Deck & fence
Deck restoration
A backyard deck brought from worn, lifted boards to a finished deck with a fresh, even stain.
View Project
Deck & Fence Painting
Refresh Your Outdoor Living Space
Decks and fences take the brunt of Ottawa weather. We check the condition of the wood first, then clean, stain, seal or refinish it so your yard looks cared for again.
Deck & Fence Painting in Ottawa
Deck & Fence Painting done properly
A grey, splintery deck doesn't always mean the wood is finished. More often it's the stain or paint that has given out. Once the coating fails, freeze-thaw cycles, snowmelt, spring rain and summer UV go to work on bare wood, and the damage builds from there. Catching it at the right stage can save you a lot of repair work, and sometimes the cost of new lumber.
So every deck and fence job starts with a close look at the wood. We don't put the same product on everything. A lightly weathered fence and a deck covered in flaking paint need very different treatment, and the right choice is the one that suits the surface in front of us. If the house itself is due for new paint, see our exterior painting service.
What we cover
Deck and Fence Work We Do
Deck and fence staining, sealing and painting based on what the wood actually needs. Light greying gets a cleaning and fresh stain, and failed coatings get stripped and fully refinished.
Deck staining and painting
Deck boards, railings and stairs, stained or painted depending on the wood and the look you want. We'll explain how transparent, semi-transparent and solid finishes differ so the choice you make is an informed one.
Fence painting and staining
Board fences, pickets and gates, on both sides where access allows. Fences get less attention than decks but face the same weather, and a fresh finish can make the whole yard look sharper.
Cleaning and preparation
Dirt, mildew and loose fibres stop new stain from soaking in. We clean the wood thoroughly and sand rough or fuzzy areas so the fresh finish can penetrate evenly and dry properly.
Sealing damaged wood
Where boards have minor cracks, earlier repairs or a history of peeling, we apply a sealant to help keep water out and slow further damage before the finish coat goes on.
Stripping and full refinishing
When weathering is severe and the old coating has failed across the surface, patching won't hold. We strip the old finish and refinish the wood from bare, which gives the new coating a clean start.
Ongoing maintenance
A quick look each spring goes a long way. We'll point out the spots that usually wear first, like stair treads and top rails, so you can catch problems early and keep the finish in good shape.
Our process
How We Restore a Deck or Fence
Preparation, painting and finishing, in the order that makes the result last.
- 01
Assess the condition
We look at how far the wood has weathered and what's on it now. Light greying, cracks and old peeling, or severe weathering each point to a different treatment, and we'll explain which one fits your deck or fence.
- 02
Clean and prepare
The surface is cleaned, loose material is removed and rough areas are sanded. If the old coating has failed badly, this is the stage where it gets stripped so the bare wood underneath can be refinished properly.
- 03
Seal, stain or paint
Light greying usually needs a cleaning followed by a semi-transparent stain. Cracked or previously peeling wood gets a sealant. Severely weathered surfaces are refinished from bare. The product goes on dry wood in suitable weather.
- 04
Review and care tips
When the work is done, we walk the deck or fence with you and point out the areas that tend to wear fastest. You'll leave knowing what to watch for as the seasons change and when to call us back.
Ottawa considerations
Why Ottawa Weather Is Hard on Decks and Fences
Outdoor wood in Ottawa goes through a lot in a single year. Snow piles up on deck boards and melts in the spring sun, water seeps into cracks and freezes again overnight, and then summer UV bakes whatever finish is left. Horizontal surfaces like deck boards and stair treads usually show wear first, because water and snow sit on them the longest. Fence posts near the ground take a similar beating.
The outdoor season is short here, and decks and fences compete with house painting for warm, dry days. If you want your deck ready for summer, book your estimate early. Properties around Greely and Manotick often have longer fence lines than a typical city lot, and those are worth planning well ahead.
Important
Sometimes the wood itself is past saving. If we find rotten or structurally unsound boards during the assessment, we'll tell you before any finish goes on. Stain and paint protect wood, but they can't fix a structural problem underneath.
Real projects
Recent deck & fence painting work
Should I stain or paint my deck?
It depends on the wood, its condition and the look you like. Stain soaks in and lets the grain show, while paint sits on top and gives solid colour. We'll look at your deck and explain which option suits its condition before you decide.
My deck has turned grey. Is it ruined?
Probably not. Light greying is common and usually means the finish has worn away, not that the wood has failed. In many cases a thorough cleaning followed by a semi-transparent stain brings it back. We'll confirm once we've seen it in person.
What happens if the old stain is peeling?
Peeling means the coating has lost its grip, and a new coat on top will only peel along with it. Depending on how widespread it is, we'll either seal the affected areas or strip the old finish completely and refinish the wood from bare.
How can I keep my deck and fence looking good?
Clear heavy snow off the deck where you safely can, sweep away leaves and debris, and look everything over each spring for greying, cracks or peeling. Catching wear early usually means lighter maintenance instead of a full strip and refinish.
Get a Deck & Fence Estimate
Send us a photo of your deck or fence and we'll call to arrange a free estimate and condition check.