Prepare Your Outdoor Space for Entertaining With the Best Deck Stains (2024)

Updated on 04/15/24

Our Top Picks

This exterior wood stain from Ready Seal is easy to work with and holds up against the elements, protecting your deck while creating an even finish and look. It's oil-based, which means that it blends a bit better than its water-based counterparts. You don’t need to worry about perfect application since it evens itself out as it sits. You can use a paint sprayer, roller, or brush to apply. You can even use a brush or roller on the intricate areas, and a sprayer on the open floor without worrying about different looks.

The stain comes in eight colors, including rich tones like natural cedar, redwood, and dark walnut. Just note that the stain can be susceptible to UV rays and may fade. However, you can apply a fresh coat without taking off the first coat when needed. It holds up well in rain, snow, and extreme temperatures without any peeling or splintering, too, which makes it a good option for any deck that's very exposed to the elements.

Because it is a stain and sealant combo, this pick is great for new decks, and for either treated or untreated wood. All you have to do is give the surface a light sanding and make sure that it is clean and dry before you begin. If you already have a different type of stain or sealer on your deck, use Ready Seal after stripping the previous application. This adds a step and some cost, but the results will last for a long time this way.

Cleanup should be done immediately and carefully after you wrap up, since this is an oil-based deck stain that won’t easily rinse out of your brushes and rollers if left to dry. That can be said for any oil-based deck stain.

_{Base Type: Oil | Coverage: 125 to 150 square feet per gallon | Stain Opacity: Medium}

If you want full coverage, a wood stain from Cabot brings the opaque look you want as well as protection from a sealer. It's ultra-saturated and obscures even the wood grain using an acrylic formula—this blocks UV rays and water from reaching the wood below, too, resulting in less fading and water damage over time. It also creates a scuff-free surface, although some of the darker color options do show dirt and pollen more than natural ones.

The application can take time to get an even coat, which is even more important since this product is meant to completely cover the wood grain and finish. For best results, use a brush on intricate areas and a roller for large spaces. You may need two coats for the most even look, depending on how well the wood takes the stain and how heavily you apply it. Thinner coats will dry faster, won’t peel or splinter, and are recommended.

Notably, if you're looking for a semi-solid finish, Cabot is a great choice for that, too. The formula offers many of the same features; the color won’t fade in UV light, and it resists scuffs and wear. You will likely only need one coat to get an even color finish and protection for your wood deck. If you have a high-traffic deck, we think it's worth it to spend a bit more upfront and not have to worry about wear marks or fading.

_{Base Type: Oil | Coverage: Not listed | Stain Opacity: Solid (semi-solidavailable too)}

Water can wreak havoc on a wood deck, so a protective clear coat can be crucial when you install a new deck or touch-up an older one. We like Seal-Once Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer since it creates a waterproof barrier on the surface and penetrates the wood for added protection and maintenance. This keeps rainwater, snow, and other condensation from getting into the wood grain. Untreated, these things can cause splitting, splintering, and even rot.

Impressively, you shouldn't need to reapply this product more than once or twice a decade. The brand also promises up to 10 years of protection on vertical applications, and six years for horizontal ones, and offers a warranty to back up the claim. Depending on the climate where you live, the requirements for application may be inconvenient for the season (between 50 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, with no rain imminent), so be aware of these parameters. Otherwise, know that this stain is in the business of protecting your deck or patio, and also not covering up the wood grain below.

_{Base Type: Water | Coverage: Not listed | Stain Opacity: Clear}

If your older, weathered deck has seen better days, you can take care of all its maintenance needs in one day with the Olympic Maximum stain and sealant. You can apply it to damp wood, and don’t need to wait for days for it to dry completely after cleaning and rinsing. A single coat works to stain and seal the surface and is also rain-safe after just eight hours of drying time, so you'll never need to put off deck maintenance for long.

If your deck already has a stain or sealer on it, you may need to sand it down to get the best results. Olympic notes that if the coating is still tacky after 12 hours, the sealer is not setting and you’ll need to clean it entirely before sanding down to natural wood and reapplying. Because of the possibility of extra steps, it’s best to test a small area first, especially if you have an older deck and aren’t sure what is currently applied.

_{Base Type: Water | Coverage: 250 to 350 square feet per gallon | Stain Opacity: Semi-transparent}

Pressure-treated wood contains additional chemicals that help preserve the wood over time, but these can change the natural hue of the wood as well. This semi-transparent wood stain from Defy brings just a touch of color and lets the natural wood grain remain visible. It is the perfect blend of performance and look, that works well with pressure-treated decks. It also infuses zinc into the surface to block UV rays; you don’t need to worry about the color fading over time.

Keep in mind that you should wait a few months before applying this or any other stain to pressure-treated wood. If you apply it right away, the higher concentration of treatment chemicals can result in an uneven finish and color. Defy recommends waiting for six months to let any extra chemicals dissipate. After that, you can apply this stain without any issues. It is even safe for rain after just four hours of drying time.

_{Base Type: Water | Coverage: 200 to 300 square foot per gallon| Stain Opacity: Semi-Transparent}

Final Verdict

Our favorite deck stain is the Ready Seal Exterior Wood Stain, an oil-based option that is easy to apply and creates an even finish in one of five colors. It also provides some coverage from the elements, such as rain and snow. If long-term protection and keeping your wood grain visible is your priority, then we like the Seal-Once Nano+Poly Penetrating Wood Sealer, a clear coat that lasts up to 10 years per application.

FAQ

• Which type of deck stain lasts the longest?

  The amount of time that a deck stain lasts most often comes down to the condition of the wood and the prep involved, rather than the type of deck stain. You should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparation, including cleaning, rinsing, and drying times. Some deck stains can be applied to damp wood while others require a completely dry surface.

  “For long-lasting results, prepare the wood surface based on your environment and reapply the sealer yearly,” says Karielle Day, Merchant of Interior/Exterior Stains and Waterproofers at The Home Depot.

• What is the difference between deck stain and indoor wood stain?

  “Interior wood stains and finishes are coatings that protect the surface of furniture while promoting a dramatic look from the natural grain. Whereas deck stains shield against the elements while also bringing out the wood’s natural beauty,” says Day.

  Deck stains often include added ingredients that help them resist fading from UV rays or create a waterproof barrier. Exposure to the elements is one of the most common issues that decks face that causes wear and damage. For this reason, many deck stains include features to protect against these things that just aren’t necessary with indoor wood stains.

• Is it okay to pressure wash a stained deck?

  Generally, you can pressure wash a stained deck after the required drying time is complete. Some only need a few hours while others require 72 hours or even more. If in doubt, you should wait longer after applying a new stain. Pressure wash decks using a low-pressure setting or nozzle only to keep the finish from becoming impacted and avoid damage to the wood surfaces, too.

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