What is the total 10-year staining cost for a pressure-treated deck in NB?

A 200 sq ft pressure-treated deck in New Brunswick will cost approximately $2,400-$4,800 in staining over 10 years, assuming you stain every 2-3 years as required by our harsh Maritime climate.

Here's the breakdown for a typical deck: You'll need to restain 4-5 times over 10 years due to New Brunswick's brutal freeze-thaw cycles, UV exposure, and high humidity that breaks down stain faster than in drier climates. Each staining job costs $600-$1,200 for professional application on a 200 sq ft deck, or $150-$300 in materials if you do it yourself.

Professional staining costs include power washing ($2-3/sq ft), prep work, and applying two coats of quality exterior stain. Most NB deck contractors charge $3-6 per square foot for the complete process. DIY costs are just materials - expect to pay $40-80 per gallon for quality stain like Behr DeckOver, Sherwin Williams SuperDeck, or Benjamin Moore Arborcoat, with each gallon covering 150-300 sq ft depending on wood porosity.

New Brunswick's climate makes regular staining non-negotiable. Our 100+ freeze-thaw cycles per year are devastating to unprotected wood - water penetrates the grain, freezes, expands, and literally splits boards from within. The Maritime humidity also promotes rapid mold and mildew growth on unstained surfaces. Most deck builders recommend staining every 2 years for high-traffic areas and 3 years maximum for any pressure-treated deck in our climate.

Timing is critical in New Brunswick - you can only stain between mid-May and September when temperatures stay consistently above 10°C. The wood must also be completely dry (below 15% moisture content), which means waiting 3-6 months after installation before the first staining. Many homeowners make the costly mistake of staining too early or in cool weather, leading to poor adhesion and premature failure.

Compare this to composite decking, which requires zero staining over its 25-50 year lifespan. While composite costs $20-35/sq ft more upfront, you'll save $2,400-$4,800 in staining costs over just the first decade - making composite financially competitive long-term, especially when you factor in the time and hassle savings.

Need help finding a deck builder who understands New Brunswick's climate challenges? New Brunswick Decks can match you with experienced local contractors who know proper staining schedules and use products proven to handle our Maritime conditions.