The Best Deck Stains of 2022

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Harsh UV rays, battering rain, and temperature extremes can take a toll on a wooden deck, leaving it pale and uninteresting. Thankfully, staining a deck with a high quality product will help revive its look whereas including a measure of safety towards the weather.

Not all deck stains are equivalent, nevertheless. Preserve studying to study the different sorts and what to search for when selecting one of the best deck stain on your wooden construction. Then, take a look at among the top-rated picks in the marketplace right now.

1. BEST OVERALL: Cabot Australian Timber Oil
2. BEST BUDGET: KILZ L832111 Exterior Waterproofing Wooden Stain
3. BEST FOR OLD DECKS: SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Semi-Clear Stain
4. BEST FOR NEW DECKS: Prepared Seal 512 Exterior Stain and Sealer
5. PRESSURE-TREATED WOOD PICK: DEFY Excessive Semi-Clear Exterior Wooden Stain
6. COLD WEATHER PICK: SEAL-ONCE MARINE Penetrating Wooden Sealer
7. HONORABLE MENTION: Cabot Semi-Strong Deck & Siding Low VOC Stain

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Earlier than You Purchase Deck Stain

There’s a superb line between portray vs. staining a deck. The 2 merchandise (paint and stain) are comparable and comprise most of the identical components, however whereas stain is clear and nonetheless exhibits the wooden grain, paint covers and utterly obscures the wooden.

Each merchandise assist protect wooden by repelling water and, relying on the model, typically embrace UV blockers and mildewcide to forestall mildew and mildew progress.

What to Take into account When Selecting the Greatest Deck Stain

Selecting a deck stain is about extra than simply selecting a shade and brushing the product on the decking; the method requires contemplating the kind and age of the deck wooden and whether or not you’ve beforehand stained or painted it. Along with updating the look, one of the best deck stain typically offers a measure of safety towards foot site visitors and the weather.

Base

Deck stains are available two predominant varieties: oil-based (alkyd) and acrylic-based (water). Each varieties are utilized in an analogous method and can be found in a variety of engaging wood-tone shades, together with colours that mimic redwood, cedar, and mahogany. Nonetheless, whereas related, every kind has some particular advantages and issues.

Oil-based deck stains have been round for many years and do a wonderful job of defending exterior wooden. Oil-based stains:

• Naturally repel water and cut back the chance of mildew progress.
• Penetrate the wooden grain.
• Situation wooden to assist stop warping and cracking.
• Can take as much as 48 hours to dry after utility.
• Price lower than most acrylic-based stains.
• Often require strong-smelling solvent, corresponding to paint thinner, for cleansing brushes and paint sprayers after use.

Take into account as properly that oil-based stains are flammable when moist. Each the liquid and fumes can ignite, so chorus from smoking and keep away from an open flame when making use of the stain. As soon as dry, oil-based stains not pose a fireplace hazard.

Acrylic-based stains are comparatively new however turning into more and more well-liked. These stains use water as a base. Acrylic-based stains:

• Clear up simply with cleaning soap and water.
• Dry shortly, typically inside 2 to three hours.
• Sit on the highest of the wooden as a substitute of penetrating the grain.
• Often price greater than oil-based stains.
• Register decrease in unstable natural chemical compounds (VOCs), making them extra environmentally pleasant with fewer fumes than oil-based deck stains.

Opacity

The opacity of a wooden stains—the diploma of transparency or opaqueness—determines the completed look and impacts how properly the product will shield the deck.Deck stain is offered in 4 opacities:

• Toner: This stain is closest to a transparent sealer. It incorporates only a trace of shade and imparts solely a slight hue to the wooden that gained’t change the deck’s general look. Toner requires reapplication yearly for one of the best safety.
• Semi-transparent: As the most well-liked opacity stage, semi-transparent stains provides noticeable shade to the deck, however the wooden grain will nonetheless present. It presents some deck sealer safety, however plan to recoat each 2 to three years.
• Semi-opaque: Additionally known as “semi-solid,” this deck stain incorporates sufficient pigment to obscure a lot of the wooden grain whereas imparting wealthy shade. Customers have to recoat each 3 to 4 years.
• Opaque: Typically known as a “stable deck stain,” this product incorporates the best share of pigment and can shield wooden the longest, requiring a recoat each 4 to five years. Opaque stain can also be the densest and utterly hides the wooden grain. It presents essentially the most protection wanting making use of a deck paint.

Wooden Sort

Wooden varies by species, and various kinds of wooden are higher suited to weathering the weather. Most wooden surfaces will nonetheless want some form of safety and will, sooner or later, profit from a deck stain that refreshes shade. Exterior deck building makes use of 4 predominant varieties of wooden:

• Redwood: Maybe the highest wooden species for high-end decks, redwood naturally resists bugs, moisture harm, and decay, nevertheless it comes at a excessive price. Thought of a softwood, redwood incorporates pure oils and tannins that give it a heat reddish hue. To retain its pure shade, yearly apply a transparent penetrating sealer quite than a wooden stain. Older redwood decks could profit from a toner stain or stain/sealer combo to refresh the wooden’s shade.
• Cedar: Additionally a softwood that’s naturally immune to decay, rot, and bug harm, cedar is an optimum wooden for decks, nevertheless it’s additionally dear. When new and in good condition, cedar doesn’t require the appliance of a stain, which might alter its pure magnificence. Nevertheless, cedar does profit from annual utility of a transparent, penetrating sealer. Older cedar decks which have weathered to a silvery grey hue will be loved as is, or a tinted sealer will help restore a deck’s youthful look.
• Teak: The pure oils in teak shield it from fungus, decay, and water harm for years, so this wooden doesn’t require stain or sealer to retain its look. Not like redwood and cedar, teak is a hardwood that may final 50 years or extra when left outdoor. It may well climate to a sexy silvery grey over time and be refreshed by mild sanding to take away the floor grain. Making use of a wooden stain is often not mandatory.
• Handled: Handled wooden is a fraction of the value of redwood, cedar, or teak, making it the wooden of alternative for many decks. When infused with alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ), handled wooden, often yellow pine or Douglas fir, resists rotting and weathering. Nevertheless, it does take as much as 6 months earlier than ACQ successfully evaporates from the wooden. For greatest outcomes when staining a handled deck, wait 6 months after set up earlier than making use of stain. Handled wooden decking can also be a candidate for exterior paint.

Present Coating

It’s essential to reapply deck stain when the colour begins to fade to take care of each the look and safety of the deck. That is often a simple course of when you’ve beforehand handled the deck with a penetrating stain. For a stain that solely coated the floor, as many acrylic-based wooden stains do, take away the prevailing coat earlier than making use of a brand new stain product. Removing entails sanding the floor of the deck to take away the outdated coating.

When making use of stain over a beforehand stained deck, the overall rule is to go together with an analogous or a darker shade as a substitute of a lighter shade. An present darkish shade will overpower the tone of a lighter stain. If a lighter shade continues to be the objective, you’ll have to first sand off the prevailing darker stain. Alternatively, some producers make a deck-bleaching product that lightens and brightens outdated stain to accommodate a lighter tint.

Added Safety

All deck stains (each oil-based and acrylic-based) supply a measure of water resistance by stopping rain from saturating the wooden, which results in swelling, warping, and decay. The very best deck stain additionally protects towards UV harm that may fade the wooden’s floor and improve the chance of cracks and splintering.

Some deck stains comprise mildewcide to forestall the expansion of whitish, powdery mildew and splotchy black mildew that may result in wooden rot. These extra components sometimes add to the value, nevertheless it’s properly value the price to guard the deck. Search for the phrases “UV safety” and “mildew safety” on the label to make sure the product will shield the deck from something Mom Nature throws its means.

Utility

Most deck stain will be utilized with a curler, a brush, or a sprayer. For one of the best outcomes, prep the deck by cleansing it and making any mandatory repairs earlier than utility.

Additionally, be sure the wooden is totally dry and the temperature is gentle earlier than staining; deck stain of any kind doesn’t dry properly in chilly temperatures or humid situations. When getting ready to stain a deck, select a day when the temperature is between 50 and 90 levels Fahrenheit with no wind or rain within the forecast.

Our High Picks

To qualify as a prime choose, a deck stain ought to impart a wealthy, natural-looking tone that enhances the look of the deck whereas additionally defending the wooden.

Whereas selecting a deck shade is a matter of non-public desire, the product ought to apply evenly and go away the deck wanting contemporary, pure, and new. These deck stain merchandise differ in kind and hue, however each is properly suited to staining numerous wooden decking.

Picture: amazon.com

Defend the deck from UV rays, water, and mildew whereas bringing out the pure great thing about its wooden grain with Cabot Australian Timber Oil. This semi-transparent, oil-based stain incorporates linseed and tung oil that ensures uniform penetration and will increase the wooden’s capacity to withstand moisture harm; rain beads up and runs off quite than soaking into the wooden.

Utility is straightforward with a brush, curler, or sprayer, and Cabot stain is lengthy lasting. For greatest outcomes, apply solely to scrub, dry decking when the out of doors temperature is over 50 levels Fahrenheit. Relying on humidity, dry time is roughly 24 hours. The stain is offered in 1-quart cans with 1 gallon protecting about 200 to 400 sq. ft, relying on the thickness of the appliance.

Product Specs

• Base: Linseed and tung oil
• Opacity: Semi-transparent
• Wooden Compatibility: Mahogany, teak, and different unique wooden
• Availability: 1-quart can

Execs

• Moisture-resistant formulation
• Dries in 24 hours
• Straightforward to use

Cons

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Give a wooden deck stain a contemporary, up to date look with out spending some huge cash. KILZ Exterior Waterproofing Wooden Stain imparts a semi-transparent layer of shade and safety to new and older wooden decks that also permits the wooden grain to point out. Better of all, it’s obtainable at an reasonably priced worth level.

The KILZ stain goes on uniformly and will be utilized with a curler, brush, or paint sprayer. It presents long-lasting safety from solar, rain, snow, and mildew and helps to revive a deck’s pure look. This acrylic-based stain is available in a 1-gallon can that can deal with as much as 250 sq. ft of decking with one coat.

Product Specs 

• Base: Acrylic
• Opacity: Semi-transparent
• Wooden Compatibility: New to reasonably weathered and unsealed exterior wooden
• Availability: 1-gallon can

Execs

• Reasonably priced stain
• Protects towards UV rays, mildew, and moisture
• Straightforward to use

Cons

• Not beneficial to be used on plywood

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Give an outdated deck a brand new look with the SaverSystems #1 Deck premium wooden stain, which is offered in a handful of wealthy, semi-transparent colours. This can be a stain and sealant combo product that protects wooden from fading and graying whereas imparting a pure wooden tone. It can provide an outdated, weathered deck a contemporary, new look whereas providing naturally moisture-resistant qualities.

Straightforward to use with a brush, curler, or sprayer, this deck stain protects wooden from UV harm, mildew progress, and moisture rot. The acrylic-based formulation is low-VOC, making it eco-friendly and simpler to use with out worrying about inhaling poisonous fumes. A 1-gallon container of SaverSystems deck stain covers as much as 150 sq. ft with two full coats. It’s additionally obtainable in a 2.5-gallon can.

Product Specs 

• Base: Acrylic
• Opacity: Semi-transparent
• Wooden Compatibility: Strain-treated pine, cedar, fir, and redwood
• Availability: 1-gallon and a couple of.5-gallon containers

Execs

• Works as each a stain and sealer
• Low-VOC formulation
• Is available in a number of shades and finishes
• May be utilized on damp wooden

Cons

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Defend a brand new deck from the get-go with Prepared Seal Exterior Stain and Sealer. Its environment friendly two-in-one utility is a time-saver, and the product is available in a collection of wealthy, wood-toned colours. This oil-based, semi-transparent stain penetrates the wooden for deep safety but permits the wooden grain to point out. It incorporates UV blockers to forestall fading and resists mildew and mildew progress.

Apply this penetrating stain/sealer combo by brush, curler, or sprayer. Nevertheless, as a result of the product is oil-based, cleanup of instruments would require paint thinner or one other solvent. Prepared Seal is properly suited to making use of to new treated-wood decks, however customers ought to wait 6 months after the deck’s building to permit therapy chemical compounds to evaporate. The product is available in a 1-gallon or 5-gallon can, offering 175 sq. ft of protection per gallon.

Product Specs 

• Base: Oil
• Opacity: Semi-transparent
• Wooden Compatibility: Most typical exterior wooden varieties
• Availability: 1-gallon and 5-gallon containers

Execs

• Works as stain and sealer
• Resists UV rays, mildew, moisture, and fading
• Is available in a number of hues and finishes

Cons

• Cleanup requires thinner or solvent
• Takes 14 days for shade to develop totally

Picture: amazon.com

Strain-treated wooden decks can look worn or exhibit a barely inexperienced tinge, however DEFY Excessive Wooden Stain will change all that. This semi-transparent stain is offered in a collection of realistic-looking wooden tones that impart wealthy, uniform shade whereas nonetheless permitting the pure grain of the wooden to point out. The product incorporates components that block dangerous UV rays to maintain the stain from fading and graying. It’s also designed to final 1 or 2 years longer than different well-liked deck stain merchandise.

Future recoating can also be easy: Somewhat than sanding to take away the prior stain, simply apply DEFY Wooden Brightener, after which cowl with a brand new coat of stain. Customers can apply this acrylic-based deck stain by brush, curler, or sprayer, and it’s low-VOC as well. One gallon covers as much as 150 sq. ft with two coats of stain. It’s also obtainable in a 5-gallon can.

Product Specs 

• Base kind: Acrylic
• Opacity: Semi-transparent
• Wooden Compatibility: Most typical exterior wooden varieties
• Availability: 1-gallon and 5-gallon containers

Execs

• Low-VOC formulation
• Is available in a number of finishes
• Lasts 1-2 years longer than related stains

Cons

• Might require DEFY Wooden Brightener earlier than staining (bought individually)

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Many deck stains advocate utility solely over 50 levels Fahrenheit, however SEAL-ONCE Marine deck stain is protected to use when out of doors temps are as little as 45 levels Fahrenheit. This marine-type deck stain is designed to forestall water harm in areas with excessive humidity ranges round contemporary and saltwater. The product can also be low-VOC, making it an eco-friendly alternative.

SEAL-ONCE deck stain creates a breathable barrier that enhances the look of the wooden whereas additionally defending it. Customers can apply it with a brush, curler, or sprayer to type a defensive coating that’s unhazardous to pets, people, and vegetation. This acrylic-based stain is a transparent toner, nevertheless it additionally is available in a handful of engaging wooden hues. One gallon covers as much as 350 sq. ft.

Product Specs 

• Base: Acrylic
• Opacity: Clear
• Wooden Compatibility: Most typical exterior wooden varieties
• Availability: 1-gallon can

Execs

• Appropriate for moist climates and excessive humidity
• Non-toxic, low-VOC formulation
• Protected to use in cool temperatures (as little as 45 levels Fahrenheit)

Cons

• Strain-treated lumber should be dry earlier than making use of

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Cabot’s Semi-Strong Deck Stain is a worthy choice for a deck that’s closely stained or requires a whole change of shade. The excessive pigment stage on this oil-based formulation presents superior protection paired with UV safety to camouflage imperfections. For greatest outcomes, use a brush to use this stable deck stain. Cabot Deck Stain is offered in a handful of wealthy wooden tones to go well with most yard designs.

Whereas this product is an oil-based stain, it’s decrease in VOCs than different oil-based merchandise and is designed to resist heavy foot site visitors with out scuffing or carrying off. A single coat of this semi-opaque stain (or semi-solid stain) is all that’s essential to refresh a deck that wants a pick-me-up. One gallon covers as much as 450 sq. ft.

Product Specs 

• Base: Oil
• Opacity: Semi-opaque/semi-solid
• Wooden Compatibility: Most typical exterior wooden varieties
• Availability: 1-gallon can

Execs

• Appropriate for heavy-duty re-staining
• Fade and corrosion-resistant
• Low-VOC formulation
• Is available in a number of finishes
• Single-coat utility

Cons

Our Verdict

The very best deck stains on your wooden kind and local weather will be tough to decide on. Among the finest choices general is the Cabot Australian Timber Oil, which is suitable with unique wooden varieties like mahogany and teak. This oil-based deck stain dries over an affordable 24-hour interval.

For these in search of an acrylic-based choice, the KILZ deck stain covers 250 sq. ft of deck or different exterior wooden, protects towards UV rays, mildew, and moisture, and likewise is available in a wide range of finishes and hues to match your patio or out of doors furnishings.

How We Selected the Greatest Deck Stains

Most wooden stains ought to have ample amount on your deck’s sq. footage, be simple to use, and have the precise opacity. However, choices for one of the best deck stains relied on the hues and opacities supplied, drying time, amount, and compatibility with a number of varieties of exterior wooden.

Lots of the above picks are simple to brush or spray in your deck’s floor with drying occasions as quick as 24 hours. The above listing of stains favors semi-transparent stains to protect the pure look of your deck whereas defending it from UV rays, fading, moisture, and mildew. Many hues are supplied with every product to match your property or out of doors equipment’ present finishes.

For those who favor unique or pressure-treated wooden, the above picks embrace various choices which might be suitable with a number of wooden varieties together with mahogany, teak, cedar, redwood, and extra. Lastly, every stain comes with giant portions starting from 150-450 sq. ft of deck, fencing, and different exterior wooden.

FAQs 

Spending time outdoor is a favourite exercise throughout the nation, and a sexy deck makes it all of the extra pleasurable. Staining an present deck will give it a contemporary new look, however for newbies to the world of out of doors staining, some questions are to be anticipated. Try among the most ceaselessly requested queries right here.

Q: Which deck stain lasts the longest?

Basically, an oil-based deck stain will final the longest, nevertheless it additionally is dependent upon the kind of wooden, the climate situations, and the way lengthy the deck has gone unprotected earlier than staining.

Q: What’s the hottest deck stain shade?

Redwood and cedar colours are two of the most well-liked hues for deck stains, however different wood-tone colours are simply as wealthy and exquisite.

Q: How typically does a deck stain must be utilized?

The opacity of a deck stain—the diploma of transparency or opaqueness—determines the completed look and impacts how properly the product will shield the deck. Semi-transparent stain, which is the most well-liked opacity stage, provides noticeable shade to the deck, however the wooden grain will nonetheless present. It presents some deck sealer safety, however you’ll have to plan to recoat each 2 to three years.