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Ensure your wooden deck lasts with these top picks from brands like Benjamin Moore and Behr.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Unlike standard paint, stains soak into the pores of the wood, making it resistant to water.
How it affects the woods natural character depends onwhich deck stain you choose.
Clear stainsprotect woodwithout altering its color.
Credit: Benjamin Moore
Transparent or translucent stains provide some pigmentation whileallowing the grain to show.
Semi-transparent and semi-solid add increasing amounts of pigment.
Solids, or solid-hides, change the color and create a barrier over the wood.
Credit: BEHR
The transparency will have an impact on the stains longevity.
In general, solid stains have the longest lifespan, while translucent stains have the shortest, Henderson says.
Often, solid stains can peel and crack.
Credit: Lowe’s
When they do, youll need topressure washand sand the deck before you reapply another coat of stain.
Keep in mind that some stains require multiple coats, though many require less product for the second coat.
When in doubt, round up.
Credit: Amazon
According to Strawn, the coverage amount listed on the can is generally accurate.
Climate
Climate will greatly affect the life of your deck stain.
Extreme temperatures and high humidity will degrade even the heartiest stain more quickly than temperate conditions.
When Should You Apply Deck Stain?
Most manufacturers provide temperature and moisture parameters forapplying a deck stain.
Too hot or too cold and the stain wont set right.
Its also far more pleasant to work outside in moderate weather.
In general, pick a cloudy day, Strawn says.
Its usually a good idea to stain your deck in the spring or the fall.
Wait for a period of time without precipitation.
Transparent stains may not protect for as long as solids and semi-solids.
If youve justinvested in a new deck, theres a good chance you want to see the wood.
Transparent stains protect wood while allowing its natural grain to shine through.
The water-based stain offers UV protection and isresistant to mildew.
Its a great pick for first coats or recoats over previous layers of transparent stain.
The dry time is one hour, with 14 days required for the stain to fully cure.
One of the chief benefits of a transparent stain is that it makes for simpler recoats.
Over time it just fades, it doesn’t chip like a solid, Strawn says.
The line also offers stains in other transparencies, including semi-transparent, semi-solid, and solid.
Product details: punch in:Transparent |Base:Water |Coverage:300 to 400 sq.
Solid stains are often harder to recoat.
Want to cover up?
This pick from Behr is a strong, fortifying stain that will protect wood for years.
Behrs solid hide will adhere to faded coats and sit right on top.
Since it doesnt have a sealing component, its less prone to separation.
The actual results will depend on how much wear-and-tear your deck gets on a regular basis.
Product details: throw in:Solid |Base:Acrylic |Coverage:200 to 400 sq.
ft. |Dry Time:1 to 2 hrs.
for recoat, 24 hrs.
This oil-based stain will be smelly to apply.
Cabots semi-solid stain is an oil-based stain that penetrates wood and soaks in while sealing deck boards.
The stain only requires one coat, and dries in 24 to 48 hours.
While the stain toutsreduced VOCs, you should still expect some fumes.
Use proper protection like a face covering andwork gloveswhen you apply, and clean or discard brushes after use.
Be careful when storing rags used with the product, asgreasy rags can spontaneously combust.
Product details: punch in:Semi-solid |Base:Oil |Coverage:400 to 500 sq.
ft. |Dry Time:24 to 48 hrs.
How to Stain a Deck
Its important to plan how youll approach your deck.
Work towards the deck exit.
You don’t want to get too far ahead of yourself, Strawn says.
Strawn recommends using a roller orpaint sprayerto liberally apply stain, then go through and back-brush.
Its not available in as many color options as other stains.
For many homeowners, Ready Seal is the go-to option for an all-in-one oil stain and seal.
Stain/sealer combos are perennially popular for their ease.
Since Ready Seal self-levels to a degree, it will take less back brushing than thicker stains will.
Its a nice choice for coating an older deck thats been treated with an oil stain in the past.
It isnt available in as many colors as some other options.
As a semi-transparent option, its meant to soak into wood and condition its natural color.
Before you buy, do be aware that this sealer will smell.
As with all oil-based stains, be ready for fumes, and approach the job with the correct tools.
Product details: bang out:Semi-transparent |Base:Oil |Coverage:625 sq.
To apply, first deepclean your deck, clearing away any detritus, and sand down the wood.
Those who invest in hardwood decking might want to show off the grain and coloration of the wood.
Color
Deck stains are available in many colors.
Solids coat wood completely and dry to an opaque tone, while semi-transparents tint the wood a particular color.
Dry Time
The drying time of stains can vary dramatically.
Oil stains will generally dry slower than latex.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the best deck stain?
You know you ought to stain the top of your deck, but what about the underside?
Many decks are close enough to the ground that getting under them is difficult.
If youre looking for maximum protection, it could be worth doing.
What stains last longer, oil or acrylic?
What tools do you should probably stain a deck?
Everyone should always have a5-in-1in their pocket at all times.
That will open your paint for you.
