Update for 2017
TWP 200 Series can now be used in Canada. For more info, Google Search TWP 200 Series. The TWP 200 Series, Armstrong Clark and Defy Extreme are your best options for Canada’s low VOC laws and harsh climates.
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!
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152 Comments on "Best Deck Stain for Canada"
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 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?
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.
Thompson\’s stains historically have not been good.
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
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
Armstrong Clark
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?
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.
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.
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!
I used Behr too and it was dreadful.
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.
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.
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!!????
Check with Google and have it shipped.
Contact manufacturer for some help.
Harsh Canadian Winters? I'd hazard a guess that winters in Minnesota or North Dakota and such are far harsher on average.
Minnesota and North Dakota Winters are far harsher than Canadian winters????? Baaaahahahahahaha!!! xDxDxD
-38 to -42 … 6 to 8 feet of snow..?!?
Armstrong Clark wood and deck stains.
We constructed our deck out of cedar, the first season we cleaned it and stained it with Cabot stain. After one winter it all peeled off! We stripped off what little remained and finished it with Thompsons. It is peeling off this spring after one winter. We live in Alberta extremely dry and severe fluctuation in weather! Please suggest what you feel we should use.
Thanks for any help you can give we have invested a lot of time and money and we're very frustrated
Strip it off again. Use a penetrating oil based stain so it does not peel. Armstrong Clark stains.
Very helpful information on your website!
I am in Brampton, Ontario, and wish to walk into a store and purchase a reliable product to stain/seal my P/T deck. Recommendations please.
Sorry but no idea as to what stains are sold in Brampton Ontario.
I have a question about the length of time the various
stains last in Canada:
transparent?
semi-solid?
solid?
Thank you.
This varies on the stain brands but will give best case scenarios and for horizontals only. Verticals will last longer:
transparent? 1-2 years
semi-solid? 2 to years
solid? 2 to 3 years
What is the time for semi-solid? 2 to ? Years?
2-3 years most likely.
what do you think about sansin deck stains for ontario canada?
We use Sansin deck stain
Our deck was old when we bought house
The last coat we did and it poured rain..didnt bother it one bit
We are just about to buy another gallon to do the fence connected to deck
We would recommend it….lasts for couple of years before touchup
Alex, sorry but we personally have never used the Sansin brand.
We have been using for couple of years..
Would recommend
Not cheep but has done good in Ontario weather
I live in Halton hills Georgetown Ontario i used peneofin oil which sucks on my new cedar deck all boards were sanded and stained before building the deck and its gone all gray after the first 8 mths. I contacted the manufacture and guess what they tell me its my problem well at $70 a can they can piss off .I have now used a deck cleaned power washed everything and re sanded everything with 100 and 120 grit i want a semi trans stain in oil that i can use what would you recommend. Cabot Flood Behr Aurbourcoat are all avaiable in my area.
Don't use acrylic stains on your deck. It's peeling after one winter on our deck and have read that some people are considering class action suits against Arbor Coat and Behrs. Go to the States and buy oil-based stain.
None of those are oil based. Maybe the Flood is but I would check.
I know the flood is oil it's a 3 yr deck 5 yr siding guarantee
It will not last 3 years but it is still most likely the best option of what you can find locally.
We have just sanded our entire deck to remove a Behr product. Now that we are down to the bare wood, what would be the best product to apply? We live in southern Ontario and have a low deck with snow sitting on it most of the winter. What is the best way to maintain over the years? Our deck is about ten years old and this is the second time we have sanded it down.
Armstrong Clark stain.
We have an 8 year old pool deck of pressure treated wood that has never been stained with anything. Not able to find Armstrong Clark or Defy Extreme Stain in the Kingston, Ontario area. Any option on Olympic Maximum Semi-Transparent Stain and Sealant? We were looking at Behr Deckover, however, reviews and literature scared us away.
Any other options that you can find locally?
Dont touch Deckover with a barge polr!
Hello, I live in Calgary Alberta (very dry climate) and I just replaced all my siding with new rough face cedar. I am looking to do a solid or semi solid stain and want to make sure I use something that can stand up to our extreme tempuature swings (30 degrees C in 24hrs) and UV rays, but also not be a huge job when it comes time to restain… Any suggestions?
Armstrong Clark in a semi-solid would be your best option.
Have a look at sansin products, I love the results on my siding
Hi, I have new (built last year) pressure treated deck at my summer place in Nova Scotia. I need to stain this year. Where can I buy a good stain in Canada? Looks like the ones you recommend are not sold in there. Can anyone help me? I'm looking for a solid color premium stain.
Sorry but we are in the USA and do not know what is sold in your area. If you send us a list of products you can find locally, we can help narrow down which ones would work the best for you.
I am getting a new pressure-treated deck built in Nova Scotia……south-facing, lots of snow , lots of rain, and lots of sun this year……..I am getting that I should use either Armstrong Clark or Defy Extreme, but have no idea where to purchase either in Canada……also, should I wait for a year before staining? either way, do I just scuff it up with sand paper and thoroughly clean off dust and then stain? Do I need to sand first? or can I just apply to the new wood?
Please read article here on new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Old multi-layered
Hi, Have an 8 year old pressure treated spuce or pine deck on cottage we just bought in Ontario, Canada. It was covered in weathered and peeling paint on one end and greyed on exposed areas with a section that was also redone in tinted Thompsons after the other end had been 'stripped' with a power washer. Mess for sure!
So I sanded it all down as best we can so most of it looks like new wood. But there is still some grey and stain and paint remnants in various lower bits of the grain here and there. I am assuming i need to strip and brighten to get rid of paint/stain/grey as best I can before staining.
I want to use a semi-transparent or something I can just clean and 'maintainance' stain over in future years.
Should I let it then weather a few months or should I stain right away?
I have easy border access to Michigan so I will import the best product myself from a US drop. So I want the best product for my application plain and simple, regardless of jurisdictional issues because I will bring it in myself. Please tell me which product is the best quality. Legally, if you have to pretend that my deck is in northern Michigan or some other state with similar weather that has no product restrictions then please do so and recommend what would use in that state. thank you.
Strip and brighten for the prep. TWP 100 Series for Michigan delivery. You should be able to stain after the prep without waiting.
I have to say that I'm ready to turn my deck into firewood after reading that there is essentially no good product available in Canada to stain a deck. Either firewood or I'll move to the US! Anyway – thanks for this comprehensive site. Nice job. Wish we Canadians could take advantage of the help a bit more… Our laws seem strange – it seems as though we have to re-stain every year vs. getting a slightly harsher product but only do it every 3 or 4 years… That doesn't seem more environmentally friendly.