Frequently Asked Questions

Most decks require restaining every 2 to 4 years, depending on the type of stain used, sun exposure, foot traffic, and weather conditions in the GTA. Transparent stains typically need reapplication annually, while solid stains can last up to 4 or 5 years.

Yes, we prioritize using sustainable, eco-friendly cleaners, stains, and sealants that are low-VOC, biodegradable, and safe for your family, pets, and surrounding landscaping.

Absolutely. Cedar is a softwood that requires specialized care. We use precisely calibrated low-pressure washing (under 800 PSI) combined with specialized wood cleaners to safely remove dirt and mildew without splintering or fuzzing the cedar fibers.

If the structural framework (posts, joists, beams) is sound and the damage is largely cosmetic (fading, minor splinters, greying), restoration is almost always the more cost-effective choice. Restoration costs a fraction of replacement and can extend your deck's life beautifully.

A standard deck or fence restoration usually takes 2 to 3 days to complete. Day one involves preparation and power washing. Day two encompasses sanding, repairs, and the first coat of stain. Day three involves final coats and cleanup, weather permitting.

Yes, Beaver Wood Restoration is fully licensed and carries comprehensive liability insurance, as well as full WSIB coverage for all our employees to protect you and your property.

We provide a 3-year written warranty on workmanship for all stain and refinishing services — deck staining, deck refinishing, fence staining, hardwood floor refinishing, log home restoration, gazebo/pergola restoration, and exterior painting. Covered: premature peeling, flaking, or cracking attributable to workmanship or application defects. Not covered: acts of God, customer-caused damage (heavy use, ice melt, BBQ grease), structural wood damage disclosed at quote, normal wear, or surfaces maintained against our written care plan. Cleaning-only services (deck cleaning, power washing, cedar roof cleaning) carry a 30-day satisfaction guarantee — if the result is not right, we return and re-treat. Full warranty terms are written into every project agreement.

We apply Expert Stain & Seal contractor-grade penetrating oil-based stains as our standard product line for decks, fences, log homes, gazebos, pergolas, and exterior wood. Expert Stain & Seal is formulated for the freeze-thaw and humidity conditions in the Greater Toronto Area and penetrates deeply into cedar and pressure-treated lumber rather than forming a film on top — which is why our finishes do not peel and can be renewed by cleaning and recoating rather than full stripping. For cleaning, brightening, and substrate prep, we use commercial-grade percarbonate cleaners and oxalic-acid wood brighteners.

Our typical deck staining rate in the GTA is $3 to $6 per square foot. The final cost depends on wood condition, existing finish, prep scope (including whether stripping is required), and project complexity — multi-level decks, railings, and stairs add to the per-foot rate. A standard 400 sq ft deck typically lands between $1,200 and $2,400. All work carries our 3-year written warranty on workmanship. We provide free on-site quotes and do not quote over the phone.

Most penetrating oil-based stains require ambient and surface temperatures between 10°C and 32°C during application, with no rain forecast for at least 24 to 48 hours afterward. We monitor weather windows carefully and reschedule jobs proactively rather than stain in marginal conditions that would compromise adhesion and longevity.

No. Wood must reach a moisture content of 15% or lower before stain is applied. Staining wet or damp wood traps moisture under the finish, which leads to premature bubbling, peeling, and mildew growth. After significant rain, most decks need at least 48 to 72 hours of dry weather before they are ready. We use moisture meters on-site to confirm before proceeding.

A sealer (also called a clear or water repellent) provides moisture protection but no UV protection and no pigment. It preserves the natural look but requires reapplication annually and offers no color enhancement. A stain penetrates the wood fiber with both a pigment and a protective binder, providing UV resistance, moisture repellency, and color for two to five years depending on product and conditions. For most GTA decks, a penetrating stain is the more durable and cost-effective choice.

Light foot traffic is generally safe after 24 to 48 hours, once the stain is dry to the touch. Full cure — when the stain has fully hardened and bonded to the wood fiber — takes 3 to 7 days depending on the product, temperature, and humidity. We recommend avoiding furniture placement and heavy use for the first 72 hours to prevent marks in the partially cured finish.

No permit is required for cleaning, staining, or surface restoration work on an existing deck. Permits are required for structural work — replacing posts, adding square footage, or altering the height or structure of the deck. We handle restoration only; if we identify structural work during our assessment that would require a permit, we will flag it before quoting.

Yes, but it requires stripping first. Peeling paint or solid stain must be fully removed before a penetrating oil-based stain can be applied. We use chemical strippers and mechanical sanding to get back to bare wood. Stripping adds labor cost but it is necessary — applying new stain over a failing film-forming finish produces a patchy result that peels within one season.

We do not stain or apply protective coatings in winter. Most products require temperatures above 10°C and are ineffective or prone to failure when applied in cold or freezing conditions. We do take winter bookings and schedule spring projects starting in late March, weather permitting. Booking in winter guarantees a spot in our early spring schedule before the seasonal rush.