Custom Stain Services
& Premium Wood Finishes

We carry semi-transparent stains, solid color stains, and clear sealers from professional-grade brands including Armstrong Clark, Defy, TWP (Total Wood Preservative), Ready Seal, and Olympic. Each product is selected for performance in Missouri's climate — handling heat, humidity, UV exposure, and freeze-thaw cycles. We can help you select the right product for your specific wood species, surface condition, and desired look.

Semi-transparent stains penetrate into the wood fiber and allow the natural grain to show through. They add color and UV protection while preserving the natural character of the wood. They work best on newer or less weathered wood and typically last 2–4 years. Solid color stains form a film on the surface that hides the grain and covers surface imperfections. They offer maximum UV protection and color longevity (5–7 years) and work well on older, weathered, or rougher wood where the grain is no longer an asset. Once you've applied a solid stain, future applications must also be solid — you can't go back to semi-transparent.

In Missouri, the best windows for staining are spring (April–June) and fall (September–October). Temperatures should be between 50°F and 90°F and you need to avoid rain for at least 24–48 hours after application. Avoid staining in direct midday sun — it causes the stain to dry too quickly, reducing penetration. Early morning or overcast days are ideal. Summer can work if you choose early morning applications and avoid peak heat. We're happy to schedule around weather conditions to ensure the best possible result.

Proper preparation is the most important factor in stain longevity. The process includes: (1) Cleaning — remove dirt, mildew, algae, and debris with a deck cleaner or wood wash; (2) Brightening — apply a wood brightener to restore the wood's pH and open the grain for better stain penetration; (3) Sanding — sand rough areas or raised grain to create a smooth, uniform surface; (4) Stripping old finish — if existing stain is peeling or heavily worn, it may need to be stripped before reapplication. Allow the wood to dry completely (typically 48–72 hours) before applying stain. Our team handles all of this as part of our professional service.

No — traditional wood stains are designed to penetrate into natural wood fiber and will not adhere properly to composite or PVC decking. Composite decking is engineered to be low-maintenance and typically doesn't require staining. If your composite decking has faded significantly and you're looking to restore its appearance, contact the manufacturer for their recommended cleaning and restoration products. For railing or other wood elements on a composite deck, staining those wood components is perfectly appropriate.

Recoat frequency depends on the stain type, wood species, and sun/weather exposure. General guidelines: Clear sealers last 1–2 years; Semi-transparent stains typically last 2–4 years; Solid color stains last 5–7 years. South and west-facing decks that receive intense afternoon sun will fade faster. The best indicator is a simple water test — if water no longer beads on the surface, it's time to re-stain. Catching it early, before the wood begins to gray and check, makes prep significantly easier and less expensive.

Both. We offer professional stain application services — our team will handle the full process from surface prep through final coat. We also sell professional-grade stain products for homeowners and contractors who prefer to apply themselves, along with guidance on product selection and application technique. For DIY customers, we can advise on the right tools, prep steps, and application method for your specific project so you get results that last.

Yes — color matching is one of our specialties, particularly useful when adding new sections to an existing deck or fence and needing to match the existing finish. We can work from a color sample, a product name, or a photo to find the closest match in our stain lineup. Keep in mind that the final result depends on the wood species, how weathered the existing wood is, and how the new wood accepts the stain — factors we'll walk you through during a color consultation. Sample boards are available so you can see the color on your specific wood before committing to a full application.