The providers' recommendation of the Sherwin Williams' "Deckscapes" semi- transparent stain to begin the project, was an EXCELLENT suggestion. Provider brought the stain chart to our home, and helped with the selection, allowing us a few days to make our decision. They purchased the materials and supplies for the job, including the stain. The quality, appearance and performance of the stain is very satisfying, and just what the homeowner wanted for the result. <br /> <br /> The preparation job of removing the previous solid color stain on the deck was much more involved than owner or provider expected when the job was contracted. We all thought that the old stain would come off with powerwashing, but that was not effective, even though much of the previous stain was peeling off already. The provdiers (Amy and Jay) worked laboriously and regularly with a variety of sanders to remove the existing stain. <br /> <br /> But they kept coming back every day to sand for a few hours, and even removed the spindles and handrails, pretty much dismantling the deck, except for the flooring. They took the loosened items to their home, and worked on them there, a better process than trying to do the job on site with vertical sanding on the railing spindles. <br /> <br /> This was an EXTREMELY tedious preparation, which accounted for 80% of the job, something that none of us expected in the estimate of pricing. About halfway through the job, the providers did request to increase the amount to be paid to them, and the owners agreed to their request. <br /> <br /> Other contractors might have walked away from this job, but Amy and Jay returned regularly for 6 weeks to complete the project. Their communication with the homeowners was frequent and effective - daily when needed. Often we traded emails at night, which put everyone's expectations in writing, and minimized misunderstandings. <br /> <br /> The workers were cheerful, helpful, non-obtrusive, and cleaned the working area nightly before going home. <br /> <br /> Some of the work associated with reinstalling portions of the railing which were dismantled owing to the complexity of removing the existing coating were not up to an "A" grade, but carpentry was not in the original scope,nor was it a stated expertise of the contractor. Instruction was needed from the homeowner for correct reinstallation, but the requested corrections were made promptly. <br /> <br /> Painting skills, job completion, and communications were satisfactory to the home owners. This was a job with some surpises and problems, and they handled it with good efforts, and tremendous fortitude. <br /> <br /> I think that these providers will complete any job they accept, and that their work efforts and ethics are worth recommending for any painting projects.