Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993

Hi, I’m Scott Paul, a seasoned exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of expertise in exterior wood care. This article is one of my favorites because it breaks down all the different deck stains available, giving you the insights you need to make an informed choice. If you’re researching wood and decking stains, this is a must-read. Learn more about me here. What Type of Stain Should You Use on Your Deck? Choosing the right deck stain comes down to selecting a high-quality product that suits your deck’s condition and meets your specific needs. One of the most important factors to consider is the stain’s transparency or opacity, which ranges from clear, transparent, semi-transparent, semi-solid, to …

Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood decking. My Best Deck Stain reviews and help tips are based on my history as a wood restoration contractor and actual hands-on testing, all designed to present you with the top deck stain choices. See here for more info about me. Elevate Your Deck with the Best Wood Stains & Sealers Whether preparing for a DIY deck-staining project or looking for the perfect stain to share with your contractor, I’ve got you covered. I have rounded up the eight best deck stains available in 2026, including oil-based stains, water-based stains, and semi-transparent and solid options. Scott’s Expert Guide …

Here, I’ve created a hub of featured product information and many of my reviews of deck stains, cleaners, brighteners, and more. I’ve created three categories: Featured products, other deck stain reviews, and specialty products reviews. Be sure to check out my latest recommendations on the best stains. Featured Products TWP 100 Pro Series Wood Deck StainThe stain is available in eight colors and works best on wood that is at least four months old (not new wood). It protects very well for two to three years without much discoloration and effectively prevents mold, mildew, and algae. Read. Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Stain Offered in five colors, this water-based stain protects very well against the elements for two years. Because it may be …

Exterior Wood and Deck Stain Colors for 2026 Looking for deck stain color ideas is a great first step in transforming the look and feel of your outdoor space. Whether you prefer natural wood tones like cedar, oak, or walnut, or want to make a bold statement with grays, reds, or darker espresso shades, there’s a color to match every style and deck type. Lighter tones can brighten up small spaces and show less dirt, while darker stains offer a rich, dramatic finish and hide imperfections well. By exploring color samples and testing small areas, you can find a deck stain color that complements your home, surroundings, and personal taste. Deck Stain Color Ideas by Type When choosing deck stain …

I regularly get questions regarding how to choose a deck stain. This is not surprising, as people encounter a mind-boggling number of deck stain options on the market. The best way of making this decision begins by assessing your unique set of conditions and circumstances. Start by identifying the type of wood your deck is constructed of, the local climate, the age and condition of the wood, personal preferences, and more. Know Your Wood First The types of wood used in decks today have different characteristics, which make them appropriate for certain types of stains. Softwoods such as pine, cedar, and redwood are more porous and absorbent. For these types of wood, I typically recommend a high-quality, oil-based stain that penetrates deeply …

The Quick Answer: How to Stain a Deck   In truth, there is no “best or easy” answer for how to properly stain a deck. The process begins by choosing a stain suited to your deck’s current condition and your region’s climate. Next, you’ll choose the correct combination of application tools for the job. Although some deck stains provide substantial coverage, flaws and imperfections in the surface will likely remain visible at the end of your project. That’s why I tell people not to cut corners when preparing wood—the prep process is critical. I like to start by completely removing any existing coatings or stain, replacing any boards with severe damage, lightly sanding the surface to remove any splinters if …

Hi, I’m Scott Paul, an exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in deck cleaning and prep. My reviews and helpful tips are based on my extensive background as a wood and deck restoration contractor, as well as actual hands-on testing. I’m here to present you with the best product choices to ensure your deck looks great and performs well for years.See here for more info about me Best Deck Cleaners for 2026 Tested and Reviewed With so many deck cleaning solutions available in 2026, it can be tough to know which one will clean effectively without damaging your wood. Over the past 30 years, I’ve researched and tested a wide range of deck cleaners, …

Hi, I’m Scott Paul, an exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood decking. My review of the TWP 100 Series Wood and Deck Stain is based on my extensive background as a wood restoration contractor and hands-on testing. I’m here to share my expert insights and provide you with the best tips to get the most out of your deck stain projects.See here for more info about me. TWP 100 Pro Series Review for 2026 At DeckStainHelp.com, I’m proud that we’ve become the Internet’s go-to resource for everything related to exterior wood and deck restoration. Consumers who have used the TWP 100 Series wood stain have shared how their decks have withstood …

Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood decking. My Restore-A-Deck Wood stain review is based on my history as a wood restoration contractor and actual hands-on testing, all designed to present you with the top deck stain tips. See here for more info about me. Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Deck Stain Review (2026) This review will be updated through the years with new pictures as the stain ages. In 2017, our first full year of using the Restore A Deck stain, we had no issues with performance and saved a tremendous amount of time with the ability to prep and stain on the same day. We will …

Hi, I’m Scott Paul, an exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood decking. My review of Armstrong Clark Wood Stain is based on my extensive background as a wood restoration contractor and hands-on testing. I’m here to share my honest insights to help you make the best choice for your decking needs.See here for more info about me. Armstrong Clark Wood Stain Reviews At DeckStainHelp.com, we take great pride in being the Internet’s go-to resource for all things related to exterior wood and deck restoration. Customers who have used Armstrong Clark wood deck stain consistently rave about the appearance and durability of their deck stain projects. If you’ve used Armstrong Clark on …

Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood decking. My TWP Semi-Solid Wood Stain review is based on my history as a wood restoration contractor and actual hands-on testing, all designed to present you with the top deck stain choices. See here for more info about me. TWP Semi-Solid Stain Review 2026 Brand new is the TWP Semi-Solid Pro-Series Stain! As always, we appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below and pictures of your completed projects if you have them. New for 2026: TWP Semi-Solids are Now Available in a LOW-VOC version for all US States and Canada! Important Note: This review …