Exterior Painting & Staining

In 2026, exterior painting in Ontario is 70% preparation and 30% application. These Labor-Only rates reflect the time needed to power-wash, sand, and prime surfaces so they can survive Toronto’s harsh winters. All pricing is per Square Foot (sq. ft.) of the surface area.

1. Siding & Brick Painting (Spray or Roll)

Painting brick or siding can transform a home’s curb appeal, but only if the substrate is perfectly clean. The labor includes pressure washing and precise masking of windows, doors, and rooflines.

• Below Market ($1.10 – $2.10/sq.ft): A fast, high-volume application. At this price, prep work like deep cleaning or scraping old flakes is often minimal, which can lead to peeling or bubbling within 2–3 seasons.
• Market Range ($2.10 – $4.00/sq.ft): The professional benchmark for the GTA. Includes thorough power washing, professional masking, and a meticulous two-coat application. This labor ensures an even, factory-like finish on aluminum or vinyl siding and proper adhesion to brick.
• Above Market ($4.00 – $6.40+/sq.ft): Reserved for multi-story homes requiring lifts or scaffolding. Covers complex color transitions and highly textured surfaces that require intensive brush-and-roll techniques to ensure full coverage.

2. Wood Siding, Decks & Fences (Stain or Paint)

Wood is a living material that expands and contracts. Professional labor ensures the stain or paint bonds with the fibers instead of just sitting on the surface, preventing rot from the inside out.

• Below Market ($1.70 – $3.10/sq.ft): Applying product over old or greyed wood without proper sanding. The result is often patchy and fails to provide long-term UV or moisture protection, requiring a redo much sooner.
• Market Range ($3.10 – $5.40/sq.ft): Includes mechanical sanding to open the wood grain, followed by the application of premium oils or stains. This labor guarantees the wood stays protected from warping and “silvering” caused by sun exposure.
• Above Market ($5.40 – $8.40+/sq.ft): Specialized work for Cedar or Ipe surfaces, or highly detailed railing and spindle systems that require intensive manual brushing and multiple coats of specialty finishes.

Expert Insight:
In 2026, 90% of exterior paint failures are caused by painting over dirt or trapped moisture. Market Range labor ensures that every surface is dry and de-glossed before the first drop of paint is applied, doubling the life of the project.