Frequently Asked Questions

Practical answers about our process, pricing, products, and scheduling for fence and deck staining in Lubbock, TX.

About The Stain King

What areas do you serve?

We serve Lubbock, TX and surrounding South Plains communities including Wolfforth, Shallowater, Slaton, Plainview, Levelland, Idalou, and Abernathy. Our crew is based in Lubbock at 3710 Upland Ave.

Are you insured and bonded?

Yes — we are fully insured and bonded. We can provide proof of coverage at your request before any project begins.

Are you locally owned?

Yes. The Stain King is a family-owned, locally operated business based in Lubbock. Every project is handled by our own crew — we do not subcontract our work.

Do you offer free quotes?

Yes. Every estimate is free, written, itemized, and includes a walk-through of the project, color samples, and a realistic timeline. There is no obligation to book after receiving a quote.

Process & Timing

How long does a typical fence staining project take?

Most residential fence projects in Lubbock complete in one to three days, depending on linear footage and prep work. Larger or more weathered fences that need extensive cleaning or stripping can take longer. We give you a realistic timeline at the estimate stage.

Do I need to be home while you work?

No. We just need access to the work area. We can coordinate access details with you before we arrive.

What do you do to protect my plants, siding, and outdoor items?

Before staining, we mask off adjacent siding, plants, concrete, and outdoor fixtures. After the project, we clean up the work area thoroughly.

How long after rain can you start a project?

We typically need 48 hours of dry weather before applying stain. Wet wood is one of the most common reasons stain fails early — we will not rush this step even if the homeowner asks.

How long does fresh stain need to cure before I can use my deck or move things back against the fence?

Most oil-based stains need 24-48 hours of dry weather to cure properly. We give you a specific timeline at the end of the project based on the product used and the weather forecast.

Pricing & Quotes

Why don't you publish flat per-foot prices on your website?

Pricing is driven by several factors that vary significantly project-to-project: linear footage, fence height, prep work needed, product and color selected, and accessibility. The variation is wide enough that flat published prices would mislead either us or the customer. Every quote we provide is itemized so you can see exactly what is included.

Do you provide a written estimate?

Yes. Every quote is written and itemized — you will see what is included in prep, the product and color we are recommending, and a realistic timeline before you commit to anything.

How does my quote compare to other Lubbock companies?

We recommend getting two or three quotes from local, insured, bonded companies. A fair Lubbock quote typically lands in the middle of the range — extreme high or low quotes usually signal something off (skipped prep, missing insurance, or unrealistic warranty claims).

Products & Materials

What stain products do you use?

We primarily use Ready Seal and Wood Defender — both are pro-grade oil-based stain and sealer combinations specifically formulated for high-UV, low-humidity climates like West Texas. We choose between them based on each project's specific needs (wood condition, exposure, desired color).

Can I choose my own color?

Yes. We bring physical color samples to every estimate so you can compare options on your actual fence in your actual light. The full color ranges of both Ready Seal and Wood Defender are available — natural cedar and pine tones, mid-range pecan and brown shades, and deeper mahogany or walnut darks.

Why oil-based instead of water-based stain?

Oil-based stains penetrate the wood and replace the natural oils that UV and weather strip out, rather than forming a surface film that can peel or flake. In Lubbock's climate, professionally-applied oil-based stains routinely deliver 3-4 years of strong performance, while water-based stains typically lose visible color in 12-18 months.

Can I supply my own stain product?

Generally no. Our pricing and process are calibrated around the products we know perform in this climate. Using a homeowner-supplied product introduces variables that affect both the final result and our ability to stand behind the work.

Scheduling

How far in advance should I book?

During peak season (April through June and September through October), we typically book one to three weeks out. The earlier you reach out, the more flexibility you will have on dates and weather contingencies.

What happens if weather delays my project?

We will communicate as soon as we see a delay coming and reschedule for the next available dry window. Stain applied in poor weather is worse than no stain at all — we won't cut that corner.

Do you work weekends?

Our standard work week is Monday through Friday. We can occasionally accommodate weekend work for special situations — ask us at the estimate stage if timing is tight.

How quickly will you respond to a quote request?

We aim to respond to every quote request within one business day, often the same day. Phone calls during business hours are typically answered live.

Still have questions?

Call, text, or fill out the quote form — we typically respond within one business day.

Call (806) 392-2624