which stain is best for a deck

The Best Top Rated Deck Stains

1. Best Overall: Ready Seal Natural Cedar Exterior Stain for Wood 98
2. Best Deck Stain for Pressure Treated Wood: #1 Deck Premium Wood Stain 95
3. Best Oil Based Deck Stain: Cabot 140.0003460.005 Australian Timber Oil Stain 94
4. Best Water Based Deck Stain: SEAL-ONCE Marine Premium Deck Stain 92
5. Best Outdoor Deck Stain: Olympic Stain Maximum Deck Stain 90

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

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Which deck stain lasts 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.

Is oil or water based deck stain better?

Water-based stains require a little more time and effort than oils, but it pays off with significantly greater durability. Oil based stains are easy to apply and take less effort, but they will not last nearly as long as a water based stain.

What is the best color to stain a deck?

Top 5 Wood Stain Colors For Wooden DecksBrowns. Browns bring a sense of warmth to wooden decks and are perfect for fitting in with natural surroundings. ... Blues. Blue is part of a swath of coastal colors that are topping designing trends this year. ... Grays. ... Naturals. ... Reds.

What are the 10 best deck stains?

The following top 10 deck stains are rated from one to five stars, based on the consumer criteria identified above.Sikkens Cetol Dek Finish. ... Cabot Decking Stain 1480. ... Sikkens Cetol SRD. ... Cabot Semi-Transparent Deck and Siding Stain 6300. ... Wolman Durastain. ... DEFY Epoxy Fortified Wood Stain. ... Superdeck Semi-Transparent Deck Stain.More items...

What lasts longer decking stain or oil?

Decking oil vs. stain. Whether you should oil or stain will come down to what you want from your deck. A stain will improve the appearance of the deck, but oil will better help preserve its condition.

How long does a water based stain last on a deck?

Water-based stains are more durable than you think Most water-based stains actually last longer than oil-based stains. While water-based stain can typically last two to three years and is more environmentally friendly (it's solvent-free), its refinishing process can be more work.

Should deck be lighter or darker than house?

Contrast the deck color with the house Consider deck paint that will contrast with the exterior of your home – particularly for a small deck. It will help define the exterior seating area. Black and white is a classic combination, but you could get a similar look with any dark and light pairing.

How long does deck stain last?

three to five yearsThe 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.

How often should I Restain my deck?

every two to three yearsTypically, homeowners should restain horizontal surfaces such as decks every two to three years. Poor deck upkeep will decrease the time you have to enjoy the deck before restaining it, while good deck upkeep may give you another year or two before you need to restain the deck.

Is it better to spray or roll deck 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 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.

What's better than Thompson's water Seal?

According to them, these are the nine most effective wood sealers:Thompson's Water Seal. ... Rainguard Premium Wood Sealer. ... DEFY Crystal Clear Sealer. ... Anchorseal 2. ... Roxil Wood Protection Cream. ... Eco-Advance Exterior Wood Waterproofer. ... Ready Seal Stain and Sealer for Wood. ... Pure Tung Oil Natural Wood Sealer.

When should I use water based stain?

Water based wood stains are best for small and indoor projects. That's because this stain will dry up too quickly for larger projects. But they won't trap unwanted smells and fumes indoors. Also, water based stains are not flammable, which makes them safer to use inside.

What is the difference between oil based and water based decking oil?

OIL BASED coatings penetrate into the pores of your timber, leaving very little film on the surface. WATER BASED coatings work by not only penetrating the timber, but by building a film on the surface. This film inhibits UV radiation, prevents water soaking-in and is the reason WATER BASED lasts longer than OIL BASED.

How long does oil stain last on a deck?

Unopened cans of deck stain – just like regular paint – have a shelf-life of up to 5 or 6 years before they start to deteriorate. So if you didn't have time to start your project this year then there's no reason to worry.

What type of stain is best for pressure treated wood?

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

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.

What is the oil layer in wood?

The oil layer, which later opposes the aging process or weathering action, helps extend these wood stains’ resistance towards elements, polishing compounds and chemical substances such as salt particles and others.

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.

What color stain should I use for decking?

Combining the use of solid color stains with semi-transparent products can create some really great looks for your deck. When doing this, often times a solid color stain is used on the hand rails while a semi-transparent product is used on the decking (walking surfaces). Besides the fact that it creates a really great look for your deck, using a solid color stain on the hand rails and spindles means you now have a more durable product on the areas of the deck that are normally the first to fail.

Why do I use solid color stain on decks?

Because they form a film on the surface of the wood, solid color stains will normally prove to be significantly more durable and longer lasting than other semi-transparent products. It’s this extreme durability that makes them a great choice to consider for the most severe problem areas of the deck such as the rails.

Why are solid color stains more durable than semi transparent?

Significantly more durable. Because they form a film similar to paint, solid color stains will typically outlast semi-transparent products. It is for this reason that they are often times used on the spindles and hand rails, even when a semi-transparent product is applied to the walking surfaces.

How long does semi transparent stain last?

This type of stain is easy to apply and will generally look good even as it ages. Semi-transparent stains will typically last 2-3 years on horizontal surfaces before re-application is needed. They’ll last longer on vertical surfaces (3-5 years).

What is semi transparent stain?

Semi-Transparent Deck Stain. This type of stains is a pretty good middle-of-the-road option. Semi-transparent stains will seal the deck allowing it to be waterproof, while also providing a hint of color to the deck wood. This pigment in the semi-transparent stain also acts as added protection against UV rays. ...

How long does it take for a deck stain to dry?

It will dry in about 1-2 hours depending on the temperature and humidity. It’s the best solid deck stain if you live in an area with unpredictable weather. The stain comes in several popular colors. #1 Deck Stain also has a semi-transparent line of stains. A new trend that’s becoming popular is for deck owners to stain the horizontal boards ...

What is the best way to protect wood from UV damage?

Clear Stains and Sealers. This is the most basic option available. Clear stains will protect the wood beneath from water damage while allowing the natural beauty of the wood grain to show through. Unfortunately, clear stains won’t protect the wood from UV damage from the sun.

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 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).

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.

What is a solid stain for a deck?

Solid deck stains cover the wood grain and texture with an opaque layer of color. To protect the deck but still see the wood’s character, a semisolid or semitransparent deck stain might be preferable. Solid stains are different from deck paint, too. Paints encapsulate the surface of the wood. Solid deck stains penetrate ...

How long does a solid deck stain last?

They shield the deck from UV rays and prevent water penetration as well as mildew and mold growth. Solid deck stains can last up to 10 years after application.

What is SaverSystem's advanced solid color deck stain?

This product has a low-VOC formula but still provides maximum protection against fading, graying, and drying caused by the sun’s rays. It also protects against water penetration.

What is Cabot's stain and sealer?

Cabot’s Tintable Solid Exterior Stain and Sealer features a scuff-resistant formula that holds up to heavy foot traffic longer than many of its competitors, so it’s a good choice for those who spend a lot of time on the deck. This stain and sealer combo can be tinted with color pigments to get just the right color, and the acrylic-based formula can be applied with a brush, roller, or paint sprayer.

How many square feet does a gallon of Behr stain cover?

Behr’s Premium Solid Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer might be the product to go for to stretch a budget. One gallon can cover up to 400 square feet with one coat, providing more coverage than many competitors. It’s self-priming, so no need to buy a separate can of primer, and comes in several colors.

What is Valspar stain?

This stain is suitable for use on decks as well as fences, siding, and outdoor furniture. It repels water and protects against mold and mildew. Its UV-defense formula prevents fading and increases the stain’s longevity. It goes on with a roller, brush, or sprayer, and it’s rain-ready in just four hours.

What color is used for pressure treated pine?

Red hues from redwood and cedar will shine through the stain, while the yellows from pressure-treated pine boards will brighten the stain. That’s not the case with solid deck stains. The species and color of the wood will have no bearing on the end result.

What is the best semi transparent stain for a wood deck?

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.

How long does a solid deck stain last?

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.

How long does it take for a Kilz stain to dry?

Just make sure that you allow the surface area to dry completely for at least 24 hours before coating to achieve the best results.

How long does it take for a stain to reach its actual color?

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.

What does higher opacity mean on deck stains?

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:

Is deck paint good for mildew?

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.

Does staining a deck help?

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.

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.

What color is best for a deck?

It will make the underlying green colors look even richer.#N#The shady emerald of Woodland Green can spruce up an aging deck, blending in with the natural surroundings and making the environment the center of attention.#N#View All Exterior Green Stain Colors Buy Deck Stain Online

What is the best siding for a tan deck?

Grape Slate. If you have tan siding, a dark, wooded backyard, or desert landscaping, Grape Slate, can bring a relaxing tone to your outdoor area. It will give an old deck a much-needed change for the better and bring more visitors to your outdoor gatherings.

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.

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.