Providing a quiet outdoor space, decks are a great place to relax. If you want to add some character to it, the best stain for deck will do the trick for you.
Decks have come a very long way from merely an outdoor rectangular extension of your living space to an attractive architectural feature that adds value to your home. While they are relatively low maintenance, as they require less effort to keep nice, the best solid deck stain ensures that it lasts for years.
As a homeowner, you want a product that works well while adding life and color to your outdoor living area. This is why you will need the best deck stain and sealer that preserves the wood and saves any weathered deck.
In general, the best deck stains are long-lasting with excellent UV protection and powerful mildew resistance. But then again, just like deck paints, not all stains are created equal. You might find a product that promises great outcomes but will leave you disappointed in the end.
For this reason, we’ve reviewed some of the best deck stains on the market that deliver excellent results. Use this guide to help you choose a quality deck stain that will not only protect your outdoor structures but also enhance their overall look.
Best Deck Stains
Ready Seal Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood
The Best Oil-based Deck Stain and Sealer
- Biodegradable
- Oil-based Material
- 5 gallon
- 125-185 sq. ft. per gallon
- Meet US VOC level requirements
Whether you are sprucing up an old wood deck or building a new one, Ready Seal is a powerful all-in-one formula that produces professional-grade results. It works by penetrating deeply into surfaces to protect them from the damaging UV rays, mold, and mildew. There is no need to use a primer, which virtually eliminates unnecessary costs.
If you want to preserve your wood deck’s natural structures while bringing out its natural sheen, then Ready Seal is the right product to consider. It is also ideal to use in a wide range of temperatures, making it suitable for different locations, whether sunny or cold.
Since it is a semi-transparent stain, it will keep the wood grain visible, giving your deck a smooth, natural look. It seems darkest when first applied, but it will eventually reach its actual color in about two weeks. It is also available in seven different colors so you can choose the best one that suits your needs.
- Does not stain hands
- Good coverage
- Easy to apply and maintain
- Extended drying time (48-72 hrs.)
- Old decks would need more than one coat
Cabot Australian Timber Oil
The Best Deck Stain for Weathered Wood
- Three-way oil protection
- 250-350 sq. ft. per gallon
- Available in quart, gallon, and aerosol
- Oil-based formula
- Five wood-toned colors
Cabot Australian Timber Oil is an incredible combination of oils formulated to help preserve wood structures from extreme temperatures. It penetrates deeply into any dense, resin-rich wood, highlighting its natural wood hue and depth.
When it comes to durability and resilience, Cabot Australian Timber Oil is truly a winner. It provides any bare wood with unparalleled protection. This is why this product is used not just for decks but also ideal for wood sidings, railing, and even outdoor furniture.
If you have a worn deck because of age, as long as it’s still in a reasonable condition, it can restore its natural beauty while protecting it against mildew and mold. This household stain also has translucent iron oxide pigments added to ensure a UV-absorbing surface.
- Versatile wood stain
- Water repellent
- Easy application using brush or pad applicator
- Beautiful wood finish
- Not ideal for interior surfaces
Olympic Maximum Wood Stain and Sealer
2-in-1 Stain and Sealer for Maximum Protection
- Rain-ready in 8 hours
- 250-350 sq. ft. per gallon
- Mold- and mildew-resistant finish
- SunBlock UV defense
- Transparent stain
Working as both a stain and sealant, this unique formula will protect and beautify your deck in just one step. Olympic Maximum Wood Stain and Sealer takes pride in its enhanced waterproofing protection, so your wood deck lasts long even during the wet season.
One of its highlights is its weather-ready application. This means even the rain or high temperatures won’t stop you from staining and completing your project. It is also formulated to protect your wood from the damaging UV rays that can cause fading.
If you’re looking to achieve a solid color stain, it is best to apply two coats. In this case, you should double your gallon purchase. Make sure surfaces are clean before application to ensure deeper wood penetration.
- Resistant to fading
- Covers badly worn areas well
- Easy to maintain
- Takes a long time to fully dry
- Color may not look as advertised
DEFY Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain
The Best Deck Stain for Full Sun
- Water-based 100% acrylic material
- 250 VOC Compliant
- Zink Nano-Technology
- Matte premium finish
- 1 gallon
Formulated using the highest quality resins, DEFY Extreme Wood Stain is the best semi-transparent deck stain for pressure-treated wood. It offers incredible resistance to darkening and fading to keep your deck or siding and fences not only looking great but also long-lasting.
You will love how environmentally friendly this semi-transparent wood stain is. It shows off the beautiful wood grain while protecting any wood surface against color fading and premature graying. This is all thanks to those tiny zinc particles diffused throughout the stain to reflect the damaging UV rays.
When it comes to maintenance, no need to strip or sand the surface again. Simply sweep the dirt off the surface and apply a single coat of the stain. With less effort, you can enjoy a wood deck that looks brand new.
- Ideal for weathered wood
- Easy to clean with soap and water
- Does not peel or crack
- Small area coverage
KILZ Exterior Waterproofing Wood Stain Semi-Transparent
Most Preferred Deck Stain by Professionals and DIYers
- 100% acrylic formula
- 3-year warranty for decks
- 5-year warranty for fences & sidings
- 250-500 sq. ft per gallon
- 1 gallon can
A favorite among homeowners and professionals, KILZ Exterior Waterproofing Wood Stain provides long-lasting protection and a mildew-resistant finish. It is formulated to withstand even the harshest weather conditions, from the heaviest rains and the coldest snows to the hottest summer season.
When used on a moderately prepared wood surface, this wood stain is sure to last. Not only is it considered the best semi-transparent deck stain, but it’s also great for fences, railings, sidings, shingles, or even your exterior wood furniture.
KILZ Exterior Waterproofing Wood Stain will accentuate your wood deck’s unique beauty. Just make sure that you allow the surface area to dry completely for at least 24 hours before coating to achieve the best results.
- Waterproof and durable
- Can be applied easily with a sprayer, brush, or paint pad
- Protects wood from weather
- Requires a long time of area preparation
1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain
The Best Deck Stain for Pressure Treated Wood
- Water-based formula
- Waterproof
- 100 – 150 sq. ft. per gallon
- Semi-transparent, flat finish
- Resists peeling, graying, and fading
If you have a new deck built with pressure-treated lumber, then it is a good idea to pick a light-colored wood stain like #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain. In fact, it is a leading choice for pressure-treated Fir, Redwood, Pine, or most other softwoods and considered the best stain for cedar deck.
This product truly lives up to its name for being a premium quality stain that protects wood surfaces from common damage caused by exterior elements. It is a gorgeous deck stain and sealer in one that’s available in 5 stunning, fade-resistant colors.
While this wood stain and sealant is tough against the damaging sun, water, and snow, it is actually gentle to the environment. It has low VOC content, which makes it a great choice for the planet.
- Works great even on damp wood
- Clean up using soap and water is easy
- Allows beautiful wood grains to show
- Limited coverage area
- Applying on fences takes longer than on decks
Valspar Tintable White Base Solid Exterior Stain and Sealer
Most Solid Exterior Deck Stain
- White base stain
- All-weather defense
- Waterproof
- Algae-resistant
- Dries to touch in 4 hours
Vaspar’s Tintable Solid Stain and Sealer is another 2-in-one formula that offers not only long-lasting protection but also covers mismatched boards or any minor flaws on your deck. It delivers excellent hide while ensuring powerful sun-blocking protection against the damaging UV rays that cause fading.
Since this solid stain is tintable, you can add pigments to suit your color preference. It also provides mildew- and mold-resistant finish, making it a fantastic stain for your outdoor projects like siding, fences, patio, and even your outdoor furniture.
This stain and sealer is rain-ready in just four hours. This means that you don’t have to worry about peeling during the rainy season so long as it has already dried for four hours after application.
- Covers well in one coat
- Low odor
- Not ideal on outdoor metal furniture
Thompsons Waterseal Solid Waterproofing Stain
Outstanding Waterproofing for Maximum Exterior Protection
- Up to 400 sq. ft. coverage
- UV and mildew resistance
- Solid stain
- Available in six colors
- 1 gallon
Water and UV damage are common issues that many homeowners have to deal with when maintaining their deck. But thanks to Thompsons Waterseal Solid Waterproofing Stain, you can have peace of mind knowing that your deck receives maximum protection against the harshest outdoor elements.
The stain’s advanced polymers deliver excellent fade-resistant capabilities, so your deck will always look beautiful. You don’t have to wait for a long time after cleaning the surface as you can easily apply this stain to both dry and freshly-cleaned damp wood.
Thompsons Solid Waterproofing Stain is a common favorite among professionals, homeowners, and DIYers alike. It’s a solid exterior wood stain that shows the least wood grain and adds color to your deck or other surfaces.
- Spread easily
- Application is easy and smooth whether brushed or rolled
- Dries quickly
- Color isn’t exactly the same as advertised
Behr Premium Cedar Naturaltone Semi-Transparent Oil Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer
The Best Oil Based Deck Stain
- Oil-based formula
- Mildew and dirt-resistant finish
- Semi-transparent
- Low luster sheen
- Up to 400 sq. ft. per gallon
A one-coat application of BEHR Premium Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer will give you the benefit of gorgeous and well-protected exterior wood surfaces. No wonder it is a popular choice for use in sidings, fences, and decks, which are always exposed to the changing weather.
Because this product is semi-transparent, it keeps the unique wood grain visible. The stain will make your wood deck looking beautiful while the sealant will deliver maximum protection, making it extremely useful against UV and water damage.
You have a lot of options with how you want your wood surface to look using this stain. It can be tinted to any color you want, and it is also available in exterior premix hues. Just make sure you follow the simple, 3-step preparation procedure to achieve the best results.
- Easy to apply using a sprayer
- Dries very quickly
- Waterproof and very durable
- May require two coats for transparent is used
- Coverage is limited for old wood decks
How to Choose a Deck Stain
The best exterior wood stain for your deck could increase your home’s curb appeal. It could also add beauty and complement your interior space. But choosing the highest quality deck stain that meets your specific requirements from the many options available can be quite confusing.
As you might have noticed, each of the products mentioned above has its unique formulation and features. So, before you assume that what you have in mind is indeed the best deck stain to purchase, make sure you know exactly what you’re looking for.
While all of them have proven to be the best in terms of durability, maintenance, and function, you could still get the wrong one for your project. For this reason, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed choice. Here are some essential factors when choosing the best deck stain that’s worth considering:
Opacity Matters
The opacity or transparency of a stain will determine how much wood grain you want to highlight or see after the deck is stained. This is why you must decide on the look you want for your deck before purchasing a product.
The higher the opacity level, the more pigmentation, which results in less wood grain that’s showing. For a better understanding of their differences, here are some of the categories of the opacity level of deck stains:
Solid
When looking for a more robust defense against sun damage, solid stains are a good option to consider as they provide the highest UV protection. They work like paint as they hide most of the wood’s natural color and character.
Semi-solid
This type of deck stain is a bit lighter than solid stains and will almost hide the wood’s natural color. It allows the texture to show and offer better UV protection than a semi-transparent stain.
Transparent
Transparent deck stains, on the other hand, offer a more natural look. They are a common option among those who want to maintain their deck’s natural coloring or prefer the rustic vibe of wood. One downside of using transparent stains, though, is that there are limited colors available.
Semi-transparent
Compared with transparent stains, the best semi-transparent deck stain has more pigment. However, some of the wood grains are still visible, unlike the solid ones that hide them completely.
Pick the Right Color
Psychology tells us that color can affect our emotions and mood. It could also make a room look spacious and warm. Therefore, be careful with the color you will pick for your outdoor living area.
When selecting a color to stain your deck, always look at the color palette of your home’s exterior. Consider a color that complements or echoes the rest of your outdoor space with a complementary color combination.
If you want to introduce personal flair and add some character to your outdoor area, then you can always experiment with decking stains. They often have a high level of pigments, so they can change your wood deck’s color.
Deck Stain vs. Deck Paint
At some point, while you’re looking for the best deck stain, you might come across exterior paints and wonder whether you should go for a deck paint or a stain. Although it will mainly depend on your preferences, it is still necessary to understand the differences between staining and painting.
Deck Stain
High-quality stains can work as a deck sealer, deeply penetrating the wood and sealing it. It rarely cracks, chips, or peels and prevents shrinking and swelling caused by the damaging weather elements. Perhaps, the most notable advantage of deck staining is that it keeps the natural grain of wood surfaces visible. This is especially true if you choose a transparent or even a semi-transparent wood deck.
Deck Paint
Painting is a popular option among many homeowners and DIYers because it looks easy. Deck paints last long and require minimal maintenance. Almost all paints also provide UV protection. However, unlike transparent deck stains, paints cover the wood grain, so it may not be the best choice if you want to preserve the wood’s natural beauty and luster.
Obviously, both painting and staining offer unique benefits. They are easy to apply, whether you’re using a brush, roller, or even a paint sprayer. So, whether you stain or paint mainly depends on what look you want to achieve.
In Summary
Overall, staining your deck with the best deck stain is one of the easiest ways to beautify and transform the look of your exterior space. Don’t be overwhelmed with the many options on the market. With this guide, you should be ready to pick the best stain for the deck that’s perfect for your project.