Behr Deck Stain Review  2.2/5 (195)

This post was updated on March 13, 2024

Best Behr Deck Stains in 2024: Reviewed by an Expert

Behr Premium Wood Stain ReviewWe would love to hear from you if you have used the Behr Deck Stain on your wood or deck. Please post a rating in the Consumer Star Ratings below. Behr Deck Stain Stains consumer reviews below have shown issues with the application, drying unevenly, and peeling. We encourage you to read all the comment reviews below.

If you have any pictures of your experience with Behr Deck Stain, you can add them in the comment area with a detailed description.

Note: See here if you need to remove the Behr Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain.

Behr Stain Opacity Issues Recently: Behr essentially lies about the opacity of its stains. Their “semi-transparent” colors do not show wood grain properly and look more like semi-solid or even fully opaque colors. This makes the wood look more like solid paint and makes removing of the stain, when it peels, extremely difficult.

See the pics below that show these opacity issues.


BEHR’s Premium semi-transparent wood stain offers a 100% acrylic formula that penetrates into the wood to deliver complete protection from the elements on decks, fences, and siding. The silicone-fortified formula protects from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Behr’s Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain is available in 83 custom colors allowing the natural wood grain to show through.

Behr Wood Deck Stain Rating (1-10)

Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 2

– Behr’s Premium Deck Stain is a 100% acrylic stain which means it is a water-based product. We found that the stain does not penetrate into the wood as promised in its description. The product had the look of a semi-solid stain, not a semi-transparent stain. 80-90% of the wood grain was masked by the heavy pigment. A good way to describe the finished appearance is to compare Behr Deck Stain to a watered-down paint. The Cedar color we choose was much darker/redder than other brands.

Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 7

– Behr Deck Stain performed well in the areas where the stain was still on the surface of the deck after the 2 years of testing.

Wear/Tear and Peeling: 3

– One of the worst stains that we have ever tested! The Behr Deck Stain had peeled on 80% of the decking surface. This stain seemed to offer little to no protection on the flooring after the 2 years. The railings did hold up much better.

Cost Per Square Foot: 5

– Behr Premium Deck Stain costs $39 per gallon. The manufacturer stated 250-350 square feet per gallon when actual coverage was less than 150 feet per gallon. We used 20 gallons for the 1200 square foot deck translating to a per square foot price of $.67 per foot.

Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 8

– As expected with a water-based stain, Behr had no mold or mildew on top or growing in the stain. Small amounts of algae were present along the perimeter of the home.

Ease of Application: 1

– Nothing positive to say here. We tried applying for manufacturer directions with horrible results. Behr suggests applying with a pump sprayer and back brushing with a pad applicator. The problem is the stain does not apply evenly or at all with a sprayer. We switched to a pad applicator but still had horrendous results with ease of application. It was next to impossible to achieve an even finished appearance with the Behr Stain.

Color Shifting (darkening) after 2 Years: 7

– Behr Deck Stain retained close to 90% of its original color after 2 years. No noticeable darkening and the railings looked like they had not changed at all in appearance.

Difficulty of Reapplication: 4

– The Behr Deck Stain would be difficult to fix. Since the stain failed so badly we would suggest a professional cleaning with a stain stripper and possibly sanding of the entire surface.

Overall Score Behr Premium Wood Stain at 2 Year Period: 4.625

– Behr Premium Deck Stain gets our lowest score to date of all deck stains tested. The initial appearance, application, and peeling making Behr Decking Stain a poor choice for any exterior wood restoration project.

Buyer Beware!

Product Information:

Behr Deck Stain Home Depot

Where To Buy: Home Depot
Cost: $42.99 per Gallon, $214.99 per 5 Gallon Pail
Stain Type: Premium Semi-Transparent – Water Based
Available Colors: 83 mixed colors
Application Temperature: 40-90 F
Coats Required: 2 Coats
Coverage Per Gallon: 125-150 sq. ft in field tests
Application Tools: Sprayer, Pad, Brush, Roller
Dry Time: 24-48 Hours
Cleanup: Soap and Water
VOC Compliant: 250 Compliant in all States
More Info: Product Data
Manufacturer: Behr

Test Deck Stats:

Deck Wood Type: Pressure Treated Pine
Deck Square Footage: 1200 Square Feet
UV Exposure: Partial Sun
How Many Years Tested: 2 Years
Stain Color Used: 
Cedar

BEHR Semi-Transparent Deck Stain Photos

*All products tested and results are from our hands-on experience. We offer no guarantee of similar results. Take into consideration that results may differ widely due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.

BEHR Semi-Transparent Deck Stain


Please Rate This. You may also post comments or ask questions below.

author avatar
Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993
#As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior wood and deck restoration. Scott and his Deck Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 decks in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the deck restoration industry and has contributed to numerous wood restoration forums and informative sites. All the products he suggests through this site are sold through online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them.

Related Deck Stain Help Articles & Reviews

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

346 Comments
newest
oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Helen Dickinson
Helen Dickinson
7 months ago

Did my deck in May with Behr stain and waterproof looked good and the rain came after weeks of drying deck and so much rain has taken stain off looks bare in spots is this normal after this work to have to do another coat spent 600.00 already not happy client of this product

Ken
Ken
8 months ago

I wish I checked your site 2 days ago. I used the transparent version of this with the colour “cedar naturaltone”. My cedar deck is 1 year old and was unfinished. Same as reviewed here. It looks kinda blotchy, the colour is very orange. It doesn’t seem to sink into the wood. It’s almost like a thin latex paint. I’m hopeful over time the colour will fade or I will get used to it, or the furniture will cover it up but right now…regret.

brenda bracke
brenda bracke
1 year ago

Sept. 21, 2022:
😫I had my deck prepped and stained by professionals using Behr Semi-transparent Premium Stain and in August, 2021. By the Spring of 2022, it was peeling in all areas: high traffic and no traffic. I purchased it at Home Depot and took the receipts and photos back to the store. I was told that I had to contact The Behr Customer Service which is only open until 1:00 p.m. MST for any chat or live chat assistance. I was totally unable to use my deck this year. Every time that I swept it, there were more areas peeling off. I have sent my receipts and complaints to the Behr email customer service.

Brenda Felker
Brenda Felker
1 year ago

We just applied the Behr semi transparent stain on a new cedar deck and it is horrible looking as described. It went on unevenly, is blotchy and dried so fast that brush marks couldn’t be removed after just a minute or two. We waited months for our deck to be ready for staining. Their recommended cleaner was crap too, Home Depot is blaming the weather (21c). It is sticky and they assure us it will go away but I don’t believe anything they say. After spending a fortune to a contractor to build our pride and joy, we are ashamed for anyone to see it. So wish we had read your reviews beforehand.

Susie
Susie
1 year ago

We stupidly trusted the 10 year guarantee for the Behr Premium Deck Stain and were severely disappointed!! We painted a stairway and ramp for a customer in June of last year and when we went back to customer in April of this year 90% of the stain was completely gone!! We prepared the wood well before and were very careful to give a good coverage. The area actually looked worse then before we’d even started. It was heartbreaking because we’d put so much work into the project just to have a disappointed customer. She admitted it was not our application but a terrible product…still now we need to find a way to rectify it for her. Very upsetting.

David Busch
David Busch
1 year ago

This “semi-transparent stain” is not stain. It is thick paint. It does not penetrate and so dries on top instead of penetrating the cracks and pores in the wood. The following year, much of it will have peeled off. DO NOT BUY. Look for other actual stains!

Darlene Werksman
Darlene Werksman
1 year ago

We used the semi-transparent stain early last summer on our deck. It went on like paint. The deck looked real nice until the muddy paw prints from our two dogs and muddy footprints would NOT come off. The deck is bare in places, it is peeling all over, and I do not recommend this product to anyone!

Ann
Ann
2 years ago

Worst product I ever used was Behr product on my deck It came with. 10 year warranty and didn’t last a year peeled and flaked Just finished sanding the whole deck again and not sure what to use for our harsh Canadian winters but nothing from Behr that’s for sure

daniel harvey
daniel harvey
2 years ago

Lets put it this way (BEHR)ly worth it. After two years of battling with their conflict resolution department. Can you imagine you have such a crappy product you need a conflict resolution department. And a very rude conflict resolution department at that. Why not just make a reputable product. First offer after stripping entire deck and restaining and then having same problem with peeling was a $400.00 offer. I spent 120 hours of intense labor so that comes to $3.33/hour. Thanks alot for standing by your crappy product.Well I wrote to Behr president directly and low and behold they sent an adjuster to look at problem like I asked them to do 3 years ago. So they finally sent me a check for $3500.00 if I hold them harmless along with Home Depot. Yes your harmless but your product still sucks. I have two choices now being replace all the decking boards or paint it which is not why I used stain in the first place. So my review is a minus 20. Can’t see how you rate a 2.2 out of 5 or even anything over a 0.0. If I could go lower than minus 20 like minus 100 I would. If you read this review I suggest you use some other product. Anything has to be better than this product and their customer service or should I say disservice. Run, Flee and get as far away from BEHRly worth it as you can. 😩😬

Larry Leonard
Larry Leonard
3 years ago

Behr Premiun Stain, these photos were taken 6 months after the stain was applied. Notice from the photos, the tremendous amount of mold. In the 25 years, I have owned my house, I have have never seen anything this bad. Behr claims that their stain is “mildew resistant”. This statement isn’t even close to being true!

DFC270B5-1163-42F3-82E6-8609FE092177.jpeg
EFDBB37E-A895-4E0C-A0BB-BB652FBD2A05.jpeg
46B51F2A-2265-43CA-8B77-E4C7ADF97ABF.jpeg
6226D89F-EA82-4F6C-8CA5-1F5681D16BD2.jpeg
Glenn
Glenn
1 year ago
Reply to  Larry Leonard

It looks like who ever did the work is the problem. I use behr all the time and never had a problem

Roni Sue
Roni Sue
10 months ago

So wish I read these reviews on the Behr semi-transparent stain before I purchased and applied it…grrr! It went on unevenly, left brush marks everywhere, and dried with a murky, white/yellow film coat on top. I hated the first coat so much that I mixed left over walnut stain from Home Hardware (that I love btw) with the rest of the cedar Behr stain and it’s marginally better. I wish I had just made the extra trip to buy my regular stain. What a total waste of money and time. I’m also not sure if we’ll be able to power wash or sand it off next year to start over.

S. Ouellette
S. Ouellette
1 year ago

Canadian customer (New Brunswick). Bough Behr semi-transparent deck stain. Je le regrette énormément! I wish I saw the very accurate review you folks made before going ahead with my purchase. Followed the Behr application procedures to a tee, even with extra drying days and all. 1 month later, this has also become a mud stain magnet, (dog paws and sneakers) where that makes the whole deck look worse than before. The mud has penetrated the acrylic it seems, it wont go away with soap and water. What would you recommend I do to make it less dirty looking ?
Thank you!

larry a rogers
larry a rogers
1 year ago

Dear Behr Co.,
I am the kind of person when I do something,I try to do it right the first time.This is what occurred when I used your deck stain.
#1) I cleaned my deck off with the deck cleaner after drying, I hand scraped the old stain off, Pressure washed with your deck stain cleaner again. After drying, I applied 2 coates of stain with 2 hr drying in between coates. I had moved all my furniture off before doing this project. After a couple days of drying, I put my furniture back on my deck.
Your stain is not as advertised. I miticulously cleaned the deck per instructions. I used your 5 yr.stain and the following year it has peeled up
again and not to specs. of your product.
Sorry but I will not use this again.

Christina Ku
Christina Ku
1 year ago

Anyone have trouble with a new deck rotting after using this product?

Jeff
Jeff
1 year ago

Absolute garbage. Air dried lumber (softwood SPF) for 2-3 years, then installed, left natural for 4 months. Sanded with 80 grit and cleaned. Starting peeling in the first year. Followed directions exactly. Total waste of money.

Mike
Mike
1 year ago

Bought Behr Premium Semi Transparent stain. We prepared our redwood deck as instructed by Behr. First winter 2020-2022 we noticed the stain was lifting off deck. Our deck looked just like the deck in the video above. Same thing happed to my son on his gazebo !. Bad stuff and should be taken off of market!

Arlene Fisher
Arlene Fisher
8 months ago
Reply to  Mike

I had the same problem with the solid stain. Stained the deck last summer when I checked it in March the stain was peeling in multiple locations. My daughter did her deck last summer also with the same product with the same results. I spent hours prepping the deck so disappointed. It should be taken off the market.

Brent
Brent
1 year ago

Is thompsons sealer any good it doesn’t last what can Use instead I something to last at least a year ,I have power washed my deck and cleaned and scrubbed with a deck cleaner

Mark
Mark
1 year ago

This a deck that has taken behr clear for the life of it. Last coat 2 years ago.
This is something I would not touch if it
not being a regular customer .
Looking to do just deck floor and top rails in solid.
Was powerwashed,but only softwash
Besides running from this one.
Whats my best solution? Thanks much!

20220402_092327.jpg
20220402_092244.jpg
Mark
Mark
1 year ago

Yes it is besides the few peeling areas. I was concerned about gripping . I m going arborcoat.
Tks for the time sir.

Mark
Mark
1 year ago
Reply to  Mark

Suggestion? Deckscapes?

Barry
Barry
2 years ago

No need to post pictures- mine looks just as crappy as most others. First time when deck was new and wood cured for several months it lasted a little over a year. Power washed to loosen old and then sanded entire flat part of deck and steps and cleaned. Put 2 coats as required and started peeling within 6 month. Only the rails are ok. Give them -10 stars

Karlyn Berg
Karlyn Berg
2 years ago

Well wish I had just read this before buying Behr… but can’t afford to buy more right now. Last year I bought the semi-transparent Behr (you show above) and it was horrible, and yes just like everyone has reported it peeled and flaked! After a Minnesota Winter and by Spring it was horrible. It took me 4 heavy duty pressure washing efforts to finally get down to bare wood in hopes of starting all over again. This time I thought I would try transparent stain thinking the problem was primarily because the semi transparent was more like paint. This week I plan to apply this transparent stain. I took a little bit to see if I would like the color which I got because our wood is nothing of beauty and clear would not make it attractive. I am see from my test area I will need to apply a thin coat to get the transparent results I want. I am hoping that if I put a thin application it will tint the dull color wood but not be a layer that will peel and flake. Is there hope? Is there something I can mix it with to not end up with a have looking paint like surface. I hope it just soaks in Only good news deck is clean and mold free and it can’t look worse then it did with that semi transparent Behr…

VVQ
VVQ
2 years ago

Hi, What is the different between Behr Premium vs Behr DeckPlus? Thanks in advance!!

Bob
Bob
2 years ago

I recently stained my deck with an Armstrong semi transparent cedar and am very happy I chose it. I built a frame for a garden door and used Behr stain. Boy I can tell the difference just by how they applied to the wood. Behr was drippy and barely penetrated the wood. The frame was small so will be interesting to see how long each wears out in full sun.

Bob
Bob
2 years ago

Glad I didn’t use Behr on my deck. I followed the advice on this site and used Armstrong stain.

Robin Labossiere
Robin Labossiere
2 years ago

Followed the instructions to the letter. New deck. Let it dry for over a year before staining. Not happy. Re-stained the next year – still came off.

Susan HD
Susan HD
2 years ago

I posted 5 days ago- neglected to specify the awful product used on my deck as BEHR Deck Plus – semi-transparent Wood Stain – Cedar Natural Tone. Again – it didn’t last 8 months. Peeling and discoloration. This is the worst product. Home Depot should pay for the repairs now needed. Attaching a photo.

Deck 7months.jpg
Joe
Joe
2 years ago
Reply to  Susan HD

Yep, ours peeled as well. We will never use this product again. Its horrible

Susan
Susan
2 years ago

Absolute worst! Didn’t even hold up 8 months… peeling, PEELING!! – horrible uneven marks from application appeared just one month after application. Horrible mess . DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT

Judy Anderson Berge
Judy Anderson Berge
2 years ago

Worked hard for a long time last summer (2020) using the Behr semi-transparent redwood color stain on old and new redwood. It did not survive. It is all peeling off in sheets. Do not have pics, but it looks just like the ones you have shown. I am sick. As time goes by, will look to your website for remedies. Have another 34′ x 10′ deck to stain. Want to do it in a redwood color so everything matches. Will use another brand.

Joe B.
Joe B.
3 years ago

I restained my cedar deck with Behr Premium 100% Acrylic semi-transparent stain 7 years ago and was happy with the result. The only prep was sanding the heavily weathered deck. Application was simple with a deck pad — two *very thin* coats. I do remember it taking a very long time to dry completely. I second two aspects of this review — It did look “redder” than I expected for a cedar stain, part way to redwood, but I really liked the color. And it did not penetrate as much as I thought it should and looked more like a semi-solid rather than semi-transparent stain. It retained color and resisted wear well for about 5 years. Started peeling after that in places. This is in Colorado, so UV is the main enemy, but we also get snow that sits on the deck for a few weeks at at time. I am suspecting that others are having trouble in wetter climates… or maybe the formulation has changed?

I just stripped the deck and cleaned (with Behr products) and sanded to prep for a new round of staining. Given the reviews I think I will return the unopened Behr to Home Depot and try something better. I want something that is a) easier to recoat next time (i.e. no stripping), b) is a bit on the “red” side of cedar tones like the Behr, and c) has great UV protection, and d) has a bit of a surface to it (not just a penetrating stain). Would like semi-transparent so that the grain shows through because the cedar boards are still pretty good for 30+ year old wood. Prefer water based if possible, but not completely rigid on that one. Any suggestions?

Roger Olson
Roger Olson
3 years ago

I used the behr oil base stain for 13 years.. Never sanded my three decks and stairs on the side of my home looked better than most peoples floors in their homes. 2 years ago they changed the formula.. It could have been 3 years because I always tried to keep an extra can on hand in my garage. They stop making the Redwood color oil base and than changed the formula. two year ago the new formulat dried in streaks and on my stairs it bubbled. This year I had no choice I had to strip off my stair and my entry area deck. I am on my 2nd can now. It won’t dry. It is like taking oil that you put in your car spread it out and than it just sits there. I am so pissed off. Before I strip this shit off I will hire someone to put in trek’s. I can’t believe any company would put out crap like this. For 13 years I’d put it on and within 4 hours I could walk on it. It was shiny and looked beautiful. I have 3 decks off one each level of my home and an entrance deck and stairs going down the side of my home. I have stained these areas successfully for 13 years. Now they change the formula and it is my problem.

Irene LB
Irene LB
3 years ago

I have the same problem with the Behr stain and paint products. I hired a contractor to replace some boards, power wash the deck, left it to dry for several days. After the first year it was peeling and hadn’t adhered to the deck boards at all. What I am wondering if anyone had filed a complaint with Behr and if, also included the labor? I never thought of looking into reviews after filing my complaint and seeing how many homeowners have had the same issue. Unfortunately I accepted the money they offered to cover the expense for the stain that I can’t file a claim for the labor I paid the contractor. I’m just wondering if anyone had that type of success being reimbursed for the labor.

Marc Arneau’s
Marc Arneau’s
3 years ago

I am on my second year of having to restrain mine and my neighbors deck I was given a gallon of deck wash from you last year along with a few gallons of stain, I am truly disappointed in the appearance of this product I will be staining a 10×10 shed this year and don’t know that I’ll be using the Behr product if I have to keep staining every year. Any suggestions of what to do
The deck is peeling and cracking both of our decks.
Marc Arneau
586-855-1401

Marc A.
Marc A.
3 years ago

Oh hell no I’m not starting over did that last year I’ll be looking in to a different brand for my outdoor shed up north very disappointed with the Behr product

Diane Hanna
Diane Hanna
3 years ago

Run do not walk away from this stain. I had the exact same issue as the video above, only after six months. What a disaster.

Scott
Scott
3 years ago

Same delima as the video. 2 years into an application and our deck looks similar to the one in the video but far worst in many places. I have about 1000sqft of deck that now looks like shit. My options? spent the next month trying to sand this stuff off the deck,hand rails and a couple hundred upright slats. Cant see trying to stain it because the “sealer” part will prevent penetration, cant pain over because most of it is peeling off. Frankly it would be easier to tear it down and start over with new wood and a quality finishing product. Disgusted beyond your wildest dreams. More Home Depot, AKA Chinese home improvement center garbage.

Kerry
Kerry
3 years ago

Some places it won’t stick and yet it’s hard to completely remove. It is horrible stuff and should be taken off the market. After two professional contractors have tried and failed to fix it we are having all the decking and stair treads replaced!

Michael R Hale
Michael R Hale
4 years ago

This is a deck, siding and fence stain. I have used Behr solid on my fences and it has worked very well. The only wear, of course, is from rain. There was no issue of greying because we purposely chose Boot Hill Grey which looks like weathered cedar to start with. The fences were done 8-10 years ago and, still, any dirt washes off with a hose.

Peggy Ullery
Peggy Ullery
4 years ago

Berh stain is awful! Using restore a deck remover and starting over.

346
0
Questions or leave a review, please comment!x