How pricing works
How a stain job is priced
Your price is written after we walk the wood.
What happens at the visit
We walk the deck, the fence runs or every side of a log home, check the old finish and the soft spots, and brush two or three samples on a hidden board.
When you get the number
In writing, after the walk-through, with a line for each surface and a line for each repair.
Late-season and rush jobs
They take a different schedule than early summer. The days, the drying day and the rain rule are written on the estimate.
If the job changes
Boards, posts or logs that turn out to be soft once the old finish is off are priced in writing before we replace them.
What moves a price
Six things we write down at the walk-through
Size
Square feet of deck, feet of fence or number of walls.
Height and access
Anything past a ladder's reach needs a lift or scaffold.
The old finish
A sound coat is washed. A failing or solid coat is stripped.
The wood's condition
Soft boards, popped nails and loose rails are written as repairs.
Stain type and coats
Transparent, semi-transparent or solid, and one coat or two.
When we can do it
Late-season and rush jobs take a different schedule than early summer.
Compare two quotes
A written stain estimate and a vague one
Whoever you hire, the estimate should say these things.
| It says | A vague one | A written estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Surfaces | A vague one"Stain the deck" | A written estimateBetter: Each deck, fence run or wall, with its size |
| Prep | A vague one"Prep included" | A written estimateBetter: Wash, dry, sand and repair, each named |
| Coats | A vague oneNot stated | A written estimateBetter: The number of coats and the finish type |
| Product | A vague one"Quality stain" | A written estimateBetter: The product named, with its data sheet |
| Repairs | A vague oneAdded to the bill later | A written estimateBetter: Priced in writing before we do them |
| Schedule | A vague one"Next week" | A written estimateBetter: Days, the drying day and the rain rule |
| Payment and warranty | A vague oneCash at the end | A written estimateBetter: A payment schedule and warranty terms |
Price questions
What is on a written estimate?
The surfaces and their size, the repairs, the prep, the number of coats, the product and finish type, the color, the cleanup, the schedule, the payment schedule and the warranty terms. If a line is missing, ask for it.
What does the estimate not include?
Boards, posts or logs that turn out to be soft once the old finish is off, and any color beyond the ones written down. We price anything we find in writing before we do it.
How do the deposit and payment work?
A deposit books your slot. The rest is due on the payment schedule in your written estimate. We take check, card or bank transfer.
What does the warranty cover?
Our written warranty covers our workmanship. Terms, limits and exclusions are in your written warranty. Stain on exposed wood wears with sun and snow, and no warranty covers ordinary wear.