Brick Staining Cost

Brick staining is a cost-effective way to revitalize the exterior of your home without replacing existing brick.

By staining or painting brick, you can transform the appearance and curb appeal of your home's facade. However, before embarking on a brick staining project, it's important to understand the associated costs.

This guide will break down the various factors that impact brick staining costs and provide a realistic estimate of what to budget.

Factors That Impact Brick Staining Cost

Several variables contribute to the overall cost of brick staining, including:

• Size of the home/project area
• Condition of existing brick
• Type of brick stain or paint used
• Surface preparation required
• Difficulty level and access
• Whether scaffolding is needed
• Labor and materials
• Geography and market rates

Size of Home/Project Area

Naturally, larger homes with more square footage of brick will cost more to stain than smaller homes.

As a general rule of thumb, the size of the brick area on the front, sides and back of a home is the primary determinant of overall project cost. Larger two-story colonials, for example, will cost considerably more to stain than a modest ranch home.

Condition of Existing Brick

Older brick that is cracked, crumbling or in poor condition may require additional surface preparation like tuckpointing, patching or repairs prior to staining. This adds time and labor, increasing costs.

Newer brick in good shape needs little to no prep work beyond a thorough cleaning.

Type of Stain or Paint

Brick stains are typically more expensive than paints due to higher-quality pigments and ingredients that allow the product to breath.

Solvent-based stains also cost more than water-based varieties.

Natural or expensive color options often have premium pricing as well. Be sure to get quotes for different product types.

Surface Preparation Needed

The degree of surface preparation impacts brick staining costs.

Lightly soiled brick may need only a power washing. Heavily soiled surfaces may require sandblasting, chemical cleaning or stripping old paints/stains first.

Extra prep work translates to added time and expense.

Difficulty Level and Access

Brick on multiple levels, arched windows or intricate detailing increases difficulty and costs. Reaching areas from ladders or staging also adds to prices due to safety considerations.

Proximity to trees or buildings may make scaffolding necessary in tight spaces.

Whether Scaffolding is Required

Projects necessitating scaffolding for workers to safely access all areas from multiple levels are more pricey. Scaffolding installation, dismantling and permits multiply costs considerably. Proximity to trees or buildings often requires scaffolding.

Average Cost of Brick Staining by Project Size

Here are some general cost estimates for brick staining projects based on the size of the home's facades:

• Small house (1,000 sqft of brick): $2,000-4,000
• Medium-sized house (1,500-2,000 sqft): $3,500-6,500
• Large home (2,500-3,500 sqft): $6,000-10,000
• Very large custom home (4,000+ sqft): $10,000-15,000+

Keep in mind these figures don't include repairs, specialty treatments or coatings for unusually difficult areas with architectural details.

Labor Cost Breakdown

Understanding brick staining labor costs helps provide a clearer project expense picture.

Surface Prep: $1.50-2.50 per square foot

Application of Primer/Stain: $1.75-3.00 per square foot

Cleanup/Disposal of Materials: 10-15% of total job cost

Expect to pay $50-100 per man hour for a professionally licensed painting contractor. Additional charges may apply for scaffolding rental, equipment and supplies.

Materials Cost Breakdown

Common brick staining material costs include:

• Brick cleaner: $15-30 per gallon
• Brick primer: $40-60 per gallon
• Brick stain: $40-80 per gallon
• Paint brushes, rollers, pads: $10-50 per set
• Protective gear/equipment: $50-150
• Scaffolding rental: $150-300 per week

A 3,000-square-foot home might use 5 gallons of stain at $50 per gallon for a $250 materials expenditure.

Other Brick Staining Cost Considerations

Additional factors that may increase costs include:

• Weather delays due to rain or humidity
• Add-on services like power washing, repairs or landscaping
• Specialized detailing around windows, sills, brick patterns
• Environmental remediation of lead paint or asbestos
• Permits and local contractor licensing fees
• Warranty coverage or extended protection

Removing or altering dated brick facades may require historical preservation approval, which could prolong timelines and raise budgets.

How to Lower Brick Staining Costs

Some strategies homeowners use to reduce brick staining project expenses include:

• Scheduling work in mild weather for less delays
• Choosing DIY or self-application to eliminate contractor markup
• Renting equipment like scaffolding yourself
• Using solid color stains over expensive multi-tones
• Shopping material costs between suppliers
• Negotiating service discounts through referrals
• Staggering a large job over phases or years

Do your homework, get multiple estimates and be willing to roll up your sleeves to potentially save 30% or more.

Maintenance Considerations After Staining

While staining transforms brick's look, it requires periodic upkeep.

• Reapply stain every 5-7 years for lasting protection
• Wash annually with mild cleaning solution
• Inspect for cracking or peeling and touch up promptly
• Seal or repaint areas that see heavy rain runoff or sunlight
• Use snow/ice melt sparingly to prevent damage over time

Factor ongoing maintenance costs into your brick staining budget to maximize your return on investment.

Is Brick Staining Worth It?

For many homeowners, the answer is a resounding "yes" thanks to these benefits:

• Adds 10-15 years of lifespan to existing brick
• Protects from water damage, efflorescence and fading
• Offers style and color options beyond natural brick tones
• Increases home curb appeal, value and marketability
• Saves thousands over replacing entire brick facades
• Permits DIY application for minor savings or enjoyment

With a relatively modest upfront investment paying for itself in extended curbside appeal, brick staining financially and aesthetically enhances homes for years to come.

Conclusion

By preparing thoroughly and obtaining multiple brick staining contractor bids based on your specific project scope and needs, you'll gain valuable clarity into true pricing before moving forward.

Be sure to factor in all variables like material costs, surface preparation work required, accessibility issues, project location, and your local market rates.

With an upfront investment that typically pays for itself within 5-7 years through increased curb appeal and home value, brick staining provides lasting beauty and protection from the elements.

Just be realistic about the full costs involved and any ongoing maintenance down the line. Proper planning combined with quality materials and workmanship will give you many years of enjoyment from your refreshed brick facade.

I hope this guide has equipped you with realistic brick staining cost expectations and considerations. Feel free to reach back out if you need help clarifying or refining any part of your project plans and budget. With the right preparation and vendor selection, your brick staining project can beautifully transform your home's exterior for a fraction of the price of full replacement.