A deck or fence in Lakewood takes a beating most homeowners underestimate. At 5,500+ feet, the Front Range sun delivers roughly 25% more UV than at sea level, snow sits against wood for days, and the dry air pulls moisture out of every board through long stretches of the year. Without a quality stain and seal, untreated wood graying, cracking, and warping isn't a question of if — it's a question of how soon. Professional deck and fence staining in Lakewood protects that investment and keeps your outdoor space looking the way it did the day it was built.
Paint Craft Co. is based right here at 225 Union Blvd in the Union Square area of Lakewood. We stain decks, fences, pergolas, and other exterior wood across Belmar, Green Mountain, and the surrounding neighborhoods — with surface prep and weather-tested products built for Colorado's climate, all backed by our written warranty.
Why Lakewood's Climate Is Hard on Exterior Wood
Most generic staining advice is written for mild, humid climates. Lakewood is neither. Three local factors drive how fast wood deteriorates and how often it needs to be refinished:
Intense High-Altitude UV
Ultraviolet radiation is the single biggest enemy of exterior wood. It breaks down lignin — the natural binder that holds wood fibers together — turning a rich cedar or redwood surface silvery-gray and brittle. At Lakewood's elevation, UV exposure is measurably stronger than in lower-altitude cities, so a stain that lasts five years in the Midwest may last only three here. Choosing a stain with strong UV inhibitors isn't optional in Colorado; it's the whole job.
Snow, Snowmelt, and Freeze-Thaw
Snow that piles on a deck or leans against a fence stays in contact with the wood far longer than rain. As temperatures swing above and below freezing — sometimes within a single day — absorbed moisture expands and contracts inside the boards, opening checks and cracks. A proper penetrating stain repels that water before it can soak in and start the cycle.
Low Humidity and Rapid Drying
Colorado's famously dry air pulls moisture out of wood, which is good for preventing rot but tough on dimensional stability. Boards shrink, cup, and split, and fasteners loosen over time. The right finish slows that moisture loss and keeps the wood flexible enough to handle the swings.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY
Deck and Fence Staining Services We Offer in Lakewood
Every project starts with an honest assessment of your wood's condition. From there, our services cover the full range of exterior wood care:
Stain vs. Seal: What's Right for Your Lakewood Project?
One of the most common questions we hear is whether wood should be stained or just sealed. The short answer for Colorado: stain almost always wins on value. Here's the difference:
- Clear sealers protect against moisture but offer little UV defense, so the wood still grays. They're the cheapest option up front but need reapplication every one to two years.
- Semi-transparent stains are the most popular choice for Lakewood decks and fences. They let the wood grain show through while adding real UV protection and water repellency, and they typically last three to five years before a recoat.
- Solid (opaque) stains provide the most UV protection and the widest color range, and they're ideal for older or weathered wood where you want to even out the appearance. They hold up four to seven years between coats.
Because Lakewood's UV is so strong, a clear seal alone usually means re-doing the work far more often. For most homeowners, a quality semi-transparent or solid stain is the better long-term investment — you pay a little more per project but far less per year.
How Often Should You Stain a Deck or Fence in Colorado?
In milder climates, the standard advice is every three to five years. In Lakewood, plan on the shorter end of that range — and watch for the warning signs rather than relying on the calendar alone:
- Water no longer beads on the surface and instead soaks in — the clearest sign the protective layer has worn off.
- Graying or fading color, especially on south- and west-facing sections that get the most sun.
- Rough, splintering, or raised grain where the finish has eroded.
- Visible cracking or checking in the boards.
A new deck or fence should generally be stained within its first year once the wood has dried and weathered enough to accept the finish. After that, catching the recoat before the wood is fully exposed saves money — restaining a sound surface is far cheaper than restoring one that's already damaged.
Deck and Fence Staining Costs in Lakewood
Pricing depends on the size and condition of the wood, the type of stain, and how much prep is required. As a general guide for the Denver metro and Lakewood area:
Fence staining
typically runs about $1.50–$4.00 per linear foot per side, depending on application method and stain type. A standard 150-foot privacy fence often lands in the $900–$2,250 range.typically runs about $1.50–$4.00 per linear foot per side, depending on application method and stain type. A standard 150-foot privacy fence often lands in the $900–$2,250 range.
Deck staining
is usually priced by square footage and project complexity, with most residential deck projects falling between roughly $1,000 and $2,500 when prep, sanding, and sealing are included.
Heavy restoration
failed coatings, significant weathering, or board repair before staining — adds to the total but costs far less than replacement.
The biggest cost variable is prep. Bundling deck and fence staining into a single visit, or coordinating it with other exterior work, usually lowers the per-surface cost. We provide a detailed written estimate after assessing your wood in person — no generic per-foot guess over the phone.
Our Deck and Fence Staining Process
- Free on-site assessment. We evaluate wood type, condition, sun exposure, and moisture, then recommend the right stain and prep.
- Cleaning and surface prep. Power washing, removal of failed finish, sanding, and spot repairs as needed.
- Moisture check. We confirm the wood is dry enough to accept stain — critical in Colorado's variable weather — and schedule around the forecast.
- Stain application. Even, professional application with back-brushing for full penetration and a uniform finish.
- Final walkthrough. We review the finished work with you and stand behind it with our written warranty.
Why Lakewood Homeowners Choose Paint Craft Co.
We're a locally owned, licensed and insured painting company based in Lakewood, not a national franchise routing your call to a distant office. Our crews understand Front Range wood and weather because they work in it every day. Beyond deck and fence staining, our Lakewood house painters handle interior, exterior, and cabinet projects — so if you're refreshing your outdoor wood as part of a larger exterior update, one trusted local crew can take care of all of it with consistent quality and a single point of contact.
Get a Free Deck & Fence Staining Estimate in Lakewood
Protect your outdoor wood before Colorado's sun and snow take their toll. Contact Paint Craft Co. today for a free, detailed estimate on deck and fence staining in Lakewood, CO — and see why local homeowners trust us with their exterior wood.