Deck Cleaning & Staining in Brighton, ON

Keeping Mildew Off Brighton's Lakeside Decks

Mildew is often the first thing we notice on decks near the lake. It shows up as dark grey or black patches, mostly on boards that get little sun, and stain won't bond properly over it. We pre-treat those areas, wash the whole deck and let the wood dry fully before sanding. Damp lakeside weather can stretch the drying time, so we check the boards themselves rather than going by the calendar.

Exposure is the other half of it. Waterfront and lakeshore decks around Brighton get full sun and wind-driven rain, so a clear sealer alone won't hold up long. Deck sealing keeps water out, but stain adds the UV protection the wood also needs, which is why we usually suggest a semi-transparent stain. On older boards that have weathered unevenly, a solid stain can even things out. Either way, stain only goes on above 10°C with 24 to 48 dry hours ahead.

With the seasonal population climbing from May on, the best time to book is before then, or in early fall once things quiet down. Washing alone, with no stain, starts at $150. Deck refinishing for a standard 10x12, cleaning and stain included, usually runs $400 to $800, and bigger decks with railings and stairs cost more, since all those edges take longer.

Pedro handles deck cleaning, sanding and staining. For how he approaches deck cleaning & staining in general, see our deck cleaning & staining page.