A deck stain is the best way to maintain the natural wood grain of any wooden surface. If you have built a new patio timber deck or need to restore existing decking around your home, a deck stain creates a long-lasting professional finish.
Beautify and Protect Your Timber Deck with A Quality Deck Stain
Installing a timber deck adds a special touch of rustic charm to your home, but over time harsh weather, mildew, and wear and tear from constant foot traffic can ruin the wood. A quality deck stain beautifies and protects the natural wood grain to create a long-lasting outdoor surface that looks just like a professional home-beautiful magazine photo.
Highly versatile, a deck stain or deck sealer can be used on treated or untreated softwood or hardwood timber like pine, cedar, fir, redwood, mahogany, walnut, or maple. As well as using the stain on a deck, it can be applied to other exterior wooden surfaces such as outdoor furniture, fences, siding, and playsets. To be able to apply a deck stain correctly, here is an excellent video that contains helpful DIY tips.
The 7 Best Deck Stains
- DEFY Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain (Our Top Pick)
- Ready Seal Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer
- Saver Systems Premium Wood Stain
- Woodrich Brand Timber Oil-Based Wood Stain
- CableView Railing Penofin Oil Treatment Wood Stain
- DeckWise Hardwood Deck Finish
- Eco Wood Treatment Deck Stain
Our Top Pick for the Best Deck Stain
Our top pick for the best deck stain is the DEFY Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain.
Whether you are building or restoring a timber deck, the DEFY Extreme wood stain uses smart non-technology, and high-quality resins that beautify, protect, and promote the natural wood grain so that your deck has a professional, long-lasting finish.
Check the price on AmazonHow to Choose the Best Deck Stain
Types of Deck Stains
Decks stains can be oil-based or water-based. Your choice of deck stain will depend on the type of stain or finish you want to achieve on your deck.
– Oil-based Deck Stain
An oil-based deck stain, such as the Woodrich Brand Timber Oil-Based Wood Stain or the DeckWise, contains natural or synthetic oils such as linseed oil, rosewood oil, or paraffin oil. Oil-based deck stains provide maximum timber penetration into the wood’s pores which makes them highly effective with hardwood and other exotic lumber such as Ipe, Tigerwood, or Cumaru (Brazilian Teak). The rich oils not only create a natural-looking stain but protect the wood as well.
Oil-based deck stains are quite easy to apply and maintain. The wood stain can last up to 1-2 years, and you can easily refresh the stain by applying another coat.
The problems associated with an oil-based deck stain is that it has a strong odor, has a longer drying and curing time, and can stain your hands or other surfaces.
– Water-based Deck Stain
Water-based deck stains are environmentally friendly deck stains as they contain fewer VOCs (volatile organic compounds) so they are safer to use, and if they have any odors, they dissipate quickly.
These types of deck stains also tend to adhere to stained or painted surfaces and lumber that has a natural resistance to rotting such as cypress, cedar, and redwood as opposed to oil-based deck stains.
Water-based wood stains are more breathable so they do not retain moisture, which also makes them more mildew and mold resistant than oil-based stain products. There are quick-drying, non-flammable, and are easy to clean up with soap and water.
The downside of using a water-based deck stain is that it can be hard to apply on a large deck. They do not penetrate the wood fibers as well as oil-based stains, so they do not provide as much protection from harsh weather conditions or provide a rich deep stain.
– Colored Tinted Deck Stain
If you are looking for a color-tinted deck stain, the best type of wood stain is one that gives you lots of color choices such as the DEFY Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain that has 7 colors or the Ready Seal Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer that has 9 colors. Color choices can range from natural, crystal clear, natural pine, butternut, cedar tone, light walnut, redwood, and driftwood gray.
While water-based deck stains provide a good color tint, oil-based deck stains contain a special pigment-rich formula that creates a deep, natural-looking stain.
– Translucent Deck Stains
If you want to show off the beautiful natural wood grain of your deck, a translucent wood stain that contains no color pigments gives the wood a nice natural-looking sheen. A translucent deck stain is easy to apply but the wood can start to gray after a few months, so you will have to reapply the stain.
– Semi-Transparent Deck Stain
A semi-transparent deck stain, such as the DEFY Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain or the Saver Systems Premium Wood Stain contains a small amount of natural-looking matte color but still allows the wood’s beautiful grain to show through the stain. This type of wood stain has better resistance to fading and will continue to look great for 1-2 years, depending on the weather, before you have to reapply the stain.
– All-in-One Wood Deck Stain and Sealer
An all-in-one deck stain and sealer, such as the DEFY Extreme and the Ready Seal Deck Stain, not only creates a natural-looking long-lasting stain, but it seals the wood to protect it from harmful UV rays, mildew, and mold and prevents premature graying or color loss.
– Coverage Area
A stain’s coverage area will depend on whether the stain is oil or water-based and the size of the product. Coverage can range from 100, 150, 250-feet, or a large coverage area of 350-400-feet such as the DeckWise Hardwood Deck Finish.
7 Best Deck Stains – Reviews
1. DEFY Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain
Protect and beautify your timber deck with the DEFY Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain. This premium wood deck stain from DEFY is a fantastic choice for decks as it creates a natural-looking, long-lasting finish.
The water-based semi-transparent wood stain is an environmentally-friendly stain that allows the wood grain to show through the beautiful matte color finish. As well as being designed for decks, it can be used for fences, siding, playsets, outdoor patio furniture, and so much more.
You can expect superior performance from the DEFY wood stain as it acts as both a stain and a sealant. It has been fortified with innovative zinc nano-particle technology which acts as a sunscreen for the wood. The invisible zinc particles are dispersed throughout the stain to block damaging UV rays, repels water, deter mold and mildew growth, prevent premature graying and color loss.
The extremely durable resins provide better resistance to fading and darkening, so the quality wood stain will last a season or two longer than other deck stain products.
The DEFY wood stain is easy to maintain. When it is time to do a maintenance coat, there’s no need to sand or strip the surface again. Simply brighten the wood with a DEFY Wood Brightener and apply a single coat of the wood stain.
DEFY offers its wood deck stain in 7 attractive colors so you will have no trouble finding a match for your home’s exterior.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Good price
- Specially designed for decks
- Can be used for fences, siding, playsets and outdoor patio furniture
- Creates a beautiful natural long-lasting matte finish
- Beautifies and protects
- Semitransparent stain allows the natural wood to show through
- Smart zinc nano-particle technology
- Made with durable resins
- Naturally resistant to mold and mildew
- Provides sunscreen protection
- Repels water
- Prevents premature graying and color loss
- Environmentally friendly
- Easy to clean
- Available in 7 color options
Cons
- Relatively small area of coverage
2. Ready Seal Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer
The Ready Seal Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer will enhance and protect the natural beauty of your deck with a high-quality professional-looking finish.
Instead of spending your valuable time and money on a deck stain that requires a multi-step application process, Ready Seal is a wood stain and sealer in one which can be applied in one easy step.
Easy to use, the wood stain can be applied with a sprayer, roller, or brush and it requires no primer as it is dark when it is first applied, and it can be applied wet-on-wet or wet-on-dry with no lapping.
There is no need for back brushing or wet-line application, and it can be applied in any temperature range. The wood stain dries in 48-72 hours depending on temperature, humidity, and surface porosity and the stain will reach its true color in approximately 14 days.
As the Ready Seal is an oil-based, semi-transparent stain, it provides a nice tint and enhances the natural beauty of the wood allowing the texture and grain of the wood to remain visible. Its unique formula penetrates deeply to protect and preserve wood from harsh elements such as mold, mildew, and damaging UV rays.
The deck stain contains no linseed oil so it will not stain your hands and as it is biodegradable, it is environmentally friendly.
Ready Seal offers 9 fantastic colors that will suit a wide range of wood types.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Affordable price
- Stain and a sealer
- Smooth application
- Allows the natural wood to show through
- Protect and preserve wood from mold, mildew and damaging UV rays
- May be applied using a sprayer, roller or brush
- Can be applied wet-on-wet or wet-on-dry with no lapping
- Requires no back brushing or wet-line application
- Can be applied in any temperature range
- Nine fantastic colors
Cons
- Water does not bead off very well
- Color is not very strong
- Can take a while to dry depending on the temperature
- Strong odor
- Cannot be applied over painted or newly stained surfaces
- Sealed surfaces inhibit penetration
3. Saver Systems Premium Wood Stain
The Saver Systems Premium Wood Stain protects the natural beauty of timber decking, which makes it the number one choice for your patio or pool deck. Its advanced, water-based, semi-transparent stain formulation is designed to penetrate deep into wood pores for maximum protection and longevity.
This wood stain is ideal for softwood such as pressure-treated pine, cedar, fir, or redwood. It acts as both a stain and a sealer to protect the wood from damaging UV rays, water penetration, graying, and fading and it is naturally mold resistant. The wood stain is available in 5 beautiful finishes, cedar, dark walnut, gray, light walnut, and natural.
You can use it on all types of weathered, exterior wood surfaces including decks, fences, siding, outdoor furniture, gazebos, and playsets.
The wood stain contains low VOCs, so it is safe to use, has a low odor, and is very easy to apply, even on damp wood, and you can prep and stain your deck in one day!
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Protects wood from damaging UV rays, water penetration, graying and fading
- Naturally mold resistant
- Acts as both a stain and sealer for your wood
- For use on all softwood types including pressure treated pine, cedar, fir or redwood
- Ideal for weathered, exterior wood surfaces including decks, fences, siding, outdoor furniture, gazebos, and playsets
- Easy to apply even on damp wood
- Dries to a natural-looking finish
- Safe to use
- Low odor
- Fast application in 24 hours
- Available in 5 beautiful semi-transparent finishes
- Low VOCs
- Easy cleanup
Cons
- Cannot be used on hardwood
4. Woodrich Brand Timber Oil-Based Wood Stain
The Woodrich Brand Timber Oil-Based Wood Stain is an excellent choice for new, weathered, or pressure-treated decks. The stain has transparent oxide pigments that provide a rich natural finish that highlights the natural beauty of wood without hiding the natural grain and it protects the wood from mold and mildew. The oils penetrate deep into the wood to rejuvenate and replenish old, dry wood so that it looks new.
It is extremely easy to apply with a brush or pump sprayer and provides good coverage, the 1-gallon bottle covers up to 150-feet. You will achieve a flawless finish with no risk of overlaps, streaks, or runs, and the stain can be reapplied without having to strip the previous application.
The timber deck stain oil can also be used to stain fences, wood siding, and log cabins.
Woodrich offers its deck wood stain in amaretto, brown sugar, warm honey gold, and western cedar. You can also try before you buy as Woodrich offer sample kits to make sure you get the right color for your deck.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Affordable price
- Can be used for decks, fences, wood siding, log cabins
- Ideal for new timber, weathered, or pressure treated wood
- Perfect for a brush or sprayer
- Transparent oxide pigments provide a rich finish that highlights the natural beauty of your wood
- Good protection from mold and mildew
- Oil penetrates deep into the wood to create a rich vibrant color
- Creates a flawless finish will no overlaps, streaks or runs
- Easy to apply with a brush or a pump sprayer
- Very good coverage up to 150-feet
- Four great colors
- Sample color kits available
Cons
- Stain only
- Has a strong odor
5. CableView Railing Penofin Oil Treatment Wood Stain
If you have a hardwood timber deck to stain, the CableView Railing Penofin Oil Treatment Wood Stain is specially formulated to penetrate dense hardwood lumber.
Penofin is used on some of the largest theme park boardwalks in the world and it contains deep penetrating sustainably harvested Brazilian Rosewood oil that protects, stabilizes, and nourishes the wood inside and out. It provides 99% ultraviolet protection, has advanced mildew protection to protect the wood from mold, and allows the wood to breathe.
A transparent wood stain, Penofin highlights the natural beauty of the wood so that the grain shines through. The wood stain can be used on all exterior exotic and fine hardwoods such as Ipe, Pau Lope, Ironwood, Mahogany and Teak, and Brazilian redwood. As well as a deck stain, you can use Penofin on outdoor furniture, railings, boats, and docks.
The wood stain is very easy to apply with just one coat application. You can use a stain pad, pump sprayer, or high-quality China bristle brush. Fast drying, the wood stain penetrates the wood in 20-30 minutes and takes 3 hours to dry. The surface will be dry enough to use in 12 hours, but it is best to wait 24 hours for the best results.
Penofin’s unique formula penetrates deep into the wood fibers and does not create a surface film that cracks, bubbles, or peels. It provides good coverage as 1-gallon covers about 175-300-square-feet.
The Penofin wood deck stain is also available in a 1-quart tin.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Can be used on decks, outdoor furniture, railings, boats, and docks
- Specially formulated to penetrate dense exotic hardwoods
- Brazilian Rosewood Oil protects the wood inside and out
- Specially formulated to allow the wood to breath
- Highlights the natural beauty of the wood
- Added 99% ultraviolet protection
- Advanced mildew protection
- Great coverage up to 300-feet
- Does not crack, bubble, or peel
- Penetrates the wood in 20-30 minutes
- Fast drying in 3 hours
- Easy to apply
Cons
- May leave an oily residue on wood that has not been cured or had a previous finish
- Needs to be reapplied every 3-6 months
- Cannot be shipped to certain areas in California
6. DeckWise Hardwood Deck Finish
The DeckWise Hardwood Deck Finish is the best solution for staining a large patio or pool deck.
Exclusively formulated to protect and condition the natural appearance of exterior hardwood decks, the oil-based stain enhances the natural beauty, color, and unique textures of the wood grain. Its distinct blend of linseed oil and other natural oils provides maximum wood grain penetration for the densest of hardwoods like Ipe, Tigerwood, Cumaru, and other exotic lumber hardwoods with a minimal raising of the grain. Once it is dried, the stain creates a deep, natural-looking matte finish.
The non-reflective stain provides superior UV barrier protection and water repellency, so it is perfect for weathered decks that are exposed to harsh sun and rain conditions. It also resists any scuffing, warping, cracking, or bubbling of the deck’s wood.
The stain dries to the touch in minutes, depending on temperature, but you have to allow 24 hours to dry before you walk on the deck. It provides great coverage at approximately 300-350-square-feet on smooth hardwood surfaces; depending on wood surface porosity. The wood stain is safe to use as it has a low 250 VOC formula and it creates minimal odors.
As well as being a fantastic choice for hardwood decks, the wood stain oil can be used on all exterior wood surfaces such as fences and wood railings. For the best results, use a high-quality 3/8-inch nap roller, sprayer, pad applicator, or stain brush. The wood stain is long-lasting, and it will only need to be applied every 1-2 years.
DeckWise offers a 1-year limited warranty on its fabulous deck stain.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money 2-pack
- Can be used on decks, fences, and wood railings
- Rich natural oils create a deep natural wood finish
- Provides excellent penetration of even the densest of woods
- Suitable for Ipe, Tigerwood, Cumaru and other exotic hardwoods
- Protects and conditions the wood while maintaining a completely natural appearance
- Exceptional penetration
- Minimal raising of the grain
- Great water repellency
- Superior U.V. barrier protection
- Non-reflective
- Reduces warps & cracks
- Fast drying
- Easy to apply with a roller, brush or sprayer
- Great coverage at 350-square-feet per gallon
- Long-lasting up to 1-2 years
Cons
- Expensive
- Not available in California, SCAQMD Jurisdiction, LA-Eastern, LA-Western, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties
- Stain creates a darker reddish color that not be suitable for some wood types
7. Eco Wood Treatment Deck Stain
For an environmentally friendly approach to deck staining, the Eco Wood Treatment Deck Stain is a very good choice for staining a small-sized deck.
You do not need to sacrifice quality or value to preserve, protect and beautify your timber deck. This effective semi-transparent wood treatment contains 100% organic ingredients and it is non-toxic, children-friendly, animal-friendly, and garden safe.
After just one easy application, timber will have long-lasting protection. The treatment penetrates deep into the wood cracks to produce a long-lasting natural-looking stain that evolves. It is especially ideal for use on old, weathered decks and it protects against UV damage, deterioration from mold or rot, and won’t wear off, fade or peel.
There is no special surface preparation required. The powder mixes easily with water to make 1-gallon and has a good 150-square-feet of coverage. It is very easy to apply on bare, untreated wood with a brush, sprayer, or roller and is quick drying. Once the stain is dry, it creates a beautiful silvery patina with a rugged aged appearance, depending on the type of wood.
As well as using this wood stain treatment on timber decks, Eco Wood Treatment can be used on fences, siding, outdoor furniture, birdhouses, and windows, and it can be tinted afterward.
Eco Wood Treatment also offers its wood treatment deck stain in a 5-gallon pack.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Great price
- 100% organic
- Versatile
- Non-toxic eco-safe wood treatment is kid-safe and pet-safe
- Penetrates deep into the wood
- Creates a beautiful silvery patina
- Ideal for older wood decks
- Protects against mold or rot
- Never peels or flakes
- No special preparation is necessary
- Long-lasting protection in just one application
- Creates no fumes
- Dries quickly
- Easy to clean with water
- Can be applied with brush, sprayer, or roller
Cons
- Not designed for treated timber
- Needs to be applied to dry wood
Our Top Pick for the Best Deck Stain
Our top pick for the best deck stain is the DEFY Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain.
Whether you are building or restoring a timber deck, the DEFY Extreme wood stain uses smart non-technology, and high-quality resins that beautify, protect, and promote the natural wood grain so that your deck has a professional, long-lasting finish.
Check the price on Amazon
