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A member of our team will reach out shortly to discuss your project, answer any questions, and schedule your consultation.

We look forward to helping you restore, protect, and maintain your wood surfaces with confidence.

How We Work

At Proper Finish, every project is approached with care, planning, and a long-term mindset. We specialize in restoring, maintaining, and protecting exterior wood surfaces through a structured, process-driven approach.

  • We offer a range of residential services designed to meet wood surfaces at every stage of their life cycle:

    • Refinishing Packages
      A comprehensive, multi-step process that includes cleaning, sanding, and staining or sealing to restore worn or weathered wood and extend its lifespan.

    • Stand-Alone Services
      Individual services such as cleaning, sanding, staining, sealing, or oiling for surfaces that require targeted attention rather than full refinishing.

    • Repairs & Builds
      Selective repair, replacement, or small build work completed after an initial wood assessment. All recommendations are provided transparently and carried out only with homeowner approval.

    • Exotic Hardwood Services
      Specialized care for hardwoods such as Ipe, Cumaru, and Tigerwood, using hardwood-specific cleaning methods and oils, along with ongoing maintenance programs to protect your investment.

  • We provide commercial exterior wood refinishing and maintenance services focused on long-term asset protection, safety, and visual consistency.

    Who We Work With

    • Real Estate Professionals
      We support brokerages and listing agents with pre-listing wood restoration programs designed to enhance curb appeal and market readiness. We also offer referral partnerships for ongoing client support.

    • Business Owners (Restaurants, Bars & Cafés)
      We help hospitality businesses maintain safe, attractive exterior wood surfaces such as patios, decks, fencing, and entrances—minimizing downtime while protecting high-visibility spaces.

    • Property Managers & Asset Managers
      We work with property managers overseeing residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties, offering structured maintenance programs, refinishing service

  • Every project begins with a mandatory, free 30-minute on-site consultation. During this visit, our team will:

    • Assess the condition of the wood surface

    • Take accurate measurements

    • Recommend the most appropriate solution based on the condition and goals of the project

    Following the consultation, you will receive a detailed written proposal within 24–48 hours.

    Each project is quoted based on:

    • Total square footage

    • Selected services or package

    • Required cleaning method

    • Stain or oil preferences

    This ensures clear, accurate pricing with no assumptions or surprises.

  • We use professional-grade restoration products and select the cleaning method based on the condition of the wood and the service package selected.

    1. Wood Cleaner (Eco Cleaner)

    Our standard cleaning process uses a professional-grade, eco-friendly wood cleaner formulated with 100% sodium percarbonate.

    This oxygenated wood bleach effectively:

    • Removes mold, mildew, algae, and organic staining

    • Lifts dirt, grime, and weathering without damaging wood fibers

    • Brightens dull, greyed wood naturally

    It is:

    • Gentle on surrounding vegetation

    • Safe for use near water features, docks, and landscaped areas

    • Ideal for routine maintenance and lightly weathered surfaces

    This Eco-cleaner is commonly used in our Maintenance Packages and for wood that does not have heavy coating buildup.

    2. Wood Stripper (Heavy-Duty Coating Removal)

    When previous stains, sealers, or coatings have failed or built up over time, a deeper restoration approach is required.

    We use a professional-grade, heavy-duty stripper made from a sodium hydroxide and sodium metasilicate blend — a caustic formula trusted by restoration professionals when nothing else works.

    This process:

    • Breaks down and removes old oil-based, semi-transparent, solid, and water-based coatings

    • Penetrates deeply to release stubborn finishes

    • Restores the wood to a clean, workable surface

    Stripping is typically required for:

    • Full refinishing projects

    • Peeling, flaking, or uneven stain

    • Color changes or stain failures

    Because of its strength, this method is used selectively and followed by a neutralization step to protect the wood.

    3. Wood Brightener & Neutralizer

    After cleaning or stripping, we apply a professional-grade wood brightener and neutralizer formulated with 100% oxalic acid.

    This step is essential and:

    • Neutralizes caustic residues left behind after stripping

    • Restores weathered wood to its natural color

    • Reduces tannin bleed and discoloration

    • Opens the wood grain for optimal stain penetration and adhesion

    Brightening ensures the wood is chemically balanced and fully prepared to accept stain evenly and perform long-term.

    Choosing the Right Method

    Not every deck, fence, or structure requires the same treatment. The cleaning and preparation process is determined by:

    • The condition of the wood

    • The type of existing coating

    • The wood species

    • The service package selected

    Our consultation and quoting process ensures the correct method is chosen to preserve your wood and deliver the best possible finish.

  • We work with high-quality oil-based and acrylic water-based stains, selecting the right system based on wood type, exposure, and client preference.

    We offer a full range of professional finishes, including:

    • Clear Sealers
      Designed to protect the wood while maintaining its natural appearance. Ideal for newer wood and clients who want a raw, natural look.

    • Translucent Oil-Based Stains (Most Popular Finish)
      Enhance natural grain and tone while offering protection. Best for clients who want minimal pigment with a rich, oiled appearance.

    • Semi-Translucent Oil-Based Stains
      Provide added UV protection while still showcasing wood grain. A popular balance between appearance and durability.

    • Semi-Solid Acrylic Water-Based Stains
      Offer increased colour consistency with some grain visibility. Ideal for aging wood or clients looking for longer maintenance cycles.

    • Solid Acrylic Water-Based Stains
      Deliver maximum colour uniformity and surface protection. Best for heavily weathered wood or when full colour coverage is desired.

    Oil-Based vs. Water-Based Finishes

    • Oil-Based Stains

      • Penetrate deeply into the wood

      • Wear naturally over time without peeling

      • Ideal for softwoods and many hardwoods

      • Preferred for clients who want a natural, breathable finish

    • Acrylic Water-Based Stains

      • Form a durable surface coating

      • Provide stronger colour consistency

      • Longer intervals between maintenance

      • Ideal for high-visibility areas or when colour coverage is a priority

    Professional Products We Trust

    We regularly work with proven, professional-grade products, including:

    • Sansin – Clear sealers and natural wood protection

    • SICO ProLuxe SRD – Translucent and semi-translucent oil-based finishes

    • Cutek Extreme – High-performance penetrating oil systems

    • Benjamin Moore Woodluxe – Semi-solid and solid acrylic water-based finishes

    These products have been selected based on real-world performance in Toronto and GTA climate conditions.

  • We stand behind the quality of our workmanship and the products we use. Every staining project includes a 6-Month Stain Application Guarantee to ensure your finish performs as intended after completion.

    6-Month Stain Application Guarantee

    For six months following project completion, if any issues arise with the stain application, we will:

    • Inspect the affected area

    • Correct application-related issues

    • Complete any necessary touch-ups or repairs at no additional cost

    This guarantee applies to all wooden surfaces, provided that proper care and maintenance guidelines are followed after the project is completed.

    Horizontal vs. Vertical Surface Coverage

    Because different surfaces experience different levels of wear, warranty coverage is structured accordingly:

    • Horizontal Surfaces (decks, stairs, rail caps, floors):
      Covered under the 6-month stain application guarantee only
      After six months, horizontal surfaces are no longer covered due to constant exposure to foot traffic, standing water, snow, and UV damage.

    • Vertical Surfaces (railings, privacy screens, fences, posts, spindles):
      Covered under a 1-Year Warranty, as these surfaces experience significantly less wear and environmental stress.

  • Our maintenance programs are designed to extend the life of your finish, reduce long-term costs, and keep your outdoor structures in excellent condition year after year.

    Why Ongoing Maintenance Matters

    In Toronto and the GTA, wood is constantly exposed to:

    • Intense UV radiation during summer months

    • Moisture from rain, snow, and ice

    • Freeze–thaw cycles and seasonal temperature swings

    Without routine maintenance, even the best stain systems will break down prematurely.

    Proactive care helps:

    • Prevent deep moisture penetration

    • Reduce greying, fading, and surface wear

    • Avoid costly full refinishing projects

    • Preserve the natural beauty of the wood

    Recommended Maintenance Cycle

    We recommend maintaining wood surfaces every 1–2 years, depending on:

    • Sun exposure

    • Wood species (softwood vs. hardwood)

    • Type of stain used

    • Horizontal vs. vertical surfaces

    Horizontal surfaces typically require more frequent attention, while vertical surfaces can maintain performance for longer periods.

    What Our Maintenance Service Includes

    • Gentle professional cleaning to remove surface contaminants

    • Spot sanding or surface prep where required

    • Targeted stain reapplication to high-wear areas

    • Full recoat when needed to restore protection

    Maintenance services are always customized to the condition of the wood and previous finish.

    Maintenance & Warranty Protection

    Ongoing maintenance plays a critical role in finish performance. Following recommended maintenance schedules helps ensure:

    • Your wood remains in good standing

    • The finish continues to perform as designed

    • Eligibility for applicable warranty coverage

    Clients enrolled in routine maintenance experience longer-lasting finishes and fewer repair issues over time.

    A Smarter, Long-Term Approach

    Our goal is to help clients protect their investment, not oversell unnecessary services. With a structured maintenance plan, your deck, fence, porch, or exterior wood feature stays protected, looks better longer, and avoids premature failure.

    We’ll guide you on the right schedule and services — so your wood always receives the care it needs, when it needs it.


Toronto North Neighbourhoods

  • Lawrence Park

  • Leaside

  • Forest Hill North

  • Bedford Park

  • Don Mills

Proudly Serving Toronto and the GTA

Toronto South Neighbourhoods

  • Downtown Toronto

  • Yorkville

  • The Annex

  • King West

  • Queen West

Toronto East Neighbourhoods

  • Leslieville

  • The Beaches

  • Danforth Village

  • Riverdale

  • East York

Toronto West Neighbourhoods

  • High Park / Bloor West Village

  • Roncesvalles

  • Junction / Junction Triangle

  • Liberty Village

  • Etobicoke

Greater Toronto Area (By Request)

  • North York

  • Scarborough

  • Richmond Hill

  • Markham

  • Vaughan

  • Ajax

  • Whitby

  • Mississauga

  • Oakville

Not sure if your property falls within our service area? Contact us to confirm availability.