s side before we start. If you are repainting a fence line, tell us about access and gates in your quote request.

Timing matters for outdoor wood. The boards should be dry before any coating goes on, and a stretch of settled weather helps the finish cure properly. If you want the deck ready for a gathering, book early and give us the date so we can work backward from it.

The outdoor wood process

Check the boards. We look for soft spots, loose fasteners and splits, and list repairs and replacements separately.
Wash and sand. Dirt, mildew and loose stain are cleaned off, then rough areas are sanded and the wood is allowed to dry.
Apply the finish. Stain or paint is worked into the wood with the grain, in the coats the quote describes, with drying time between.
Keep traffic off. We mark off the deck until it is ready for feet and furniture, and tell you when that will be.

The full process, prep and pricing factors are on our main fence and deck painting page.

Fence and Deck Painting in Kelowna: questions

Is stain or paint better on a deck?

It depends on the wood. Stain soaks in and wears gradually, which suits sound boards. A solid coating hides a worn surface but can peel on high-traffic areas, so we talk through the trade-off.

Can you do a deck that already has old stain?

Usually yes, once we know what is on it. A small test patch tells us whether the old coating is stable or needs stripping.

How long should I stay off the deck?

It varies with the product and the weather. We will give a specific time for foot traffic and a longer one for furniture.

Other painting services in Kelowna

Fence and Deck Painting in nearby towns

Ask for a free written quote for fence and deck painting in Kelowna and include the rough size and age of the wood.

Request your free written quote or call (778) 760-0346.

More about fence and deck painting and Kelowna

Have a question first? Read the FAQ, learn about Alto Pro Painters or contact us.

Further reading: Kelowna on Wikipedia and Decks on Wikipedia.

Watch: fence and deck painting in action

How to re-stain a deck, by This Old House on YouTube.