The 11 Best Deck Stains of 2023
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Prepare your deck for outdoor entertaining
The Spruce / Kristin Kempa
Fact checked by Emily EstepReviewed by Deane Biermeier
Refinishing an old deck or making an update to a newer one is easy with the right materials and tools, including the right kind of deck stain for your project.
Karielle Day, Merchant of Interior/Exterior Stains and Waterproofers at The Home Depot, considers refinishing as part of the job of maintaining an attractive and safe deck. “While paint offers a colorful, protective coat, exterior wood stain can also be a smart choice,” Day said. “Deck stain shields against the elements while bringing out the wood’s natural beauty.”
Along with reaching out to Day for insights, we researched dozens of deck stains with formulas designed for new and old decks and various climates, evaluating them on ease of use, value, and durability.
Best Overall: Ready-Seal Natural Cedar Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer, 5 Gallon
What We Like
Performs well in weather and extreme temperatures
Easy to apply
Even finish
Multiple colors available
What We Don’t Like
Previous finishes need to be stripped
May fade in extreme UV light
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 is 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.
It comes in eight colors, including rich colors like natural cedar, redwood, and dark walnut. Just note that it can be susceptible to UV rays over time 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, which makes it a good option for a deck.
Because it is a stain and sealant combo, it’s great for new decks, 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. If you already have a different type of stain or sealer on your deck, you can use Ready Seal after stripping the previous application. This adds an additional step and cost, although the results will last for a long time. Cleanup should be done immediately and carefully, since this is an oil-based stain and won’t easily rinse out of brushes and rollers if left to dry.
Price at time of publish: $225
Base type: Oil | Coverage: 125-150 square feet per gallon | Stain opacity: Medium
Best Budget: SaverSystems #1 Deck Semi-Transparent Stain
What We Like
Budget-friendly
Stain and sealer
Easy to cleanup
What We Don’t Like
Only in five colors
Different appearance based on type of wood
This affordable deck stain makes it easy to update your deck or stain and protect a new one. It is a stain and sealant in one, saving money on additional products and time by letting you take care of both needs in one coat. You can also apply it when your surface is still damp. This means faster application, including between coats. Cleanup is also easy since this is a water-based stain: All you have to do is rinse your materials with a little bit of soap and plenty of water.
It only comes in five colors but does include a gray option for those who prefer that look. Coverage is good but make sure that you are happy with a semi-transparent finish. It does take some time to develop its final color and lightens as it dries. If you want a darker color, you may need multiple coats. Softwoods, including pine, cedar, fir, and redwood, accept the stain faster than hardwoods.
Price at time of publish: $67
Base type: Water | Coverage: Not listed | Stain opacity: Semi-transparent
Best Splurge: Cabot Australian Timber Oil Stain
What We Like
Conditions and protects wood
Good for high traffic decks
Color won’t fade
What We Don’t Like
Expensive
Not all colors available in all sizes
While expensive, this oil-based protectant creates a protective layer while also staining your deck. It uses linseed oil, tung oil, and a long-oil alkyd resin to condition and treat the wood. These ingredients help bring out the natural wood grain while also making it repel water for long-term beauty and upkeep. The resin makes the entire deck more durable and holds up better under foot traffic. It is particularly good for hardwood because of its ability to penetrate these types of wood.
It doesn’t have a lot of color options, but the ones that it does have are on-trend. Some also come in a spray option that are easy to apply to railings, spindles, and other detailed areas of your deck. Just be sure to look at the stain color to make sure that it matches. The pigments used in the stain also hold up well against UV rays and won’t fade with time.
Price at time of publish: $56
Base type: Oil | Coverage: Not listed | Stain opacity: Translucent
Best Solid: Cabot Solid Wood Stain and Sealer
What We Like
Uniform look
Blocks UV rays and water
Won’t fade
Won’t scuff
What We Don’t Like
Dark colors can show dirt
May need two coats
If you want full coverage, this solid wood stain from Cabot brings the opaque look that you want as well as protection from a sealer. It is ultra-saturated and obscures even the wood grain using an acrylic formula. This also blocks UV rays and water from reaching the wood below, resulting in less fading and water damage over time. It creates a scuff-free surface, although some of the darker color options do show dirt and pollen more than natural options.
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 heavy you apply it. Thinner coats will dry faster, won’t peel or splinter, and are recommended.
Price at time of publish: $56
Base type: Water | Coverage: Not listed | Stain opacity: Solid
Best Semi-Solid: Cabot Semi-Solid Deck & Siding Low VOC Stain
What We Like
UV resistant
Won’t fade
Resists scuffs and wear
Multiple colors, including clear and bleached
What We Don’t Like
Expensive
This semi-solid finish looks great and holds up well over time, one of the key features that make it worth the high price tag. The color won’t fade in UV light and it resists scuffs and wear. You only need one coat to get an even color finish and protection for your wood deck. There are multiple colors available, including some of the most on-trend like redwood and cedar. You can also opt for a clear coat or bleaching option to get a lighter finish.
This is another expensive option but performs well and doesn’t need a lot of maintenance or reapplication. If you have a high-traffic deck, you’ll be happy to spend a bit more up front and not have to worry about wear marks or fading. Cabot stains are known for their superior pigmentation and this option is one of their best stains.
Price at time of publish: $59
Base type: Oil | Coverage: Not listed | Stain opacity: Semi-solid
Best Clear: Thompson’s WaterSeal Waterproofing Wood Protector
What We Like
Protects against water damage
Creates a waterproof barrier
Can be reapplied easily
What We Don’t Like
Can drip easily during application
Water can wreak havoc on a wood deck so a clear coat like Thompson’s WaterSeal is a must when you install a new deck or maintain an older one. It doesn’t change the color or finish but creates a waterproof barrier on the surface. This keeps rainwater, snow, and other condensation from getting into the wood grain. Untreated, these things can cause splitting, splintering, and even rot.
It’s best to reapply this sealer periodically, at least once per year in most cases. Fortunately, you don’t need to strip the deck to apply a new coat for maintenance. You should make sure that the wood is clean and dry for the best results. Clean up is also easy because this is a water-based product. All you have to do is wash your materials with soap and water. However, keep in mind that it is a bit thinner than oil-based stains and sealers, which can make it harder to handle and apply evenly without drips.
Price at time of publish: $43
Base type: Water | Coverage: Not listed | Stain opacity: Clear
Best Water-Based: Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain
What We Like
Easy to apply
Cleanup only needs soap and water
Protects against UV damage and mildew
Multiple colors
What We Don’t Like
Needs additional clear coat over top
Expensive
Water-based stains easily penetrate wood decks and can be applied using a brush, roller, or sprayer. Cleanup is also easier and only requires some soap and water. The Restore-A-Deck formula comes in five semi-transparent colors to add some character while keeping the eco-friendly aspect of water-based sealer. It penetrates the wood almost as well as most oil-based stains.
While this is a great option for many exterior uses, water-based stains can dry quickly between coats, resulting in streakiness or uneven application if you don’t work efficiently. It is also expensive and results in a costly project if you are staining a large deck and need to add a protective coat over top of this stain.
Price at time of publish: $55
Base type: Water | Coverage: 100-200 square feet per gallon | Stain opacity: Semi-transparent
Best Oil-Based: DeckWise Ipe Oil Plus Hardwood Deck Finish
What We Like
Conditions and repairs wood deck
Provides UV protection
Enhances natural wood grain and color
What We Don’t Like
Doesn’t kill existing fungus or mildew
Hardwood can be difficult to penetrate, which is why the oil-based DeckWise Ipe Oil Plus line is so useful. It conditions the wood, preventing splitting and splintering while enhancing the natural grain. The Plus formula has even more conditioning oils and protects against UV damage which can cause more problems if the deck is left exposed.
This is a semi-translucent product that will bring luster back, resulting in a more vibrant natural color. The formula for this deck oil offers superior protection against harmful elements such as extreme temperatures, humidity, mold, mildew, snow, rainfall, and the harmful rays of the sun. This product includes a fungicide that prevents the growth of fungus on the surface. However, it does not eliminate existing fungus or mildew.
Price at time of publish: $76
Base type: Oil | Coverage: Not listed | Stain opacity: Clear
Best for Old Decks: Olympic Maximum Wood Stain And Sealer
What We Like
Two uses in one coat
Can be applied to damp wood
Doesn’t need a long drying time
What We Don’t Like
Should test first to see if deck accepts stain
If your older 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 it 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.
Price at time of publish: $41
Base type: Water | Coverage: 250-350 square feet per gallon | Stain opacity: Semi-transparent
Best for Full Sun: Storm Protector Wood Stain & Sealer
What We Like
Protects against UV rays
Won’t fade
Easy to apply evenly
Budget-friendly
What We Don’t Like
Only five colors available
Cleanup can be messy
If your deck enjoys full sun, it can cause problems over time with splitting boards, fading stain, and general wear. The Storm System Protector creates a barrier between the wood surface and harmful UV rays. Not only does this help the semi-transparent color finish last longer without fading, but it also keeps the wood itself in better shape, two key features to having your deck last a long time without a costly repair.
This budget-friendly product comes in five colors, although there isn’t a clear option. It uses transoxide pigmentation to create rich color and is oil-based. This is easy to apply evenly, since it is a bit thicker and evens out no matter what application tool you use. We do want to point out that cleanup can be a bit complicated: It may require additional steps and if you spill any of the product, you’ll have to completely strip that area and start over. Also, be aware that you will have to sand down older wood boards to make sure that they are ready to accept the stain evenly.
Price at time of publish: $38
Base type: Oil | Coverage: 125-175 square foot per gallon | Stain opacity: Semi-transparent
Best for Pressure-Treated Wood: DEFY Extreme 1 Gallon Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain
What We Like
Adds color without blocking wood grain
Blocks UV rays
Won’t fade over time
Quick drying time
What We Don’t Like
Need time to let pressure-treated chemical dissipate
Pressure-treated wood is treated with additional chemicals that help preserve the wood over time, but they can change the natural hue of the wood. This semi-transparent wood stain from Defy brings just a touch of color while still letting 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 so 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.
Price at time of publish: $50
Base type: Water | Coverage: 200-300 square foot per gallon | Stain opacity: Semi-Transparent
Final Verdict
Our top pick, Ready Seal Exterior Wood Stain, is an oil-based option that is easy to apply and creates an even finish in one of five colors. It also provides some protection from the elements, such as rain and snow. For a more budget-friendly option, we love the SaverSystems #1 Deck Semi-Transparent Stain, a stain and sealer in one.
What to Look for in a Deck Stain
Coverage and durability
Look for a deck stain that provides the right amount of coverage and durability for your use. If your deck gets a lot of foot traffic, find one that can resist scuffs and won’t splinter or flake with wear. Oil-based stains like the Ready Seal Exterior Wood Stain are good options.
Base type
Deck stains can be oil-based or water-based. Oil-based stains are generally easier to apply and can condition and treat the wood as well as stain it. Water-based stains are often thinner and harder to work with, although clean up is much easier. Water-based stains can also provide more protection against UV rays and fading. Our top pick, Ready Seal Exterior Wood Stain, is an oil-based option while the Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain is great if you want water-based.
Stain opacity
Clear deck stain, like the Thompson’s WaterSeal Waterproofing Wood Protector, allows the natural wood grain and color to show through. Semi-transparent or semi-solid deck stains, such as Cabot Semi-Solid Deck & Siding Low VOC Stain, have different amounts of pigment. Some only impart a slight color to the wood and are sometimes referred to as toner. These stains still allow the wood grain to show but help make the overall color more uniform. Solid deck stains are opaque and can even cover up the wood grain completely. Cabot Solid Wood Stain and Sealer is a great solid deck stain and sealer in one.
Type of wood
Soft woods, such as pine and cedar, generally accept stain easier than their hardwood counterparts. They are popular options for decks because they perform well outdoors. You may need more stain to get the same finish, however, since the wood will absorb a lot of stain. Soft wood decks also need more maintenance and refinishing over time. Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain is a good option for pressure-treated wood.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 sealer yearly,” says Karielle Day, Merchant of Interior/Exterior Stains and Waterproofers at The Home Depot. “Consider the condition of the wood before selecting a deck stain. The age or level of damage to the decking wood influences the type of stain you need.”
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 cause 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.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. To compile this list, she looked at a variety of deck stains that were suitable for inclement weather, new and old decks, and various climates. She also considered different finishes and treatments that could protect as well as stain exterior wood surfaces. She also reached out to Karielle Day, Merchant of Interior/Exterior Stains and Waterproofers at The Home Depot for further insights.
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