Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our in-depth FAQ section, where we address every question you might have about Deck Restore+. Whether you’re curious about our service areas, the specifics of wood restoration, or the best way to protect your deck in winter, this guide has you covered. If you don’t see an answer to your question here, feel free to reach out or check our Services page and About Us page for more details.


Here’s a quick look at the different categories in this FAQ. Click or scroll to jump to the section that interests you most:

General Questions

  • We serve the Niagara Region, including Fort Erie, St. Catharines, Lincoln, Beamsville, Grimsby, Smithville, and occasionally Hamilton and Burlington. We don’t typically charge a travel fee, but if you live well outside our usual routes, we’ll let you know in advance.

  • Our wood restoration services run Spring through Fall because temperatures and weather conditions need to be suitable for cleaning, drying, and staining. Cold, wet weather can cause major issues with stain adhesion and overall finish quality.

  • We offer free consultations—just reach out to us by phone or through our website. We’ll assess your deck or fence in person and provide a detailed quote tailored to your needs.

  • We’re happy to evaluate your deck or fence. If our team believes restoration isn’t cost-effective (or feasible), we’ll tell you. In those cases, replacing the wood is often the best long-term solution.

  • You can give us a call or submit a form on our website. We’re here to answer any questions you have, or set up a time for a free, no-obligation quote.

Products & Materials

  • We work with Benjamin Moore, Sico Proluxe (formerly Sikkens), Sherwin Williams, and Livios—all trusted, high-quality oil-based stains that resist peeling. They’re also easy to apply properly, which keeps labor costs in check.

  • Yes. We use eco-friendly, government-regulated products and take every precaution to protect children, pets, and vegetation in your yard.

  • Yes. Our standard process is already eco-friendly thanks to the strict regulations on the products we use. We also focus on minimal waste and responsible disposal methods.

  • Oil-based stains penetrate deeper, last longer, and often look richer. Water-based stains can be great for solid coverage when you want to hide imperfections. We’ll make a recommendation during your consultation if you’re unsure.

  • We have standard products and colors that streamline supply logistics, keeping costs down. If you prefer a custom color or non-standard brand, we can often get it—though it may come with extra shipping or handling costs.

  • Wood restoration is an umbrella term for revitalizing your deck, fence, or pergola—from cleaning and sanding to board repairs, stripping, and staining. Think of it as a customized package of techniques that restore the wood’s appearance and extend its life. For more details, see our Services page.

  • After we inspect your wood, we’ll recommend a tailored approach to achieve the best results. You can opt out of certain services, but skipping essential steps (like sanding) may void your warranty because we can’t guarantee performance without proper prep.

  • We only recommend these specialized services when they’re necessary to address safety concerns or ensure a good finished product. You’re free to request them, but in most cases, it may not be cost-effective unless the wood truly needs them.

  • We generally complete projects in two visits with a 1–3 day gap in between. On Day 1, we do cleaning, chemical stripping, or resurfacing (as needed). Then we let the wood dry fully. On Day 2, we handle minor repairs, sanding, and staining/sealing.

    Drying Time: Wood must be under 15% moisture for the stain to penetrate properly. Rushing leads to peeling or uneven finishes.

  • We’ll clean composite decks and fences to remove surface grime, but other restoration techniques—like sanding or staining—are typically not applicable to composite materials.

  • It depends on your preference.

    If you requested our team handle removals, just ensure doors and windows are shut to keep water out.

    If you’ll remove décor yourself, have it cleared off before we arrive to save time and avoid delays. Also, ensure doors and windows are shut to keep water out.

  • You can walk on it after about 24 hours. To prevent scuffs or scratches, wait at least 72 hours before placing furniture back.

  • We avoid many big-box store products that have proven poor performance. We evaluate each brand on a case-by-case basis. If a product is known to fail or peel quickly, we’ll suggest a higher-quality alternative.

  • Absolutely.

    • Chemical Stripping is typically faster and more cost-effective if the product can break down the old finish.

    • Sanding is a backup plan for stains too stubborn for chemical stripping, but it’s more labor-intensive.

    If there are multiple thick layers of paint or stain, resurfacing can be more economical than sanding through everything.

  • That’s no problem. If your deck is sufficiently clean and dry, we can proceed with sanding (if needed) and staining/sealing.

Services & Process

  • We often have a 1–2 month waitlist during spring and summer. If you want an early slot, booking in mid-to-late winter is your best bet.

  • Rain before staining just means a longer drying period. Rain during staining can ruin the finish, so we closely monitor forecasts and reschedule if needed. Your final result is our top priority.

  • 99% of projects wrap up in two days. Extremely large or complex jobs may take longer, but we’ll discuss that before starting.99% of projects wrap up in two days. Extremely large or complex jobs may take longer, but we’ll discuss that before starting.

  • We work 7 days a week during our season to accommodate different schedules.

  • No. We don’t penalize you for weather delays. The price remains the same.


Scheduling & Timeline

  • We use a hybrid approach—square footage, scope of work, and travel time. For uncertain tasks (e.g., stain removal), we’ll charge an hourly rate plus materials to keep pricing fair.

  • We run seasonal promotions like our Spring Service discount. Specific discounts vary, so ask us about current offers.

  • Yes. We typically request 25% upfront to secure your spot in our queue.

  • The remaining balance is due within 5 days of project completion. We’ll email you an invoice after we finish.

  • No, we outline all fees upfront. If any unusual charges arise (like extra disposal needs), we’ll discuss them with you before proceeding.

Pricing & Payment

  • It applies to our wood restoration packages and covers failures in the stain or sealer due to our workmanship within the first six months.


  • We guarantee workmanship, not the inherent lifespan of the stain itself. Factors like weather, upkeep, and traffic also play a role in how long a stain lasts.

  • We’ll do a final walkthrough before leaving. If we missed anything, we’ll fix it at no extra cost. Major issues caused by misuse or lack of maintenance aren’t covered.

  • Yes. Damage from neglect, misuse, or situations beyond our control (like extreme weather) can void the warranty. We’ll let you know if something isn’t covered.

Warranty & Guarantee

  • No, horizontal surfaces only need freshening every 2–4 years, while vertical surfaces can go 3–5 years.

    Over time, stains fade or wear down, so periodic reapplication keeps your wood looking great.

  • Avoid harsh chemicals or high PSI power washing. Gentle, wood-friendly cleaners plus a garden hose or soft-bristle brush usually do the trick. If you’re unsure, ask us—we can recommend brands or come out for a quick cleaning service.

  • It’s best to avoid salt or chemical de-icers. They can corrode the stain and lead to peeling or discoloration. Instead, clear snow quickly and consider using non-damaging traction aids like sand if needed.

  • Minor mold or algae can usually be tackled with a mild cleaning solution and a gentle scrub. If it’s persistent or widespread, we do offer maintenance cleaning services. Let us know, and we’ll set up a visit.

  • Absolutely. Allowing snow and ice to sit for long periods causes moisture buildup and accelerates wear. Shoveling soon after snowfall helps the wood stay dry and extends the stain’s life.

Maintenance & Aftercare

Additional Questions

  • Yes. Incorrect technique, especially with high PSI, can gouge or splinter the wood. Our technicians are trained to use the right pressure and distance for safe, effective cleaning.

  • We specialize exclusively in wood restoration, meaning we’ve honed specific skills for cleaning, stripping, sanding, and staining decks and fences. We use top-quality products, stand by our work with a 6-month warranty, and absorb extra costs if we uncover unexpected problems.

  • Absolutely—just ask, and we’ll provide documentation to show we’re fully insured.

  • We document every job with photos or videos, and you’re more than welcome to share them online. We love seeing our customers show off their new decks and fences!

  • Our equipment can be fairly loud, especially power washers and sanders. It’s courteous to let neighbors know in advance, particularly if we need access to their yard while working on a shared fence.

Need More Info?

If there’s a question we haven’t covered, feel free to reach out directly or explore our Services page and About Us page to learn more about Deck Restore+. We look forward to helping you enjoy a beautiful, long-lasting outdoor space!