The Best Outdoor Living Services
We graded 43 companies on seven things customers actually report: satisfaction, reliability, workmanship, value, momentum, track record and how owners handle complaints.
From 7,303 Google reviews of 43 top-rated outdoor living services nationwide. Updated November 9, 2026.
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Best outdoor living services for wood staining
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All-Pro Renovations LLCHow Job match is calculatedBuilt only from reviews Google tagged “Wood staining”:Stars on this job 55%5.00★Number of such jobs 25%6Overall Experts Score 20%98Job match= 92Stars are pulled toward the category average (4.83★) when a company has few tagged jobs, so 3 perfect reviews don’t beat 80 great ones. 4.3★ scores 0, 5.0★ scores full. Volume is compared with the busiest company for this job.92
DW Elite DecksHow Job match is calculatedBuilt only from reviews Google tagged “Wood staining”:Stars on this job 55%5.00★Number of such jobs 25%3Overall Experts Score 20%95Job match= 82Stars are pulled toward the category average (4.83★) when a company has few tagged jobs, so 3 perfect reviews don’t beat 80 great ones. 4.3★ scores 0, 5.0★ scores full. Volume is compared with the busiest company for this job.82Job match = this company’s ★ on reviews Google tagged “Wood staining” (shrunk toward the category average when there are few), how many such jobs it has done, and its overall Experts Score.
What customers said about wood staining
DW Elite DecksWe are so pleased we selected DW Elite to build our screened porch. The quality & professionalism not only from Dan but also his crew left a lasting impression. We have & will continue to recommend DW Elite to our friends & family.
All-Pro Renovations LLCWe used All Pro to renovate our entire main floor. We are very happy with their work and plan to use them again for other work in our home. We had a very short turnaround time, and they did everything they could to accommodate us! Everyone we were in contact with were very responsive as well. We would recommend All Pro!
DW Elite DecksI've been using DW Decks for years. To date, they have installed a screened in porch, installed a fence under my deck, added indirect lighting, and refinished/stained my deck multiple times. Dan is an awesome owner and responsive to inquiries/emails. The team is on time and the work is top notch. I highly recommend DW Decks!
DW Elite DecksDan and the crew did a nice job staining the deck and the stairs. I would recommend them.
All-Pro Renovations LLCWe had an amazing experience with All Pro and have already hired them again for additional work. Rene and his wife Yilenis are truly two of the nicest, hardest working people I’ve ever met. They took such great care of our home and made it look absolutely beautiful. We’ve had several neighbors comment on how great…
All-Pro Renovations LLCDillon and his crew were fantastic to work with! We hired them to do work to our new house before moving in, while we were still living out of state. This could have been super stressful but fortunately for us, they did exactly what we asked for, were super communicative and always available for phone calls, and the…
Overall ratings
Experts Score 0–100Experts Score (0–100)Absolute quality first: recency-weighted star average (≈54%), share of 1–2★ reviews (≈24%), customers’ price verdicts (≈14%), owner replies to critical reviews (≈7%); minus up to 10 points each for complaints flagged in Google review highlights and for a real slide in recent ratings. Hover a company’s score on its page for the full breakdown. and a letter grade per factor (A = top 20% of outdoor living services).
| # | Company | ScoreExperts Score (0–100)Absolute quality first: recency-weighted star average (≈54%), share of 1–2★ reviews (≈24%), customers’ price verdicts (≈14%), owner replies to critical reviews (≈7%); minus up to 10 points each for complaints flagged in Google review highlights and for a real slide in recent ratings. Hover a company’s score on its page for the full breakdown. | FactorsFactor grades, in orderSatisfaction (54%): Recency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Reliability (24%): How rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Craft & service (0%): Google review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Value (14%): Customers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Momentum (0%): Penalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Replies to reviews (7%): How often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.One letter per factor score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = below 20. | ★Google star rating as shown on Google Maps. | Typical billMedian bill customers of this company reported in their reviews (needs 3+ priced reviews). |
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| 1 | All-Pro Renovations LLCOlathe, KS | A 98How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%97+52.9Reliability 24%99+24Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%97+6.9Craft & service penalty99−0.1Experts Score= 98Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAAAA | 4.96 | — |
| 2 |  Phantom Screens by RS Outdoor LivingChapel Hill, NC | A 98How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%98+67.8Reliability 31%98+30.2Experts Score= 98Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AA––A– | 4.99 | — |
| 3 |  Classic Concrete Design, Inc.Chapel Hill, NC | A 98How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%99+58.1Reliability 26%97+25.3Value 15%100+15.2Craft & service penalty97−0.3Experts Score= 98Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAAA– | 5.00 | — |
| 4 |  Redwood Land DesignRaleigh, NC | A 97How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%96+52.4Reliability 24%96+23.3Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%100+7.1Craft & service penalty97−0.3Experts Score= 97Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAAAA | 4.97 | — |
| 5 |  Southern Outdoor DesignAtlanta, GA | A 97How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%98+57.5Reliability 26%96+25Value 15%100+15.2Craft & service penalty97−0.3Experts Score= 97Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAAA– | 5.00 | — |
| 6 |  Outdoor Landscape TransformationAtlanta, GA | A 97How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%98+57.5Reliability 26%96+25Value 15%97+14.8Experts Score= 97Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AA–AA– | 5.00 | — |
| 7 |  Legacy Outdoor Living GAAtlanta, GA | A 97How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%98+57.5Reliability 26%96+25Value 15%98+14.9Experts Score= 97Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AA–AA– | 5.00 | — |
| 8 |  Lakeview Landscape DesignKilleen, TX | A 97How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%99+58.1Reliability 26%96+25Value 15%94+14.3Craft & service penalty97−0.3Experts Score= 97Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAAA– | 5.00 | — |
| 9 | A 97How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%97+56.9Reliability 26%96+25Value 15%100+15.2Craft & service penalty97−0.3Experts Score= 97Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAAA– | 4.98 | — | |
| 10 |  Davis Design & Build, llcMorehead City, NC | A 96How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%97+67.2Reliability 31%95+29.2Experts Score= 96Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AA––A– | 5.00 | — |
| 11 |  Bolt Outdoor Lighting ProsChapel Hill, NC | A 96How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%95+55.8Reliability 26%96+25Value 15%100+15.2Craft & service penalty97−0.3Experts Score= 96Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAAA– | 4.95 | — |
| 12 |  Prominent NightscapesChapel Hill, NC | A 96How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%96+56.3Reliability 26%95+24.8Value 15%100+15.2Craft & service penalty95−0.5Experts Score= 96Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAA–– | 5.00 | — |
What jobs cost
What customers paid, from the price Google asks reviewers to report.
| Job | Low25th percentile: 1 in 4 customers paid less than this. | TypicalMedian of the bill customers reported in their Google review (Google asks reviewers for a price range; we use the middle of each range). | High75th percentile: 1 in 4 customers paid more than this. | FairOf customers who rated the price, the share who chose “Great price” or “Reasonable” rather than “Overpriced”. |
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Outdoor Living Services at a glance
How the 43 outdoor living services we rated compare, and what customers praise most.
Experts Score grades
A = score 80+, F = below 20.
- Grade A2967%
- Grade B1126%
- Grade C25%
- Grade D12%
- Grade F00%
Google ratings
Average stars per company.
- 4.90★ and up1944%
- 4.80–4.89★1126%
- 4.60–4.79★819%
- Below 4.60★512%
What customers praise
Share of Google review highlights.
- Quality83222%
- Professionalism87323%
- Responsiveness79521%
- Punctuality65517%
- Value60016%
Was the price fair?
All price verdicts left with reviews.
- Great price12231%
- Reasonable26266%
- Overpriced31%
- Not sure103%
Price verdicts by year
Share calling it great / reasonable / overpriced.
How we grade
Satisfaction (54%) — Recency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.
Reliability (24%) — How rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.
Craft & service (penalty, up to −10) — Google review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.
Value (14%) — Customers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.
Momentum (penalty, up to −10) — Penalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.
Replies to reviews (7%) — How often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.