Deck and Wood Staining in Bethlehem, PA
Family-owned since 1991. Licensed, insured, and based in Nazareth.
Bethlehem decks vary as much as its housing does. A rear deck on a South Side home is a different job from a raised deck on a newer property near the north side, mostly in access and in how much sun the wood takes. Sun exposure sets the re-staining interval more than anything else, and we tell you what to expect for yours.
Bethlehem's unique character, from the Moravian historic district to the South Side's working-class neighborhoods to the growing arts district on Third Street, requires a contractor who understands the city. Anthony's Painting has worked on Bethlehem properties for over 30 years.
We are well-versed in the specific challenges of Bethlehem's older homes: aging masonry, detailed Moravian-era woodwork, and the moisture challenges that come with properties near the Lehigh River. We also serve Bethlehem's growing commercial sector, including properties in the SteelStacks area.
How We Handle Deck and Wood Staining Here
Assess the wood
Age, exposure and how much of the previous finish is left decide which product will actually hold. A weathered deck and a two-year-old deck do not take the same stain.
Clean and power wash
Grey surface fibres, mildew and old failing finish come off. Stain applied over any of them lifts within a season.
Sand and repair
Rough areas sanded, splinters taken back, and damaged boards replaced where they need to be. Popped nails and screws reset.
Let it dry properly
Wood has to be dry before stain goes on. This is the step that gets skipped when a crew is trying to finish in one visit, and it is why finishes fail early.
Stain and seal
Applied to the deck surface, railings, steps and surrounding trim, then sealed for UV protection.
What's Included
- Deck cleaning and power washing
- Sanding and light board repair
- Transparent, semi-transparent, and solid stains
- Deck sealing and UV protection
- Railings, steps, and surrounding trim
- Porch floors and pergola painting
What Affects the Price
- Deck size, and whether railings and steps are included
- Current condition, and how much stripping or sanding is needed
- Any board replacement or fastener repair required
- Product chosen, transparent through to solid stain
- Whether an old solid stain or paint has to come off first
- Height and access underneath for multi-level decks
Most residential decks are two to four days across cleaning, drying, sanding and staining. The drying window is weather-dependent and is not something we shorten to finish sooner.
“Our home is in the Historic District and requires extra care. Anthony's Painting understood that from the first conversation. They used the right products, matched our trim color precisely, and the work passed the historical review board without any issues.”
Questions from Bethlehem Homeowners
Should I stain or paint my deck?
For most wood decks, stain. It penetrates rather than sitting on the surface, so it wears rather than peeling, and it recoats without stripping. Paint suits composite or already-painted decks. We advise on which is right for yours at the estimate.
How often does a deck need re-staining?
It depends on exposure and product. A south-facing deck in full sun works harder than a shaded one. We tell you what to expect for your specific deck rather than quoting a general figure.
Can you fix a deck that has gone grey?
Usually, yes. Grey is weathered surface fibre and it cleans and sands off. Once the sound wood underneath is exposed it takes stain normally.
Do you cover all of Bethlehem?
Yes. We cover Bethlehem and the surrounding communities including Fountain Hill, Hellertown, Hanover Township, Freemansburg, South Bethlehem. We have worked across Northampton County since 1991.