Wood outside takes a beating. Rain and snow soak in, summer sun dries it out again, and the cycle slowly splits boards, lifts grain and turns a fence or deck grey. A finish is what stands between the wood and all of that, which is why a fence or deck left bare tends to age much faster than one that has been looked after.

Alto Pro Painters paints and stains wood fences, decks, railings, stairs and gates for homeowners, strata properties and small commercial sites. It also suits people who are not ready to repaint a whole house but want the yard to look cared for. Most jobs start with the same question: paint or stain? We will walk you through both before you decide.

What fence and deck painting includes

Cleaning the wood to remove dirt, mildew, old chalky residue and loose surface fibres
Scraping and sanding peeling or flaking finish back to a sound edge
Spot repairs such as replacing a rotted board or resetting a popped fastener, listed in the quote as separate items
Priming bare or stained wood where the finish you picked needs it
Two coats of paint or stain applied by brush, roller or sprayer, depending on the surface
Railings, balusters, posts, stair treads, risers and gate frames, not just the flat boards
Protecting nearby siding, windows, plants, patio stones and furniture while we work
A walkthrough at the end and touch-ups before we pack up

How a fence or deck job goes

Free written quote. We look at the fence or deck, check the condition of the boards and the old finish, and ask what look you want. You get a free written quote that lists each surface, the prep, the product and the timeline.
Pre-job call. Before the start date we confirm the colour, the finish and the details. We also go over what to clear, such as planters, furniture, barbecues and anything leaning on the fence.
Clean and prep. On the first day we clean the wood, scrape and sand failing finish, and fill or flag any damage. Wood has to be dry before anything goes on, so the weather sets how long this part takes.
Prime and finish. Bare wood and repaired spots are primed or sealed as the product requires, then the paint or stain goes on in the number of coats the quote states. We work with the grain and keep an eye on edges, end grain and the underside of rails.
Walkthrough and clean-up. We go over the finished work with you while it is fresh, touch up anything that needs it, and clean up after you sign off. We are not finished until you say we are.

The prep that decides how long the finish lasts

On exterior wood, the finish is only as good as the surface under it. Paint or stain put over dirt, mildew or loose old coating will fail early, usually by peeling in sheets or wearing away in the walking paths. That is why most of the first day goes to preparation rather than painting.

Washing off dirt, mildew and grey weathered fibres so the new coat grips real wood
Letting the wood dry fully after washing, because trapped moisture causes bubbling and peeling
Scraping and sanding flaking paint or stain until the edges are feathered smooth
Checking for soft, rotted or split boards and telling you what should be replaced instead of coated
Setting or replacing nails and screws that have worked loose or are sticking up
Sealing or priming bare patches and knots so they do not bleed through the topcoat

Paint or stain, and how to choose a colour

Paint forms a solid film on top of the wood. It hides the grain, gives you the widest choice of colour, and generally protects best against both moisture and sun. The tradeoff is that when it does fail, it peels, and the surface has to be scraped and sanded before recoating. Stain soaks into the wood and leaves the grain visible, which many people prefer on a deck. It is gentler on the eye but protects less from sunlight, so expect to recoat it more often than paint.

Between those two sit semi-transparent and solid-colour stains, which let a little or none of the grain show through. Think about where the surface sits. A deck gets foot traffic, furniture and spills, so a tougher floor-rated product makes sense, while a fence mainly faces sun and rain. Dark colours soak up more heat and can fade faster in strong sun, and lighter colours show dirt more. Ask us to put a sample on a hidden board before you commit to a whole yard.

What affects the price of fence and deck painting

Fences and decks vary a lot, so we do not publish fixed prices. Your written quote shows each of these items so you can see where the money goes.

Total surface area, including both sides of a fence and every stair, rail and baluster on a deck
Condition of the existing finish and how much scraping, sanding or stripping it needs
Whether the wood is bare, previously painted or previously stained, since each starts differently
Repairs, such as replacing damaged boards or tightening loose fasteners
Height and access, including steep ground, tight gaps between buildings and second-storey decks
The product you choose and the number of coats it needs

Is your home or fence older?

Health Canada says lead paint is probable in homes built before 1960 and possible from 1960 to 1990. Painted trim, railings and older fences on those properties may carry it. Tell us the age of your home when you ask for a quote so we can plan any testing before sanding or scraping.

Common mistakes with fence and deck finishes

Painting over wood that is still damp, which traps moisture and shows up later as bubbles and peeling. We wait until the boards are dry.
Skipping the wash. A coat applied over mildew or chalky grey fibres has nothing solid to hold onto, so we clean first on every job.
Coating rotten boards to make them look fine. Paint will not stop rot, so we point out the boards that should be replaced.
Using an interior or wall paint outdoors. Exterior fences and decks need products made for the job, and for decks, for foot traffic.
Forgetting end grain, the undersides of rails and the tops of posts, where water gets in first. We seal those spots on purpose.

Fence and Deck Painting by town

We offer fence and deck painting in twelve Okanagan communities. Choose your town:

Fence and Deck Painting questions

Should I paint or stain my fence?

If you want the strongest protection and a wide choice of colour, paint is the usual answer. If you like to see the grain and do not mind recoating a little more often, stain is a good fit. We can talk through both when we visit.

How long does a deck or fence take to finish?

Small fences and decks may take a couple of days, larger ones longer. Drying time after cleaning and between coats depends on the weather. Your quote includes a timeline for your job.

Do you remove the old finish first?

We scrape and sand anything that is peeling or flaking and wash the rest. If the old finish is failing across most of the surface, the quote will say if more extensive stripping is needed.

Can you paint in cold weather?

Exterior latex generally should not be applied below about 10 C, and the surface temperature matters, not just the air. We check the product data sheet and book around the weather.

Will you repair damaged boards?

We can handle minor repairs such as loose fasteners or a replaced board and list them separately in the quote. Larger structural problems are best handled by a carpenter, and we will tell you if we see one.

Is the quote really free?

Yes. The quote is free and in writing, and it lists the surfaces, the prep, the product and the timeline before any work starts.

A good finish gives your fence and deck another run of seasons and takes the dread out of looking at them. Tell us what you have and request a free written quote.

Request your free written quote or call (778) 946-0386.

Guides for fence and deck painting

Curious how a job runs from the first call to the final walkthrough? Read how our painting process works.

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

Further reading: Decks 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.

Fence and Deck Painting in Penticton and the Okanagan