2026 Side Hustle Guide

Deck Staining & Restoration Guide

Revive Outdoor Spaces for $500-$1,500+ Per Deck

$500-$1,500+ Per Deck Seasonal Demand High Margins

Why Deck Restoration is Profitable

Beautiful stained deck after professional refinishing service

Decks need maintenance every 2-3 years, creating consistent demand. Most homeowners lack time, equipment, or expertise to properly clean and stain their decks. Professional restoration dramatically improves curb appeal and extends deck life.

Market Opportunity

  • • 50+ million decks in the U.S.
  • • Average deck lasts 20+ years with proper care
  • • New deck costs $15,000-$40,000 (restoration is cheaper)
  • • Spring/summer peak season for maximum bookings
  • • Combines well with fence staining and power washing

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Essential Gear for Deck Staining Professionals

The Deck Restoration Process

  1. 1
    Inspection: Assess condition, identify repairs needed, measure square footage
  2. 2
    Prep: Move furniture, protect plants, tape off adjacent areas
  3. 3
    Clean: Power wash (1500-2000 PSI), apply deck cleaner/brightener
  4. 4
    Dry: Allow 24-48 hours for complete drying
  5. 5
    Sand: Light sanding to remove fuzz, smooth surface
  6. 6
    Stain: Apply stain evenly, work in sections, back-brush
  7. 7
    Cure: Keep dry 24-48 hours, replace furniture

Equipment & Supplies

Equipment

  • Pressure Washer: $300-$600 (gas preferred)
  • Pump Sprayer: $30-$80
  • Orbital Sander: $60-$150
  • Stain Applicators: $20-$50
  • Extension Poles: $20-$40
  • Drop Cloths/Tarps: $30-$60

Total startup: $500-$1,200

Supplies (Per Job)

  • Deck Cleaner: $15-$30
  • Deck Brightener: $15-$25
  • Stain (3-5 gal): $100-$250
  • Sandpaper: $10-$20
  • Painter's Tape: $10-$20

Supply cost: $150-$350 per deck

Pricing Your Services

$2-$4
Per Sq Ft (Clean + Stain)
$500-$800
Small Deck (100-200 sq ft)
$800-$1,500
Large Deck (300-500 sq ft)

Add-On Services

  • Fence Staining: $1.50-$3/linear ft
  • Railing Only: $150-$400
  • Board Replacement: $25-$50/board
  • Power Wash Only: $100-$250

Income Calculator

6 decks
$800
Estimated Monthly Revenue
$4,800
Peak Season (4 months): $19,200

*Supplies cost ~$150-$350/deck. Net profit typically 60-70%.

FAQ

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Seasonal income with high per-project revenue and satisfied customers.

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Written by

Glen Meade

Side hustle expert who has personally tested 50+ platforms since 2019. Sharing real earnings data and honest assessments to help you find legitimate income opportunities.

Last updated: January 2026