The Best Deck Stains Tested in 2023

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Harsh UV rays, battering rain, and temperature extremes can take a toll on a wood deck, leaving it faded and dull. Staining a deck with a quality product can help revive its appearance while adding a measure of protection against the elements. What makes one deck stain superior to another? That’s what I wanted to know, so I tested several of the top products on actual decking boards.

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I discovered there’s more to wood deck stain products than I imagined. Some offer just a hint of color, while others virtually obscure the wood grain. Others offer mildew or UV protection and are less likely to fade over time, while some emit toxic fumes during application.

Keep reading to learn about the different types and what to look for when choosing the best deck stain for your exterior wood structure. Then, check out the following products, which all earned a spot in this lineup by performing well in the tests.

1. BEST OVERALL: Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Stain
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Stain
3. BEST FOR NEW DECKS: Ready Seal Wood Stain and Sealer
4. BEST FOR PRESSURE-TREATED: Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Wood Stain
5. BEST WATER PROTECTION: Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer
6. BEST SEMI-SOLID: Cabot Semi-Solid Stain + Sealer
7. BEST FOR OLD DECKS: Thompson’s WaterSeal Penetrating Timber Oil

Before You Buy Deck Stain

There’s a fine line between painting vs. staining a deck. The two products—paint and stain—are comparable and contain many of the same ingredients. Stain is transparent and should still show the wood grain; however, paint covers and completely obscures the wood.

Both products help preserve wood by repelling water and, depending on the brand, often include UV blockers and mildewcide to prevent mold and mildew growth.

How We Tested the Best Deck Stains

My primary goal in testing today’s top wood stain products was to determine how much they could enhance the look of natural wood and whether they offered protection against moisture. I was also interested in whether they emitted toxic fumes and how well their colors held up to harsh sunrays and the elements.

I applied each of the stains to new decking boards with a brush and then put them outdoors when they were fully dry. Each board was left out in the rain and sun for 3 weeks. After that, I sprayed each board with a hose to find out if the stained section of the board would absorb water.

To see whether it looked faded or fresh, I closely inspected the color of the stain. It would have been nice to be able to leave the boards outdoors for a whole year, but I only had 3 weeks to test them.

Each of the deck stains was scored using a rubric, and I awarded points based on how easy the products were to apply, how well they enhanced (or hid) the wood grain, and their overall water-resistance factor. At the end of the testing, I added the points and used them to determine the best category for each of the products.

Our Top Picks

As part of my testing, I looked for stains that impart a natural-looking tone that enhance the deck’s look while also protecting the wood. The color tones could be light or dark, as long as they looked like natural wood. I also looked for products that were easy to apply and provided uniform coverage.

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While choosing a deck color is a matter of preference, the product should go on uniformly and leave the deck looking fresh, natural, and new. These deck stain products differ in type and hue, but each is well suited for staining various kinds of wood decking.

Protect a new deck from the get-go with Ready Seal Wood Stain and Sealer. Its efficient two-in-one application is a time-saver, and the product comes in a selection of rich, wood-toned colors. This oil-based, semi-transparent stain penetrates the wood for deep protection yet allows the wood grain to show. It contains UV blockers to prevent fading and resists mold and mildew growth.

I selected a natural cedar color to test Ready Seal, and it went on smoothly with a brush. It added a rich golden hue to the wood and a slight sheen. As an oil-based product, it did emit fumes, so I had to open a window for ventilation. If applying it outdoors to an entire deck, the fumes would likely not be an issue.

I had to wait a full 72 hours for the test board to dry before putting it outdoors. After that, it spent 3 weeks in the sun and rain. When I tested the board for water resistance, it performed well; the water beaded up and ran off. The color was still deep and rich, and the surface had a bit of a pleasing sheen.

Apply this penetrating stain/sealer combo by brush, roller, or sprayer. However, because the product is oil based, cleanup of tools requires paint thinner or another solvent. Ready Seal is well suited for new treated-wood decks, but users should wait 6 months after the deck’s construction to allow the treatment chemicals to evaporate.

Product Specs

• Base type: Oil based
• Opacity: Semi-transparent stain
• Wood compatibility: Most common exterior wood types

Pros

• Comes in multiple hues and finishes to suit multiple user preferences
• Extremely weather-resistant; resists UV rays, mildew, moisture, and fading
• Both stain and sealer in one product for ample convenience

Cons

• May require thinner or solvent after application
• Emits fumes during the application process
• Longer dry time of 72 hours

Get Ready Seal deck stain at Amazon, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Walmart.

Jump to Our Top Picks

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Deck Stain

Choosing a wood deck stain is about more than just picking a color and brushing the product on the decking. First consider the type and age of the deck wood and whether it’s been previously stained or painted. In addition to updating the appearance, the best deck stain often provides a measure of protection against foot traffic and the elements.

Base

Deck stains come in two main types: oil based (alkyd) and water based. Both stains are applied in a similar manner and are available in a range of attractive wood-tone shades, including colors that mimic redwood, cedar, and mahogany. Still, while similar, each type has some specific benefits and considerations.

• Oil-based deck stains, which have been around for decades, do an excellent job of protecting exterior wood. Oil-based stains:
  • Naturally repel water and reduce the risk of mold growth.
  • Penetrate the wood grain.
  • Condition wood to help prevent warping and cracking.
  • Can take up to 48 hours to dry after application.
  • Cost less than most acrylic-based stains.
  • Usually require strong-smelling solvent, such as paint thinner, to clean brushes and paint sprayers after use.
  • Moreover, oil-based stains are flammable when wet. Both the liquid and fumes can ignite, so refrain from smoking and stay away from an open flame when applying the stain. Once dry, oil-based stains no longer pose a fire hazard.
• Water-based stains are relatively new but becoming increasingly popular. These stains use water as their base. Water-based stains:
  • Clean up easily with soap and water
  • Dry quickly, often within 2 to 3 hours Sit on top of the wood instead of penetrating the grain
  • Usually cost more than oil-based stains
  • Register lower in volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), so they are more environmentally friendly and create fewer fumes than oil-based deck stains

Opacity

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The opacity of wood stains—their degree of transparency or opaqueness—determines the finished look and affects how well the product can protect the deck. Deck stain is available in four opacities:

• Toner: This stain is closest to a clear sealer. It contains just a hint of color and imparts only a slight hue to the wood that won’t change the deck’s overall look. For the best protection, toner must be reapplied every year.
• Semi-transparent: As the most popular opacity level, semi-transparent stains add noticeable color to the deck, but the wood grain still shows. They offer some deck sealer protection, but plan to recoat every 2 to 3 years.
• Semi-opaque: Also called “semi-solid,” this deck stain contains enough pigment to obscure most of the wood grain while imparting rich color. Users must recoat every 3 to 4 years.
• Opaque: Sometimes called “solid deck stain,” this product contains the highest percentage of pigment and can protect wood the longest, requiring a recoat every 4 to 5 years. Opaque stain, also the densest, completely hides the wood grain. It offers the most coverage short of applying a deck paint.

Wood Type

Wood varies by species, and different types of wood are better suited to weathering the elements. Most wood surfaces still need some kind of protection and may, at some point, benefit from a deck stain that refreshes color. When constructing exterior decks, contractors generally use four main types of wood:

• Redwood: Perhaps the top wood species for high-end decks, redwood naturally resists insects, moisture damage, and decay, but it’s expensive. Considered a softwood, redwood contains natural oils and tannins that give it a warm reddish hue. To retain its natural color, apply a clear penetrating sealer rather than a wood stain once a year. Older redwood decks may benefit from a toner stain or stain/sealer combo to refresh the wood’s color.
• Cedar: Also a softwood that’s naturally resistant to decay, rot, and insect damage, cedar is an optimal wood for decks. However, it’s also pricey. When new and in good shape, cedar doesn’t require a stain, because it would alter its natural beauty. However, cedar benefits from an annual application of a clear, penetrating sealer. Older cedar decks that have weathered to a silvery gray hue can be enjoyed as they are, or apply a tinted sealer to help restore the deck’s youthful appearance.
• Teak: The natural oils in teak protect it from fungus, decay, and water damage for years, so it requires no stain or sealer to retain its appearance. Unlike redwood and cedar, teak is a hardwood that can last 50 years or more outdoors. It weathers to an attractive silvery gray over time and can be refreshed by a light sanding to remove the surface grain. Applying a wood stain is usually not necessary.
• Treated: Treated wood costs a fraction of the price of redwood, cedar, or teak, making it the wood of choice for most decks. When infused with alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ), treated wood, usually yellow pine or Douglas fir, resists rotting and weathering. However, it does take up to 6 months before ACQ effectively evaporates from the wood. For best results when staining a treated deck, wait 6 months after installation before applying stain. Treated wood decking is also a candidate for exterior paint.

Existing Coating

When the deck’s color starts to fade, reapply the stain to maintain and protect it. If the deck has previously been treated with a penetrating stain, this is usually a straightforward process. For a stain that coats only the surface, as do many acrylic-based wood stains, remove the existing coat before applying a new stain product. Removal involves sanding the surface of the deck to remove the old coating.

When applying stain over a previously stained deck, the general rule is to go with a similar or darker shade instead of a lighter hue. An existing dark color can overpower the tone of a lighter stain. If a lighter color is the goal, first sand off the existing darker stain. Alternatively, some manufacturers make a deck-bleaching product that lightens and brightens old stain to accommodate a lighter tint.

Added Protection

All wood stains (both oil-based and water-based formulas) offer a measure of water resistance by preventing rain from saturating the wood. Water-saturated wood can lead to swelling, warping, and rot. The best deck stain also protects against UV damage, which can fade the wood’s surface and increase the risk of cracks and splintering.

Some of the best deck stains contain mildewcide to prevent the growth of whitish, powdery mildew and splotchy black mold that can lead to wood rot. These additional ingredients typically add to the price, but the cost is worth it. Look for the terms “UV protection” and “mildew protection” on the label to ensure the product can protect the deck from anything Mother Nature delivers.

Application

Most deck stains can be applied with a roller, brush, or sprayer. For the best results, prep the deck by cleaning it and making any necessary repairs before application.

Also, make sure the wood is completely dry and the temperature is mild. Deck stain of any type does not dry well in cold temperatures or humid conditions. Choose a day when the temperature is between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit with no wind or rain in the forecast.

FAQs

Spending time outdoors is a favorite activity across the nation, and an attractive deck makes it all the more pleasurable. Staining an existing deck gives it a fresh new look, but newbies to the world of outdoor staining may have some questions. Check out some of the most frequently asked queries and their answers here.

Q: Which deck stain lasts the longest?

In general, an oil-based deck stain will last the longest, but it also depends on the type of wood, the weather conditions, and how long the deck has gone unprotected before staining.

Q: What is the most popular deck stain color?

Redwood and cedar colors are two of the most popular hues for best deck stains, but other wood-tone colors are just as rich and beautiful.

Q: How often does a deck stain need to be applied?

The opacity of the deck stain—its degree of transparency or opaqueness—determines the finished look and affects how well the product will protect the deck. Semi-transparent stains, the most popular opacity level, add noticeable color to the deck, but the wood grain will still show. This type offers some deck sealer protection, but you’ll need to plan to recoat the deck every 2 to 3 years.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Outdoor