When it comes to the best decking stains, these are the main issues that you need to be concerned with:
- Water-based stains are the way to go, ditch the oils – easier to clean up, more green-friendly
- Synthetic resins, not natural resins – no mold, and no toxic chemicals
- Semi-transparent deck stains rather than clear or solid color deck stains – easier to maintain
Full Answer
What is the highest rated deck stain?
Best Oil-Based Deck Stain. Using the purest linseed and tung oils available, the Cabot Australian Timber Oil Stain gives superior penetration into wood surfaces. This stain features a durable alkyd resin formula that produces lasting durability on heavy-traffic areas, while remaining flexible so it doesn’t flake or peel over time.
How much deck stain should I buy?
On average most deck stains cover 150-300 sq. ft. per gallon depending on the age, condition, and porosity of the wood. How Much Deck Stain Do I Need? Measure Deck Floor: To figure out how much deck stain you should buy, start by measuring the deck floor. Take its width times length and write that number down.
Which type of deck stain should I use?
Decks are best stained with a semi-transparent wood stain. These types of products allow the natural grain of the wood to show through, allow the wood to naturally breathe, and are easily cleaned and reapplied. Pay attention to the directions and don’t over apply these types of products.
What is the longest lasting deck stain?
- BEST OVERALL: Cabot Australian Timber Oil
- BEST BUDGET: KILZ L832111 Exterior Waterproofing Wood Stain
- BEST FOR OLD DECKS: SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Stain
- BEST FOR NEW DECKS: Ready Seal 512 Exterior Stain and Sealer
- PRESSURE-TREATED WOOD PICK: DEFY Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain
What is the best stain to use on a new deck?
Our overall choice for the best deck stain is Arborcoat Exterior Stain by Benjamin Moore, a stain that has excellent protective properties for exterior wood surfaces. It comes in thousands of colors, unlike other stains that have a more limited range of color, and is easily accessible in most areas.
Should I stain my brand new deck?
New wooden decks should always receive a coat of paint or stain. Generally, all new decks should dry out for at least 30 days before stain or paint is applied. Although a finish can be applied immediately after construction, more work is involved, so it's best to let the wood fully dry before finishing.
What stain will last the longest on a deck?
Solid wood stains. Just like regular paint, solid stains hide the grain of the wood, and the best should last three to five years on a deck, the longest of the three types of stains.
When should you seal and stain a new deck?
The wood on a new deck needs to dry thoroughly before sealing or staining. If the wood came still wet with preservative, allow it to dry about 30 days before applying stain or sealer. To test the wood to see if it's dry enough to stain or seal: Pour a little water on the wood.
Should you pressure wash a new deck before staining?
While you can apply a new layer of the stain without power washing, a pressure wash can help prepare the wood to absorb the stain. It will last longer afterward, and you won't have to worry about dirt getting stuck under the stain.
Do you need to prep a new deck before staining?
Before you apply stain, make sure the surface is clean (no dust, dirt, wood fibers or grease), dry and free from mildew. When a surface is not clean, stains and other finishes have trouble sticking and may end up peeling.
Which is better Olympic or Behr deck stain?
According to Consumer Reports, Olympic Maximum Solid Stain & Sealant in One is rated in their top solid wood stains category, coming in slightly behind Behr.
Is Cabot or Behr deck stain better?
Additionally, we were pleased to see that Cabot Solid Acrylic Siding stain scored very well in their 2014 ratings." And after two years the Behr still looked really good, but the Cabot had started to break down. In fact, the Behr Premium Semi-Transparent Weather Proofing Wood Stain earned top ratings.
Is oil or water based stain better?
If the wood is going to be in direct exposure to wind, rain, and sunlight, an oil-based stain is the best choice. This is because it is more durable than a water-base and will provide a more complete protective layer against these elements.
How many coats of stain should you put on a deck?
two coatsWe always recommend two coats of stain for any wood project, but you should only apply as much stain as the wood can absorb. Extremely dense hardwoods may only be able to absorb one coat of wood stain. The general rule of thumb is to apply only as much as the wood can absorb.
Should I sand a new deck before staining?
Sand the Deck If you plan to stain the deck, sand the surface before application to make the wood better absorb the coating. Use an orbital sander to remove any old gloss and smooth out any rough areas on decking boards. You may need to use a sanding sponge on the railings or balustrades.
What happens if you stain a new deck too soon?
What Happens if You Stain a Deck Too Soon? If you try to stain new wood too soon, the stain won't take. The wood needs to be porous so that the stain can soak in and reflect the color that you chose. If the stain doesn't take, the color will fade in the sun and wash out in the rain.
What happens if you stain a new deck too soon?
What Happens if You Stain a Deck Too Soon? If you try to stain new wood too soon, the stain won't take. The wood needs to be porous so that the stain can soak in and reflect the color that you chose. If the stain doesn't take, the color will fade in the sun and wash out in the rain.
What happens if I don't stain my deck?
Your Deck Will Lose its Luster Over time, the sun's rays will dull and fade the finish. When this happens, a fresh coat of stain can quickly restore your deck's beauty. If you decide to leave your deck alone instead, expect the loss of color and shine to progress until your deck takes on a gray-ish, green-ish hue.
How do you stain a brand new deck?
PREP - Wait 4-8 weeks after new deck is built. Sweep away any leaves or other debris.WATER DROP TEST - Deck is ready when droplets are absorbed.STAIN - Apply even coat with wood grain. Work in with brush. Wait 4 hours between coats. Wait 24-48 hours before enjoying.
How long should you wait to stain a new pressure-treated deck?
Depending on the wood and drying conditions, you should usually wait 4 to 8 weeks after installation before staining a deck.
What is the best stain for a new deck?
Ready seal exterior stain and sealer for wood improve wood’s general beauty, allowing your deck’s grain and texture to be visible. It is an oil-based, semi-transparent stain and also a sealer in one, suitable for exterior decks. It’s arguably the best stain for new deck thanks to its unique formula that penetrates deeply to protect ...
What color should I use for a deck stain?
The color of the stain. You would want to go for a color that is appealing to you, and above all, it should coordinate with your house. Another aspect that you need to consider is the durability of the stain- Going for deck stains that will last longer helps you save on the ongoing costs of restaining. Additionally, consider stains that suits the wood in your deck. Most hardwoods would look better with a transparent or semi-transparent deck stain, while softwoods would go with solid or semi-solid stains.
Why do you need to stain a deck?
Staining your deck has numerous advantages, such as offering an aesthetic look and, above all, ensure the durability of the structures. Stains protect the wood from damaging elements such as moisture, mold, mildew, and UV rays. If left unprotected, these elements cause rotting of the wood or discoloration due to prolonged exposure to sunlight.
How long does it take for a deck stain to dry?
This stain brings out the full beauty of the wood grain and provides deep penetrating wood protection. The finish is only applied using a brush. It dries to a natural flat finish in approximately 24 to 48 hours, depending on humidity and temperature. It covers about 500 square feet per gallon.
What kind of stain is best for hardwood?
On the other hand, softwoods, including those that are pressure treated, would look best in semi-solid or solid stains.
What is deck premium?
#1 Deck Premium protects wood from damages caused by exposure to the elements. It uses a water formula to offer protection against color fade and graying of the wood. You can use this stain on pressure-treated pine, cedar, fir, redwood, or most softwoods. In the case of hardwood, frequent maintenance will help, especially if you are using this stain.
Why is my deck looking ugly?
If left unprotected, these elements cause rotting of the wood or discoloration due to prolonged exposure to sunlight. Overall, such impacts would leave your deck looking ugly. Now that you understand the importance of staining, you would probably want to get the best stain for new deck.
The Best Stain for New Pine Decks
Since we first published this article, some new stains have been introduced. We recommend you browse our site with honest reviews for recommendations for the best stain for a new pine deck when it comes to prep and stain application.
Need Help Finding the Best Stain for New Pine Deck?
The best time to stain a deck is after it is built while the wood is still new and has not been compromised by weather damage. However, it is important to allow a new pine deck to dry out for several months before staining it.
