Clean and Stain

What kind of work is satisfying to you? Do you enjoy creativity? Do you like working with your hands? Does the idea of performing excellent service inspire you? How about establishing relationships with members of your community? I know a man who owns a business where he can experience all these benefits and more.

What kind of work is satisfying to you? Do you enjoy creativity? Do you like working with your hands? Does the idea of performing excellent service inspire you? How about establishing relationships with members of your community? I know a man who owns a business where he can experience all these benefits and more.

The owner of All Star Deck Treatments in Wichita, KS, Luke Myles, goes to work everyday with a smile on his face because he has chosen a career that fulfills a wide range of personal needs. In addition, he is providing a service that will forever be in need. As long as there are wooden surfaces outdoors, there will be a need for power washing and treatment. And as long as All Star Deck Treatments maintains good service and a professional reputation, their phone will keep ringing.

The most important thing you can do to start a deck wash and staining business is educate yourself. Product knowledge and technique mastery are two keys to success. Some local home improvement or hardware store may offer seasonal classes on deck washing and staining procedures. Home Depot has an in-store interactive computer program by the Behr product line that takes you through the process step by step. While reading up on products and techniques is imperative, nothing beats good ol' experience.

The biggest costs for starting this business will be your equipment including good quality power washers, ladders, brooms, drop cloths and other necessities. A reliable truck or van big enough to transport your equipment is also a must. Another expense is professionally printed signs to place in front of houses you are working on.

When setting your prices, don't base them solely on square footage. Consider the cost of the product you are using. (Some jobs require stuff that is more expensive.) Consider railings and stairs, too. This is a labor-intensive business. Make sure you are reimbursed for the time and physical work you put into the job.

Once you have your business up and going, your biggest challenge will be weather. In some parts of the country, you will only be able to work about eight months out of the year. Planning appropriately can help overcome this obstacle. If you've made enough money, your off months can be a long vacation. If not, you can find other employment to supplement your income. A few months break from this physical job will have you primed and ready when good weather rolls back in.

The deck wash and staining business is a great moneymaking opportunity for almost any able-bodied person. It provides a chance to be creative, to serve others, and to establish relationships with repeat customers and their friends and neighbors. In addition, you are providing a service that will forever be in need. As long as there are wooden surfaces outdoors, there will be a need for power washing and treatment. And as long as you give your customers the treatment they deserve, your business and your bank account will continue to grow.

Resources:

Spring Deck Preparation And Refinishing Tips
http://www.deckwashguys.com/diytips.shtml

Deck Maintenance
http://www.doityourself.com/scat/maintenanceandclean

Deck Care
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/deckcaretips

Deck tints, stains and sealants
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/ho_maint/article/0,,DIY_13948_2268482,00.html

Cleaning and sealing
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/hi_staining/article/0,,DIY_13932_2271431,00.html

Deck revival
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/shows_wkl/episode/0,,DIY_14347_26846,00.html

Prep your deck for summer fun
http://realestate.msn.com/lawns/Article2.aspx?cp-documentid=7484853

Staining a deck
http://www.onlinetips.org/stain-deck

Cleaning your deck
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/ho_maint/article/0,,DIY_13948_2268479,00.html

Washing your deck
http://www.monkeysee.com/play/10204-washing-your-deck

Cleaning and waterproofing
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/ho_decks/article/0,,diy_13946_2268566,00.html

Deck Care and Waterproofing
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/ho_decks/article/0,,DIY_13946_3465232,00.html

Cleaning patios and decks
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/lv_household_tips/article/0,2041,DIY_14119_2275164,00.html
Super Handyman - Deck Wash & Seal
http://www.michaelholigan.com/Departments/TVShow/seg_tscript_print.asp?ts_id=5249&text_type=S&text_page=1

Books

The Wood Finisher: How to Finish Everything, From Decks to Floors to Doors
ISBN 0345372972

The Complete Guide to Building Decks (Black & Decker Home Improvement Library)
ISBN 0865734275