A fresh coat of stain can revive your deck.
Learn how to choose the right stain, including the right opacity, for a look you’ll love.
There’s something about adeckthat makes a backyard feel complete.
Credit: Aniko Levai
Stains can also protect your deck against pesky problems like rot and mold.
Learn how to pick the perfect deck stain colors and the right opacity with these tips from the pros.
For example, tan siding begs for a smoky blue counterpoint.
Credit: Anthony Masterson
Jeff Wilsonhas more than 20 years of construction experience and is the former host ofHGTV’s Restore America.
Know Your Deck’s Wood throw in
Every wood has a natural cast to it.
If awood’s natural colorbothers you, try a semi-transparent or solid stain to cover it, Wilson says.
Credit:Tom Story; Styling: Liz Strong
you’re free to also match the stain to the wood.
Try each on a few inconspicuous square feet of your deck.
Start your color search with these options.
Credit: Laurie Black
Try this subtle color for a deck that recedes rather than steals the spotlight.
Blue Stain Colors
Make a deck modern or a garden bench fabulous with a dose of blue.
Blue deck stain colors range from tinted powder blues to rich shades of navy.
Red Stain Colors
This intense color makes an impact against a brick exterior.
Try it in smaller doses for a look that doesn’t overwhelm.
Because it works well with other colors, it also works well in broad strokes.
Stains come in four opacities.
The one you choose depends on your color preference and your deck’s age.
Clear or natural
This level of opacity barely changes the wood color.
The lifespan of a clear coat or natural deck stain is about one to two years.
This subtle hue shift is the best option for outdoor color newbies.
The average life span of tinted deck stains is two to three years.
Semitransparent
This opacity level shows the wood grain but has heavier pigmentation.
The life span of semitransparent deck stains is about three to five years.
Solid
Solid stain completely hides yourdeck’swood grain.
If your deck has permanent marks or other aesthetic damage, try a stain with solid opacity.
It will cover most blemishes and offers higher UV protection for the wood.
The life span of solid deck stain colors is at least five years.
