Keep your dock or deck in service longer
Deck and dock staining is how we protect wood that is still good. Instead of tearing out boards that have only gone grey, we clean the surface, fix anything loose, and put on a stain made for beach and coastal conditions, so sun, salt air and moisture have less to work on.
It is for waterfront and beach-house owners in Brunswick County whose docks, decks, stairs and rails are starting to look tired but are still structurally sound. Paradise Decks and Docks is based in Supply, and we stain in Holden Beach, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Shallotte and the towns around them. Protecting what you have is less work than a rebuild, and you keep the deck or dock you already like. If the wood is past saving, we will tell you that too.
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What the coast does to bare wood
Wood on the Brunswick County coast works hard. Knowing what is wearing on it makes it easier to see why a stain is worth putting on before the damage is deep.
Sun and UV greying
Strong sun breaks down the surface of unprotected wood, which is why a new deck or dock goes silver-grey and rough.
Salt air and humidity
Salty, humid air keeps wood damp and leaves a film on it that holds moisture against the boards.
Wet and dry cycles
Afternoon storms followed by hot sun swell and shrink the boards again and again, until they check and split.
Water in end grain and screw holes
Water soaks into cut ends and fastener holes, and that is where rot usually starts.
Stain it, or fix it first?
Stain only helps wood that is still sound. Our crew already replaces decking, fixes support framing and rebuilds docks, so we can tell you honestly which job you actually have.
When staining makes sense
- The boards are still solid underfoot.
- The framing underneath is sound.
- The surface is grey or faded.
- You like the deck or dock you have.
When it is time for repairs or a rebuild
- Boards are soft or rotten.
- Framing is loose or failing.
- Posts or pilings move when you push on them.
That is work for our dock building and deck and patio installation crew, and staining comes after.
Five steps from tired wood to protected wood
No surprises. Here is how a staining job runs, from the first look to the walk-through.
- 1
Look over the wood and framing
Our crew checks the boards, the framing and the posts first, so we know the wood is worth staining.
- 2
Clean the surface and let it dry
Old coatings, mildew and grime come off first, and the wood has to dry before stain goes on. See our deck cleaner and pressure washing work.
- 3
Fix loose or damaged boards
Anything loose or damaged gets repaired before it is coated, not covered up.
- 4
Apply the coastal stain
We stain decks, stairs, rails and dock surfaces, taking extra care when we are working over the water.
- 5
Walk-through and recoat advice
We walk the finished job with you and talk through when to plan your next coat.
A stain made for beach and coastal conditions
Our staining division uses Verapex XtremSeal Deck & Fence, a contractor grade sealant Shane picked for the coast. It is made to soak into the wood and protect it, not sit on top as a film, and it brings out the natural grain while it does.
UV protection
Helps prevent fading and sun damage, the first thing to go on an open dock.
Mildew resistance
Formulated to resist mold, mildew and algae, which humid coastal air brings with it.
Deep penetration
Soaks in for better coverage and long lasting performance on new and reconditioned wood.
Docks, decks and more
Made for decks, railings, docks, fences and siding. Dries in 2 to 4 hours, depending on the weather.
Product details from the Verapex XtremSeal Deck & Fence product sheet. Shane says the stain was made by two brothers from right here in the area.
Colour options
Five semi-transparent colours plus a clear, so the grain still shows through.
- Cape Cod Gray
- Leatherwood
- Cedar Tone
- Redwood
- Saddle Tan
- Verapex Clear
Colour chips are approximate. Ask to see a sample before we start; the final look depends on your wood.
Decks, docks, stairs and rails
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Wood decks and porches we have built and finished.
- Dock walkways and heads
- Deck boards and stairs
- Railings and handrails
- Beach walkways
Our staining work
Before and after photos of our staining jobs will be added here.
Customers on how we treat the structure they already have
Excellent service and top quality work. Not only did Shane and his crew replace our decking, but also found issues with the support system, which he corrected so our deck is much safer. Highly recommend
Paradise Shane and Dillon were right on track with rebuilding a portion of our lower deck and replacing the ramp to our dock. The Alum ramp quality they contracted is top quality and they spared no expense in time and materials on completing the work. Plan to use Paradise again for sure!
Deck and dock staining questions
Is staining cheaper than replacing a deck or dock?
Yes, when the wood is still sound, staining is far less work than a rebuild. Replacing boards, framing or pilings is a bigger job than cleaning and coating what is already there. We will look at your deck or dock and give you a quote for the work it actually needs, so you are not paying for more than you have to.
How do I know if my deck can be stained or needs repairs?
Boards that are firm but grey, faded or lightly checked can usually be stained. Soft or rotten boards, loose or failing framing, and posts or pilings that move point to repairs or a rebuild first. Call us and we will look it over and tell you honestly which one you need.
What stain do you use?
We use Verapex XtremSeal Deck & Fence, a contractor grade sealant made to soak into the wood and protect it from sun fading, mold, mildew and algae. It comes in five semi-transparent colours, Cape Cod Gray, Leatherwood, Cedar Tone, Redwood and Saddle Tan, plus a clear. Ask to see a sample before we start.
How often does a coastal deck or dock need restaining?
It depends on how much sun your deck or dock gets, how much it is walked on and which product is used. A dock in full sun with daily traffic wears differently from a shaded beach-house deck. We will tell you what to expect for yours once we have seen it, and talk through recoating at the walk-through.
Which towns do you cover?
We stain decks and docks in Supply, Holden Beach, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach and Shallotte, and across the nearby Brunswick County coast. You can read more about our work in Holden Beach, and if you are close by but not listed, just ask.
Ready to protect your deck or dock? Talk to Shane.