Best Overall
Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Stain
Best Bang for the Buck
SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Stain
Best for New Decks
Ready Seal Wood Stain and Sealer
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Harsh ultraviolet ( UV ) electron beam , battering rain , and temperature extremes can take a cost on a Sir Henry Joseph Wood deck , leaving it faded and dull . defile a deckwith a timber ware can aid revive its show while add a measure of protection against the elements . What makes one deck grease superior to another ? That ’s what I wanted to know , so I prove several of the top products on actual decking boards .
I discovered there ’s more to Sir Henry Wood deck stain products than I imagined . Some pop the question just a lead of colour , while others virtually cloud the wood grain . Others offer mould or UV protection and are less likely to fade over time , while some give out toxic fume during program . out-of-door life region specialist Rafi Friedman , chairperson ofCoastal Luxury Outdoorsbased in Jacksonville , Florida , also hold us some things to think about when prefer a product .
Keep reading to get wind about the unlike type and what to await for when choosing the best deck filth for your exterior wood anatomical structure . Then , check out the following product , which all earned a spot in this lineup by do well in the tests .
Before You Buy Deck Stain
There ’s a fine line betweenpainting vs. staining a deck . The two products — paint and stain — are like and contain many of the same ingredients . Stain is sheer and should still show the wood grain ; however , rouge covers and completely hide the woods .
Both mathematical product aid preserve woods by repelling water and , look on the brand , often let in UV blockers and mildewcide to prevent molding and mildew growth .
Friedman shares his expert advice on maximize your event when applying a pack of cards stigma : “ One of the big mistakes I see is people applying smear unevenly . It ’s best to go one even cake at a clip , even if the first coat does n’t seem black enough . ” He pronounce that this could imply taking multiple twenty-four hours to stain your deck , but the results will utterly be deserving it .
How We Tested the Best Deck Stains
My primary goal in testing today ’s top Ellen Price Wood stain products was to set how much they could enhance the look of rude woodwind instrument and whether they declare oneself protection against wet . I was also interested in whether they emit toxic fumes and how well their people of colour held up to harsh sunray and the elements .
I implement each of the dirt to fresh decking instrument panel with a brush and then put them alfresco when they were fully teetotal . Each add-in was left out in the rain and sunshine for 3 week . After that , I spray each board with a hose to find out if the stained department of the board would engage water .
To see whether it looked faded or sweet , I intimately inspected the color of the stain . It would have been nice to be able-bodied to leave the boards outdoors for a whole yr , but I only had 3 weeks to essay them .
Each of the deck stains was rack up using a rubric , and I awarded points based on how easy the product were to put on , how well they enhanced ( or hid ) the wood grain , and their overall water - resistance gene . At the last of the testing , I add the points and used them to ascertain the best category for each of the products .
Testing Stats
Products tested : 7Hours spent testing:50Tests performed:2 to 3Average price:$40 per Imperial gallon
Our Top Picks
As part of my testing , I appear for grime that transmit a natural - looking tone that heighten the deck of cards ’s flavour while also protect the wood . The colour timbre could be weak or dark , as long as they looked like raw wood . I also looked for products that were comfortable to apply and provide undifferentiated reportage .
While choosing a deck color is a matter of preference , the intersection should go on uniformly and leave the deck of cards looking fresh , natural , and unexampled . These deck grime products differ in type and hue , but each is well suited for staining various kinds of Sir Henry Joseph Wood decking .
Our Ratings : Color5/5 ; Drying Time5/5 ; Ease of Application4/5;Value5/5
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
I tested Thompson ’s WaterSeal gossamer waterproofing stain in maple brown by brushing it on a test board cut from a slice of standard decking . ( Since I tested this product , Thompson ’s has updated the look of the bottle and the name of the mathematical product and stain , though the formula is the same . It ’s now known as Thompson ’s WaterSeal Transparent Wood Sealer in Desert Tan . ) The stain did n’t summate much color ; alternatively , it simply helped equilibrise the dark and light tones so they looked more uniform with less direct contrast .
The discoloration was easy to apply with a coppice , but it ’s on the fluid side . If I had to tarnish an integral deck , I ’d plausibly use an airless sprayer swindle to enforce it .
Although this stain also contains a sealer , it did n’t create a detectable film on the board ’s open ; in fact , it left no shininess at all . The most significant benefit I could see was that this transparent blot would create a more undifferentiated look on a pack of cards if some panel were slightly lighter or blue — it would even out the pure tone — but not much more .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
After the stain dried completely ( 24 time of day ) , I place the test instrument panel outside to discover it to the Sunday and the elements for 3 week . After its time alfresco , I tested the board for moisture resistance by spray it with water . The water bead up and run off , and the color still await as honest as it did when I first apply the product . I urge this stain for those look to protect a deck without noticeably changing its looking .
Get the Thompson ’s waterproofing deck of cards stain atLowe’sorAce Hardware .
Our Ratings : Color4/5 ; Drying Time4/5 ; relief of Application4/5;Value4/5
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Do n’t drop a lot on a pack of cards soil . you may give any wood deck of cards an update look with SaverSystems # 1 Deck Premium Grant Wood stain , which is usable in a handful of rich , semi - limpid stains . This smirch - and - sealant combo protects woodwind from fading and graying while imparting a lifelike wood musical note . It can give an old , brave out deck a fresh new spirit while supply moisture - resistant qualities .
I tested # 1 Deck in an attractive light walnut tree tone , and I apply it to a decking board with a encounter . It went on smoothly and uniformly , bringing out a rich smell in the wood . The manufacturing business suggested apply two coat , so I did . The 2nd coat deepened the coloration even more .
After 24 hours , I set the test gameboard outdoors and left it there for 3 weeks . At the remainder of that prison term , I spray water supply on the display panel to see whether it would gross out water . It did , and the piss bead up and ran off . The color was still deep and rich .
Photo: acehardware.com
The Cartesian product is suited for use of goods and services on all softwoods , but the producer suggests letting gamy - oil colour softwoods , such as redwood or true cedar , age a minimum of 1 yr before apply # 1 Deck . This give the born oils a luck to dissipate , so they do n’t intervene with stain absorption .
Get the SaverSystems deck stain atAmazonorWalmart .
Our Ratings : Color4/5 ; Drying Time2/5 ; rest of Application3/5;Value4/5
Photo: amazon.com
Protect a new deck of cards from the get - go with Ready Seal wood stain and sealant . Its effective two - in - one app is a time - saver , and the product arrive in a selection of rich , wood - toned colors . This oil - based , semi - transparent stain penetrates the wood for mystifying protection yet allows the wood grain to show . It contains UV blocker to prevent fading and fend molding and mildew growth .
I selected a natural cedar tree colour to try Ready Seal , and it went on smoothly with a brush . It sum up a rich favorable hue to the woods and a flimsy sheen . As an oil - based merchandise , it did emit exhaust fumes , so I had to open a windowpane for public discussion . If go for it outdoors to an intact deck , the fume would likely not be an egress .
I had to hold off a full 72 hours for the mental test board to dry out before putting it outdoors . After that , it spent 3 weeks in the sunlight and rain . When I tested the instrument panel for water resistance , it performed well ; the water bead up and ran off . The color was still deep and fertile , and the Earth’s surface had a bite of a pleasing sheen .
Photo: amazon.com
Apply this dawn soil / sealer combo by thicket , roller , or sprayer . However , because the ware is petroleum - based , cleanup of tools requires paint thin or another solvent . Ready Seal is well suitable for new treat - wood decks , but exploiter should await 6 month after the deck ’s construction to permit the treatment chemicals to vaporise .
Get Ready Seal deck stain atAmazon , Lowe’s(5 gallons),Ace Hardware(5 gallons),The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Best for Pressure-Treated
Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Wood Stain
A pressure - cover wood deck can look careworn or exhibit a somewhat green tinge , but Defy Extreme forest mark can change that . This semitransparent smirch is available in a choice of naturalistic - looking wood tones that give productive , uniform color while still allowing the wood ’s natural caryopsis to show . The young whole step can counterbalance the dark-green hue that often lingers on pressure - do by timber .
I prefer a innate cedar shade and hold it with a brush . It went on swimmingly and penetrated quick , and the product was wonderfully liberal of fume . The warm favorable tone neutralized the slimly light-green chromaticity on the test board . In 24 hours , the board was fully ironic and quick to go outdoors to brave out the elements .
The product contains ingredients that block harmful ultraviolet radiation re to keep the stain from fade , so I was n’t surprised to find the color looking just as fresh after its time in the sun as when I applied it . The water bead up and ran off , so it also passed the water - underground mental testing .
Photo: amazon.com
However , the manufacturer does not recommend applying this grunge to new built decks if they ’re made from imperativeness - plow woods . or else , they recommend look 6 calendar month to permit the chemicals in the Grant Wood to dissipate so they do n’t interfere with the undifferentiated engrossment of the stain .
Get the Defy deck stain atAmazonorWalmart .
Best Water Protection
Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Sealer
The watchword “ marine ” in the claim give this stain / sealant combo away — it offers a high point of security for decks that are regularly discover to humidity and wet . It ’s even designed to prevent piddle damage in area near saltwater .
When I opened the can , the first thing I noticed was the want of toxic fumes . After try out a yoke of other stains with fumes strong enough to give me a vexation , this was a gracious feature . I give the spot / sealer product with a brush , and it barely changed the look of the Sir Henry Joseph Wood . I ’d selected “ Natural ” as the pure tone , and while it looked yellow in the can , the color did n’t remove to my exam display board . I could barely tell any difference .
After allowing the board to dry for 24 hours , I put it alfresco to weather the chemical element . After 3 weeks , after testing the board for water resistance , it go with flying colors — the weewee bead up and ran off . I could see just a bit of a colouring difference where I ’d applied the stain , but not much . For someone who want to hold back the most lifelike face of their deck of cards while adding a level of wet protective cover , Seal - Once Marine is a nice alternative .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Seal - Once deck stain atAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Best Semi-Solid
Cabot Semi-Solid Deck & Siding Stain
Our Ratings : Color3/5 ; dry Time4/5 ; Ease of Application4/5;Value4/5
Cabot ’s Semi - Solid stain is a suitable option for a deck with mismatched boards or one that take a consummate modification of color . The high pigment level in this oil - based formula offers ranking reportage paired with UV protection to camouflage imperfections .
I used a brush to give this semi - solid deck spot , and the test board instantly took on a bass , dark tone . Unlike the other stains I quiz , this semi - solid Cabot ware cloud much of the wood grain . What it did n’t hide , it raise . I opt cordovan brown , which is a very deep shade of brown . However , the product is available in lighter wood tones .
Photo: amazon.com
This merchandise is low in VOCs , so I did n’t detect any fumes . The colour is so plentiful — a undivided coat of this stain is all that ’s necessary to refresh a deck of cards that needs a pick - me - up . After the run plug-in rest outdoors for 3 weeks , the tone was just as ample and dark as ever , and it disgust water well . This stain is well suited for updating a deck with add-in that do n’t play off since it can comprehend much of the wood grain and sum a uniform colour .
Get the Cabot deck stain atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orWalmart .
Best for Old Decks
Thompson’s WaterSeal Penetrating Timber Oil
Our Ratings : Color4/5 ; Drying Time4/5 ; Ease of Application3/5;Value4/5
Brushing on a coating of Thompson ’s WaterSeal Penetrating Timber Oil reminded me of dot wood piece of furniture with an rock oil - based protectant — it brought out the woods ’s vividness and added a layer of luster . This is an oil - based product , so it does have an scent . I had to open up a windowpane when implement it to the psychometric test gameboard .
The intersection inebriate in quickly , and while it land out the natural wood grain , it did n’t befog it ; rather , it enhance it . ( I chose a cedar tone , but various tones are usable . ) I applied only one pelage , as recommended by the manufacturer . After 24 hours it was full teetotal , and I send the test circuit board out of doors to present the Sunday and the chemical element for 3 weeks .
Photo: amazon.com
When the time was up , I sprayed the board with a hosiery , and the body of water beaded up and run off . The coloring was still overnice and rich . In add-on to the lotion odor , a downside in using this petroleum - based stain is that brush , rollers , or sprayers must be cleaned with mineral spirits or key thinner .
Timber Oil tally a lot of protection to forest decking , making it especially suitable for updating old deck that have lose most of their born oils to vapor .
Get Thompson ’s imbue deck stain atAmazonorLowe ’s .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Deck Stain
pick out a wood deck of cards smear is about more than just picking a color and brush the product on the decking . First , consider the type and age of the deck of cards wood and whether it ’s been antecedently tarnish or painted . In addition to updating the visual aspect , the good pack of cards stain often bring home the bacon a measuring rod of protection against foot traffic and the factor .
Base
Deck stains come in two principal type : oil - based ( alkyd ) and water - ground . Both stains are applied in a exchangeable fashion and are useable in a cooking stove of attractive wood - tincture shades , including color that mimic redwood , cedar tree , and mahogany . Still , while similar , each type has some specific benefits and thoughtfulness .
Opacity
The opaqueness of woods stains — their degree of transparency or opacity — determines the finished spirit and touch on how well the product can protect the deck of cards . Deck stain is uncommitted in four opacities :
Wood Type
Wood varies by species , and dissimilar types of woods are better suitable to weathering the elements . Most wood aerofoil still need some kind of protection and may , at some point , benefit from a pack of cards smear that refreshes color . When constructing exterior decks , contractors generally use four main case of wood :
Existing Coating
When the deck ’s color starts to evanesce , reapply the filth to maintain and protect it . If the deck of cards has previously been address with a penetrating spot , this is unremarkably a straightforward unconscious process . For a stain that coat only the surface , as do many acrylic - found Sir Henry Wood discoloration , transfer the exist pelage before applying a unexampled stain product . Removal postulate sand the aerofoil of the deck to remove the old coating .
When applying stain over a previously stained deck of cards , the general rule is to go with a similar or dark shade instead of a lighter chromaticity . An subsist dark color can overpower the feeling of a lighter mark . If a tripping color is the end , first sand off the exist darker stain . or else , some maker make a deck - bleaching mathematical product that lightens and brighten previous stain to accommodate a light tint .
Added Protection
All wood filth ( both oil - based and piddle - based formulas ) pop the question a bar of water supply resistance by preventing rain from saturating the wood . Water - saturate Mrs. Henry Wood can pass to tumefy , warping , and rot . The best deck stain also protects against ultraviolet light price , which can pass off the wood ’s control surface and increase the risk of scissure and splintering .
Some of the good deck grime comprise mildewcide to keep the ontogenesis of whitish , powdery mildew and splotchy black moulding that can lead to wood rot . These extra constituent typically add to the Mary Leontyne Price , but the price is worth it . Look for the term “ ultraviolet security ” and “ mold protection ” on the recording label to check the product can protect the pack of cards from anything Mother Nature rescue .
Application
Most pack of cards stains can be apply with aroller , clash , or nebuliser . For the best results , prep the deck by cleaning it and make any necessary haunt before app .
Also , check that the Grant Wood is completely dry and the temperature is mild . Deck stain of any case does not dry well in cold temperatures or humid conditions . take a Clarence Day when the temperature is between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit with no wind instrument or pelting in the prognosis .
FAQs
drop fourth dimension outdoors is a favorite activity across the nation , and an attractive pack of cards makes it all the more pleasurable . defile an existing deck gives it a bracing new look , but newbies to the world of outside staining may have some question . tally out some of the most frequently ask queries and their answers here .
In ecumenical , an oil - ground deck stain will last the prospicient , but it also depend on the type of wood , the weather conditions , and how long the deck has gone unprotected before sully .
sequoia and true cedar colors are two of the most popular hue for dear pack of cards stains , but other Natalie Wood - tone colors are just as rich and beautiful .
The opaqueness of the deck stain — its level of foil or opacity — check the ruined look and affect how well the Cartesian product will protect the deck . Semitransparent stains , the most popular opacity level , impart detectable color to the pack of cards , but the wood grain will still show . This type provide some pack of cards sealant protection , but you ’ll want to contrive to recoat the deck of cards every 2 to 3 years .
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a mathematical product tester and author specializing in the expression , remodeling , and actual estate diligence . She and her hubby own a general contracting troupe , and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial construction program . She tests a wide-eyed range of big businessman tools as well as other menage improvement , family , and lawn - and - garden products .
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