Deck, Siding & Specialty Finishes
Deck stain peels when it goes over the old coat. We strip it, sand it and brush the new stain into the wood, so it wears evenly instead of flaking.
M22 Fresh Coats stains decks, fences, cedar siding and log homes in Traverse City and across northern Michigan, and finishes exterior doors and built-ins. We clean, strip failed finish, sand and stain. We use Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck for decks and WoodScapes for siding and log.
What is included in a staining job?
Cleaning
We wash dirt, mildew and gray weathered fiber off the wood.
Stripping
Failed film and old stain come off where they would block new stain.
Sanding
Rough boards, rails and spindles get sanded smooth.
Repair marks
We note loose boards, popped fasteners and soft spots for you or your carpenter. We do not replace them unless the quote says so.
Stain
We apply stain to the product's coverage spec, back-brushed so it works into the grain.
Protection
We cover plants, glass, fixtures and hardscape.
Cleanup and walkthrough
We remove debris and check the work with you.
What is not included?
- Board, rail or post replacement, unless written into your quote.
- Structural deck repair and footing work.
- Roofing, gutter and window work.
- Stain on surfaces we have not seen. Send photos so we can confirm the product.
What do you stain, and with what?
How do you finish a deck?
Decks take sun, snow load and foot traffic. We use SuperDeck, a finishing system made for decks and outdoor furniture. Prep decides how long it lasts, so we clean and strip before we stain. In northern Michigan, deck finish fails first on horizontal surfaces and on south- and west-facing boards.
Can you stain cedar siding and log homes?
Yes. We use WoodScapes, an exterior stain for house siding and trim. Cedar and log need a clean, dry, open-grained surface, so we wash and sand first. Log homes also need joint and chink checks. We note any we find.
What about fences, doors and built-ins?
Fences take the same prep as decks. Exterior doors and built-ins get sanded, then finished with a stain or enamel that suits the wood and the exposure. Tell us what the piece looks like now and what you want it to look like.
Do you do limewash and other specialty finishes?
Ask us. Send a photo of the surface and we tell you whether we do it and whether it will hold.
How does a staining job run?
Walkthrough
We look at the wood, the old finish and the sun exposure.
Clean
Wash, then wait for the wood to dry.
Strip and sand
Remove failed finish and smooth rough wood.
Stain
Apply coats at the product's recommended coverage and back-brush.
Cure
Keep foot traffic and furniture off until we say the finish is ready.
Cleanup and walkthrough
We check every board with you.
Which Sherwin-Williams stains do you use?
- SuperDeck. Decks, fences and outdoor furniture.
- WoodScapes. Cedar, log and siding.
What do M22 stain jobs look like?
These are example photos. Our own job photos go up as we finish them.
Stained wooden lakeside deck with two Adirondack chairs beside a cedar-shingle wall. 
Log home with a honey-colored stain and charcoal trim in the woods.
What affects the cost of deck staining?
Deck size, board condition, the amount of old finish to strip, railings and spindles, and the stain line set the price.
Send a photo of the wood
Send a photo of the deck and rough dimensions. We tell you if it needs stripping and what it costs.
Tell us about your deck or siding
Based in Traverse City
Written scope before any work