Bridgeport decks and porches are different from the big suburban-style decks you see in Beverly. Here it's rear wooden stairs on two-flats, small back porches, and gangway decks squeezed between houses. These are small surfaces, but they take the same weather damage as a big deck. The difference is that a small surface means we can do the job in one day, and the cost is lower.
The rear stairs on Bridgeport two-flats are the most common call. They're narrow, they get foot traffic from both units, and they green up with algae in a single season because the gangway stays damp. We wash them at low pressure with a wood cleaner, let them dry overnight, and stain them the next day. Two coats, brushed in. The algae doesn't come back for two to three years if the stain has a mildewcide additive.
Small back porches on Bridgeport single-family homes are the other job. These are usually 100 to 200 square feet, pressure-treated pine. The old stain is peeling or the wood has gone gray from UV. We strip the old finish, pressure wash at 1,500 PSI, sand the rough spots, and apply two coats. A small porch like this is a half-day job. We're in and out.
Gangway decks are a Bridgeport specific thing. Some homeowners build a small deck or platform in the gangway between the house and the neighbor's. These decks stay damp because the gangway gets no sun. The wood rots faster than a deck in an open yard. We check the structural integrity before we stain. If the boards are soft, we flag it. Staining rotting wood is a waste. You need board replacement first.
The stain we use on Bridgeport decks depends on the sun exposure. North-facing stairs and gangway decks get a semi-transparent stain with mildewcide. South-facing porches get a stain with higher UV blockers. We use Ready Seal and Cabot. These penetrate the grain and last 2 to 3 years on horizontal surfaces. Big-box stains sit on top and fail in one season.
A typical Bridgeport rear stair staining runs $200 to $400. A small back porch runs $300 to $600. We bundle both into one visit if you need both. We're based here, so there's no drive time charge. You're paying for the work, not the trip.
Call us and we'll come look at the stairs or porch. We can usually do it the same week since we're already in the neighborhood.
We're based in Bridgeport. We can be at your door in under 2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to stain rear stairs on a Bridgeport two-flat?
Typically $200 to $400. We wash them at low pressure, let them dry overnight, and apply two coats the next day. We use a stain with mildewcide because the gangway stays damp and algae grows fast.
Can you stain a small back porch in one day?
Yes. A 100 to 200 square foot porch is a half-day job. We strip the old finish, pressure wash, sand, and apply two coats. We're in and out the same day if the weather cooperates.
My gangway deck is rotting. Can you stain it?
We check the structural integrity first. If the boards are soft, staining is a waste. You need board replacement before staining. We'll tell you honestly. We won't take your money to stain rotting wood.