Designed for Texas Living. Built with Precision.
Sun. Rain. Heat. Humidity. Lakeway weather doesn’t take it easy on wood, and neither should you. A properly stained deck isn’t just pretty. It’s protected against UV rays, water intrusion, mildew, and surface decay.
At Premier Deck Builders, we treat staining as a craft, not a chore. Whether you’re refreshing an older cedar deck or finishing a brand-new build, we apply high-performance stains that bring out the natural beauty of your wood, while giving it serious staying power.
We help you choose the right stain type for your goals, your wood species, and your lifestyle.
💧 Transparent or Semi-Transparent
🎨 Solid or Semi-Solid
We follow a meticulous, proven method to make sure your deck gets a finish that lasts and lasts.
We start by removing dirt, mold, mildew, old stain, and loose fibers. If needed, we power wash and hand-sand every board for a smooth surface that’s ready to absorb stain evenly.
Staining damp wood causes peeling. We test moisture levels to ensure your deck is in the perfect condition for maximum stain penetration and long-lasting adhesion.
Using the right method—brush, pad, or sprayer—we apply stain evenly across every board. Back-brushing ensures a flawless, streak-free, and no-drip finish.
We let the stain fully cure before allowing foot traffic. This curing time locks in color, protects the wood from moisture, and enhances durability.
Once complete, we walk through the project with you, ensure you love the results, and provide expert tips on maintaining your deck’s beauty for years to come.
Color isn’t just personal, it’s strategic. The right stain can elevate your curb appeal, complement architectural details, and create a warm, inviting outdoor space. Factors We Consider When Helping You Choose:
Matching Your Deck Stain to Your Home’s Exterior
Your deck isn’t just an add-on — it’s a major visual element of your property. That’s why we carefully coordinate your stain color with the existing exterior features of your home, including siding, brick, stone, trim, and even your roof. A well-matched stain color creates a unified, polished look that enhances curb appeal and makes the transition from indoor to outdoor spaces feel seamless. Whether your home has a modern, rustic, or traditional style, our color matching ensures your deck feels like an intentional extension of your living space.
Choosing a Color that Performs in Your Deck’s Sun Exposure
Sunlight has a huge impact on how long your deck stain will look fresh. Darker colors absorb more heat and tend to fade faster under intense direct sun, while lighter colors reflect more light and can maintain their appearance longer. We evaluate the specific placement of your deck — which direction it faces, how much shade it gets, and how seasonal weather affects it — to help you choose a stain that not only looks great on day one but also stands the test of time. Our goal is to balance beauty and longevity so you’re not re-staining every couple of years.
Selecting a Stain that Works with Your Deck’s Wood Species
Not all woods react to stain the same way. Cedar, for example, has a naturally beautiful grain pattern that shines with a semi-transparent finish, while pine’s softer texture may benefit from a solid or semi-solid stain to create a more even appearance. We consider the species, grain density, and natural undertones of your wood so we can recommend the right transparency level and color family. This ensures the final result enhances the wood’s beauty while also providing the protection it needs.
Aligning Your Deck Color with Your Outdoor Vision
Do you want your deck to stand out as a bold design statement, or blend seamlessly into its surroundings? Your color choice plays a big role in achieving that vision. We discuss your personal style, the overall theme of your landscaping, and how your deck connects with other outdoor features like fences, pergolas, or patios. By balancing these design elements, we help create an outdoor space that feels intentional, inviting, and tailored to how you use it — whether that’s hosting guests, relaxing with family, or adding value to your home.
Stain Colors Lakeway Homeowners Love
Through years of local deck projects, we’ve seen which stain colors consistently look beautiful in Lakeway’s lighting and climate. Our most requested options include:
Natural Cedar: A warm, golden tone that works with almost any home style.
Driftwood Gray: A soft, coastal-inspired shade perfect for modern or beach-adjacent designs.
Walnut Brown: Rich, deep, and classic, offering a timeless look.
Redwood: Bold and rustic, full of character and warmth.
We bring physical wood samples in these shades (and more) to your home, so you can see how they look in natural sunlight before you make a commitment.
We adjust our products and techniques based on your material, condition, and past finish.
Weathered wood is stubborn, but it can be revived with the right prep. Our restoration process ensures deep stain penetration and long-term durability, especially for decks exposed to years of sun and rain in Lakeway. Our 4-Step Restoration Process:
Results: Longer stain life, even color tone, better adhesion, and full restoration of wood beauty.
| Feature | Oil-Based Stains | Water-Based Stains |
|---|---|---|
|
Penetration Depth
|
Deep Penetration
|
Moderate Penetration
|
|
Dry Time
|
12–48 hours
|
4–24 hours
|
|
VOC Emissions
|
High
|
Low
|
|
Color Richness
|
Warm, rich tones
|
Bright, varied colors
|
|
Durability (Years)
|
3–5 years
|
2–4 years
|
|
Ease of Cleanup
|
Solvent cleanup
|
Soap & water cleanup
|
|
Best For
|
Older, weathered decks
|
Newer or eco-sensitive decks
|
Painting a deck might seem appealing, but for exterior wood, solid stain is the superior option.
Pro Tip: Want bold color without the downsides of paint? Solid stain gives full color coverage without peeling.
We only use professional-grade stains with a proven record of durability, color retention, and eco-safety.
Preferred Brands:
We match products based on your wood type, aesthetic goals, and environmental needs.
Many homeowners believe transparent stains are “better” because they look natural, but they come with trade-offs.
Myth: Transparent stain lasts longer
Reality: It has less pigment, which means:
When to use transparent stain:
Otherwise, a semi-transparent or semi-solid stain is usually better for long-term protection.
Staining and sealing both protect your deck—but they work differently.
| Feature | Stain | Sealer |
|---|---|---|
|
UV Protection
|
✅ Yes (with pigment)
|
❌ No
|
|
Water Resistance
|
✅ Yes
|
✅ Yes
|
|
Color Enhancement
|
✅ Yes (natural or rich tones)
|
❌ No color change
|
|
Lifespan
|
2–5 years (varies)
|
6–12 months
|
|
Ideal Use
|
For visual appeal + protection
|
For basic moisture blocking
|
💡 Tip: If you love the grain and don’t want to change color, opt for a tinted water repellent or transparent stain instead.
Staining isn’t just a finishing touch. It’s a layer of protection that guards your deck against Lakeway’s weather extremes, and keeps it looking beautiful year after year.
Don’t leave it to chance. Let us do it once, and do it right.
Stain won’t fix damaged wood, but we sand and prep the surface before staining. If boards are badly splintered, we’ll recommend replacements before sealing.
Absolutely. We bring samples to your home and test small areas so you can see how the stain looks in your deck’s natural light.
If needed, yes. Solid or peeling stains require stripping or sanding to ensure the new finish adheres properly and looks smooth.
Oil-based stains may have a noticeable odor during application, but we ensure proper ventilation and fast cleanup. Water-based options are low-odor and ideal for sensitive environments
No. Most stains require 24–48 hours to fully cure. We’ll advise you on exact timing based on your stain and weather conditions.
Built for Lakeway. Crafted for Life.
At Premier Deck Builders, we design decks that fit your land, your lifestyle, and your long-term vision. From first sketch to final screw, it’s all built to belong, and built to last.
Serving Lakeway & the Hill Country
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Premier Deck Builders | Crafted to Elevate. Built to Endure.
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