How much does it cost to strip, sand, and re-stain a 300 square foot cedar deck in Burnaby?

Stripping, sanding, and re-staining a 300 square foot cedar deck in Burnaby typically costs $1,800–$3,600 professionally, or $600–$900 in materials for a DIY project. The wide range depends on the deck's current condition, access difficulty, and whether railings and stairs are included.

Professional Deck Refinishing Breakdown

For a complete strip-and-refinish job, Metro Vancouver contractors typically charge $6–$12 per square foot for deck refinishing (compared to $3–$6 for simple re-staining over sound existing finish). Your 300 square foot deck falls into the higher per-square-foot range because smaller decks have proportionally higher setup and mobilization costs. The process involves power washing, chemical stripping of old stain, sanding to smooth the wood grain, applying wood conditioner if needed, and two coats of quality semi-transparent or solid stain.

Additional costs that affect your total: Railings add $8–$15 per linear foot to strip and refinish. Stairs cost $100–$300 depending on complexity. If your deck has built-in planters, benches, or intricate details, expect 20–40% higher pricing. Access challenges — decks requiring scaffolding or those with limited equipment access — also increase costs. Most Burnaby deck refinishing projects include disposal of stripped material, which adds $200–$400 to the total.

Metro Vancouver Climate Considerations

Cedar decks in Burnaby face unique challenges from the Lower Mainland's marine climate. The combination of heavy winter rainfall and summer UV exposure means deck stains typically last 2–4 years before requiring renewal. However, if your deck hasn't been maintained in 5+ years, the existing stain is likely peeling, grey, or completely worn away — requiring the full strip-and-sand process rather than simple re-staining.

Timing is critical for deck refinishing in Metro Vancouver. The work must be done during dry weather with at least 48 hours of no rain expected after stain application. This realistically limits deck refinishing to May through September, with July and August being optimal. Contractors book deck projects early in the season, so contact them by March or April for summer scheduling.

DIY Material Costs and Process

If you're considering DIY, expect $600–$900 in materials for your 300 square foot deck. This includes deck stripper ($80–$120 for chemical stripper like Behr Premium All-in-One or Cabot Problem-Solver), sandpaper and sanding discs ($50–$100), wood brightener ($30–$50), quality semi-transparent stain ($150–$300 for 2–3 gallons), brushes and applicators ($50–$100), and safety equipment including respirator, gloves, and eye protection ($50–$100). You'll also need to rent a pressure washer ($75–$150 per day) and potentially an orbital sander ($40–$60 per day).

The DIY process is labour-intensive but manageable for most homeowners. Start with pressure washing to remove dirt and loose material. Apply chemical stripper according to manufacturer directions — this typically requires 15–30 minutes dwell time before scrubbing with a stiff brush. Power wash again to remove stripped material. Once completely dry (24–48 hours in Metro Vancouver's humidity), sand the entire surface with 80-grit followed by 120-grit sandpaper to smooth raised grain. Apply wood brightener if the cedar appears grey or weathered. Finally, apply two coats of stain with a brush or pad applicator, allowing proper drying time between coats.

When to Hire a Professional

Hire a professional if your deck is elevated more than 3 metres above ground — WorkSafeBC fall protection requirements apply, and the liability risk isn't worth the savings. Also consider professional refinishing if your deck has extensive railings (doubles the surface area), multiple levels, or built-in features that complicate the work. Professional spray application creates a more even finish than brush application, and contractors have industrial sanders that work much faster than rental equipment.

The investment in professional deck refinishing pays off in longevity. A properly stripped, sanded, and re-stained deck should last 4–6 years before needing attention, compared to 2–3 years for a quick DIY re-stain over marginal existing finish. In Burnaby's wet climate, cutting corners on deck prep leads to premature stain failure and more frequent refinishing cycles.

Need help finding a deck refinishing contractor? Vancouver Paint Contractors can match you with local professionals experienced in Metro Vancouver's challenging climate conditions.