Outdoor wood is a consumable surface. Decks, rails and fences sit in sun, rain and foot traffic, and the finish eventually gives up. Redoing it on time costs far less effort than waiting until the boards are grey and splintering.

We work on decks, stairs, handrails, privacy fences and pergolas around Oliver. The quote names each structure and the finish type, so you know whether we are staining, sealing or painting.

Parts of an outdoor wood job

Cleaning with a wood-safe wash to lift dirt, mildew and old stain residue
Sanding or stripping failed finishes so new product can soak in
Setting popped nails or screws and flagging loose boards
Staining or sealing decking boards on the top and the edges
Brushing rails, balusters and stair risers where drips hide
Fence boards and posts coated on both faces where reachable

Sun on the boards

Oliver is in the south Okanagan, where many yards are open and sunny, and a deck facing the afternoon takes constant exposure. Those boards usually fade and dry out first, so we examine the sunniest stretch before anything else and recommend a product that fits.

If your property backs onto vineyard or orchard rows, fences often act as a visible boundary and a windbreak. A fence in constant breeze collects dust, so we wash it thoroughly before staining or the finish will sit on dirt.

Fastener and board condition decide how long a new finish survives. Screws that have backed out catch bare feet and let water in, and boards with open cracks hold moisture under the coating. We reset hardware and point out boards past saving so the finish is not wasted on something that will fail anyway. A quick walk across the deck with you usually settles which boards need attention.

Working through a deck

Test the boards. We sprinkle water on the wood. If it beads, an old sealer is still active; if it soaks in, it is ready for new finish.
Wash and sand. The surface is cleaned, left to dry fully, then sanded to even out grey patches.
Apply the finish. Stain or paint goes on in thin, even coats, working with the grain and avoiding lap marks.
Cure time. We tell you when the deck can take furniture and foot traffic, and what to avoid until then.

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

Fence and Deck Painting in Oliver: questions

Should I stain or paint my deck?

Stain soaks into the wood and wears gradually, so it is easier to refresh. Paint forms a film that hides flaws but can peel on walking surfaces. We explain the trade-off during the quote.

Can a gray, weathered deck be saved?

Often yes. Grey surface fibres can be sanded back to fresh wood. Boards that are soft, rotten or badly split need replacing before any finish goes on.

How often does a deck need recoating?

It depends on the product and how much sun the deck gets. Instead of promising a number of years, we show you what a failing finish looks like so you can spot the right moment.

Other painting services in Oliver

Fence and Deck Painting in nearby towns

To get your Oliver deck or fence protected, request a free written quote and we will list each structure and finish.

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

More about fence and deck painting and Oliver

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

Further reading: Oliver on Wikipedia and Wood stain on Wikipedia.

Watch: fence and deck painting in action

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