Triple-deckers are Boston's defining residential building type — three-story, three-unit wood-frame buildings that define the streetscape of Allston, Brighton, Jamaica Plain, Dorchester, Roxbury, and East Boston. Painting them requires specific considerations that single-family home pricing doesn't reflect.
A full exterior repaint of a Boston triple-decker runs $8,000–$18,000 depending on size, surface condition, prep requirements, and number of paint colors. Most triple-deckers require a boom lift or scaffolding for third-floor work — equipment adds $800–$2,000 depending on configuration and duration. Surface condition is the biggest cost variable: a triple-decker with significant peeling, rot at porch details, and failing caulk requires substantially more prep time than a well-maintained building. We own and operate a boom lift for multi-story work rather than renting per project, which improves both cost and scheduling. HomeAdvisor multi-family painting costs →
A complete job on a Boston triple-decker includes: full power wash and mildewcide treatment on all siding and trim, close inspection and probing of all wood for rot, repair of any rotted sections (porch decking ends, column bases, sill ends, trim ends), scraping all loose paint, caulking all penetrations and trim joints, spot priming all bare wood and repaired areas, and two finish coats of a premium exterior coating on all surfaces. If we're not doing all of this, we're not doing a complete job. Quotes that skip these steps aren't lower prices — they're shorter-lasting results. Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior →
Triple-decker color selection coordinates the main body color, trim color, and porch deck and railing colors across three floors of visible facade. The most effective approach: a main body color with strong contrast trim creates visual interest and photographs well for listings. Single-color exterior painting saves money but reduces curb appeal significantly. Classic Boston combinations — gray body with white trim, dark blue with white, warm brown with cream — read well at street scale and are consistently popular with buyers and renters. We provide color consultations as part of exterior painting quotes. Sherwin-Williams exterior color tools →
Most triple-deckers were built before 1978 and contain lead paint. Any work that disturbs lead paint on these buildings requires EPA RRP protocol compliance. In occupied triple-deckers with children under 6 present, Massachusetts Lead Law adds requirements including tenant notification and specific containment procedures. We are EPA RRP certified and handle all required documentation. Property owners who skip this step face significant liability — both to tenants and regulatory agencies. EPA RRP requirements →
Occupied triple-deckers require tenant coordination for exterior painting — particularly when equipment affects windows and porches on occupied floors. We provide advance notice to all units before work begins, schedule work to minimize disruption to occupied floors, and ensure all exits remain accessible throughout the project. For property managers overseeing multiple Boston triple-deckers, we provide consistent professional tenant communication as part of the project. Verify MA license #193121 →
Need Triple Decker Painting in Boston?
AURA Painting Inc serves all Boston neighborhoods. Licensed MA #193121, fully insured, 2-year warranty. Free estimates — most jobs scheduled within the week.
Call (617) 777-7700 ← Back to Triple Decker Painting