- Fully insured & WSIB compliant
- In-house, trained team, never subcontracted
- Premium low-VOC paints & exterior-rated coatings
- Detailed prep, crisp lines, spotless cleanup
- Two-year workmanship warranty
- Trusted across London & nearby communities
Deck & Brick Staining
Transform your outdoor spaces with professional staining and coatings that protect, enrich, and stand up to every season.
Expert Deck & Brick Staining in London & Surrounding Areas
Outdoor surfaces deserve the same care and craftsmanship as the rest of your home. At Mill Pond Painters, we help homeowners elevate decks, porches, patios, brick, and outdoor structures with durable, professional-grade finishes designed to withstand Ontario’s changing seasons.
From careful prep and sanding to precision staining and sealing, we take pride in delivering finishes that protect, revive, and highlight the natural character of your property. We use premium, weather-rated products to ensure your wood and masonry surfaces stay beautiful, durable, and low-maintenance year after year.
Whether you're revitalizing an aging deck, refreshing tired brick, or bringing outdoor accents back to life, our team delivers results you’ll love, with the professionalism and cleanliness every project deserves.
Outdoor Finishes Done Right
Your outdoor surfaces endure sun, rain, snow, and everyday wear. Our staining and restoration services protect and highlight the natural beauty of wood, brick, and outdoor features, delivering lasting durability and curb appeal.
Decks & Railings
Restore faded wood, enhance natural grain, and protect against UV and moisture with premium stains and careful surface prep for long-lasting beauty.
Brick & Masonry
Breathable finishes that refresh brick and masonry without hiding texture, sealing out moisture while preserving character and colour.
Porches & Steps
Durable, high-traffic coatings engineered for weather-exposed surfaces, retaining colour and strength through heavy use and changing seasons.
Pergolas & Fences
Professional wood staining that enhances grain, adds rich tone, and provides long-term protection from sun, rain, and daily wear.
Concrete & Pavers
Protective sealers that enrich colour and strengthen patios, walkways, and pavers, resisting moisture, staining, and surface wear.
Exterior Trim & Accents
Finely applied stains and coatings for exterior beams, posts, and wood details, completing your outdoor aesthetic with lasting protection.
When Your Deck or Brick Needs Restaining
Stain doesn't last forever. UV breaks it down, rain washes it away, and Ontario's freeze-thaw cycles push moisture into wood and masonry faster than most homeowners expect.
Here's how to tell it's time:
- Water no longer beads on the surface — it soaks in and darkens the wood
- The colour has faded to grey, especially on horizontal surfaces that take direct sun
- Wood feels rough or splintery underfoot
- You see cracking, splitting, or warping in deck boards
- Brick stain has faded unevenly or mortar joints look washed out
- Mildew or green algae keeps coming back even after cleaning
Most wood decks in Southwestern Ontario need restaining every 2 to 3 years. Brick stain lasts longer — usually 5 to 10 years depending on the product and exposure. The south and west sides of your home always go first because they take the most sun and weather.
Deck Staining vs. Brick Staining
These are two different jobs with different products, prep, and timelines. Here's what each involves:
Deck Staining
Covers pressure-treated lumber, cedar, and other natural wood decks, fences, pergolas, and railings.
Stain penetrates the wood grain to protect from moisture, UV, and foot traffic. You can choose transparent (shows full grain), semi-transparent (some colour, grain still visible), or solid (full colour, hides grain).
Needs restaining every 2–3 years in Ontario's climate. Horizontal surfaces like deck boards wear fastest because they take direct sun, rain, and snow.
Brick Staining
Covers exterior brick on homes, foundations, chimneys, retaining walls, and decorative features.
Brick stain absorbs into the masonry and changes the colour without covering the texture. Unlike paint, it doesn't peel or flake. It's breathable, which means moisture can still escape from behind the brick.
Lasts 5–10+ years with minimal maintenance. Popular for updating the look of dated red or brown brick without the problems that come with painting brick.
Not sure which approach is right for your project? We can walk through the options during a free estimate and show you samples on your actual surfaces.
How We Prep Before Staining
Stain only works when it can penetrate the surface. If there's dirt, old finish, or mildew in the way, the new stain sits on top and fails within months. That's why prep is the most important part of any staining job.
For decks:
- Power wash to remove dirt, mildew, grey wood fibres, and old loose stain
- Apply a wood brightener to restore the natural pH and open the grain
- Sand rough spots, splinters, and raised grain
- Replace any boards that are rotted, cracked beyond repair, or structurally weak
- Let the wood dry completely — at least 24 to 48 hours after washing
For brick:
- Power wash to remove dirt, efflorescence (white salt deposits), and loose mortar
- Repair cracked or missing mortar joints (tuckpointing) before stain goes on
- Mask windows, trim, and any surfaces that shouldn't receive stain
- Test stain on a small area to confirm colour absorption and final appearance
Staining a deck that hasn't fully dried is the most common DIY mistake. The stain traps moisture inside the wood, which leads to peeling, bubbling, and premature failure. We always check moisture levels before application.
How a Staining Project Works
Free estimate. We inspect the deck or brick, assess the condition, and discuss colour and product options. You get a written quote with everything included — no surprises.
Product and colour selection. We carry a range of stain colours from trusted brands. For decks, we help you choose between transparent, semi-transparent, and solid options based on the look you want and how much maintenance you're willing to do. For brick, we test colours directly on your surface.
Prep day. Power washing, cleaning, brightening (for wood), repairs, and masking. The deck or brick needs to dry before stain goes on, so prep usually happens a day or two before application.
Stain application. Applied by brush, roller, or sprayer depending on the surface. Decks typically get two coats on horizontal surfaces and one on verticals. Brick stain is applied in thin, even layers to achieve consistent colour.
Cleanup and walkthrough. Masking removed, landscaping cleaned up, and a final walkthrough with you to make sure every surface looks right. We'll also give you care tips for getting the longest life out of your new stain.
What Affects the Cost of Deck and Brick Staining?
Staining is one of the more affordable outdoor maintenance jobs — especially compared to the cost of replacing a neglected deck. But the price varies depending on a few key factors:
For decks:
- Deck size and layout — a simple ground-level rectangle is quicker than a multi-level deck with stairs, railings, and built-in benches
- Current condition — a deck that just needs a refresh is less work than one with grey, splintering wood that hasn't been maintained in years
- Old finish removal — if previous stain or paint is peeling or built up, it needs to be stripped before new stain can absorb properly
- Board replacement — rotted, cracked, or structurally weak boards get replaced before staining
- Product choice — premium stains cost more upfront but last significantly longer and look better through Ontario's weather
- Railings and verticals — spindles and railings add detail work and time
For brick:
- Surface area — a single accent wall is a different scope than a full home exterior
- Mortar condition — cracked or missing mortar joints need tuckpointing before stain goes on
- Colour change — going significantly lighter or darker may require additional coats for even coverage
- Brick texture and porosity — rougher, more porous brick absorbs more product
Bundling staining with exterior painting or interior painting can improve your overall value since we're already set up on site.
Spring is the best time to book. Deck staining demand peaks May through July and good crews fill up fast. Getting your estimate in early means better scheduling options. Request your free estimate here.
Best Time to Stain a Deck or Brick in London
Timing matters more for staining than almost any other exterior job. The product needs specific temperature and humidity conditions to absorb properly and cure.
The ideal window: Late April through early October, when overnight temperatures stay above 10°C and there's no rain in the forecast for at least 24 hours after application.
Spring (April–May) is the best time to get it done. Your deck just survived winter and is ready for maintenance before summer entertaining starts. Wood has had time to dry out from snowmelt. Booking in April also means you avoid the rush — by June, most painters and staining crews are booked solid.
Summer (June–August) works well but extreme heat above 30°C can cause stain to dry too fast and not penetrate properly. Early morning or late afternoon application is better than midday sun. Humidity also slows things down.
Fall (September–October) is a second window. Temperatures are cooler, humidity drops, and the deck gets a fresh coat of protection before winter. The risk is running out of warm weather — if a cold snap arrives early, the stain may not cure fully.
Winter is not an option for outdoor staining in Ontario. Temperatures are too low for any exterior stain product to work properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I stain my deck in Ontario?
Every 2 to 3 years for most wood decks. If your deck gets heavy sun and foot traffic, you may need to restain closer to every 2 years. Covered or shaded decks can go longer.
Can you stain a new pressure-treated deck right away?
New pressure-treated lumber needs to dry for 3 to 6 months before staining. If you stain too early, the moisture in the wood prevents the stain from absorbing and it'll peel. We can test the moisture level to know when it's ready.
What's the difference between stain and paint on a deck?
Stain penetrates the wood and lets the grain show through. Paint sits on top and covers it completely. Stain is better for decks because it doesn't peel — it fades gradually and is much easier to maintain. Paint on a deck chips, cracks, and requires scraping before recoating.
Is brick staining permanent?
Brick stain is long-lasting but not permanent. Expect 5 to 10+ years depending on the product and exposure. Unlike paint, brick stain doesn't peel or flake — it fades gradually over time, which means maintenance is simpler.
Can you change the colour of brick with stain?
Yes. Brick stain can go darker, lighter, or to a completely different colour. The final result depends on the original brick colour and how many coats are applied. We always do a test patch first so you can see the exact colour before committing.
Do I need to strip old stain before restaining?
Not always. If the old stain has faded evenly and the wood is still in good shape, a thorough cleaning and light sanding may be enough. If the old stain is peeling, flaking, or built up in thick layers, it needs to be stripped first for the new coat to absorb.
How long does deck staining take?
Most residential decks take 1 to 2 days — one day for prep and power washing, one day for stain application. Larger decks or decks that need stripping or board replacement may take 3 days. Plus drying time between prep and staining.
Can I use my deck the same day it's stained?
Light foot traffic is usually fine after 24 hours. Furniture can go back after 48 hours. Full cure takes about a week, so avoid dragging heavy items across the surface during that time.
Do you stain fences and pergolas too?
Yes. Any exterior wood surface — decks, fences, pergolas, railings, gazebos, and garden structures. Same prep and product approach as deck staining.
How do I book a staining estimate?
Call 226-998-2444 or fill out the form on our contact page. We'll take a look at your deck or brick and give you a written quote with product options and pricing.
Get Your Deck or Brick Ready for Summer
Spring is the best time to book. Tell us about your project and we'll get back to you within one business day.
Built on Care. Backed by Craftsmanship.
At Mill Pond Painters, we believe your home deserves more than just a coat of paint, it deserves care, precision, and pride in every detail. Our team takes the time to prepare surfaces properly, apply each finish with skill, and deliver a smooth, lasting result you’ll enjoy for years.
We’re not a franchise, we’re a local, family-driven team committed to integrity, reliability, and honest communication from start to finish. With decades of experience, we bring the same professionalism to every project, whether it’s one room or an entire home.
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Let’s make your space look new again.
Tell us what you’d like painted and your timeline. We’ll reply within one business day with a clear, written estimate. No surprises, no pressure.
Friendly, punctual, professional. You set the vision and we handle the prep and finish.