How Much Does Exterior Staining Cost?
Exterior staining is an essential thing to do if you want to improve the appeal and overall look of your home's exterior. Whether the existing paint is dilapidated or perhaps applying paint for the first time, the cost depends on factors such as labor, the materials used, and your location within the country.
The estimates below have factored in all these considerations to give you an idea of how much money you need to set aside for your exterior staining project.
How Much Will It Cost To Stain a Home Exterior?
This price is largely influenced by the size of your home, the area you intend to cover and other processes that need to be completed. These include power washing, sanding, scraping, and more. In case any of these processes are necessary, try negotiating with your painter for the best rate.
Because of the many variables that can affect the overall cost to stain a home exterior, prices can range anywhere from $200 per 125 sq ft on the lower end to as much as $625 per 125 sq ft on the higher end. This equates to roughly $1.50 - $5 per sq ft.
In general, however, the average price for exterior staining in the U.S will cost you about $350 per 125 sq ft ( $2.80 per sq ft ).
Cost Determinants
There are several factors that will directly or indirectly affect the overall cost of staining a home's exterior:
- The size of the job - You will pay less for staining small area compared to large ones. However, sometimes contractors won’t increase the prices past a certain point for large houses.
- Location of the house - The further you live away from the contractor, the more you should expect to pay. Contractors normally factor in the transportation costs, so they are likely to influence the price.
- Time - The time spent on the project will also play a role in the overall cost. If your home needs scraping and power-washing, a contractor will spend much more time on it and eventually this will be reflected in the costs.
- Materials -The materials used in exterior staining vary in price. Also, the quality of tools and other materials used will raise a cost a little higher.
This information will be helpful, especially if you are still contemplating whether or not your home needs exterior staining. All in all, you can always make proper inquiries with experts who can give you a more exact breakdown of the cost to stain a home exterior. Compare at least three of these estimates to get the most accurate representation of the current pricing trends in your locale.
Types of Wood Staining
There are 4 main types of wood staining to choose from:
- semisolid
- clear toner
- solid colors
- semitransparent
Generally, stains are available in 1-gallon cans which should cover between 200 - 300 sq ft, depending on the wood texture, porosity of wood surfaces, and stain thickness. For a lower grade stain, expect to spend around $20 per gallon. For a higher grade stain, upwards of $120 per gallon.
However, the most important question to ask yourself before you get to the stain is, what type of wood staining or coating has been used previously?
If the wood is bare, you can choose any type of wood staining. However, if the exterior wood stain has a film finish, it's best to stick to this type as it cannot be penetrated by other wood stain types.
Also, consider oil and water based wood staining. Water-based staining can adhere to previously painted oil based stains, but not the other way around.
Semisolid Staining
This leaves no film over the surface and won't peel over time. It has less pigment than solid color staining, so it won't conceal the natural wood grain. Semisolid wood staining only needs a recoat every 2 to 4 years.
Clear Toner Staining
Consists of finely ground up iron pigment, also known as trans-oxides. These block harmful sun rays without concealing the wood grain. It usually has a slight tint but leaves no surface film. It won't peel, though it will require a recoat annually to keep the wood healthy.
Solid Colors
Similar to flat paint, it will conceal the wood grain while leaving a texture. Solid color wood staining leaves a film which naturally will peel if applied incorrectly. Solid colors will require a recoat every 5 to 7 years.
Semitransparent Wood Staining
This coating contains enough pigment to actually alter the wood's color. It won't conceal the wood grain, it leaves no surface film, and it doesn't peel. A recoat is required every 2 - 3 years.
Cost Examples
To get a better idea of what the cost to stain your home's exterior will be, here are some examples. For an average 1,500 sq ft home, using a mid-range quality oil based and semi-transparent stain, budget for anywhere between $4,200 - $7,500. This would include cleaning of surfaces, wood preserving treatments, and staining.
For a deck of roughly 500 sq ft, you can easily pay as little as $1,000 ( $2 per sq ft ) for a professional to come in for 3 to 5 hours and complete the job. This price will include all the power washing, labor, and materials needed.
Calculating Your Own Costs
It is difficult to estimate the cost of exterior staining on your home just by looking at it. To get an idea of how much you will spend, you have to determine the square footage of the particular area you intend to stain. You can do this by multiplying the width of the area by its height.
So, for example, if you do this easy calculation and get 1000 square feet, based on the abovementioned averages, your exterior staining for this particular project should come in anywhere between $1,500 on the low end and up to $5,000 on the high end.
Get In Touch With a Local Professional
Are you looking to receive an accurate breakdown of the cost to stain a home exterior? You can easily get a 100% FREE, no-obligation estimate from professionals in your area right here.
How To Get a Free Quote
Simply enter your home zip code in the space provided below for specifically tailored information regarding your area and the related cost to stain your home exterior. Remember, entering your home zip code here comes with absolutely no obligations to make any purchases, hire or sign any contracts, and there are no hidden costs whatsoever.
