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.
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185 Comments on "Best Deck Stain for Canada"
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
I, I would like to know which deck stain you recommend. We are building a new 10×32 feet treated brown wood. It is for our stationary rv near Ottawa, Ontario. It will be at 18 or 24 inches from the ground.
I think that as I have seen on your website, it would be appropriate to wait at least 4 months before applying any stain on it? What do you recommend best for our situation (which best stain to apply and what we should do before. Since that it is a new deck. We have almost always sun during the day also.
Thanks to let us know. Would be very appreciated.
Try the Armstrong Clark or the Restore-A-Deck Wood stains after the wait and prep.
What is your opinion on the Sikkens deck stains? I can’t seem to find the defy or armstrong in calgary so I’m wondering if the sikkens should do ok or if I should ship one of the others in
We have never been fans of Sikkens. You can find reviews on our website on it.
Looking for recommendations for a Cedar deck.
I really like the look of the wood when it rains; that “wet look shine,” is what I’d like the deck to look like, but it seems like everybody has a different opinion on a cedar deck stain. Please help.
Try Armstrong Clark in Amber color for this look.
I have been told that Flood deck stains are very good for Canadian winters and summers. I live in Calgary AB.
Do you agree with this information?
No. Flood CWF Semi-transparent is an average stain now. Used to be an excellent stain 15 years ago before they changed the formula.
I can’t find anywhere to buy Armstrong or Defy in Ontario? Would you know of a distributor in Canada??? Thx
Probably need to order online and have it shipped. Best to contact them directly for help.
The best stain I have seen so far that does not peel and is easy to apply is Readyseal. Every other stuff I tried is high maintenance and quite often peels.
We are big believers in penetrating stains and Ready Seal is one of them. The issue we have with Ready Seal is it has poor UV resistance compared to the others. See this for our top brands that are all penetrating. Ready Seal is #6 on the list: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Ever heard of Sansin wood stain? Is it comparable to Armstrong or Defy? I live in Ottawa and we struggle to find anything that will last more than a year on or decks. Thanks
Heard of it but never used it. Seems like most stains that can be baought locally in Canada have proven to not be that great. Many buy from the states or drive over and get it if close to the border.
What colors do you have?
Depends on the brand of stain you are using?
Hi there. Great article and helpful comments below. What would you recommend for staining a spruce treehouse? Location Toronto, ON
Armstrong Clark or Defy Extreme Stains.
After reading the articles on your site, I have decided to use Armstrong Clark stain and to strip the old stain off with RAD stripper – But would like your thoughts. …… The existing stain is Olympic Maximum semi-transparent Stain and Sealer. Says “4 year” on label. Water based. Bought in Canada 2 years ago. Leaves a coating on the wood that peels every winter. Will RAD stripper take this off or will I have to sand as well? Or is there a stripper more suited? Thanks!
It should remove most. It is easier to strip off what you can and then sand if needed the rest. Make sure to brighten when done.
Thanks. This deck is large and surrounds a pool – about 1800 SF of surface area. I thought I would strip it this fall, to split up the work, especially if I end up having to sand as well. So the plan would be to use RAD Stripper and then Brightener this fall. What would I need to apply in the spring before staining? Should I apply a Cleaner and Brightener combo in the spring before staining?
Yes, that would be correct. If you need to do any sanding, do it in the Fall.
OK, Thanks – so I stripped and sanded all of it. The plan is to apply RAD cleaner and brightener and then stain in the summer. But someone said to me that it will be a problem to leave the wood unprotected all winter. I assumed it would gray and that the cleaner would fix that. Will I have to sand it again then? Should I cover it with plastic? Or is it OK just to leave it open to the rain and snow?
It will gray but the prep will remove it. Do not cover. It will be fine through one Winter.
Need recommendations for the use of tung oil transparent stain on a deck Tried it on a small deck and turned out great, so far. Want to do it on a large deck with the same thing. Is tung oil lasting without peeling and easy to re-cover within a couple years? Previously used Behr and it turned out to be a nightmare!
Had to totally strip and sand the whole deck !
Tung oil by itself or a deck stain that has tung oil in it?
Cottage located in Southern Ontario, Knotty pine siding previously coated with “Sunshield” linseed oil based finish. Product molded severely and started to crack, although lifespan was good. Stripped with great difficulty using a combination of chemical and sanding, although some traces remain in knots and bottom profiles of boards. About to clean and brighten.
Hoping to avoid future issues with mold, and looking for semi transparent stain that will be easier to remove if and when necessary.
Which product would you recommend in this particular case? Should we go with oil based?
TWP 200 Series or Armstrong Clark.
I just finished putting a new ceder wood decking and I would like to stain it as soon as I could. I live in Calgary. how long should I wait for and what kind of stain should i use and how to preps the deck for staining? Could you please help me so that I don’t waste time and money. Thanking you in advance
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
I’m in Vancouver BC and I have a new cedar fence. I want to preserve the way it looks now. What is the best clear transparent stain I can get?
Try the Defy Extreme Clear.
We spent a great deal of time resealing our deck last year with Thompson’s Water Seal in Nutmeg and it looked amazing. Sadly, this spring, we watched most of it peel off. Needless to say, this is quite devastating as the deck is large! We are going to reseal again but are wondering if we should just use a stripper, a pressure washer and then reseal with a solid stain instead of semi-transparent. Would this be the best route for us?
The first two photos are from August 2016, just after we finished staining. The third photo is how our deck looks now
Thompsons is a filming acrylic stain. This means it dries on top of the wood. After the Winter, it starts to peel. The best route is to fully remove this product by stripping and power sanding. After removal, use a true semi-transparent penetrating stain. This means it will not peel and future coatings can be reapplied as needed with a cleaning as the prep. Look at TWP 200 Series or Armstrong Clark.
All I want is a semi transparent stain in black that will penetrate and not leave a shiny surface that will peel off and require sanding when It is time to restain. Who wants to sand a deck or a fenc?
Semi-trans do not come in black. Darkest would be the Black Walnut by Amrstrong Clark.
I have an 8 yr old cedar deck – never been stained – and now of course I need to replace some of the boards due to rot. Deck has been cleaned and brightened but due to dif. colour boards I figure solid stain is the way to go. My cottage is in Muskoka, I live in Mississauga so what would you recommend that I can get at a store, not online, with the most lasting durability Thanks,
For a solid stain, look for Flood Solid Stains. We do not live in Canada so not sure to its availability there.
We will be installing a new western red cedar pergola and want the cedar to remain red. What stain should I use here in wet Nova Scotia? Thank you!
Try the Armstrong Clark brand.
Do you recommend using a brightener or cleaner or both after stripping the old stain off? My understanding was that once you sand the area it must be kept dry. If the sanded area gets wet then you would have to sand it again. Is this correct? I have it covered with a tarp right now due to rain in the forecast.
The deck was stained last year in a semi-transparent wood stain and sealer and this harse winter and high level of UV exposure has stripped away the stain. Would you recommend a transparent penetrating oil wood finish stain? Once you use an oil wood stain can you switch to a regular semi or solid stain?
Thank you!
No. The wood can get wet after sanding. No need for the tarp. Just make sure it is dry before applying the stain. After stripping, brighten the wood. Use a penetrating semi-transparent stain for this.
Thank you. This is very helpful!
what do you think of C2 stain?
Never heard of it.
I just used it on a new brown pressure-treated deck. The deck sat for the hot summer in a south facing yard first for 3 months. Although I found it finicky to apply, I like the results. It does soak in and is not a surface application. The old deck was 30 years old and any stains previously tried peeled in the hot sun over the years. C2 doesn’t peel, soaks in and I can re-apply without stripping or sanding. We shall see.😀
I want to stain cedar boards. They have been outside for almost a year with nothing on them. I am in southwestern Ontario. What would you recommend? Also, I have the micro pro sienna boards to treat as well (outside for 1 year with no prior treatment as well) but I’d like to use a solid colour on them since it is on a kid’s play house. What would you recommend for both situations? Thanks!
Armstrong Clark or TWP 200 Series for the cedar. For the solid stain, try Flood Solid Stains.
I’ve been using Armstrong Clark semi transparent in Toronto every year or other year for five years. It absorbs nicely and doesn’t peel, but it encourages the growth of mold, the blackness of which gets right into the stain. I am surrounded by trees, so maybe pollen is part of the problem. Is there an inhibitor or cleaner I should be using?
It might be dirt from the trees? There are not additives that can be added to stop mildew 100%. You may be able to find one online that may help to reduce, but we have neve tried it. Deck cleaner when prepping should remove this.
Where do you buy Defy stain in Canada
Contact the manufacturer for help locating.
What would be a good stain for Ontario Canada back yard is north facing and does not get much sun. I would say shaded about 70% of the day 100% within 3 feet of the house.
ThanksMike7
Armstrong Clark or TWP 200 Series.
Hello, I have a deck I stained approx 2 years ago with the twp 100 or 1500 series I’m thinking it was the 100 series and it has warn off now and stripping in some areas. I wanted to know this spring after I power wash to clean it up can I restain with the same colour Or do I have to use the deck restore and brightner again then apply the stain? Also any ideas of how I can get it to last longer between stains? I followed the instructions as directed
Two to 3 years is the max you will get. Prep with the Restore Kit again for the prep.
Living in North Bay, Ontario and have an old deck that needs to be refinished. Used Behr solid stain and the next summer it was pretty much finished as a stain. Prior to staining, the wood was stripped, pressure washed, sanded and pretreated. I would like to have a stain that lasts more than one year and now I have to replace a number of boards due to rotting and splintering. The deck in in morning sunlight, fully exposed to the weather. What stain would you recommend and how should I pre-treat the wood before re-staining.
You can only use a solid stain now unless you want to sand all the old solid stain off completely. Another option would be the Deck Revive by Gulf Synthetics. The other stains we suggest for Canada are semi-transparent and cannot be applied over a deck that still has solid stain on it.
How do you know on an old fence if it was a solid stain? Does it look more like paint? We just moved into a 15 year old house, and I don’t think anyone has ever re-applied stain. What is the best choice of action- living in southern Alberta, Canada. Thank you!
That is a semi-transparent stain. Prep with a deck stain stripper and a wood brightener. Try Armstrong Clark or TWP 200 Series.
So which would be better to apply to a 1 year old pressure treated deck that has yet to be treated.
I’m thinking the Armstrong oil based but the defy would probably be easier with respects to reapplying?
Both are easy to reapply as needed.
Canada now has Thompson's Penetrating Timber Oil. How does this compare to Armstrong and Clark stain?
Thompson\’s stains historically have not been good.
I live in Sudbury Ontario and have had not success at all with stains. Have use Australia Timber Oil, one year, Secan same thing. Have sanded deck, spindles and rails to bare wood every time. Ever since the change to water base stains, in Canada I haven’t found a product you can get more then a year out of. My red cedar deck if worth $10,000 and I’m so discouraged with the maintenance issues, I’d like to rip it down and put in retaining walls and interlocking stone. Once every three years isn’t bad but every year at $300-400 to stain is bs
Oil based stains are still allowed in Canada as long as they are VOC Compliant. Prep by removing the old coating. If you sand, use a deck cleaner and a wood brighthener after. This will “roughen” the grain some. You do not want to sand too smooth as that will hinder the stain from soaking in. 60 or 80 grit at most. Try the TWP 200 Series. It will not dissapoint.
Are defy stains available in Canada?
No they are not sold in stores there, but many buy online and have them shipped to Canada.
What are the top deck stains for Ottawa, Canada?
Armstrong Clark or Defy Extreme stain
Sealer Store ships Armstrong Clark to Canada. Has anyone done this and how was your experience? They said it complies and is of the same strength as the US version. I absolutely dont want to any products available here if at all possible. Thanks.
I have twice used Thompson's semi transparent stain for my deck and in the spring it has peeled yet again. All recommended instructions were followed in both applications – stripping, cleaning, (some sanding), dried and checked with so called water test etc. But the water based stain just does not sink into the wood. Please don't waste my time with further instruction I have followed every instruction given (Thompson and other so called experts) to no avail. My deck is now stripped, some sanding , cleaned and finally dried and absorbs water when tested. What "oil-based" stain would you recommend ??? Note: I am in Atlantic Canada.
Thanks, Jon
Armstrong Clark
If the wood is too wet to start with as the water inside evaporates the stain or sealant will peel off. No amount of prep will help this . It needs to further dry before applying. Keep testing until your wood soaks it up like a sponge
I'm in Calgary. I am refinishing our cedar deck after 6 years and wanted to know if anyone can comment on tinted C2 Guard? I plan to leave the deck surface natural and sanding and staining the vertical parts and railings.
The deck is 10 years old and has been finished with Timberlox originally and then twice with Flood. Both these products require 2 year refinishing.
Thanks
Mike I’m in Lethbridge and the store that we bought our cedar is now pushing us to use c2 Guard. Did you end up using the Guard? How was it if you did? We have 17 year old cedar deck and have used 2 different Penofin products and we’re not happy.
Thanks Colleen
i think Canada's stricter guidelines are ridiculous. I now have to paint my deck once every year instead of once every five years. I sometimes wonder if the government is doing it for the enviroment or for them to be able to collect taxes 5 times more for having to do the job and the companies aren't against the idea because they are making more money. SAVE OUR PLANET ? Or plenish their pockets with MONEY.
Lower VOC restrictions creates stains that typically do not last as long. The point of lowering VOCs is to help with environmental pollution. It cancels out the though as you typically do it more often. Defeats the purpose.
I live in Vancouver (think Seattle – rain and more rain). My cedar deck was replaced two years ago and I had hoped maintenance would ease – nope! I am about to give it a good cleaning again (black staining) and again refinish it. For our weather, what clear, oil-based stain rates best for a cedar deck.
The other factor is that although the deck gets full sun there are numerous cedar trees on our property so it does get shade.
Thank you!
Just built a 22×16 MicroPro Sienna pressure treated deck in Ontario Canada. When can I treat it with stain and because its new would Defy Extreme be the best way to go?
Thanks
See here about new wood:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
The Defy extreme would work, but you will need to wait a few months as they suggest. Prep first before staining.
where in canada can you buy these stains?
Contact manufactures of the stains for help locating.
I live in Ottawa, Ontario. I had the deck built a few years ago with pt pine then a yaer later followed the instructions of the salesperson at the retail store and used Beyr. The following spring the paint lifted and I was very upset. Today I went to another popular DIY retailer and they were trying to sell me Australian Timber Oil. They said that I should NOT use a pressure washer, that this would pulverize the wood and damage it. Instead, they recommended that I use products to remove the Behr product. Kindly advise me on all of the steps I should follow to refinish my deck and what products to use. If I did nothing would the wood deteriorate faster? What do I need to do to preserve the wood? Thanks
You have to remove the Behr and this is not easy. Using a stain stripper while pressure washing is one option. Other option is to sand it off. Pressure washing when done correctly will not damage your wood. Incorrectly and it can. Might want to have a professional look at the deck.
Thank you for our response.
When you say to pressure wash correctly, do you mean that we should use a pressure washer with a lower psi, say 1500 psi?
No. Pressure wash with correct technique. You can use a pressure washer that is rated at 3500 psi but you will have to wash from 10-12\” away so it is half the pressure.
How about if I chose to apply a water sealer such as "Thompson's Clear Multi Surface Water Proofer", instead of applying a stain. Would the water sealer help to preserve the wood so that the deck lasts longer?
No. Thompson\’s water sealer is basically useless. Repels water for a few months but does nothing for UV protection, etc.
I live in Ottawa with a south facing back yard. We have a very large cedar deck around our saltwater pool. I'm looking for something to stand up to these ridiculously difficult conditions. We have used Behr Premium semi transparent with dismal results. Peeled off like a skin after the first winter. Any suggestions? Would any US products work better? Lowes in Ogdensburg NY is a short drive away. I'm desperate! thanks!
Sarah, make sure that you remove all the Behr first. This has to be done so the new stain will soak in better. Try the Armstrong Clark in a semi-solid color since it is in full sun. It is a penetrating stain so not prone to peeling.
I used Behr too and it was dreadful.
HI.. Have you ever tested a Sansin stain? I herd their DEC is a wonderful product for decks.. What's your thoughts?
Sorry but have not used it.
We are contractors and use Sansin DEC on a lot of projects. It is a very high quality stain and easy to use.
I live in Prince George, BC, Canada and we are just finishing putting on a new cedar deck that's been an ongoing summer project (so some of deck has had a couple of months weathering…). We plan to use Armstrong Clark stain. We are fast approaching winter and are getting closer to freezing temperatures. My question is – should we just go ahead and get it stained in possible cooler temps being that some of it is un-weathered or let the go through a potentially harsh Canadian winter unstained and use the restore kit before staining in the spring? Thank you for your time!
Do it in the Spring. See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
I live in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. I am planning to paint my PT lubmer deck. I called the store RONA and they suggested me C2 Guard? Can you discuss this a little bit.
Sorry but never heard or used that product.
I'm in Kingston Ontario. Our deck is a year old, pressure treated spruce, and gets a full dose of sun. I haven't put anything on it for protecting it yet.
Should I clean the deck first? Most of the green coloring of the PT is gone, there is some slight greying, but no serious cracks or checks have appears yet.
Thanks!
Yes you have to prep by cleaning and brightening. Try Armstrong Clark in a semi-solid color.
Do you know where I can buy this stain, Armstrong Clark, in Kingston Ontario. I would rather purchase in a store and not online. Thank you
As far as we know, there are not any dealers in Canada.
I really do enjoy your site and find it very informative. Thank you.
What do you think of Sikkens Cetol SRD or any other Sikkens products. Our cottage is btwn Sudbury and North Bay, Ontario and some areas of the cottage has full afternoon sun. Our temperatures here rage from 30 to -40 and lots of snow.
Sikkens makes a decent stain. Not huge fans of it but better then most. We do have reviews for the Sikkens SRD on our site:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/sikkens-srd-wood-sta…
Is Armstrong Clark available to buy in Canada, or does it have to be shipped in?
I would contact the manufacturer for help.
Where can you purchase the stain in Alberta Don't want to buy from USA
Sorry but no idea as we do not live in Canada.
do any of the canadian approved oil based deck stains have a mildew / mold inhibitor in their formulas and which stain is best for touch up and recoating down the road
Try Armstrong Clark Stain. It does have a mildewcide in it.
so now can anyone tell where Armstrong Clark stains are sold to purchase in Calgary Alberta or surrounding cities ( Red Deer, Airdre,??). I cant use it if i dont have an outlet to purchase it from, and seeing as the headline above is promoting the product for use here in Canada can the Mystery of where to purchase it be told!!????
Contact manufacturer for some help.
Check with Google and have it shipped.