Professional deck staining in Ottawa costs about $2.50 to $6.00 per square foot in 2026, which puts a typical 300 square foot deck at roughly $750 to $1,800 including cleaning, light prep and two coats of stain. Larger 500 square foot decks with railings and stairs commonly run $1,600 to $3,200, because railings, spindles and stair stringers take far more labour per square foot than open deck boards. Doing it yourself costs roughly $180 to $400 in stain and supplies for a 300 sq ft deck plus a full weekend of work. Ottawa's freeze-thaw winters, heavy spring meltwater and strong summer UV mean ...
Ottawa staining contractors price by square footage of deck surface, then add for vertical elements. A small 150 sq ft ground-level deck with no railing typically costs $450–$900. A 300 sq ft deck with a railing on two sides runs $750–$1,800. A 500 sq ft raised deck with full railing and a set of stairs commonly lands at $1,600–$3,200, and large multi-level decks with pergolas, privacy screens and benches can exceed $4,000. The reason railings drive cost so hard is geometry: a 40-foot run of railing with spindles can have more coated surface area than the deck floor it surrounds, and every spindle must be brushed by hand. Stairs are similar — treads, risers and stringers add labour disproportionate to their footprint. When you compare quotes, confirm whether the price covers railings, stairs, fascia boards and the underside of an elevated deck, or only the walking surface.
A clear water-repellent sealer costs less at roughly $1.75–$3.50 per square foot applied, but offers minimal UV protection and typically needs redoing annually in Ottawa. Pigmented stain costs more and lasts two to three times longer because the pigment blocks UV.
The stain is the cheap part; preparation is where quotes diverge. A proper Ottawa deck refinish starts with a wash — pressure washing at low pressure with a wood-safe cleaner, typically $0.50–$1.25 per square foot as a separate line, or bundled into the total. Decks with failing solid stain or old film-forming product need stripping and neutralizing, which adds $1.50–$3.50 per square foot and is the single largest cost variable in older decks. Sanding to open the wood grain after stripping adds another $1.00–$2.50 per square foot. Beyond coatings, most Ottawa decks need some carpentry before staining: popped nails or screws reset, split boards replaced at roughly $18–$40 per board installed, and loose railing connections tightened. Reputable contractors also allow drying time — pressure-washed wood must reach an appropriate moisture content, usually 24 to 72 hours in Ottawa summer weather, before stain goes on. A crew that washes and stains the same day is setting the finish up to peel.
The stain you choose changes both price and how often you repeat the job. Transparent and semi-transparent penetrating oil stains are the most popular for Ottawa pressure-treated and cedar decks; a four-litre can runs about $55–$95 and covers roughly 200–300 square feet per coat. Semi-solid and solid stains cost about $60–$110 per four litres, hide grain, and last longer on horizontal surfaces but are prone to peeling if applied over a poorly prepped or damp deck. Premium penetrating products from brands widely stocked in Ottawa cost more per can but often deliver an extra season between coats, which is the better economics when labour is the dominant cost. For a 300 sq ft deck with railing, budget three to five litres per coat and plan on two coats. Note that composite and PVC decking should not be stained at all — those surfaces are cleaned and, at most, treated with a manufacturer-approved restorer.
New pressure-treated lumber usually needs to weather for several months before it will absorb stain properly. Many Ottawa builders recommend waiting until the following spring, then cleaning and staining once the wood has dried and released mill glaze.
Weather governs deck staining more than any other exterior trade. The reliable Ottawa window runs from late May through early October, with the best conditions in June and September: air temperature between 10°C and 27°C, no rain forecast for 24 to 48 hours, and surfaces out of direct blazing sun during application. Staining a deck at 32°C in full July sun causes the product to flash-dry before it penetrates, leaving lap marks and a finish that fails early. Spring is popular because homeowners want the deck ready for summer, which makes May and June the busiest and most expensive weeks; booking in September often gets faster scheduling and occasionally better pricing. Avoid late October onward — overnight lows near freezing and heavy dew prevent proper curing. If you miss the season, wait for spring rather than forcing a late application that will not bond.
For a small, low, simple deck, DIY makes sense: $180–$400 in stain, brushes, a stain pad, cleaner and a pressure washer rental ($60–$110 per day) versus $750–$1,800 for a contractor on a 300 sq ft deck. The calculus shifts on larger, elevated decks with extensive railing, on decks needing stripping, and on any deck where working at height is involved. Contractors bring commercial sprayers with back-brushing, correct moisture testing, and liability insurance, and they finish in one to two days what takes a homeowner two weekends. When hiring, get three written quotes that state square footage, whether railings, stairs and fascia are included, the number of coats, the specific stain product and colour, the prep method, and what happens if it rains mid-job. Verify liability insurance and WSIB coverage, and ask for a workmanship warranty covering peeling or premature failure within the first season.
Professional deck staining in Ottawa costs about $2.50–$6.00 per square foot in 2026. A 300 square foot deck typically costs $750–$1,800 including cleaning and two coats, while a 500 square foot deck with full railing and stairs runs $1,600–$3,200.
Most Ottawa decks need re-staining every two to three years because of freeze-thaw cycling, spring meltwater and summer UV. Clear sealers often need annual reapplication, while quality semi-transparent and solid stains on well-prepped wood can last three years or more.
Sometimes. Many Ottawa contractors bundle a wash into the quoted price, but others list it separately at $0.50–$1.25 per square foot. Stripping old failing stain is almost always extra, adding $1.50–$3.50 per square foot. Always confirm which prep steps are included.
DIY staining a 300 square foot Ottawa deck costs roughly $180–$400 for stain, cleaner, brushes and pads, plus $60–$110 if you rent a pressure washer. Expect a full weekend: one day to clean and dry, one day to apply two coats.
Late May through early October, with June and September offering the best conditions. Aim for temperatures between 10°C and 27°C with no rain expected for 24–48 hours, and avoid applying stain in direct midday sun or after early-October frost risk begins.
No. Composite and PVC decking should not be stained. These surfaces are cleaned with a manufacturer-approved product and, where fading is a concern, treated only with a restorer specified by the decking manufacturer. Applying wood stain can void the warranty.