Update 2018 for Best Deck Stain for Canada
DeckStainHelp.com has become the Internet’s go-to resource for all things wood deck restoration related. Since this article was first released, Restore-A-Deck Wood Stains was introduced to the market. It is a high quality durable semi-transparent stain that is ideal for Canadian climates. Our go-to stains for Canada’s climate are:
- TWP 200 Series
- Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain
- Armstrong Clark Stains
- Defy Extreme Stain
Feel free to leave us a comment below with questions you may have.
Best Deck Stain for Canada’s harsh climate.
Choosing a deck stain these days takes more things into consideration such as the environment. Many deck stain companies are being forced to comply with these tighter regulations or be forced out of business. Areas like Canada have stricter guidelines than other areas for shipping deck stain.
Obviously, Canada also has some pretty harsh weather that can wreak havoc on a deck stain. Long hard winters and large amounts of snowfall can deteriorate an unprotected deck in little time. So finding a VOC compliant deck stain that will hold up to Canadian winters can be a little tricky. To answer the common question “what is the best deck stain for Canada” we will take a look at a couple different brands.
Defy Extreme is a water-based VOC compliant formula that is still durable enough for Canadian weather. Defy Extreme will outperform all other water based stains on the market. This unique deck stain combines Nano particles and synthetic resins to produce a one of a kind formula that provides optimal UV protection like no other tinted transparent wood stain.
Defy is a penetrating stain that will dive deep into the wood pores so moisture cannot get in. This is an excellent choice compared to film forming stains that stay on the surface and would not hold up well to harsh weather conditions. Defy’s high performing, low VOC formula makes it a good candidate for the best deck stain for Canada.
Another great choice for the best deck stain for Canada is Armstrong Clark Deck Stains. If you prefer oil-based formula rather than water-based, then this stain is ideal. Its low odor oil formula is compliant with all environmental standards in Canada.
This unique formula is specially designed to revitalize the wood by replacing its missing natural oils. These oils are non-drying and condition the wood while the drying oils form a protective barrier on the surface. It will stand up to harsh winters and ensure maximum protection in a low VOC formula perfect for Canada.
Another semi-transparent oil based option for Canada is the TWP 200 Series. Containing a paraffin oil, TWP 200 series penetrates wood extremely well. The Paraffin oil is a “non-drying” oil that enhances the wood cells structural stability. This greatly improves the woods life and appearance.
Need Help Choosing A Canadian Deck Stain? Ask Below!
P.S. I need it for a outdoor wooden pergola….thanks again.
what is the best stain and sealer sold in Canada. I need it a.s.a.p so can’t order online and wait for it’s arrival.
Thanks.
Sorry, but we do not live there so we do not know if any quality stains are available to you locally since the VOC laws were changed a few years ago.
AS recommended by my local quality paint store, I am considering using C2 Gurad on both a NEW Douglas Fir Deck and an older deck at my cabin that is in dire need of treatment. I cannot fin where to search for reviews on this website. Is there a review? What can you tell me about this product
We have never used this product or seen it in the states. There have been a few mentions about it on this site but nothing substantial.
I had initially used Sansin Weatherbos on my cedar deck with annual touch-up and it lasted about tens years before I encountered wood rot. I live in southern Ontario and cedar doesn’t hold-up well outside of dry environment where humidity predominates. Under such influence the soft viperous pores of the wood allow it to become prone to over burdening expansion and contraction imposed by both cold then hot seasonal changes. I decided to resurface the entire deck with Sienna PT……Not as attractive in overall appearance and a trade-off to more resilience. Now after a year since installing it has acclimatized and is surface ready for a good quality stain. And, what should it be? TWP-100, or Seiken….or?? Help.
Use the TWP 200 Series. The 100 is not allowed in Canada.
Thank you Professor………….I reside in Ancaster Ontario. Would you be able to inform as to where I could buy in my area?
Not sure. Check with the manufacturer of TWP.
These reviews are really great, but what about stains that you can actually purchase in local retailers ?
We are based in the US and all stains are sold in retailers around the country. In Canada, you have been out of luck for any quality stains sold in stores since the VOC laws were changed. Many have resorted to crossing the border to buy or have them shipped.
Oh Yes……..I’m quite aware of the VOC regulations and so are the Canadian customs officers at the border crossings. They can be like hawks at times, wanting you to present the receipts of what you had purchased while out of Canada and once they detect that you bought something that is unlawful to possess or use in Canada they will take away right there……….do it again and you will be fined or even restrained from returning to the US for an undetermined length of time. So, why risk such a stain on your reputation….(or should that read ‘strain’ on your rep?)
Hi, I stained our cedar deck with Flood UVW 5 2 years ago and it’s aleady failed. I. Have read that Flood transparent oil based stains have gone through a lot of changes recently and one vendor here actually hesitates to sell it to me. I will sand down to bare wood, but rails, posts, etc, will still have old Flood stain on them. I was thinking of going with Sikkens Cetol Dek finish, but concerned that they may not bond well.
You will need to remove all if switching brands of stain.
I know someone who applied Sikkens on all four sides of a cedar shed 10 years ago and it is still holding up quite well without the need for a touch-up to this day in time. Much of what I have heard or even read states that Sikkens Cetol holds up well on vertical surfaces and not too well on flat surfaces like a deck. Even though they label it as ‘Dek’ finish.
How does Sherwin Williams stain hold up against your recommendations?
Not fans and neither are the consumers for the most part. There are numerous reviews on this site. Do a search in the top right search icon to see the reviews.
We have sanded down a deck that had an opaque finish. Not sure if it was paint or stain. The sanding left some spots of the old finish. Can we stain over this remaining finish? It is spotty and has all been scuffed by the sander, just not entirely removed on about 15 % of the total surface.
If you still have old solid stain left then you will need to use a solid color stain again to cover. A semi-transparent will not work.
I have 2 decks … both are pressure treated, one is at least 20 years old, and the other is about 4 years … the newer deck boards are a bit different than the old
Last year, I cleaned the deck as I have many, many times, and, as usual, applied a Thompson Waterseal product … this time I used a tinted one as I wanted it to match my fence
I am now, very unhappy, as the finish is all wearing off … again, it has only been a year
I have decided that i would now like to have it “stained” a medium grey colour … either a Solid Stain or Paint (I doubt paint)
What prep work is required, and which product is best … I am in Winnipeg, MB, where we all know has the most extreme weather around
Thank you
Pressure wash for prep and try the Flood Solid Color Deck stains.
Whoa Whoa……….I beg to differ. Pressure washing any wood, especially softwoods like spruce which is pre-wolmanized will damage the fibres and cause inconsistency in the grain. One would have to then power sand the surface in order to reach down to unblemished grain, but, by doing so the initial womanizing would become disturbed and mostly removed irrevocably bringing the boards back to raw unprotected spruce. My suggestion would be to use Restore-Deck-A-Deck stain stripper ,but, DON’T use a power washer as recommended. Put it in a multi-calibrated garden spray container attached to a garden hose and spray at the strongest stream with a setting where emulsioning suds show on surface. Stop periodically to further work the emulsion into stubborn areas using a deck brush attached to a pole. Wait awhile (15-20 mins) then thoroughly wash the entire surface with cold water. Allow to dry for at least 12 hrs. then sand the entire surface with an *oscillating sander using 120 garnet sandpaper. Dust off with a damp mop. Apply new stain.
*(an oscillating sander operates in rapid figure 8 motion in avoidance of cross grain scratching, unlike that of a circular or belt sander, both of which yield scratches when passed across linear grain……and they become most noticeable once stain is applied)
Pressure washing correctly does not damage the wood as long as you are using the proper prep products while using the pressure washer. This allows the pressure washer to be used at a significantly reduced pressure.
We have restored over 15,000 decks using a pressure washer correctly and never have we damaged or harmed the wood.
Well, in that case I have to agree as long as lower pressure is observed and maintained. However, the problem being is that too many people don’t read the directions or simply over-do the job by moving up on the pressure to satisfy rapidity of the job. I’ve seen dried out decks that are pretty much scared by over zealous forceful intents to clean the surface to the point of new wood.
By the way, I don’t intend to dispute an expert refinisher. It’s just that I had been building decks for many years and upon being called back to do normal wear & tear repairs I often receive all kinds of remarks or complaints ranging from that I chose the wrong batch of lumber to neglectful laying lengths down face grain which eventually curls upward. But, the real and true displeasure was caused by what the tenant did to the wood afterward. Telling someone to wait a year before staining freshly mill stock is like saying cows can’t be milked by not being out to pasture all winter and you’ll have to drink your coffee black in the instead. Nobody has patience anymore.
Would you be able to recommend a product that has a local Canadian distributor (I can go to store and buy) and does not need to be purchased with shipping from USA? All the ones listed above need to be ordered – I don’t want to wait the shipping period and many have restrictions on size you can order (don’t need a pail) – Thanks!
Nothing decent in stores in Canada since they changed the VOC laws.
I have never heard of any of these stains. Thanks. I hope tried the ones widely advertised but they do not last long. Will these out do Baere and the others?
Bruce
Yes.
I am looking for a stain for a new cedar (still green) wood deck; we live on Vancouver Island where it is quite rainy/snowy in the winter and hot and sunny in the summer. We have children and a built-in cedar hot tub with lots of barefoot traffic. We want to minimize our kid’s toxic exposure. Which of stain do you recommend?
See thsi about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
So are the formulas for Sikkens deck stain and Cabot gold different in Canada than the USA? Just wondering because we can buy these two brands in Canada.
I am not sure. Best to ask those companies directly.
I want to restain my deck. but I have a pond near deck. which stain should I choose to use not killing my fish?
thanks!
robin
Just do not get any stain in the water and you will not have any issues.
Do your reviews for the decks stains also apply to fences? I want to stain my fence – we live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada where there are harsh winters and hot summers. For a water-based stain, would Defy Extreme be the best choice? Also, we have pets – is this the safest option for dogs? Last question – do you know of online retailers who ship to Canada? Thanks so much!
Fences fair much better than decks. 2-3 times better. Defy Extreme or Restore-A-Deck Wood stains would work well for this. Search online for dealers.
I am hoping to re stain my picket fence next weekend. I originally used a water based stain from Dulux, solid stain in a creamy beige.
The whole fence is on the south side of the house, so full sun all day. It needs to be sanded and cracks filled. But I’d like to know whether I should use the Dulux again or would you recommend another product?
You will need a solid stain again. Try the Flood brand this time. Do not bother with wood filler. It will not work on outside wood.
How does twp 200 compare to twp 1500 in canadian climate..i know 1500 is not available here..but just for comparison..also how does twp 200 hold up to mold/mildew..as i heard the.funguside is main ingredient banned in canada that the 1500 and 100 has….thanks
ALSO DULUX STORES.WILL ORDER TWP PRODUCTS I TO CANADA
TWP 1500 is not allowed in Candada, only 200 Series.. the 200 works just as well.
We have a cedar deck that gets early morning and early evening sun. We don’t shovel the snow off in the winter. We are in the process of removing all the stain and sanding to the bare wood. I was going to use Cetol SRD RE but have seen some very negative comments on how well it holds up on decks and high traffic, with stain peeling and darkening over time. I need advice on what product to use. We don’t want to be sanding and staining every year as the deck is quite large (and we’re getting to old for this
) Oil or water based?
Try TWP 200 Series or Armstrong Clark.
Have you reviewed Pressure Plus? It’s a pressure treatment.
No. Never heard of it.
Made by Sansin.
I need some advice on the best stain to use to re-srain my deck. It is made of Pressure Treated wood and has a Southern exposure, hot sun with no shade until late afternoon. I have used Rez Solid Wood Stain, Durable Oil/Water based formula in Walnut, Hybrid Low VOC for the last 5-6 years. It only lasts one year and has had to be re-stained every year. Is there anything more durable that you could recommend?
Try the Flood Solid stains but prep is key. Make sure to remove all the peeling stain.
I installed a new pine pressure treated deck last September. I live in Newcaslte, Ontario and it gets full on sun all day with no shade. What’s the best stain and where can I buy a Restore-A-Deck cleaner & brightener and TWP deck stain.
The TWP 200 Series can be used in Canada but you will have to order from the states as there are not any dealers in Canada.
Per your request here is pic of deck referenced below #comment64695
You can pressure wash and recoat with another solid stain like Flood Solid Stains or sand it all off down to the bare wood and use a penetrating stain like one of these: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Lighter colors will typically retain less heat.
I have an old deck I think it is pressure treated pine. Most of the stain or paint?? is worn off and I have replaced some of the boards. Others are dry ,warped, and or soft/rotting and they used nails not screws many of which are now rusted and failing. Im hoping the supports are not rotten.
I plan to pressure wash, replace the bad boards (hoping the cross beams are still ok) replace loose nails w screws, then sand and re-stain
1) Is this right procedure to follow
I live in Indiana a low VOC state where we can sometimes have cold and snowy winters.
But in summer there is full sun exposure and the deck gets very hot; so I need a replacement stain that can reduce heat as well as provide a surface that wont get too slippery (I have a 15′ swim spa)
2) what low VOC stain(s) would you recommend as best? Longevity would be also great but heat deflection and less slippery surface are priorities.
Any help here much appreciated
You need to remove the current stain/paint first. How to do this depends on what it is? Can you post a picture?
Hi, I built a 12x34ft deck out of white cedar, facing the south and will get full sun. I am going to sand it and then apply the stain. Id like to keep it a lighter natural look. Would twp 200 be a good option, and do well with the sun and also the harsh winters here ? Thanks !
Yes, the TWP 200 Series is a great stain.
Okay, what do you think the best tone would be ?
Any color that you like will work.
Love your site and certainly appreciate the reviews. But you cannot get the top rated products in Ontario, so it would be way more helpful if you would rate and suggest products we can purchase in Ontario!
Canada changed their VOC laws a few years ago and because of this, there are not any decent options in your local Big Box stores.
Can I put a water based stain on my deck which currently has an oil based stain on it?
No. You will need to remove the oil-based stain first.
I have a transparent water based stain on my cedar deck. We stain in the spring each year. There are some surfaces exposed to direct sunlight all day long and these tend to peel. I would like to switch to oil based. Do I have to strip to the wood or can I apply over the existing product?
You must remove first. Strip and or sanding will be needed.
Where can I buy twp, defy, or armstrong semi-transparent stains in Canada, in particular St. John’s Newfoundland?
Contact manufacturers for assistance or buy online.
Hey David, Did you find either of these stains in Newfoundland? I’m looking for it here in the province also. Thanks
I am in Newfoundland
Where can I buy two or Armstrong in Canada?
Buy online or contact manufacturers for help.
Hey. I am looking for same info!!!
I’m in need to re staining our deck the previous owners painted/stained it saying it was cedar – false our loss. Extended it a bit so additional wood is newer (pressure treated)
The current stain/coating is peeling and with kids I don’t like it.
I’m thinking of sanding the whole deck and then putting on a stain/full coverage coat what would you suggest for this? Or what is best way to go about this?
We are in London, Ontario
Thank you
Sand to remove the painted coating. Clean and brighten the wood after. Stain with Armstrong Clark or TWP 200 Series.
I have a semi-inground pool with red cedar wood which I used behr with bad results. What semi-transparent stain would be best? I was advised to use Cabot oil stain. Is Defy Extreme a good option for the type of dense wood?
Defy Extreme or Armstrong Clark. You will need to prep by removing all the Behr first.
I want to confirm that defy extreme will out last and out perform Cabot oil stain on my cedar semi-inground pool? I’m double checking because stripping the old Behr is a huge job and don’t want to redo it next year…Thanks for your comment
Yes, it should.
How many coats should I apply?
2 coats applied wet on wet.
We have a pressure treated wood deck. We live in the Vancouver area of British Columbia. We have a moderate amount of rain. The deck faces south and sees a lot of sun and heat in the summer months. What stain would you recommend?
Try the TWP 200 Series or Armstrong Clark.
If I’ve used a solid deck renew from Behr and it’s peeling off in areas what can I use?
You will have to power sand this to fix this.
Where do you get these products?
Seems that neither Rona, Home Depot, Home Hardware, not even Amazon sell these.
Check online.
We are in north Ontario and are resurfacing a cedar deck that is 15 yrs. old and has been stained at least 4 times previously. The last time with an opaque stain. We sanded last July and now want to stain again. See pic. From your research articles we feel that our best bet in Canada is Armstrong Clark. Is that right? Also would the stripper remove the remaining stain? We will then use a wood brightener. The area is 800 sq. ft. – how much stripper, brightener, and stain would we require. Also should we put on 2 coats, any advantage? Thanx, Gerry
You will need to sand off all of the solid opaque stain as stain strippers will not remove this. Once fully sanded, clean and brighten the wood for the final prep. You will then be able to use the Armstrong Clark. Just one coat. About 5 gallons of stain.
When they banned oil I switched to a hybrid with bad results. Stain wore off where we walk, peeled in other places and now I have some grey boards. I assume I will have to sand but what product should I use to restrain. Loved my old oil stain. 😢
Oil-based stains are not banned in Canada. They just have to be VOC compliant. The Armstrong Clark and TWP 200 Series are both oil based and allowed in Canada.
Where can i buy this stain in Ontario?
I bought mine at Randall’s paint. They are situated in Ottawa, not sure if they have stores in other citie.
Hi Julie, I checked their website – I am in Ottawa, too – but don’t see Armstrong or TWP listed as one of the brands they sell. What brand did you buy from them, C2? Has it worked? We have a 1 year old still beautiful colour red cedar deck and we want to seal it without a colour stain – if it ever stops raining…
Hi Mary, I bought the C2 guard, I believe it comes clear…that stain is amazing and very easy to apply…you actually have to mist your wood with water , apply your stain, wait 15 minutes and apply your second coat…it is expensive but well worth the price…I hope this helps
Yes it does, thanks Julie, needed to hear it from someone who used it, and used it here in this environment. We have had a 3 week delay sealing the deck as we purchased a cleaner first and it completely ruined the wood. Left a white pulp EVERYWHERE and when we tried to get that off we now have a part pulp/part almost like silver paint. We have been on hands and knees with orbital sanders trying to get the wood back. What was supposed to be a relatively painless “quick clean then seal and enjoy a 1 year old deck” project turned into a 3 weekend labour intensive nightmare. For obvious reasons we are researching the heck out of seals/guards/stains. So yes, much thanks for the help!
Hi, the hardwood/IPE stains you sell…Are they semi-transparent stains? Can we use this stain on white cedar?
We do not sell products from this site. Hardwood stains can be used on other wood types in most cases.
I need a stainer for an IPE wood deck (several months old, never been stained), but been told that I should not use TWP 200 for that particular wood in Canada. The 1500 series would have been fine, but not legal in Canada! Do you have any other recommendation? Thank you.
Armstrong Clark in one of their hardwood colors.
What stores carry Defy, Armstrong, and TWP 200?
I live in Thetford Mines Quebec
Contact manufacturers or check online.
Looking for a clear stain for my deck that is sold in Canada all the ones you recommend I have to order.
Which is the best to buy from Homedepot, Rona or Lowes in Canada
Nothing is decent from Lowes or HD. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/deck-stain-quality-at-lowes-or-home-depot/
Sorry but never been to Rona.
What about Sansin or SuperDevk from Sherwin Williams?
Do I want to use an oil base or water base?
Super Deck turns black and has curing issues. You can read reviews on this site from us and consumers. We do not have any experience with Sansin.
it would be nice to be able to have your products from Canada without having yo paid for shipping.
Best to contact the stain manufacturers about this. Has nothing to do with us.
Hi. We have a west, north west facing deck, pressure treated on a river. We have tried many brands of stain and they always peel. We thought of trying Australian Cabot Stain this year…..what would you recommend? Trenton/ Frankford area
Look at the TWP 200 Series or the Armstrong Clark.
I was watching an episode of “This Old House” on tv and Tommy DaSilva said that he prefers to use an oil based stain in which he mixes a quart of varnish or Urethane with a gallon of of oil based deck stain. In your opinion is this a good idea and if so what is it’s purpose?
You cannot add a varnish to a stain. It will ruin the stain and void the warranty. That is bad advice.
I have a cedar deck facing south.I have stained it twice and painted it once.All three times to product peeled off in a year or less.
You will need to remove all down to the bare wood and that will require power sanding.
North facing PT deck built a year ago about the first 3′ from the house is shaded all the time. Grass always had moss on it. Deck is showing some signs of mildew starting. Looking for a cedar colour. Windsor Ontario canada area.
Try Armstrong Clark in semi-cedar color.
Wondering if you or others have any experience with C2 Guard for exterior use including protected decks.
Sorry but no. Never seen it in the US.
Maybe the is true for all water bases wood protectors but my experience with C2 Guard is that it is simple to apply and will last at least 2 years before it starts to wear. You can then just pressure wash the dirt off and recoat the deck. I have a 16×15 cedar deck and the recoat takes about 90 minutes and cleaning about 30 minutes. Cost under $100 (Canadian) to recoat. The original C2 Guard took 3 gallons but the recoat 3 years later 1 gallon. Stripping the deck of the original oil based stain that was pealing off after 1 season took 2 people 8 hours.
Looking for the best stain that I can get in a grey tone in Alberta, Canada. I planning on refinishing my deck this spring as the previous owners appear to have used a cheap solid type paint/stain that it peeling off like crazy. ArmstrongClark doesn’t appear to come in a grey tone and TWP 200 has a slate grey which is more of a beige by the looks of it. Are their any other options you’re aware of?
Armstrong Clark comes in Driftwood Gray.
regarding my previous post that I have just sent. I should have specified that Ottawa, Ontario is in Canada. Thanks