which brand of deck stain is best

1. BEST OVERALL: Valspar Tintable Solid Exterior Stain and Sealer
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Behr Premium Solid Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer
3. UPGRADE PICK: Cabot Tintable Solid Exterior Stain and Sealer
4. BEST LOW VOC: SaverSystems Advanced Solid Color Deck Stain
5. BEST WATERPROOFING: Thompson’s WaterSeal Solid Waterproofing Stain
6. ALSO CONSIDER: Olympic Stain Maximum Wood Stain and Sealer

Full Answer

Which deck stain lasts the longest?

oil-based deck stainIn 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.

What is the best brand of exterior stain?

Best Exterior Wood Stains in September, 2022Wood stain1Ready Seal Editor's ChoiceCheck Price2Defy ExtremeCheck Price3#1 Deck PremiumCheck Price4Thompson's WaterSeal StainCheck Price2 more rows•Oct 24, 2021

Which deck stain is better Behr or Olympic?

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.

What type of stain is best for decks?

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.

Is Cabot or Behr deck stain better?

Overall, Cabot Deck Correct gets better coverage for the price than Behr does. A gallon of Cabot Deck 17400 series covered 250 to 350 square feet of smooth deck surfaces. You can only get this coverage with a single coat. A double coat will cover 75 to 100 square feet of deck wood.

Why does my deck stain peel every year?

Deck stains will generally peel for two basic reasons: over application and poor adhesion. This is simple — too much stain on the surface of the wood. With deck stains, specifically with semi-transparent finishes, more is not better. You only want to apply as much product as the wood can easily absorb.

Is it better to spray or roll deck stain?

Consider Spraying Your Stain In fact, starting your staining process via spraying is often the way to go, as long as you implement the proper technique. Spraying your waterproof deck stain from the get-go allows you to cover even more area than rolling does and also reach those tighter spaces.

How long does Behr deck stain last?

BEHR PREMIUM® Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Stain & Sealer. Enhance your wood's natural patterns while providing increased protection from the elements. This 100% acrylic formula seals out the elements, and sun's harmful UV rays, for up to 6 yrs. on decks and up to 8 yrs.

Is Cabot stain any good?

Cabot Decking Stain 1480 made the top of the list at Consumer Reports and shows up as a recommendation often in forums. It is a deep penetrating, linseed oil-based stain that should protect the wood for two to three years.

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.

Do I need to power wash my deck before staining?

Taking your time is key to power washing a deck successfully. Now that the wood has been cleaned and stripped of grime, you can sand it and apply your stain of choice. Power washing a deck before staining will allow the wood to absorb the stain better and deeper.

How much stain do I need for a 20x20 deck?

approximately 2 and 1 quarter gallonsTo stain a 20x20 ft² deck area, you'll need approximately 2 and 1 quarter gallons (2.25 gal). You can get this result by assuming that 1 gallon can cover up to 175 ft2. Also, consider this amount is for one coat of stain.

What is best stain for pressure treated wood?

An oil-based stain is the best for pressure-treated wood.

What is the best exterior siding stain?

Keep reading to learn more and check out some of the best options on the market.BEST OVERALL: DEFY Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Ready Seal 512 Natural Cedar Exterior Stain.BEST CLEAR: DEFY Extreme Crystal Clear Exterior Wood Stain.More items...•

What kind of stain do you use on exterior wood?

Oil-Based Exterior Deck Stains Oil-based or alkyd stains are designed to penetrate the wood. This highlights the wood grain and offers a more natural appearance for your fence or deck. They protect decks from water damage better than the alternatives.

How good is Arborcoat stain?

It has better color retention and fade resistance than other products. It has excellent long-term durability when applied on decks and siding. This stain dries very quickly, in as little as one to three hours. Arborcoat Waterborne stains provide a coating that is UV and mildew resistance.

What is the best stain for a 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. Toner requires reapplication every year for the best protection.

What to consider when choosing a deck stain?

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Deck Stain. Choosing a deck stain is about more than just picking a color and brushing the product on the decking; the process requires considering the type and age of the deck wood and whether you’ve previously stained or painted it.

What is a Kilz stain?

KILZ Exterior Waterproofing Wood Stain imparts a semi-transparent layer of color and protection to new and older wood decks that still allows the wood grain to show. Best of all, it’s available at an affordable price point in several popular hues.

How long does it take to apply ready seal to a deck?

Ready Seal is well suited for applying to new treated-wood decks, but users should wait 6 months after the deck’s construction to allow treatment chemicals to evaporate. One gallon covers up to 175 square feet, and the product comes in a 5-gallon can.

How long does it take for a gallon of stain to dry?

For best results, apply only to clean, dry decking when the outdoor temperature is over 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on humidity, dry time is approximately 24 hours. The stain comes in several size options, with 1 gallon covering about 200 to 400 square feet, depending on the thickness of the application.

What kind of wood is used for decking?

Exterior deck construction utilizes 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 comes at a high cost. Considered a softwood, redwood contains natural oils and tannins that give it a warm reddish hue.

How often should I recoat a deck?

It offers 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 need to recoat every 3 to 4 years.

What is the best stain for a wood deck?

A semi-transparent deck stain is better to go for a natural look. This type of stain is suitable for older wood and deck. You can apply it a few times with thin coats if you want it more opaque.

Why use water based stain on deck?

Water-based stains are great because they won’t damage the wood and make the deck last longer. It’s an eco-friendly option that makes it easier to maintain and extend the life of your deck. And there are multiple color options to match your existing paint colors!

Why do you stain an old deck?

The stain’s main task for old decks is to preserve the natural texture of the wood and hide damages to some surfaces. Such stains are specially designed to consider all these requirements and significantly improve an old deck’s appearance and increase its durability.

How much moisture does exterior staining have?

Exterior wood staining products completely coat the surface of the wood and fill the grain. The moisture content is 8 to 10%. When exposed to moist air for a few days, the coating turns dry, tough, and hard enough to repel spills.

What is redwood stain?

Redwood deck stains were specifically designed to be breathable and easy to clean. They also wick moisture away for long-lasting protection while also increasing beauty and durability.

Is Ready Seal stain good for exterior projects?

I would suggest you try this product. It is a great offering and protects the wood. This stain is excellent for exterior projects. Ready Seal stain is really quick and easy to apply. Its fast-drying, washable, protects, seals, and beautifies wood. Ready Seal instant stain is the fastest, least messy stain ever.

Is deck stain good?

#1 Deck Wood Stain is a superior quality product and is easy to use. The quality of the wood stain is brilliant, and it applied evenly in one coat. It smells great and is easy to apply. It’s greatly suited for pressure-treated wood. The stain has an immediate change of color while applying. That allows visually to see where it had sprayed in areas to be painted over.

What is the best stain for a deck?

When it comes to the best decking stains, these are the main issues that you need to be concerned with: 1 Water-based stains are the way to go, ditch the oils – easier to clean up, more green-friendly 2 Synthetic resins, not natural resins – no mold, and no toxic chemicals 3 Semi-transparent deck stains rather than clear or solid color deck stains – easier to maintain

Why is my deck stain black?

The first problem is that they are made of natural resins, which is basically food for algae and mold. Ever notice the large black regions of mold growing on your deck? You guessed it, the mold is eating your stain right off your deck. And not only that, once it starts, it becomes a breeding ground for more mold and algae, and it begins to grow, eventually taking over your whole deck!

How long does it take for a clear stain to go away?

Frequently, the clear stains vanish within a few short months of applying them. On top of that, most clear deck stains aren’t totally clear.

Can you use algaecide in synthetic sealer?

Because synthetic resin sealers aren’t going to be food for algae, it’s not necessary to add a bunch of mildewcides and algaecides to the stains, making them much more family-friendly and environmentally friendly.

Is synthetic resin toxic?

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. Keeping in mind these points when buying a deck stain will save you a lot of time, money, and labor.

Can water based stain be used on decks?

Deck owners simply had to deal with the unsightly algae growth, environmental damage, and safety issues. There have recently been vast improvements in water-borne technologies that have allowed water-based stains to penetrate like an oil stain.

Which states have banned oil based stains?

So far, the following states have outlawed almost all oil-based stains: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Washington DC, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia.

Best Deck Stain Reviews for 2022

For a more in-depth article on “What is The Best Deck Stain for Your Deck” see this article: The Best Deck Stain

Best Semi-Transparent Deck Stain Review

Best Newer Deck Stain in 2022: Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain can be applied to dry or damp wood. Applying to damp wood allows you the ability to prep and stain on the same day, saving you a tremendous amount of time.

Best Semi-Solid Deck Stain Review

Best New Semi-Solid Stain for 2022: Available in 30 Custom Colors, the TWP ® Semi-Solid Pro-Series will keep your wood beautiful, fresh, and looking new longer! The ease of application and maintenance will allow you to enjoy your investment for years to come.

The Top 7 Deck Stain Ratings

Each deck stain review that we do offers two rating types. Our DeckStainHelp.com review is based on our experience with the deck stain and the Consumer Star Ratings, which are based on actual customers’ experiences with using the same stain.

The 7 Best Deck Stains

TWP 100 Series penetrates well into the wood, fades lightly in color, and holds up to wear and tear. We like that when it is time to redo the wood in 2-3 years, the TWP can be cleaned and re-coated or even removed with ease. This makes the reapplication process much easier.

Restore-A-Deck Consumer Video Review

The Armstrong Clark Wood stain has been a solid performer since we started reviewing and using it about 10 years ago. We really like how it penetrates deep into the wood grain and applies easily. Reapplication is simple with a good deck cleaner for the prep. One thing we have noticed is to make sure you do not overapply.

Deck Stain Rating Questions

If you have questions on this review of deck stains, please ask below. For a more in-depth article on “What is The Best Deck Stain for Your Deck” see this article: The Best Deck Stain

What is DEFY deck sealer?

QUALITY THAT LASTS – DEFY Extreme Composite Deck Sealer is a premium-grade, clear deck sealer that is built to last. Keep your weathered composite deck, or fence looking great for longer by using DEFY.

Is product rating helpful?

Product ratings might be unhelpful at times in helping you pick up the best one for you, they should only be used as a guide.

Can you narrow down deck stain and sealer?

You should keep your budget in mind at all times. Depending on your budget and demand, you can apparently narrow down your Best Deck Stain And Sealers choice range. The price point will dictate where you should begin your search, but I suggest you not buy the cheapest product as sometimes you truly get what you pay for. Here you are provided with the function of checking price history and receiving pricing tables through email.

How long does a deck stain last?

And as it says on the container, the coating resists mildew and UV damage. Applied to freshly cleaned decks and damp or dry wood, it sinks in fast with one coat protecting your deck for up to four years (six years on fences and siding).

What is the difference between stain and paint on a deck?

The difference between deck paints and stains. Paint is the most opaque choice in protective coatings. Available in a wide range of color options, it tends to be more prone to chipping and peeling so it requires periodic sanding and repainting. Stains, on the other hand, penetrate into the wood to provide protection against water ...

How long does it take to recoat deckover?

It goes on easily with a roller and is ready to recoat in six hours. Deckover comes in 54 colors, and custom color-matching is available.

What is a defy stain?

DEFY Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain is an environmentally friendly, water-based stain that leaves behind a durable matte finish while protecting against damaging moisture, mildew and UV rays. It utilizes a new formula with transparent oxide-based nanoparticles that helps prevent premature graying and fading.

How long does topside bond last?

Topside bonds to all types of surfaces, from wood to fiberglass and metal. It dries to the touch in as little as one hour and promises long-lasting color retention.

What is Rust Oleum topside paint?

Rust-Oleum Marine Coatings Topside Paint was originally designed for boats, so it’s an excellent choice for decks exposed to lots of rain or extremely humid weather conditions.

Is RTG deck paint slippery?

Not slippery when wet, the RTG Deck, Porch, & Patio Anti-Slip Paint is a deck coating with a traction additive for a sure-footed, non-slip finish.

How long does a deck stain last?

The best stains should last three to five years on a deck, and even longer if applied to siding or fences, which don't get as much abuse. "The sun and water beat down on a deck, snow can pile up, and even dirt and mildew spores can settle on the flat surface," says Rico de Paz, Consumer Reports' wood stain tester. "All those issues are minimized on a vertical surface."

How long does a semi transparent stain last?

But even the best semi-transparent stains in our tests aren't as tough as the top solid stains, and our data suggest that this type of stain will probably last only two to three years on a deck. The 11 stains in this category also vary widely in performance, garnering Overall Scores of 12 to 65.

Where do CR test engineers stain?

To test wood stains, CR's test engineers apply two coats of stain to pine boards, then place them on the roof of our headquarters in Yonkers, N.Y. They face the boards south and angled down, like a roof, to intensify the effects of the sun and weather for up to three years.

Is Olympic Waterguard a good stain?

As a category, transparent wood stains, or clear sealers, don't fare well in our tests. The Olympic WaterGuard for Wood is the worst of the bunch, earning the lowest Overall Score in CR's stain tests—a 5 out of 100. It also earns a Poor for its appearance after one year in our simulated weathering test for decks, meaning this stain didn't take to the wood at all.