A deck is the part of a Summerland house that gets used the most and forgiven the least. It takes sun on its boards, rain on its edges and foot traffic over every inch. Fences carry the same weather without the foot traffic. Both look fine for a few seasons, then grey, split and start to lift.

We stain and paint decks, railings, stairs and fences, and we start by working out whether the wood is ready to be coated or needs more help first. Some of the boards you see now will take a fresh finish well. Others should be replaced before anyone paints over them.

Outdoor wood work we do

Cleaning grey, mildewed or dirty boards back to bare wood
Stripping failed film finishes that are flaking off
Sanding rails, tops and stair edges so hands do not catch splinters
Staining or sealing deck boards, stringers and handrails
Painting fence panels, posts and gates in a solid colour
Flagging loose fasteners, soft spots and rot we find

Sun-facing decks and the finish they need

Summerland properties often have decks set up to take in the lake or the orchards, which means long hours of direct sun. Sun dries wood out and breaks down finish from the top down, so horizontal surfaces wear out first. Railing caps, deck boards and the top of a fence rail need the most attention.

We usually advise a penetrating stain on deck boards where you want to see the grain, and a solid colour where the wood is weathered and uneven. Stain on a fence soaks in rather than peeling, which makes a future recoat simpler. Either way, the wood needs to be properly dry before we start, and we will tell you if it is not.

Maintenance is simpler than most owners expect. A light wash each spring and a fresh coat on the worst-worn boards every so often costs far less than a full strip later. We can leave you a short note on what finish went on, so you know what to buy when the time comes.

Bringing outdoor wood back

Test the boards. We check how the surface takes water and look for soft spots, so the quote reflects the true condition.
Clean and strip. Dirt, mildew and failed coatings come off, and the wood is left to dry fully.
Sand and repair. Rough areas are sanded smooth, and we point out anything that needs replacing before finish goes on.
Apply the finish. Stain or paint goes on in even coats, brushed into the joints so edges and end grain are sealed.

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

Fence and Deck Painting in Summerland: questions

Should I stain or paint my deck?

Stain lets the wood show and tends to wear gradually. Paint hides more flaws but can peel on walked-on boards if it was applied over damp wood.

Can you coat a new pressure-treated deck right away?

Newer treated lumber usually needs time to dry. We will check moisture and advise on timing rather than guess.

Do you handle fence repairs before painting?

We note loose boards and leaning posts in the quote. Minor fixes can be included, and structural repairs may need a carpenter.

Other painting services in Summerland

Fence and Deck Painting in nearby towns

Ready to protect your Summerland deck or fence? Request a free written quote and we will list every board, rail and coat.

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

More about fence and deck painting and Summerland

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

Further reading: Summerland 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.