How Much Does It Cost to Stain a House in 2024?
Typical Range:
$1,000 - $6,000
Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.
Updated September 26, 2024
Reviewed by Andy Kilborn, Expert Home Building and Remodeling Contributor.Written by HomeAdvisor.
Highlights
The average cost to stain a house is $4,500, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $6,000.
The total cost is determined by the project size, stain type, and prep work required.
Water and oil-based stains are available in clear, semi-transparent, and solid variations.
Most painters charge between $1 and $3 per square foot for labor, including prep work, application, and cleanup.
Prep work typically includes power washing the area, stripping it of pre-existing paint or stain, and sanding to create a smooth surface.
The average cost to stain a house ranges from $1,000 to $6,000, with most homeowners paying $4,500. The total price depends on the project size, type of stain used, prep work required, and labor costs. Most painters charge based on the project size, ranging from $1 to $3 per square foot for labor alone.
Average Cost to Stain a House
| Average Cost | High Cost | Low Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $4,500 | $6,000 | $1,000 |
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House Staining Cost Factors
The cost to stain a home depends on various factors, including the type of stain used, project size and location, prep work required, and labor costs.
Stain Type
Water- and oil-based stains range from $20 to $120 per gallon. The best choice depends on the wood type, desired look, and budget. Natural or clear stains are often the most cost-effective, showing the wood’s natural color, texture, and grain. Semi-solid or semi-transparent stains are slightly pigmented but still show the natural grain. Solid stains resemble paint and won’t cover all of the wood’s natural features.
| Stain Type | Average Cost per Gallon |
|---|---|
| Water-Based | $20–$80 |
| Oil-Based | $35–$120 |
| Solid | $25–$65 |
| Semi-Solid | $50–$100 |
| Semi-Transparent | $20–$100 |
| Transparent | $20–$65 |
| Clear | $20–$55 |
Home Size
The larger your home, the more you’ll pay to stain it. The average cost of materials and labor to stain a house ranges from $2 to $4 per square foot. One gallon of stain often covers 200 to 300 square feet, but coverage depends on the brand, type, and wood condition. To stain a 500-square-foot area, homeowners pay an average of $1,000 to $2,000.
| Square Footage | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 500 | $1,000–$2,000 |
| 1,000 | $2,000–$4,000 |
| 1,500 | $3,000–$6,000 |
| 2,000 | $4,000–$8,000 |
Interior vs. Exterior
Contractors often charge less to stain the interior of your home than the exterior. Interior staining projects typically focus on smaller areas and require less prep work. The cost of materials is also lower because weatherproof stains are unnecessary for interior surfaces.
Exterior projects tend to cost more due to the increased surface area and need for weather-proofing. Contractors must thoroughly prep the area and use higher-cost materials so the stain can withstand environmental conditions. Exterior projects also often require increased labor and equipment to stain hard-to-reach areas such as roofs, awnings, or second-story windows.
Prep
Prep work is essential to ensure the stain properly adheres to the surface and provides lasting protection. Most contractors include the cost of preparation in the total price of their services. They typically begin with an initial inspection to assess the area’s condition and the level of preparation required.
If repairs are required before staining, expect to pay between $600 and $3,500, depending on the extent of damage. The cost to replace exterior trim runs from $900 to $3,500, while the cost to repair wood siding ranges from $600 to $2,600. If the damage is severe, the cost to replace wood siding is between $7,000 and $23,000.
Once the inspection is complete, the area is power-washed to remove debris, dirt, mold, and mildew. Powerwashing generally costs $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot. If old stain, sealant, or paint requires removal, a stripping solution is applied to break down the previous finish. Stripping costs between $1.50 to $3 per square foot. After stripping, the area is sanded to smooth the wood and prepare it for sealant. The cost of sanding ranges from $1 to $4 per square foot.
Labor
The average cost to hire a local painter to stain your house ranges from $40 to $70 per hour. Some painters provide an hourly rate, but most charge based on the size and complexity of the project. Expect to pay between $1 and $3 per square foot for labor alone. The total labor cost typically includes equipment setup, cleaning, sanding, stripping, stain application, and cleanup.
Does Staining a House Increase Home Value?
Staining may increase a house's value depending on the location, property condition, and current market trends. It adds increased curb appeal, attracting potential buyers and making the property appear well-maintained. Staining also protects against weather damage, pests, and decay, reducing the need for future repair costs. Most homeowners see a favorable return due to the improved appearance and enhanced durability.
Budgeting for Staining a House
The cost of staining a house can add up depending on the size and complexity of the project. Consider the following tips to make your project more budget-friendly:
Opt for a cost-effective type of stain, such as clear or solid options.
Check for sales or bulk discounts on stains at your local hardware store.
Compare quotes from multiple painters in your area to find the most cost-effective option.
Clean, strip, and sand the area yourself to reduce labor costs.
If you have leftover stain, repurpose it for additional projects.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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FAQs
How long does it take to stain a house?
The time required to stain a house depends on its size, stain type, and surface condition. Staining a 1,000- to 1,500-square-foot home often takes one to three days, while a 2,500-square-foot home can take more than a week. Extensive prep work or poor weather conditions increase the required time.
How much does it cost to stain a door?
The average cost to stain a door ranges from $100 to $300, depending on the door size and type of stain used. If you stain a door yourself, expect to pay between $20 and $80 for materials. Hiring a professional increases costs, with most charging $50 to $150 per hour.
Does it cost more to stain or paint the trim of a house?
It typically costs less to stain your home's trim than to paint it. The cost to paint the interior or exterior trim of a 1,500-square-foot home ranges from $500 to $2,500, while the cost to stain and finish trim ranges from $300 to $1,500. Staining often requires fewer coats and less labor. However, it depends on the type and quality of materials used, the prep work required, and the condition of the trim.
Is water or oil-based stain better for the exterior of a house?
Oil stains are more commonly used for the exterior of a house than water-based stains. They’re more durable and can better withstand outdoor elements. However, they take longer to dry and can be more challenging to work with. Speak with a painter before purchasing stain to determine the best option for your house.
How many coats of stain do I need to apply?
The number of coats required for a project depends on the type of wood and stain used. Dense woods can often only absorb one coat of stain, whereas porous woods may require two or more coats. If you’re using a clear, semi-solid, or semi-transparent stain, often only one coat is required. Solid stains typically require two coats to hide the wood grain and create an opaque finish.
How much does it cost to stain a deck?
The average cost to stain a deck ranges from $450 to $1,000, with most homeowners paying $700. The total price depends on the deck size and design, the required prep work, and the stain type used.
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