This post was updated on February 26, 2024
Deck Stain Brands in 2024
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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 |
How is arborcoat stain for pressure treated deck
We would never use it: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/tag/benjamin-moore-arborcoat/
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.
TWP is a much better stain. Fully penetrating. Make sure to strip and brighen to remove the Rymar before switching stain brands.
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.
No, it should not.
Thank you Scott!
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.
You cannot stain this yet. Next Spring to prep and stain. See tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Try Armstrong Clark stains or Restore A Deck Stains.
Also, your stain must be tinted for UV protection: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/will-a-clear-sealer-prevent-graying-on-deck/
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.
Both AC and RAD Stains have a Natural Tint color. It would be similar to a clean wet look, similar to if water was on it.
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?
We wouldn’t use either but if we had to choose, probably the Benjamin Moore. We do not trust any SW products.
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!
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 ?
See new wood tips here: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
Thanks ! Is there a particular brand you would recommend that I use?
TWP or AC would work well after the weathering and prep.
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.
Never apply a poly over a stain for exterior use. It will blister and peel. Try Restore A Deck Wood semi-transparent stains or TWP 1500 Series.
Can you add M1 Mildew treatment to TPW semi solid stain?
No need. TWP already contains an EPA-registered mildewcide in it.
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
Sorry but no idea as to what is close to that color but as far as using a similar (oil-based) and a better product, try TWP 1500 Series.
We have the same issue. We’ve used Superdeck Transparent Valley 1906 for 15 years.
Moss – Did you find a color match?
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
See our article on this subject here:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
What is your experience/tested Rymar deck stain.
Sorry but we do not have any,
Contractor is recommending a product called SharkSkin for my cedar house siding staining. Never heard of this product? Any feedback on it?
Sorry but never used it or heard of it.
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.
Neither, both are poor choices. Ready seal has lots of issues with drying and fading quickly. See review here and read comments at bottom:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ready-seal-wood-and-deck-stain-review/
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?
We would use the Cabot over the Ready Seal.
Which product is best for an older trex deck. Would you suggest either a Behr or Sherwin Williams product?
Sorry but neither are very good. Try Defy Composite Sealer.
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.
Look at Restore A Deck Stains as well or TWP 1500. The TWP 100 is not allowed in NY.
Cabot is not good. Used to be great, and then they sold the company. Not it stinks.
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).
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?
Try one of these brands.
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?
What stain brand and type did you use? Pictures would help as well.
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.
A wood filler will not work on a deck and it will not stain to blend either with deck stains.https://www.deckstainhelp.com/wood-filler-for-decks/
For the prep, use the Restore A Deck Stripper/Brightener Kits. Stain with the Restore A Deck Stains or the Armstrong Clark stains.
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?
TWP 100 Series is much better than the other two. You can read all reviews on our site.
Here is the other one
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. 👍👍
We are not fans of Cabot stains since they were sold and they changed all their formulas for the worse. We would not suggest them. Try TWP 200 Series or Armstrong Clark stains. Those are both products that can be cleaned and recoated as needed.
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?
Yes, you can use the same stain. A deck cleaner would most likely help.
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?
Best to remove all and use a penetrating stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
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?
Solid stains tend to peel in horizontal areas. The RAD Wood Stain can be cleaned and recoated as needed.
Here are pictures of the current deck
That is the shiny version of Sikkens. To remove and switch brands, you would have to sand it all off. It might be easiest to clean and reapply the same Sikkens so it matches your house.
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?
I highly doubt that the Flood Stripper or any stripper will remove this. You will need to sand to fully remove.
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!
The newer boards will be less absorbent so they will be lighter in color if using a semi-trans. A semi-solid would “blend” better but there will still be a slight noticeable difference. We would not use the Cabot. It is a water based acrylic that will end up filming on top of the wood like a solid stain. Prone to peeling.
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.
Sorry but you are correct, you have the oil based version. It is better than the water based for certain.
You would be still be better off with a semi-solid over a any solid stain brand. Less pigment means it will soak in better.
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.
One only.
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!
Try Flood Solid Stains for the railings and the Armstrong Clark or TWP for the floors. Make sure he preps correctly by removing all the Cabot off the floor first. You can coat over the solid on the ralings though.
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!
A deck cleaner and a wood brightener for the prep.
Any of these brands will work: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/