This post was updated on April 6, 2026
Best Behr Deck Stains in 2026: Reviewed by an Expert
We 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 comments below.
Behr Deck Stains are widely available at big box stores and are marketed as long-lasting, durable coatings for exterior wood surfaces. They come in multiple versions, including semi-transparent, semi-solid, and solid color stains.
From my experience restoring decks since 1993, Behr products tend to act more like coatings than true penetrating stains. While they can provide initial coverage and color, they often sit more on the surface of the wood, which can lead to issues with peeling, flaking, and difficult maintenance over time.
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.
4.63 Overall Rating Behr Deck Stains
🔹 Quick Verdict – Behr Deck Stain
Behr Deck Stain – Quick Review
- Best For: Short-term appearance and availability
- Not Ideal For: Long-term durability and easy maintenance
- Type: Acrylic / film-forming stain (varies by version)
- My Overall Rating: 4.63/10
My Take:
Behr stains can look good initially, but from my experience, they tend to create more problems over time due to peeling and difficult reapplication.
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
*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 Photos
BEHR Semi-Transparent Deck Stain
🔹 Pros and Cons – Behr Deck Stains
Behr Deck Stain – Pros
- Widely available and easy to purchase
- Offers multiple color options and finishes
- Provides good initial coverage and uniform appearance
- Can help hide wood imperfections (especially solid versions)
- Easy to find at local stores
Behr Deck Stain – Cons
- Tends to sit on the surface rather than penetrate
- Higher risk of peeling and flaking over time
- Difficult to maintain and recoat properly
- Often requires stripping when it fails
- Shorter lifespan in real-world conditions compared to better stains
🔹 Best Wood Types for Behr Deck Stain
- Older wood needing coverage: Can help hide imperfections
- Decks where appearance is the main goal: Provides uniform finish
Not Ideal For:
- New wood – better options for penetration and longevity
- Decks where easy maintenance is important
- Hardwoods (IPE, Cumaru, etc.) – not designed for proper absorption
👉 See: Deck Stain for New Wood
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
🔹 Application Tips
- Apply to properly cleaned and prepped wood
- Follow manufacturer coverage guidelines closely
- Avoid over-application
- Be aware that thicker coatings increase peeling risk
👉 How to Prep a Deck
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-deck-prep-clean-strip-or-sand-the-deck/
👉 How to Stain a Deck
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-stain-a-deck/
🔹 Maintenance & Recoat Tips
Maintenance can be more challenging with Behr products compared to penetrating stains.
- Recoating may require additional prep or stripping
- Peeling areas must be removed before reapplication
- Regular maintenance is more labor-intensive
- Allowing the coating to fail will increase prep difficulty
From my experience, once Behr starts to fail, it usually requires more work to fix compared to penetrating stains.
👉 Deck Cleaning and Brightening
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/cleaning-wood-deck/
🔹 Who Should Use Behr Deck Stain?
You should consider Behr if:
- You want a readily available product
- You are looking for a uniform, painted-like finish
- You are less concerned with long-term maintenance
You may want to consider other options if:
- You want long-term durability
- You want easy maintenance and recoating
- You prefer a penetrating stain that will not peel
👉 Best Deck Stains
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
🔹 FAQs – Behr Deck Stains
Does Behr deck stain peel?
Yes, in many cases it can peel or flake over time, especially if not applied or maintained properly.
Is Behr a penetrating stain?
No, most Behr deck stains act more like surface coatings than true penetrating stains.
How long does Behr deck stain last?
It varies, but in many cases, performance is shorter than expected due to peeling or wear issues.
Can you recoat Behr stain easily?
Not always. Peeling or buildup may require stripping before reapplication.
Is Behr good for new wood?
There are better options that penetrate more effectively and last longer.
How does it perform in full sun?
It can fade and wear unevenly, and surface coatings may break down faster in harsh conditions.
🔹 Final Thoughts – Behr Deck Stains
Behr deck stains are widely available and can provide a good initial appearance, but they often fall short when it comes to long-term performance and ease of maintenance.
From my hands-on experience, penetrating stains tend to outperform products like Behr over time because they absorb into the wood instead of sitting on the surface.
If you are looking for a long-lasting, easy-to-maintain finish, there are better options available. However, if your priority is short-term appearance and accessibility, Behr may still be a consideration.
This is a Horrible product. I followed instructions exactly and this supposedly semi-transparent stain ended up peeling almost like a paint. Now I have 2 very large decks that need to be stripped and redone.
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
It’s a very poor product. Read the review and comments below.
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.
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.
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.
Sorry to hear. Not only is it a poor product overall, it is also extremely hard to remove as it goes on like a solid stain or paint.
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.
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!
We agree, It is junk and they lie about the transparency. See here for proper deck stains: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
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!
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
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. 😩😬
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!
Try a deck cleaner and a light pressure washing. That should remove most. Much of that is dirt, not all mildew.
It looks like who ever did the work is the problem. I use behr all the time and never had a problem
The applicator is not at fault for mildew that happens after the stain is applied. It is the stain and/or a product of the environment.
The railing tops on our deck peels and flakes off. The deck is approximately 6 years old and I’ve treated the railing tops at least three times. The deck itself is made of Trex, but the railing posts are cedar and I’m not sure what the part that keeps peeling is?
I’ve attached pictures of what I’ve used previously and what the top rails currently look like. Everything else on the deck looks fine, no peeling . Any advice is greatly appreciated . Thanks!
Strip and brighten for prep. Stain with a penetrating stain like TWP 1500 Series.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/twp-1500-wood-and-deck-stain-review/
Used solid color Behr deck stain with a new brush. Wasn’t able to clean it out of brush with soap and water. Any suggestions on how to clean and save the brush?
We would just throw it away. Not worth the effort.
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.
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!
Remove it all and use a much better stain as you cannot fix this issue with the Behr.
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.
Anyone have trouble with a new deck rotting after using this product?
Yes Our brand new Cedar deck is rotting. We used the Solid color waterproofing & Stain & Seal. The wood is rotting and the stain did not last 2yrs. Its worn away. We are on our second claim with Behr.
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.
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!
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.