Local cost guide / 2026
Exterior painting and log home staining cost (2026)
By Tyler Arnold, Owner, Big Chief Exteriors
Exterior painting and log home staining are priced by the surface area and by how much prep the surface needs. Prep is what makes a finish last, so it is part of every price.
The short answer
Painting and staining average $5 to $9 per square foot.
The price depends on how much prep work and repair the surface needs.
What we install
What we install, and what it costs.
| Product line | What you get |
|---|---|
| Exterior paint | Sherwin-Williams Duration, to Sherwin-Williams' spec |
| Exterior paint | Sherwin-Williams Emerald Rain Refresh, two full coats |
| Exterior stain | Sherwin-Williams Woodscapes, solid or semi-transparent |
| Exterior stain | Sherwin-Williams Woodscapes Rain Refresh, solid color |
These figures are averages from our 2026 price book. Your detailed fixed price for your full scope of work comes after a free estimate, with several payment options.
What changes the price
- Surface area and height
- More square footage and taller walls take more time and equipment.
- Prep needed
- Washing, scraping, sanding and spot-priming vary with the condition of the surface.
- Product
- We use Sherwin-Williams Duration, Emerald Rain Refresh with two full coats, Woodscapes and Woodscapes Rain Refresh. Log homes use SuperDeck Log Home Stain.
- Log home extras
- Log chinking and checking repair, rotted trim replacement and deck floor stain are add-ons.
Always included
- Color consultation
- Washing, scraping, sanding and spot-priming or brightening
- Caulk at every trim joint
- Full property protection
- Walkthrough and touch-ups
- Colors recorded in the Home Passport
Add-ons that change the total
- Front door, shutters and garage doors
- Porch ceilings, including haint blue
- Deck floor stain
- Log chinking and checking repair
- Rotted trim replacement
- Color renderings
- Year-two touch-up visit
Questions
Cost, answered.
More cost guides
Protect the house once. Enjoy it for good.
We have several payment options. Split your project into easy monthly payments, or do it now and pay later.
Every Free Estimate includes a gift card to both Texas Roadhouse and The Social Birdy.