Deck Stain Brand Comparison 2024  4.1/5 (36)

This post was updated on February 26, 2024

Deck Stain Brands in 2024

We appreciate you visiting Deckstainhelp.com as we continue to be your go-to source for the latest in deck restoration news and trending topics through 2024. Feel free to leave a comment below with any pictures you may have.


Exterior wood and decks stains are all designed to protect and preserve your exterior wood from the elements. Decks stain brands differ though drastically in the ingredients, solids, etc. Deck stains also come in a variety of types: Transparent, Semi-Transparent, and Semi-Solids that will determine the opacity of the stain when applied to the wood

In this article, we will compare the deck stain brands that we have reviewed to give a better understanding of physical properties, application info, and any other useful data that can help you determine which stain to use.

Deck Stain Brands

Armstrong Clark Behr Premium Wood Stain Benjamin Moore Arbor Coat Cabot Australian Timber Oil Defy Extreme
Oil-Based Penetrating Stain Water Based Acrylic Filming Staining Water Based Acrylic Filming Staining Oil Based Penetrating Stain Water Based Penetrating Stain
Transparent, Semi-Transparent, Semi-Solid Semi-Transparent Semi-Solid Semi-Transparent Semi-Transparent
1-2 Coats 2 Coats 1 Coat Base, 1 Top Coat 1 Coat 1-2 Coats wet on wet
200-250 Sq. Feet Per Gallon 150-250 Sq. Feet Per Gallon 150-250 Sq. Feet Per Gallon 150-250 Sq. Feet Per Gallon 100-200 Sq. Feet Per Gallon
Paint Thinner Cleanup Water Cleanup Water Cleanup Paint Thinner Cleanup Water Cleanup
4-12 Hours Drying 4 Hours Drying 4 Hours Drying 4-24 Hours Drying 1-4 Hours Drying
Compliant All States Compliant All States Compliant All States Compliant All States Compliant All States

 

Defy Epoxy  IPE Oil Flood CWF-Oil  Messmers  One Time
Water Based Penetrating Stain Oil-Based Penetrating Stain Oil-Based Penetrating Stain Oil-Based Penetrating Stain Oil-Based Penetrating Stain
Semi-Transparent Semi-Transparent Semi-Transparent Transparent and Semi-Transparent Semi-Transparent (100% Solids)
1-2 Coats wet on wet  1 Coat  2 Coats  1-2 Coats  1-2 Coats
100-200 Sq. Feet Per Gallon  250 Sq. Feet Per Gallon  150-250 Sq. Feet Per Gallon  150-250 Sq. Feet Per Gallon  300 Sq. Feet Per Gallon
Water Cleanup  Paint Thinner Cleanup  Paint Thinner Cleanup  Paint Thinner Cleanup  Paint Thinner Cleanup
1-4 Hours Drying  4-8 Hours Drying  4-24 Hours Drying  4-12 Hours Drying  12-72 Hours Drying
Compliant All States  Compliant All States  Compliant All States  Compliant All States  Compliant All States

 

Penofin Ready Seal
SW Deckscapes
Sikkens SRD
Super Deck
Oil-Based Penetrating Stain Oil-Based Penetrating Stain Oil-Based Penetrating Stain and Water Based Filming Oil Based Penetrating Stain Oil-Based Penetrating Stain
Transparent and Semi-Transparent Transparent and Semi-Transparent Semi-Transparent Semi-Transparent Transparent and Semi-Transparent
1-2 Coats 2 Coats 1-2 Coats 1-2 Coats 1-2 Coats
200-250 Sq. Feet Per Gallon 75-150 Sq. Feet Per Gallon 150-250 Sq. Feet Per Gallon 150-250 Sq. Feet Per Gallon 150-300 Sq. Feet Per Gallon
Paint Thinner Cleanup Paint Thinner Cleanup Water Cleanup or Paint Thinner Paint Thinner Cleanup Paint Thinner Cleanup
4-24 Hours Drying 4-48 Hours Drying 4-24 Hours Drying 4-24 Hours Drying 4-48 Hours Drying
Compliant All States Compliant All States Compliant All States Compliant All States Compliant All States

 

Synta Deck Restore
Thompsons TWP Stains
Wolman Durastain
Water Based Acrylic Filming Staining Oil-Based Penetrating Stain Oil-Based Penetrating Stain Water Based Acrylic Filming Staining
Solid Stain Transparent Semi-Transparent Semi-Solid
2 Coats 1-2 Coats 1-2 Coats wet on wet 1-2 Coats
50-100 Sq. Feet Per Gallon 150-250 Sq. Feet Per Gallon 150-250 Sq. Feet Per Gallon 100-200 Sq. Feet Per Gallon
Water Cleanup Paint Thinner Cleanup Paint Thinner Cleanup Water Cleanup
4-12 Hours Drying 4 Hours Drying 4-24 Hours Drying 2-8 Hours Drying
Compliant All States Compliant All States *1500 Compliant All States –
*100 is compliant in only 33 States
Compliant All States

 


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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.

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mark kendrick
mark kendrick
9 months ago

How is arborcoat stain for pressure treated deck

Shelly
Shelly
10 months ago

We have used Rymar Extreme Weather Wood Sealer in past years, but the price is high. Do you know how it would compare to TWP? We’ve seen too many ruined decks when using a bad product that flakes or peels or just doesn’t last.

R in NorCal
R in NorCal
1 year ago

Related question – the redwood bars are installed over newly painted Hardie Board. Will oil or water based products applied to the redwood to protect from UV cause/activate anything to seep out and down discoloring the Hardie below? Thanks again.

R in NorCal
R in NorCal
1 year ago

Thank you Scott!

R in NorCal
R in NorCal
1 year ago

What is the best way to treat maybe 60 sq. feet of 1.5″ redwood kiln dried horizontal bars which are the infill of a rebuilt balcony. The bars are approx 2″ apart. There are four infills total. The redwood is straight from the lumber yard, and a few black tannin(?) lines are visible. Added color not necessary but would like to retain the redwood color and protect against UV but not have to strip anything off to retreat with whatever. Oil or water? Transparent or semi? Want to make the right choice as I understand once you pick a product, that’s what you will retreat with(?) Some rain and but lots of west facing sun. Top two choices, and then how and when would we retreat for protection with what. My head is exploding trying to sort all these options! Thanks. (Suggested to us: Messmer’s UV Plus, Cabot, Cutek, Penofin) Please include the specific Brands and types so I get it right.

redwoodkilndriedheart.jpg
R in NorCal
R in NorCal
1 year ago

In those brands you mention, what would be the most neutral/natural-looking for redwood tint I could use, but still get UV protection? And what level of tint do you recommend for these horizontal bars? (semi trans, etc..) Thanks.

Tom Rappette
Tom Rappette
1 year ago

having my cedar sliding painted/stained and one uses arborcoat and the other bid is woodscapes (sherman williams)
its a big job and I dont want to make a bad decision… it seems both products are average at best…. its it costly to move to a better product…
both painter say they will guarantee work for 3 years..
What stain is a best buy stain?

Kat Aponte
Kat Aponte
1 year ago
Reply to  Tom Rappette

Hi. We’re doing the same thing and i’d love to know what you ended up using and how it’s turned out? We’ve always used Sikkens (now PPG PROLUXE™ brand) but that has gotten so expensive (along w/ everything else) that I’m looking for an alternative that is as comparable (as possible) since I’m going to need about 20-25 gallons for the project. I’m scared to pick a product that will end up costing more in the longrun!! Thanks for your comments!

Steve
Steve
1 year ago

I have a new deck built in May 2022 with pressure treated pine and the boards were sanded and it get’s a lot of sun. Which stains are best suited. TWP Semi Solid, or Armstrong Clark ? Maybe something else ?

Steve
Steve
1 year ago

Thanks ! Is there a particular brand you would recommend that I use?

Barry Gore
Barry Gore
1 year ago

I’m having an outdoor kitchen built and using ruff cut beams and ruff cut boards to wrap with on interior. It has 4/12 and 10/10 columns. I want to keep the wood finish look and with a stain and poly on it, I feel like the weather and sun will have me redoing the stain and clear yearly. What type stain do you recommend that will last and keep the new look. Tongue and groove ceiling.

John
John
1 year ago

Can you add M1 Mildew treatment to TPW semi solid stain?

Moss
Moss
1 year ago

I have a 23 year old cedar home with redwood deck…exclusively Superdeck Valley 1906. What product is close in color…cant use valley anymore

Shauna
Shauna
1 year ago

We have the same issue. We’ve used Superdeck Transparent Valley 1906 for 15 years.

Moss – Did you find a color match?

Michael
Michael
1 year ago

What would you recommend is the best solid stain on the market? I’m looking for the highest quality solid stain, oil is preferred but let me know the best one. Price isn’t an issue

Shelley
Shelley
2 years ago

What is your experience/tested Rymar deck stain.

Karen
Karen
2 years ago

Contractor is recommending a product called SharkSkin for my cedar house siding staining. Never heard of this product? Any feedback on it?

Tony
Tony
2 years ago

I bought a townhome with a 20-yr-old deck attached. It looks dark/old, with remnants of a prior stain (unknown when or what brand). I plan on having someone Power wash, sand and restain.

The two options I have right now are at the local Ace hardware. Ready Seal and Cabot. The Cabot has a solid stain option where they’ll mix in the color, as well as semi-transparent (or is it semi-solid? What’s the diff?), and one other I don’t remember. The Ready Seal just shows different colors, so I’m assuming it’s a standard transparent stain.

What would be the best out of the options available? I hear Ready Seal is well received, but have also heard Solid Stain is the way to go for an old deck.

Tony
Tony
2 years ago

If both are poor choices (and that’s all that is locally available), then which would you choose, assuming you would have to restain in a year, give or take? Go ahead with solid so it at least looks better while it’s on?

Lederman DDS Norman
Lederman DDS Norman
2 years ago

Which product is best for an older trex deck. Would you suggest either a Behr or Sherwin Williams product?

Doug S
Doug S
2 years ago

I have a 12 month old PT pine deck on Long Island (NY). Getting ready to seal it with a semi transparent for the first time. Deck is in direct sunlight. Already cleaned the boards. What semi transparent ( with a cedar tone) do you recommend? I’m leaning toward Defy Extreme but TWC 100 and Cabot also sound good.

Frank Valles
Frank Valles
3 years ago

Hello – I am in the process of completing a Cedar glider chair. The recommendation is to use Cabot Cedar Stain. My wife would like it to look natural – so I am contemplating Cabot transparent. How would this work out for longevity in the outdoors (South Carolina resident).

Rondi
Rondi
3 years ago

We live on the east coast of Florida, full sun, humidity and salt. Our deck and stairs are 2 years old and PT wood. Which stain do you recommend?

John
John
3 years ago

I’m going to stain my deck floor and the pillars supporting the covered deck. I believe they have both been stained before. The old stain isn’t peeling but still shows through lightly in some areas.

What do you recommend I do about the little bit of old stain and any recommendations on what stain to use for the pillars and deck floor?

John
John
3 years ago

It was stained by the prior owner so I am not sure. Here are two photos. The pillar has had a crack filled in with stainable wood filler.

9D6BD1EF-34EA-4C0D-887A-EAF8E53398A9.jpeg
Peter walsh
Peter walsh
3 years ago

I am trying to determine the best stain for Wisconsin climates. I have narrowed it down to Penofin, TWP 100 series and Sikkens (Cabot didn’t make the cut). Any preferences?

John
John
3 years ago

Here is the other one

B5B20E1D-76C2-46A8-B33A-A8CD5BA057A0.jpeg
Ray
Ray
3 years ago

Hello… I live in Manitoba, and have a 10 year old preasure treated deck. In a full sun southern location. I have preasure washed and sanded the old pealing Behr stain off. The deck looks like new. I was thinking of using the Australian Cobalt oil based semi transperant stain. My concern is… How long will it smell like an oil base, and can it be recoated in a few years again without presure washing and sanding…
Thank you… Your doing a great job. 👍👍

Leslie Foretich
Leslie Foretich
4 years ago

We have used Cabot semi solid oil stain on our deck and power washed for our 2 year redo. We also sanded most areas with a belt sander. Can we use same stain again without getting every last bit of stain off? Should we still use a deck cleaner before staining?

Doug
Doug
5 years ago

I have a 5 year old cabin, pressure treated wood stained with an oil based Sikkens transparent stain. It is peeling on the horizontal high traffic and sunny areas, and on a few vertical rails near the chlorinated hottub. Can I just pressure wash and apply new coat of Sikkens or do I need to strip it first? I want a durable finish for the horizontal finish, or at least one that can be reapplied in a few years without stripping again. What do you recommend? Are solid stains more durable than transparent or semi transparent stains? Have you seen anyone use solid stains on the horizontal surfaces and transparent or semi transparent on the verticals?

Doug
Doug
5 years ago

If I strip and apply Restore A Deck water based stain, can it be simply cleaned and a new coat applied over it after 2-3 years (the TWP 100 review mentions it can be)? Do solid stains hold up longer than semi-transparent stains in horizontal sunny traffic areas?

Doug
Doug
5 years ago

Here are pictures of the current deck

23-IMG_5829-copy.jpg
20-IMG_5824-copy.jpg
Doug
Doug
5 years ago

I called Sikkens and they said I could use Flood Wood Stripper to strip the old off of the horizontal surfaces without sanding and then apply a single coat of SRD. I just want to make sure I am getting the information for a solution that works and can be accomplished over Labor Day weekend. Do have a better stripper recommendation?

Matthew
Matthew
5 years ago

I have an eleven year-old pressure treated pine deck that is weathered gray and completely porous to water but in remarkably good condition for not having been stained since just after construction. I replaced the floor and most of the steps with new pine eight months ago. Because of this aged-and-new wood combination I thought I would need at least a semi-solid stain to ensure a uniformity of final appearance.

Color is the determining factor for brand choice for me; as terrific as TWP and AC are, only Cabot seems to offer the darker shade of gray I’m looking for. I’m having difficulty finding consistent performance reviews of Cabot semi-solids from which I can determine what to expect in two or three years when it’s time to refinish; I dread having to do a complete sanding; the vertical surfaces and innumerable crevices would take forever.

Given the condition of my deck, do I really need a semi-solid stain or could a semi-transparent stain give me the smooth, uniform look I’m after?

To achieve a balance between transparency and opacity, I’ve read that a Cabot semi-solid should contain four ounces of colorant; too much more and it becomes a solid. My local Cabot supplier prepares their semi-solid with nine ounces of colorant. What is my recourse here? I’m having a hard time imagining telling the paint clerk how to mix a stain to anything other than what is probably the Cabot standard.

I’d appreciate any advice you’d have. Thank you for your help and for a really terrific website!

Matthew
Matthew
5 years ago

The Cabot semi-solid I have been considering is the 1406; Cabot describes its vehicle as an “alkyd resin and refined natural linseed oil”, not a water-based acrylic. Am I missing something?

This may all be moot as it appears that the uniformity of appearance I’m looking for can best – perhaps only – be achieved by using a solid stain. Would a semi-solid with extra colorant be better? If it looks like an oil- based solid would be right, what brand would be best? Any suggestions?

Thanks again for your help.

Matthew
Matthew
5 years ago

One last question: I know that I will want to apply a second wet-on-wet coat on the new pine to match what I expect to be a darker appearance in the newly stained one-coat older wood. Should I resist the temptation or is one coat sufficient overall?

DIY home projects can sometimes be daunting but your advice has made this one less so. Thank you.

Dian
Dian
5 years ago

My 4 year old pressure treated wood deck floor has Cabot semi solid. What is best product for Detroit suburb. Partial sun in am and pm because deck surrounds a tree
Also railing is Cabot solid. What do you recommend?
My deck person wants to use Sherwin Williams Super deck. I’m not sure if that is a good choice based on some reviews.
It cannot be slippery because we are seniors. Thanks!

Kyle P.
Kyle P.
5 years ago

I have a couple questions. We have a new construction house with a wood deck on the front (I think it’s cedar). I want to stain it this summer. (1) It’s already got some foot traffic on it, do you recommend using just a cleaner before applying the stain?

The house is a dark gray color and my wife wants to keep the deck close to the original color so the whole thing doesn’t feel too dark. I on the other hand don’t want to re-stain our deck every year. I think something like a semi-transparent would work well. (2) Are there different shades of semi-transparent? (3) Do you have any general recommendations of a semi-transparent brand that holds up well?

Thanks for any assistance!

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