How much does brick staining cost?

Brick staining cost

Brick staining costs $1 to $4 per square foot, depending on the project size, design, complexity, and prep work. The average cost to stain a brick house exterior is $1,200 to $6,800 for tinting and professional labor. Staining a brick wall or pavers costs $300 to $1,200 for a 300 SF area.

*Approximate paintable surface area.
**All prices are for a single-color staining project.

Professionals recommend staining brick over painting because it protects the brick and allows it to remain breathable. Paint may chip, peel, or trap moisture and cause structural problems.

• Brick staining changes the brick's or paver's color with permanent dye while allowing its texture to show through.
• Brick stain lasts 10 to 20 years and wears gradually without chipping or peeling.
• Brick stain comes increases curb appeal and comes in a variety of solid or semi-transparent colors.
• Sealed or previously painted brick cannot be stained.

Cost to stain a brick house exterior

The following table shows the average cost to stain a house exterior with a paintable surface area of 1,200 to 1,700 square feet.

Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

Staining brick cost per square foot

Staining a brick house costs $1 to $4 per square foot on average, depending on the home size, color, design, number of stories, and prep work. Staining costs up to $5 to $8 per square foot for multiple color designs or when each brick must be stained separately.

Labor cost of brick tinting

The average labor cost for brick tinting is $0.50 to $3.00 per square foot or $25 to $85 per hour. Other factors that affect the cost include:

• Brick and mortar colors – Using multiple colors or staining each brick individually without hitting the grout lines increases the labor cost.
• Brick condition – Brick repair costs $20 to $50 per square foot, depending on the damage.
• Mortar condition – Repointing brick costs $3 to $20 per square foot.
• Number of stories – Labor costs 25% to 50% more when staining upper levels.
• Brick preparation – Pressure washing a house costs $180 to $360. Remove rust, oil, and efflorescence before staining because stain highlights marks and discolorations.
• Permits – Scaffolding permits cost $100 to $300 and are required in most cities. Ground-level exterior staining typically does not require a permit, but regulations vary by location.
• Exterior door painting costs $100 to $225 per door.
• Exterior trim painting costs $1 to $6 per linear foot.

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Brick stain prices and color options

Brick stain costs $30 to $60 per gallon or $400 to $2,000 for two coats on an average home. Brick or masonry stain is solid or semi-transparent and comes in many colors. Gray and black tones provide a modern aesthetic. Brown and white palettes create a lighter, warmer feel.

• One gallon of stain covers 100 to 250 square feet or more with one coat, depending on the bricks' porosity.
• Water-based stain is recommended in most cases because it is easy to work with, allows the brick to breathe, and wears naturally.
• Adding more pigment can darken the color, while adding water lightens the tone.

Brick staining pros and cons

Brick staining is recommended over painting but still has pros and cons. Staining updates the color and maintains the bricks' breathability but allows blemishes to show through.

DIY brick staining cost

DIY brick staining costs $50 to $100 for a small project like a fireplace. Staining a brick house yourself costs $500 to $2,500 or more for masonry stain and supplies. Keeping the mortar lines visible or using multiple stain colors typically requires a professional.

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Frequently asked questions

What is brick staining? Can you change brick color?

Brick staining changes the brick's color with permanent dye while allowing its texture to show through. The stain sinks into and chemically bonds with brick's porous surface, adding color without disturbing the airflow brick needs for water evaporation.

How long does brick stain last?

Brick stain typically lasts 10 to 20 years or more, depending on the location, climate, stain type and quality, and the bricks' condition.

Should I paint or stain my brick house?

Staining brick is the better choice because it protects the brick and allows it to remain breathable. Painting a brick house costs $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot and adds color but may trap moisture and cause structural problems over time. Sealed or previously painted brick cannot be stained.

Can you stain red brick white?

Red brick can be stained white with brick stain or limewash. Solid brick stain provides the most coverage but may require multiple coats due to the bricks' porosity. Limewashing stains the brick white with translucent, buildable coverage.

Can brick pavers be stained?

Most brick pavers can be stained. Staining renews faded brick, blends the tones of new and older bricks, and adds UV and weather resistance. Brick pavers must be unsealed, clean, and dry before staining.

Hiring a brick staining contractor

Before hiring a painting company near you, remember to:

• Get at least three estimates to compare.
• Look for licensed contractors with experience staining brick.
• Ask for references or a portfolio of past projects.
• Browse their reviews on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for more than five years.
• Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
• Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
• Never pay in full before the project starts. Use a payment plan instead for work completed.

Questions to ask

• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
• What experience do you have staining exterior brick?
• Do you have a portfolio of your previous staining projects?
• What type of stain do you recommend for my brick, and why?
• How long will it take to stain my house?
• How long will it take to dry?
• How long should the color last?
• Is there a warranty, and if so, what does it include?
• What is and is not included in the estimate?
• What additional costs should I expect?
• Do you need a permit to stain exterior brick? If yes, will you obtain it?

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