8 best decking stains

Decking stains are a type of finish applied to outdoor wooden decks and other exterior wood surfaces to protect them from the elements, enhance their appearance, and prolong their lifespan. These stains are commonly used in the realm of home improvement and are an important part of maintaining outdoor wooden structures.

Here are some key points about decking stains:

  1. Protection: Decking stains offer protection against UV rays, water damage, mold, mildew, and general wear and tear. They form a protective barrier on the wood's surface, preventing moisture penetration and reducing the risk of rot.

  2. Enhanced Appearance: Stains are available in a variety of colors and opacity levels. They can be transparent, semi-transparent, or solid, allowing you to choose a finish that enhances the natural beauty of the wood or provides a solid, opaque color.

  3. Longevity: Decking stains typically last longer than paints because they penetrate into the wood rather than forming a surface layer. This means they are less likely to peel or chip.

  4. Ease of Application: Stains are relatively easy to apply with a brush, roller, or sprayer. They are absorbed into the wood, and excess stain can be wiped away. Some stains also offer quick drying times.

  5. Maintenance: Maintaining a stained deck involves periodic cleaning and reapplication, usually every 1-3 years depending on the product and environmental conditions.

  6. Types of Stains: There are generally two main types of decking stains: oil-based and water-based. Oil-based stains provide a deep, rich finish and are more durable, but they may emit strong odors and take longer to dry.Water-based stains have a quicker drying time, are low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and are easier to clean up, but they may not last as long as oil-based stains.

  7. Preparation: Proper preparation of the wood surface is crucial for a successful staining project. This includes cleaning the deck, removing any previous coatings, and ensuring the wood is dry and free from dirt and debris.

  8. Maintenance Tips: To extend the life of your stained deck, it's important to sweep away debris regularly, clean it with a deck cleaner when needed, and perform spot touch-ups as necessary.

  9. Environmental Considerations: Some stains are formulated to be more environmentally friendly, with low VOC content and water-based formulas. Always check the product label for information on its environmental impact.

  10. Safety: When working with decking stains, it's important to wear protective clothing, including gloves and safety goggles, and work in a well-ventilated area.

In summary, decking stains are a popular choice for protecting and enhancing the beauty of outdoor wooden surfaces. They come in various colors and types to suit different preferences and environmental conditions. Proper application and maintenance can help extend the life of your stained deck and keep it looking great for years to come.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best decking stains on the market
  

Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood

Ready Seal

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Ready Seal stain enhances the natural beauty of the wood allowing the texture and grain of the wood to remain visible. This stain is an oil-based, semi transparent stain and sealer in one, suitable for all your exterior wood projects. It is a unique formula that penetrates deeply to protect and preserve wood from the elements such as mold, mildew and damaging UV rays.

From the Manufacturer

Ready Seal stain enhances the natural beauty of the wood allowing the texture and grain of the wood to remain visible. This stain is an oil-based, semi transparent stain and sealer in one, suitable for all your exterior wood projects. It is a unique formula that penetrates deeply to protect and preserve wood from the elements such as mold, mildew and damaging UV rays.

  • Requires no primer. Ready Seal is darkest when first applied. It reaches its true color in approximately 14 days. Do not apply Ready Seal over painted or newly stained surfaces. Sealed surfaces inhibit penetration.
  • May be applied using sprayer, roller or brush onto the woods surface.
  • Requires no back brushing and will nerver leave runs, laps, or streaks.
  • Requires no wet-line application, the product will blend itself and can be applied in any temperature range for proper application.
  • Requires no diluting or thinning prior to spray applications.
  • Subject to or will include a PaintCare recycling fee in the following states: CT, or VT. Not available in CA.
  • Easy maintenance - no sanding or stripping required for re-application

User questions & answers

Question: What is the warranty on this
Answer: I don't believe there is any warranty. We applied it two years ago and the covered areas still look good. The section in direct Sun...needs to have it applied again.
Question: How long can the product be stored once the container is opened
Answer: We actually used some that we had stored in our garage that was left over from the last time we stained our siding and that was in the summer of 2012, 6 yrs ago. When we removed the lid, it looked like it had become a gel but my husband used a drill with a paint mixer/stirrer tool and it became liquefied again. We applied it to the siding without incident and the color matched the new 5 gallon containers we bought this summer .
Question: I have 275 ft of fence plus a gate- what's the coverage with using a sprayer
Answer: I’m in the process of staining my fence (I am using a different brand) with a semi-transparent stain. I have 187’ of fence at 5’ high including 2 gates. Applied with a roller and brush, I’m going to need around 13 gallons. My recommendation is rent a sprayer from Home Depot. You’ll save time and money as you’ll use less product and it will go much much faster.
Question: we have a heavy dining set and i am worried about scratches after i stain, how does it hold up to heavy chairs moving back and forth
Answer: I have a deck/patio furniture set, including a cast iron umbrella base. Lots of use over the last year with no evidence of scratches in the deck. The stain penetrates the wood rather than building a barrier so dragging stuff across the boards won't take it off provided the wood is properly prepared.

Product features

Application

1. Use a brush, roller or sprayer to apply Ready Seal.

2. Blend multiple containers together to ensure color consistency.

3. Apply two light coats to wood surface and allow at least 45 minutes between.

4. Allow 48 to 72 hours of drying. Drying time will vary depending on temperature, humidity and surface porosity.

-Ready Seal contains no linseed oil and will not stain hands.

-Ready Seal is biodegradable when in contact with soil and water.

-Meets current VOC level requirements throughout the United States.

Cabot Stains 1601 Oil Decking Stain Alkyd Base Solid with Low VOC, 1 Gallon, Satin White

Cabot Stains

Product description

Cabot Solid Color Oil Decking Stains combine maximum color and U.V. protection with a tough alkyd resin. The results are a completely opaque finish that imparts lasting beauty for deck surfaces. Containing 100% alkyd resin, these solid color stains are extremely durable and are formulated to withstand foot traffic and wear. Cabot Solid Color Oil Decking Stains are excellent for use on most types of exterior wood decking, including pressure-treated pine, red and white cedar, fir, cypress, redwood and on hardwoods such as mahogany, cambara, meranti and other exotic wood species.

  • UV Protection
  • Oil Decking Stains are excellent for use on most types of exterior wood decking
  • This product is made in USA

Cabot 1801-07 Decking Stain, 1 Gallon, White

Cabot

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This item is a Cabot Solid Color Acrylic Decking Stain Acrylic Exterior White Base Opaque 1 Gl. Purpose of use for Painting Supplies, household-wood-stains. This product is manufactured in United States.

  • STAIN
  • Gallon
  • Acrylic formula with non-stick material
  • surface protector
  • Heavily pigmented opaque

Cabot 1806-07 Decking Stain, 1 Gallon, Neutral Bas

Cabot

Product description

This item is a Cabot Solid Color Acrylic Decking Stain Acrylic Exterior Neutral Base Opaque 1 Gl. Purpose of use for Painting Supplies, household-wood-stains. This product is manufactured in United States.

  • Stains have a acrylic base,
  • Grease stains, dirt pick-up and allows for
  • The product is manufactured in United States
  • Which helps the coating to repel barbecue and

Cabot 140.0001844.007 Solid Color Decking Stain, Gallon, Driftwood Gray

Cabot

Based on 169 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Cabot Solid Color Acrylic Decking Stain is extremely durable exterior stains for use on all wood decking, outdoor furniture and fencing, as well as cement patios and walkways. 100% acrylic finish is also water repellent and fade resistant. Solid Color Stains provide excellent adhesion to new, previously stained or painted surfaces, which are in a clean, sound condition.

  • Maximum-pigmented formula to withstand heavy foot traffic
  • 100% Acrylic formula
  • Water repellent
  • Scuff resistant

User questions & answers

Question: Is it easy to apply
Answer: Hello, everything sold at my shop is official.
Question: Can this be used for interior staining
Answer: Yes. I do. I understand the idea of a traditionally pair of headphones "not designed for gaming" might turn people off because their must be something special in a gaming headset right? NO good sound is good sound. Stereo audio is good if it's good just like a 4K TV is good if it's good. Do you buy gaming TVs? No you just buy a TV with features you want. What do you want good sound? Buy these like right now. Also, virtual surround sound is a joke. Don't you only have 2 ears? Positional audio from a headset can be heard if the sound designer of the game did his job without trickery. The sound in a game is positional to your characters location in the game and if the game recognizes you have a headset on that comes through. Don't buy the lies.
Question: I’ve ordered 2 gallons of this product twice each time you said that it’s not shippable because it’s damaged from the shipper what’s going on
Answer: There's a good review here: http://www.headfonia.com/the-phenomenal-philips-fidelio-l2-feat-fidelio-m1bt-review/ I bought the Philips L2BO; thought they sounded great for the $$; certainly 'hi-res', but I still wanted even greater fidelity so I returned them and went with the Sennheiser HD700's. Get what you pay for.
Question: I have used Cabot bleaching oil on my cedar shingles can I use the bleaching stain over the bleaching stain
Answer: The cables they come with will both work with any device with a 3.5mm jack.

2 Pieces Shed Fence Paint Brush Decking Timber Block Stain Brush 120 mm Wide (Red)

Patelai

Based on 131 reviews Check latest price

Product description



2 Pieces shed fence paint brush decking timber block stain brush 120 mm wide



Function:

The shed brush can enhance painting efficiency and provide you with shiny polished painted fences or walls.



Suitable for:

The fence brush works well with latex, acrylic, and water-based paints.



Easy to clean:

With detachable design, the head can be parted from the handle and thus can be deeply cleaned with more convenience.



Specification:

Material: natural bristles, stainless steel ferrule and plastic handle

Color: red

Size: 120 x 30 mm/ 4.7 x 1.18 inch



Package includes:

2 x Multipurpose brushes

  • What you get: 2 pieces multi-purpose brush for shed, fence, decking and timber paint
  • Size and color: the fence brush comes in red and measures 120 x 30 mm/ 4.7 x 1.18 inch, proper size for easy control
  • Reliable material: the fence decking brush consists of natural bristles, quality stainless steel ferrule and strong plastic handle, durable and won't easily shed
  • Widely applicable: suitable for wood stain, varnish, lacquer, etc., the fence brush can deliver good results on fence, shed, decking, sleepers and other wood structures, easy to clean and can be reapplied for many times
  • Improve efficiency: the multi-purpose handcrafted brushes with proper width and sturdy grip can effectively achieve large areas of coverage and quickly finish a painting job

7 Inch Decking and Stain Paint Brush,Paint Brushes,Paint Brush for Walls,Paint Brush Set,Angle sash Paint Brush,Home Repair Tools,Tools,Painters Brush,Painters Tools,Painters Tool Set

Based on 71 reviews Check latest price
  • 7 inch paint brush for walls with 1.2 inch thickness
  • 30% SRT with 70% polyester Blended bristles decking brush
  • Super Grip plastic handle with North American screw can work with extension pole
  • Double Thick fence and stain brush easy to clean

CABOT STAIN 11880 REDWOOD SOLID COLOR DECKING ACRYLIC STAIN W/ SURFACE PROTECTOR SIZE:1 GALLON.

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

For use on all wood decking, outdoor furniture and fencing, porches, steps, railings wood patios as well as cement and walkways. Long-lasting, water-repellent and fade resistant. Will resist scuffing, and oil and grease will wash off with mild detergent and water. For use on most types of lumber including redwood, cedar, cypress, pine, fir and pre-treated wood. Dries to a uniform, durable, low-lustre finish. Covers 400-500 sq. ft. per gallon. Rates vary upon the porosity and type of surface.

  • Price For: Each Coverage: 150 to 250 sq. ft. Finish: Low Luster Dry Time Recoat: 4 to 6 hr. Application Temperature: Above 50 Degrees F Item: Solid Acrylic Stain Application Method: Brush, Roll, Spray Exposure Conditions: Exterior Size: 1 gal. VOC Content: Less Than250g/L Surface: Wood or Cement Surfaces Dry Time: 1 hr. Color: Redwood Color Family: Reds|Country of Origin (subject to change): United States

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