Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood decking coatings. My Best Deck Stain Canada reviews and help tips are based on my history as a wood restoration contractor and actual hands-on testing, all designed to present you with the top deck stain choices. See here for more info about me.
- Canada's VOC regulations limit deck stains to 250 VOC, making quality oil-based options like TWP 200 Series and Armstrong Clark harder to find locally.
- Avoid big-box brands like Behr, Olympic, and Valspar; they film on top of wood and peel badly in Canada's harsh climate.
- Penetrating oil-based stains perform best in Canada because they soak into wood fibers, reducing peeling and cracking during brutal freeze-thaw cycles.
- Top recommended stains for Canada include Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain, TWP Semi-Solid Low-VOC, Armstrong Clark, and CUTEK Extreme.
The Best Deck Stain for Canada in 2026
DeckStainHelp.com has become the Internet’s go-to resource for wood deck restoration-related information. Since this article was first released, Restore-A-Deck Wood Stains has been introduced. It is a high-quality, durable, semi-transparent stain ideal for Canadian climates. Our go-to stains for Canada’s climate are:
My Top-Rated Deck Stains Canada
- Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain
- TWP Semi-Solid LOW-VOC Stains
- TWP 200 Series
- Armstrong Clark Stains
- CUTEK Extreme Oil Finish
If you’re comparing options beyond cold-weather performance, see our full breakdown of the best deck stain choices for all wood types and climates.
Feel free to leave me a comment below with questions you may have.
What is the Best Deck Stain for Canada’s harsh climate?
These days, choosing a deck stain considers more factors, such as the environment. Many deck stain companies are forced to comply with these tighter regulations or leave business. Areas like Canada have stricter guidelines for shipping deck stains than other areas.
Canada also has harsh weather that can wreak havoc on a deck stain. Long, hard winters and large amounts of snowfall can deteriorate an unprotected deck quickly. So, finding a VOC-compliant deck stain that will hold up to Canadian winters can be tricky. To answer the common question, “What is the best deck stain for Canada?” we will look at several brands.
Best Types of Deck Stains for Canadian Weather
- Penetrating Oil-Based Stains → Best overall durability
- Semi-Transparent Stains → Balance of appearance and protection
- Semi-Solid Stains → Better UV protection, longer lifespan
- Solid Stains → Maximum protection but higher maintenance risk
Canada Requires 250 VOC Deck Stains
Canada restricts decking stains and coatings and changed its limits back in 2012. The lower VOC changes mainly affect oil-based coatings. By lowering the amount of “solvents” that can evaporate into the ozone, you need to increase the amount of “solids.” This can cause issues with oil-based stains, which may have drying and curing problems. A few good oil-based stains are still allowed but are not as readily available at your local stores. You may need to go online to find them and have them shipped. Examples would be the TWP 200 Series and Armstrong Clark Wood Stains. If you choose water-based for Canada, ensure they are a true semi-transparent stain and fully penetrating. Many companies like Behr and Valspar will lie about the opacity of their semi-transparent stains, resulting in their coatings looking opaque.
Avoid Deck Stains in Canada at Big Box Stores
Avoid deck stain brands like Behr, Olympic, or Valspar, which can be readily available at your local Home Depot, Lowes, or Menards. These brands are not high quality, film on top of the wood instead of penetrating, and are prone to peeling in Canada’s harsh climate.
Olympic and Behr Deck Stain Failures
My Top Picks for Canada Deck Stain
1. Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain can be applied to dry or damp wood. Applying to damp wood allows you to prep and stain on the same day, saving you a tremendous amount of time. In 2018, our first full year of using the Restore-A-Deck stain, we had zero issues with performance and saved a tremendous amount of time with the ability to prep and stain on the same day. The Restore-A-Deck stain comes in both Semi-Transparent and Solid Colors.
2. TWP Semi-Solid Low-VOC Stain
Available in 30 Custom Colors, the TWP® Semi-Solid Pro-Series Low-VOC will keep your wood beautiful, fresh, and looking new longer! The ease of application and maintenance will allow you to enjoy your investment for years.
TWP® Semi-Solid Pro-Series provides a broad spectrum of weather protection, is water repellent, and aids in color retention. TWP® Semi-Solid Pro-Series resists water absorption that causes warping, cracking, and splitting and prevents freeze damage in colder climates. Use TWP® Semi-Solid Pro-Series to Restore and Protect YOUR GREAT OUTDOORS!
3. Armstrong Clark Wood Stain
Another great choice for the best deck stain in Canada is Armstrong Clark Deck Stains. If you prefer an oil-based formula rather than a water-based one, this stain is ideal. Its low-odor oil formula is compliant with all environmental standards in Canada.
This unique formula revitalizes the wood by replacing its missing natural oils. The non-drying oils condition the wood, while the drying oils form a protective barrier on the surface. It will withstand harsh winters and ensure maximum protection in a low VOC formula perfect for Canada.
4. TWP 200 Series Stain
Another semi-transparent oil-based option for Canada is the TWP 200 Series. Containing paraffin oil, the TWP 200 series penetrates wood extremely well. Paraffin oil is a “non-drying” oil that enhances the wood cell’s structural stability, greatly improving the wood’s life and appearance.
5. CUTEK Extreme Wood Oil Finish
CUTEK® Extreme is a high-performance penetrating wood oil and stabilizer designed to protect exterior wood from the inside out while enhancing its natural beauty. Unlike traditional wood stains that form a surface film, CUTEK® Extreme diffuses deeply into the wood fibers to help control moisture movement, improving dimensional stability and reducing issues such as cupping, warping, and splitting. Because it penetrates the wood rather than forming a brittle surface coating, it will not peel or flake and is easy to maintain—simply clean and reapply when needed.
| Image | Title | Price | Add to cart | Rating |
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FAQs: Best Deck Stains for Canada
What type of deck stain is best for Canadian climates?
Penetrating oil-based or hybrid stains perform best in Canada due to extreme temperature swings. They soak into the wood instead of forming a surface film, reducing peeling and cracking during freeze-thaw cycles.
Should I use water-based or oil-based deck stain in Canada?
Oil-based stains tend to perform better in colder climates because they penetrate deeper and handle moisture better. However, newer low-VOC hybrid formulas can also perform well depending on the brand.
How often should I restain my deck in Canada?
Most decks in Canada need reapplication every 1–3 years depending on exposure, traffic, and product used. Harsh winters and UV exposure shorten lifespan.
Can I stain my deck before winter?
Yes, but only if temperatures are above 50°F (10°C) during application and drying. Late spring and early fall are typically the best times in most Canadian regions.
What stain color lasts the longest in Canada?
Darker and more pigmented stains (semi-solid or solid) last longer because they provide better UV protection. Lighter transparent stains fade faster.
Do I need to prep my deck before staining?
Yes. Proper prep is critical:
- Clean and remove dirt/mildew
- Strip old coatings if needed
- Brighten the wood for better absorption
👉 See: Deck Cleaning and Brightening
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/cleaning-wood-deck/
👉 How to Prep a Deck
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-deck-prep-clean-strip-or-sand-the-deck/
Pros and Cons of Deck Stains for Canada
Pros
- Handles extreme weather better (when using penetrating stains)
- Easier maintenance with recoat-friendly products
- Better moisture resistance vs. film-forming coatings
- Can enhance natural wood grain (semi-transparent options)
- Wide range of VOC-compliant products available
Cons
- Shorter lifespan due to harsh winters
- More frequent maintenance required (1–3 years)
- Limited availability of some oil-based products due to VOC laws
- Lighter colors fade faster in strong UV conditions
- Improper prep leads to faster failure
Additional Helpful Resources
👉 Best Deck Stains
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
👉 Deck Stain for New Wood
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
👉 How to Stain a Deck
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-stain-a-deck/
Need Help Choosing A Canadian Deck Stain? Ask Below!
We previously used Rustoleum 10 X deck coating but as far as we know it’s discontinued.
our deck needs touching up in high traffic areas.
Behr has a textured coating.
do you have experience with this product?
Don’t use it. See here for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/behr-deckover-olympic-rescue-it-rust-oleum-deck-restore-do-they-work/
Hi Scott. You have Restore-A-Deck as your #1 choice, but in your review you say that Defy will outperform all other water based stains on the market. If that is the case, why did you choose Restore-A-Deck as number 1? It seems that Defy may also be prepped and stained in one day. Thanks,
We like both brands but prefer the RAD Stain.
I am taking your recommendation and have ordered Armstrong Clark semi transparent stain for my new pressure treated deck (installed last summer). My question is, is there a deck cleaner and brightner available in Canada I can buy? Restore a deck I could order if I had to.
Thanks
I am not sure what is sold locally there and how effective they are for prepping. Sorry.
My deck is 2 years old do I have to sand the deck before staining
Use a deck cleaner and then a wood brightener for the prep.
Where can the top 5 stains be bought in new brunswick stores?
Sorry, but we have no idea. Check with manufacturer websites to see if available or not.
Do you recommend the Twp 200 series and the Armstrong Clark stains more than the restore a deck stain for a new deck just built Aug 2024 in Canada? My other comment below was also asking if now is a good time to stain before winter? It will only have been a couple months since we built the deck. Or perhaps we should wait till spring/summer 2025? Restore a deck was listed in your top 5 but I noticed you recommended twp & Armstrong in your comments below. Thank you so much for your help, I want to do it right the first time! 😀
All 3 are excellent stains.
We built a deck this past summer (Aug 2024)in Ontario, Canada using micro pro sienna chemically treated wood. Should we stain it now before winter or wait till spring/summer 2025? Planning on using your recommendation of restore-a-deck.
Spring is fine.
We have a deck made of fir. It has been stained a couple times, but now the wood on the one side where there is lots of sun and snow in winter is looking grey and black. What should we do to restore it?
Post some pics and what stain brand/type of stain did you use prior?
Great information you have provided. I live in Canada and want to stain my treaded wood deck than is now one year old. What is your recommendation for the type of stain I should use with our harsh winters and strong uv from sun. I do not want it to peel. I like the semi transparent look. Is it best to use the twp semi solid pro series to resist water, warping, cracking and splitting in our cold climate? or would you suggest the twp 200 series stain that is a non drying oil? Also do i need to wash the deck prior with any type of cleaner prior to staining it? Also is this a good month September to treat my deck Looking for your professional help. Thanks
We would suggest the TWP 200 or Armstrong Clark stains. Look at the semi-transparent colors if the AC stains. Both can be cleaned and reapplied as needed. You can do in September or October as long as temps are bove 50 F.
thank you so much
Hi. I used Ready Seal for my fence and it still looks great after 2 years, What are your thoughts for using it on a deck? It’s hard to find any ‘non-boxstore’ stain locally.
Thanks
We are not fans of Ready Seal for decks. It has issues with rubbing off on clothes and shoes and it fades very fast on a deck surface:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ready-seal-wood-and-deck-stain-reviews/
Hi,
where can I purchase the Restore-A-Deck in Canada
Buy from their website: http://www.restore-a-deck.com
My question is about restaining when needed. The trouble with refinishing decks is that while a lot of the old stain peels away easily, some always stays behind and prevents new product from sticking/penetrating. Ideally, I’d like a product that I can use now, then reapply in a year or two with maybe just a quick power wash and light sanding. Will the products in your “Best stains for Canada” behave like this? Thanks
You want a penetrating stain that can be cleaned and recoated as needed. Look at TWP 200 series or Armstrong Clark for Canada. They do not peel.
Do you ship to a P.O. Box (e.g the UPS Store in Ogdensburg, NY)?
We do not sell products from this site.
This is the deck right now
That is a solid stain. You would have to power sand to get it all the way off:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-sand-your-wood-deck/
Ok. I like it. Starting to check out some of your suggestions for stains .
Got a question for you guys. We bought a can of behr deck stain and sealer. The previous year it was sanded and stained a couple of women doing nothing but decks. Last year I resanded the deck , reapplied more deck stain due to the fact it was peeling. This year it is peeling again and I will have to redo it again. Please is there something that I have missed in the process.
Behr stains are garbage and peel on most people. You will need to fully remove it before recoating. If you would like tips on this, post some pics in the comments.
What is your recommendation for a semi transparent oil stain for a new cedar pergola? Preconditioner?Life expectancy? We live northwest of Edmonton Alberta.
Thank you
You can not stain new wood right away:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
As for what to use in Canada, try Armstrong Clark Stain or TWP 200 Series.
Hi Scott,
We rebuilt a large dock and deck at the waters edge and spent probably around $800 dollars on Thompsons Water Seal stain only to have it peel and come off in many areas the first winter and this winter, the second one even more has come off. Staining all sides of the wood was a huge undertaking and not something that I want to have to do every spring. What product do you suggest I order, one that will last and do I need to sand the wood first and add a sealer after I restrain?
Thanks so much
Sandra
You should never stain all sides as that leads to dry rot as the wood cannot breathe. Your first issue to to fully remove the Thompsons. Post some pics in the comments for advice on how to do that.
Never add a sealer over a stain. It will peel if you do.
What’s the best stain we can buy in Canada rather than shipping from US? Shipping costs are very expensive.
Nothing decent that we know of that can be bought locally.
The best wood stain for Vancouver Island that has mold kill or protection from mold?
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stains or TWP 200 Series.
We have a older deck that has had oil based stain in the past (Cutex). We want to switch to a semi-solid or solid color and have been looking at your 4 recommendations. Restore-A-Deck and Defy are water based. TWP 200 series is semi-transparent (their other products don’t ship to Canada). Armstrong Clark has only two colors that could possibly work with our current house siding and deck railing. Do you have the next 4 best in the list?
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/behr-deckover-olympic-rescue-it-rust-oleum-deck-restore-do-they-work/
umm, the question is best deck stain that we can actually legally GET in Canada, please… at very best, we could mail order some of these ideas, but Ottawa has made sure we can’t buy them… it sure would be helpful if you ranked what we CAN buy… thx
The stains we suggest are legal to use and order for Canada. Nothing decent locally for pickup.
what are your reviews on CUTEK stain for decks?
We have not used it. There have been a handful of Canadians commenting on the site over the years about Cutek.
Update: We have now tested and posted our review of the CUTEK Extreme Oil
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/cutek-extreme-penetrating-wood-oil-stabilizer-review/
Where can I buy Armstrong Clark deck stain in Ontario
We do not know if you can. Check online for delivery.
It will cost me $150 to have a gallon of Defy stain shipped to my house. Is it that much better than a stain that I can get much cheaper at a local paint store?
Yes.
I appreciate your help I ordered 3 gallons of Defy stain. thank you
This site says best deck stain in Canada and features Defy stain as there forth pick and you cannot get this in canada.
Order online for shipping.
What are the advantages and disadvantages between a water-based stain and oil-based stain? Is one better than the other?
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/water-based-vs-oil-based-deck-stains/
Hi Scott, We just bought some white pine for my balcony and would like to know the proper product to apply. We applied sherwin williams super deck semi transparent stain and were not satisfied with the look. Before installing them I want to know if we can apply a solid stain on top and what product do you suggest? I was told that some solid stains do not apply well on white pine.Thank you.
You cannot pre-stain new wood. You need to remove what you applied and then properly weather and prep the wood. See here about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Thanks for your response.
longest lasting solid oil stain for West Coast Canada, Deep Cove area
Solid stains only come in water-based versions now. Try the Restore A Deck brand: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-solid-color-stain-review/
I have stripped and clean my 19year old deck and want to restain it. What is the best brand of semi-transparent stain available at retail stores in Canada. Olympic, Behr, Beautitone, Benjamin Moore, Thompsons……
None of the brands you mentioned are any good. Sorry. You can read reviews on this site for all but the BeautiTone as we have not used that one. There have been other consumers complaining about it though.
Where can I order TWP200? I live in South Ontario. I cannot find where to order. What other band would we use? We would like to use transparent, or semi-transparent (nature) stain. Thanks.
Order online at http://www.twpstain.com
How can you say TWP is top rated for Canada if it is not available to purchase in Canada ? I need to know where to purchase these top rated deck stains.
You can have it shipped there. No quality stains are sold at your local big box stores.
where can I buy it?ì
Buy what?
Whats your thoughts on Premier Extra Semi-Transparent Exterior Stainfrom Canadian Tire?
I am thinking of getting that to do my deck after looking at home depot they only selling Behr and Olympic and also being time crunch almost the cooler weather (5-21*C) is coming in Saskatoon Canada. Just got a new place built in 2018 and is overdue for a stain and sealer. For best result is sanding then wood cleaner needed for this pressure treated wood 3yrs old? pictures of the wood below I’ve hosed it down so far.
Never used it so not sure if any good or not.
Put it on during Sept/Oct a little dicey into Autumn but it was in the 10-23*C range which was nice. The prepping of the wood definitely made the paint and wood filler bond to the wood and get the dirt out as well. Will see how it lasts and I’ll comment back to let you know with photos.
I used Thompsons Wood cleaner first soaking the wood with water then with a spray bottle sprayed the wood cleaner along to scrub the surface and agitate it with a nylon bristle brush from Dollarama (with a threaded pole). With canadian tire premier line they also have 2x paint brushes (2×4 and 2×6) that you can thread onto the threaded pole which made painting the deck too easy. It’s definitely thick paint, applied two coats on top and one underneath.
Looking back kinda want to spray paint in with a Wagner spray gun to get into the corners of the 2×2 better and ultimately save time. And also wait for better deals on paint, but for now I’m happy with the result.
First thanks for the awesome site and appreciate the responses.
What’s your top semi-transparent pick for new pressure treated deck? Thanks.
See this for new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Hello, I live near Penetanguishene, Ontario. I have a huge old deck that needs to be restrained. I think an oil based stain was originally used, red wood colour. It was probably last stained in the early 90’s or earlier. Do I need to strip off all of the old stain or can I just pressure wash and re stain over. A lot of it is quite worn. I don’t know if a semi transparent stain would be alright, I don’t want any peeling. I sanded another deck at a house in Barrie Ontario and used a Cabot solid, and it peeled the next year.
Strip and pressure wash for prep. Brighten after. Use a penetrating stain like TWP 200 Series or Armstrong Clark Stains for Canada.
Thank you for your help! What’s the best product to strip and clean with? I also have some algae on the deck as well.
Restore A Deck Products: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-injectable-deck-stain-stripper-review/
Where can I buy the defy stain in Montreal Canada
You would have to ask them or buy online.
Do you have recommendations for stain that is actually sold in Canada? The stains you recommend are in the states and the shipping costs are really, really high.
No decent stains from what we can tell are actually sold in stores in Canada. This all changed when Canada changed their VOC laws. Only complaint ones that are decent are sold in the states.
I have a large 8 year old pressure treated deck in Saskatchewan. Temperatures are from one extreme to the other here. I believe it was covered with a solid stain which is quickly peeling off 5 years after application. I’d like to match the green colour of the old stain. How best to proceed? Will pressure wash be enough or will sanding be required as well? And your best product recommendation?
Use a deck stripper and pressure washer to remove as much as you can of the old stain. Brightener after. Cover the rest that did not strip with a new solid stain. Look at one of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
Hi,
We have a cedar cottage that was last stain with an oil base stain. Could you provide a couple of recommendations for best results. Its cedar strip / plank not cedar log.
Thanks
The Restore A Deck Wood stain or TWP 200 Series. Make sure to prep well by removing the current stain.
We live in Calgary, Alberta. We have a south facing 400 sq ft deck about 40 years old, and the wood is still in decent condition. We’ve had different people recommend various stains, such as Behr, Benjamin Moore etc. I see you often recommend TWP 200 Series or Armstrong Clark. What do you think of these other options or any others?
Thanks
Behr and Benjamin Moore are both very poor brands. Read the customer comments after our reviews for each:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/behr-deck-stain-review/
and
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/tag/benjamin-moore-arborcoat/
Hi. We live in New Brunswick in a log home. We have a large wrap around deck that desperately needs to be re-stained this summer. The last stain we used was 4 years ago and was SRD made by Sikkins…it was a translucent, one coat stain. We did not like it and it sure didn’t last at all. Now we are trying to clean all the black spots off the railing with Olympic deck cleaner…a slow process for sure. The deck is cedar, so we can’t pressure wash. Should we sand it all down after cleaning it? I would like either a solid or semi-transparent stain on the railing and a semi on the decking. What do you recommend for stain? One section of the deck faces south, one west and one side north. Thanks!
Strip and or sand to remove the Sikkens. Brightener last. TWP 200 Series for the floors and the Restore A Deck Solid stain for the rails.
We have a very large deck in southwestern Ontario and have struggled with stain not performing. Too much work to have to sand and stain every 2 years, and really needed yearly. What would you recommend. Definitely semi transparent – would be open to oil or water base. Just need something that actually works!!! Thank you.
TWP 200 Series.
Thank you – we were wanting to stay more natural hoping it would not be so obvious when it starts to wear – but it says the natural TWP200 allows natural greying and we really don’t want that – don’t want an orange tone – we have a darker brown stain on vertical surfaces, with brown-black highlights in it – any suggestions on colour that will give 2 toned look but be more natural? Thanks again.
You must have a tint for UV protection and the TWP 200 Series will do this in all the tinted colors. Try the Cedar Gold color.
I just spoke with the manufacturer of TWP200 series, Gemini, and they said it is not for deck horizontal surfaces and it takes 12 weeks to fully cure – I’m puzzled after receiving your recommendation for using it on a deck – can you speak to this discrepancy in product use before I purchase – thank you
We use it on decks all the time without issues, it just takes time to dry and cure. 3-7 days.
Ok – thanks – just to clarify for me, does that mean you have to stay off the deck for 3-7 days? Thanks again for your help.
Correct.
Hi, just wondering what I should use as stripper? The ones sold at the mainstream stores don’t seem to have good reviews.
Post some pictures of what you are trying to remove.
Here you go. As you can see, the stain has peeled off/is peeling off in some areas. In some place it is not as bad.
You have a film forming acrylic stain that has been applied in multiple layers. This means it is very hard to strip fully, almost like trying to strip a solid stain. No stripper will remove it easily or completely so you will have sand to get it all off after stripping. Brightener would be last.
Ok thank you for the tips!
Hi. we are adding a 8×8 BC Fir post beam entrance way to our home in northern Ontario. The wood is freshly planed new wood. I was going to stain the wood before It goes up. What do you recommend and should I put on 2 coats or is one enough? Thank you
New wood should not be stained right away. See this for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
My deck is in pretty good shape overall, but their is patches of paint in certain areas. Before I can stain it with a semi transparent deck stain, Do I need to use a heavy duty floor Sander to remove the paint or should I just pressure wash it off or deck cleaner with a stiff brush? Please help!
Also any suggestions of stripping the paint from the railings as well (power wash or maybe orbital sander?)
Only way to remove is to sand it off. Strippers will not remove it.
Please give your honest opinion. I live in Mississauga, Ontario. The first image is of my deck, picture on the right is the look im going for (grey) . Can you suggest a stain type (semi solid or solid) and a reliable brand for my type of deck. If prepped correctly, is their any brand that would give me this look?
You just need a two-toned deck in two solid stains. Try the Restore A Deck Solid Stains:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-solid-color-stain-review/
I live in Niagara Falls and had a new fence put up almost 3 years ago. It was built using the new brown coloured wood. At its present age the brown colour has disappeared and the fence is gray it looks terrible and I’m so disappointed. The green wood held up much better. What stain would you recommend?
Thank you for your time.
TWP 200 Series or Armstrong Clark. Maybe have it shipped to the US side of the border to save on costs if you are allowed to cross?
My location is Thornhill, Ontario Canada.I last had my deck sanded and stained in July 2018. The product was Sherwin Williams Superdeck semi solid stain which is peeling off everywhere. The deck is treated wood and is about 20 years old. I need to have the deck stripped and stained. What product would you suggest?
How long should the deck stain last?
Post some pictures for prep help.
For a new deck two years old what is the best stain brand in montreal
Tyr TWP 200 Series or Armstrong Clark stains.
I was wondering I have 4 gallons of semi transparent Behr but I don’t like the color is too light . Do you recomen it if I ask the Home Depot to make darker to use it or I stick with the Armstrong?
Behr is garbage, do not use it: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/behr-deck-stain-review/
What would be the best tintable semi-transparent deck stain for Newfoundland, Canada
TWP 200 Series or Armstrong Clark.
Thank you!
My location is SW of London Ontario Canada on Lake Erie. I have two projects:
1) Pressure treated brown pine, deck and outdoor shower in 2018. I liked the brown colour when first installed. Lumber supplier recommended Techniseal … I went with ‘natural’ as I didn’t want to change the original colour. Applied 2019. By 2020, it was already faded and protectant not working …water absorbing into wood. Wood quite dry … checking. Deck is in the shade most of the day. Some mildew in shower area floor.
2) Pergola installed on other side of house in summer 2020. Pressure treated brown pine. Again like the original brownish colour so hoping for something similar. Nothing applied yet (except for end cuts). Gets afternoon sun.
Hoping same product will work for both. Will the number of coats be different for deck vs pergola?
Thanks …
You can use the same for all. Look at TWP 200 Series. Maybe Butternut color if you want more of a brown tint. Make sure to prep all first.
Other option could be Restore A Deck Stain in Dark Walnut.
TWP Butternut and RAD Dark Walnut are both darker than I was looking for. Are the TWP semi-solid stains able to ship to Canada? I’m looking for something closer to the TWP Pecan but it’s only in the 100 series.
No, not allowed in Canada.
Where can you buy the Restore A Deck or Defy Extreme in Canada (Ontario)?
Check with them directly at http://www.restore-a-deck.com
Already had. So your answer is ‘no’.
Hi. Looking to stain my deck that has treated decking and ceder railings. Can I use the same stain for both?
Yes, you can. Make sure to prep correctly first.
What would you recommend? I’m in Edmonton – cold dry winter.
Restore A Deck Wood Stains or Armstrong Clark.
We are refinishing a two year old deck and putting in a new fence in Calgary. We want something that will last several years – looking at a solid stain. Which one do you recommend?
For a solid stain, look at Flood or Restore A Deck Solids.
Thank you! We are going to pressure wash, but is there a product we should use for cleaning? Is sanding necessary? Paint is peeling…
Post some pictures here in comment area.
Best stain to cover pressure treated deck that had Thompsons put on 3 years ago
For what location?
Hi, I live in Quebec and I’m looking to save a 30yrs old deck (around 965sq ft of surface to stain). I just rebuilt entirely most of the railings and changed some floor planks. I plan to weather the new treated wood, but I’m currently looking to buy a great solid stain to blend it all together once it is ready.
I’m looking for a brown , I don’t want a stain too dark but because seating area is full sun I’m afraid that a light color (like RAD cypress) will become cream or yellow soon.
I already cleaned a bit with a pressure washer but I still have to strip, sand and brighten everything.
Which brand and colour would you recommend me ? I’m a bit lost between these 3.
Ordering sample to Canada is really expensive and I can’t find pictures from customers except from RAD espresso and Cypress, i need your help! :)
RAD Solid stain (Dark Brown), TWP 200 Series or Armstrong Clark ?
Thanks!
TWP 200 and AC are not solid stains. Use the RAD Solid Stains.
Thanks for your reply.
For application, roller or brush? Or both are OK depending of the surface?
Would it be ok if I use solid stain on floor and semi transparent for railing as it is new wood (like RAD cedar)?
I know the opposite is recommended for dual tone, but in my situation floor needs to be solid I think.
Thanks
For a solid stain you use rollers and brushes to apply. You can do a two-toned look.
Our cedar siding has a semitransparent stain on it. It is only 3 years old. We notice a fungus on it that doesn’t not come off with TSP. We are suspecting that we will need to cover our siding with a semi-solid to hide the fungal growth but are sad to cover the beautiful wood. What prep and product would you recommend to cover over what is already applied to the wood. Thanks in advance.
Post some pictures here in the comment area.
We are located at the oceanfront in BC
You do not need to hide it. Just strip and brighten for prep and then use a stain that does not promote mildew growth. Like the Restore A Deck Stains.
So which product would you use to strip? I’m having a terrible time finding a painter and most shy away from the intensive prep work. So the trip will remove previous coats of stain? Tricky part is that it is next to paint I don’t want affected. Approximately 1/3 of the house is wood.
Look at the RAD Stain Stripper with both additives:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
Can you buy these stains in Canada or only out of the states
You would have to ask the manufacturers for help with this.
New wood? You cannot stain it yet. After the wait and prep, try TWP 200 Series or Restore A Deck Stains.
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
We are planning to completely strip and restrain our cedar deck. We are in Calgary, Canada, the deck is several feet off the ground and over ten years old. It is south-west facing and gets full sun. We would like to use a semi-transparent stain. What would you recommend? Thanks!
For Canada, use TWP 200 Series or Armstrong Clark stains.
I just finished stripping my cedar gazebo inside and out, and the railings and steps for my deck. I had intended on using Behr but after reading the reviews, looks like not a good idea. Problem is the top 4 stains you recommend for Canad can only be bought in the US. I’m thinking of just driving down there to pick up one of the four stains you recommend but borders are closed. I’d have to pay over $200 in shipping charges which is nuts. Question is how long can I leave my wood stripped before I stain. Can it wait another month or two when/if borders open up or do I need to stain now that wood is exposed.?
Thanks
Stain within two weeks of pre or redo the prep if longer. Clean and brighten.
Hi, I live in Alaska and I am looking for the best deck stain that will ship to me or I can buy local. I am going crazy trying to find a good stain. Tried both Behr and Cabot both about the same performance peeling and chipping everywhere . The Cabot was better but then turned into a nightmare when they changed something in their formula. August 2019 I hand sanded every part of our deck and cleaned it. Then stained it with Cabot Solid since the deck is old and had been done with Cabot the time before and it didn’t last 2 months!! Can you make a recommendation?
Sorry but we are not sure what is sold locally there and what brands will ship to you. Behr and Cabot are garbage.
I have a south facing cedar deck that is raised about 6 inches from the ground, It gets full sunlight as there are no trees.I live in Muskoka, Canada. I had used Arborcoat Solid stain but every year I have to repaint a major part of the deck because the paint has peeled off. I will be sanding the entire deck and removing all the paint. I would like to use a transparent deck stain that will not peel off and it is east to apply and reapply every couple of years. I don’t care if it fades. What do you recommend?
TWP 200 Series or Armstrong Clark Stains.
I have a south facing deck in Ontario, Canada that we are currently trying to prep to stain. Is it better to you an oil based stain to make it last longer or does it make that much difference?
It depneds more on the brand quality than if oil or water-based.
What currently available products would be compatible with the now discontinued Natural Deck Oil from Biowash (waterborne)?
Restore a Deck Stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-review/
I used Cabot semi trans cedar tone two years ago on a newly cedar sided cottage and it’s already fading. What would you recommend to recover? (There’s no pealing or blistering, just fading)
You will need to remove the Cabot. A deck stripper and pressure washing to remove. Wood brighener after to neutralize. Stain with TWP 200 Series.
Used BeautiTone Woodshield acrylic deck and siding stain on a new deck last year in Wiarton, ON. My spouse is a stickler for detail, and followed the instructions to the letter. We had waited two months for the deck to dry out before staining. Now that winter is over all we see is stain peeling off the boards. What do you suggest for removing and redoing the stain?
Send picturss of the deck for prep help.
here you go
It is too thick to strip off. You will have to power sand this to remove fully. Clean and brighten after.
Once removed, try a true penetrating stain like TWP 200 Series or Armstrong Clark.
Okay, spent way too much time sanding off the stain that didn’t peel off over the winter. Now looking for a stain or sealer that looks just like it rained – see photo. Is the TWP series the best product for that look, and is it available (yet/still) in Canada?
Try TWP 200 Series in Cedar Gold
I live in B.C. Canada and a few years ago I built a new cedar deck. I purchased TWP deck stain from the states as it was not being sold in Canada at that time. I have stained it twice and it is ready to be stained again. My left over stain has had it so need to buy new and don’t know where to find a dealer and I have a few questions. thank you I am ready to order and get at it. Spring is coming. I live in Hazelton B.C.
See here for the TWP 200 Series: https://www.twpstain.com/wood-and-deck-stains/twp-wood-stains/twp-200-series
Hi. Which deck stain is best for new cedar deck in April 2020 that we left to weather til now and are planning to stain soon. South facing deck in Ottawa. Full sun.
Try the Armstrong Clark or TWP 200 Series. Make sure to clean and brighten the deck.
Thank u. Do U also recommend SansinDec?
No, seems to have issues.
I have an older pressure treated deck, the stain is pretty much gone. Live in Edmonton AB and have found every stain i use on the deck lasts maybe a year. Our backyard faces south so we get the cold winters and then our deck will hit 40C in the summer. The decking is looking weathered at this point…some minor areas where the stain is still there but the vast majority of it is gone. I do not want a stain that is only going to last a year…i would like aome longevity from it and gather a solid stain is not the way to go, but am open to recommendations. Any suggestions?
Use the TWP 200 Series. Make sure to strip and brighten for the prep.
I have a south facing pressure treated deck built in the fall of 2017. It is full sun all year long. I live in Canada . I treated it in spring of 2018 and 2020 with Thompson clear water seal treatment after using Thompson deck wash. My concern is the brown color seems to be disappearing. I’d like to stain it with a transparent stain. I’m willing to do a stain coat and then an additional protective coat. I dont want semi transparent or solid stain as that means extensive sanding in the future before staining. The vertical spindles don’t seem to be losing their color as much. Which would better in full sun Defy or Armstrong ? Do they need a protective coat on top of the stain?
Use Armstrong Clark. You never top coat a deck stain with an addtional coat.
Thank you.
When would a brightener be used?
You have to fully remove the Thompsons first by stripping and or sanding. Brightener goes on after it is removed.
There has never been a stain applied before. Just the pressure treated color it came with and Thompsons Waterseal Clear Waterproofer plus applied in 18 and 20. I’m assuming the stripper will remove any waterproofer.
Yes, it should remove it.
I am building a cabin and using fir plywood for the exterior. It will be insulated, it is in North Alberta. Would one of these be the best protection? E g. Restor a Deck or Armstrong.
Brent Dane
Either of those brands would work very well.
recommended temp to use
50-90 degrees F.
Deck could be 40 years old. I painted it once about 7 years ago with Sico? water base paint. Didnt last at all.
Wanted to paint.stain it before winter.
What and which brand n line should i use?
I dont have sander nor power spray nothing. Only hands.
I dont ve to sand?
Is oil base easier to apply?
It is 16.5 x 8.55 ft. How much do i buy?
Lives on scarb. On
Pls advise.
Thx
Live in Canada (across from Detroit). I have a 25 year old pressure treated deck. Stained over 13 years ago. This past June I power washed and sanded. Looks great. 1. Can I still stain this time of year? 2. I believe I only need to clean and brighten (no stripping) Can you confirm? 3.Which stain & colour do you recommend if I want a natural colour? 4. How many coats required?
1. Yes.
2. We would need to see pictures.
3. TWP 200 Series or Armstrong Clark.
4. Depends on current condition and stain brand.
Here are some pictures.
Clean and brighten for prep is okay. Try Armstrong Clark stains, two coats.
Here are some pictures
I have a new white eastern cedar gazebo to stain
I sanded it with 80 grit and would like to stain at least the parts exposed to the elements before winter (posts,beams and fascia) the rafter could wait for next summer!
What stain would be the best choice?
See here about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Messmers
Hi. My deck is 22 years old but was just painted 3 years ago with a Behr deck stain that didn’t last 2 years. It peeled and just sort of seemed to disappear! It’s pressure treated. I’m not sure if the paint was oil or water based.
My question: I want to paint, but assume I need to use the same type of paint—oil or water. The previous pain was solid color but it’s called a stain. Not sure what that means.
How do I go about painting. Prep? Type of paint? Is Sikkens a good choice?
I will not be able to get all the old stain off.
Thank you, Margie
Post some pictures for prep help.
interesting article and would be useful if I could find any of these in Winnipeg ! Where would I be able to buy any of these here?
1.Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain
2.TWP 200 Series
3.Armstrong Clark Stains
4.Defy Extreme Stain
Check online.
Hello again, after reading reviews and looking at the colour options in semitransparent Cedar for RAD, Amstrong and TWP 200 stains, Regarding your experience, what company from these three have a more rich, darker colour in Cedar tone? Its really hard to judge and compare the colours from the websites. Looks like RAD stain in Light Walnut not in Cedar is closer in appearance to TWP201 Cedartone and Cedar in Amstrong. We have a 6 year old weathered cedar deck.
Thank you in advance.
Mila
Darker as in browner or redder?
Is one of the two brands a darker brown or darker red than the other? We would prefer the darker of the two. But if I have to pick more reddish.
RAD Light Walnut is a reddish cedar color and we use it a lot. It will have more red than the AC or the Defy.
As an example we like the Defy semi transparent colour.
Looks like my first reply didn’t send. Which of the two brands is more red?
We live in Calgary, Alberta. Our 450 ft2 deck is cedar and 5-6 years ago a hail storm caused our Defy coating to come off very quickly. Our cedar is now grey, but we plan to power wash, strip and brighten before re-coating. Calgary has a very low humidity dry climate with very cold winters and not too hot summers. What would be your three choices for a semi-transparent stain?
Thank you,
John and Mila
TWP 200 Series, Armstrong Clark, or Restore-A-Deck stains.
I also live in Calgary and looking for a good semi-transparent stain for our cedar deck that has been sanded (I’ve never been happy with the Behr product used in the past). Just wondering, have you found any local suppliers for any of the brands recommended? Thanks!
No, we searched, but no luck to find a supplier. We are ordering online. Good luck!
Thank-you! At this point I’m considering letting it go unfinished, lol (sigh), as I am so tired of the yearly maintenance…
Where can you buy these in Canada?
Check online with their websites.
I need to re- stain a cottage that was stained 20 yrs ago. It was most likely a oil based stain.
It is a solid dark green. Vertical, Board and baton. The existing finish is solid, no flaking, just fading on sunny side of cottage.
What is the best choice for stain?
mark
Use one of these solid stains: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
I live in Mississauga ontario Canada. Where can i buy these products?
Restore a deck or twp?
Check with their websites.
This is so sad, spending hours online looking for an oil based wood deck sealant to buy in Ontario and nothing in this hellhole of Canada with its scam taxes and restrictions on everything. Anything like TWP oil based thats good from the US costs a fortune for shipping. Can not believe this place. Will be driving to Buffalo to buy and take back with me to Muskoka. So glad to be an American.
I finished a deck with ordinary Sienna pressure treated wood and surprised how great it looked. Now the question is how does one retain the colour and do I stain to preserve it now or wait and power wash it and semi transparent stain it later. The deck is 1 week old.
You cannot retain the current color. See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Best to wait until next year to prep and stain.
Where do you buy Restore a Deck in Canada?
Check with their website.
Sorry, but I couldn’t find it & that’s why I posted! Can you tell me where, please & thankyou!
Restore-A-Deck.com
We are currently only selling Restore-A-Deck products at retail stores in the Michigan area and Online. — quote from website. I would not consider this for Canada unless it is available here. Shipping and customs would be astronomical.
Many Canadians buy from the sates and have it shipped as there does not seem to be any quality stains available in stores there.
Yeah sorry, when people search for desk stains Canada, they’re looking for stains in Canada. It sucks that we can’t get good products here.
We bought Defy on line and shipped in from the USA and it was reasonable and worth it.
Our deck is 3 years old. When we first built it we painted it with Cabot Australian oil which peeled within a few months. We have power washed the deck and would like to stain it with a semitransparent stain to protect from UV and water. Deck is approx. 400 square feet. Do we need to sand (overwhelming) or would a chemical wash work?
Just clean and brighten the wood for prep. Try Armstrong Clark wood stains.
We do have a bit of “furring”. Should we buff first or clean and brighten and then buff before staining?Also, is it better to stick with one product line for stains and clean & brighten?
Thank you for your assistance.
Buff and then clean and brighten. Same products are typically the way to go.
Thanks very much. Easier for us to purchase Sansin products in Canada. This got an honourable mention in your “stain off”. Will this work as stain too?
We did not give Sansn an honorable mention on any review on this site. We personally do not like it.
Thanks for your advice.
Hi, I just had a brown pressure treated wood fence installed, as well as a green pressure treated deck. I live in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The climate has short, hot summers and extremely cold winters, and is reasonably dry, as it’s on the prairies. Two questions: 1) When should I apply a protective coat (if I should apply anything at all)? and 2) What should I apply? I do not need to change the colour of the deck or the fence. My sole purpose in applying anything at all is to prolong the life of the deck and fence.
Last year I applied a 6-8 year Behr stain/sealant product to a different, small deck, and it’s terrible. It started peeling the same season I applied it. I fear applying something to my new fence and deck and having comparable results.
Please help!
See here about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
You have to stain it late Fall or next year. You cannot just preserve the color as is, it will not work. For Canada, use the Armstrong Clark or TWP 200 Series. They will not peel like the Behr.
We can’t find anywhere in Canada to purchase any of the top 4 rated deck stains?
Even though this site suggests that they are available here?
Have it shipped.
We will if it’s allowed across the border?
Armstrong Clark, Restore A Deck Stains, and TWP 200 Series are.
Hi: I have a pressure treated pine deck, four years old starting to grey. What do you recommend for a stain and how long should it last before I have to do it again? Deck is in the Muskoka area.
Clean and brighten the wood for prep. Stain with TWP stains or Restore A Deck Stains. Redo every 2-3 years.
Hi
I consulted this site last year for advices on staying my 15f X 16f deck .
This is the result last week after using SANSIN Espresso 17
Thank you guys
Sam
Montreal
Canada
Armstrong Clark stains are not available for sale in Canada because they are oil-based. The federal government, in their infinite wisdom, decided we should not be able to buy oil-based stains. You would have to visit a store south of the border.
Sorry but that is not true. You can still use oil-based stains there as long as the stains are 250 VOC compliant. They are just not sold in Canda but you can shave it shipped.
I live in Winnipeg MB and have read a lot of the comments on your site. Can you recommend a stain that I can actually buy at a store in Manitoba? All of your suggestions are only available to purchase online.
Sorry, but we do not live there and as far as we know from other posters, there are not any decent stains in your local stores.
Can you please tell me where I can buy Defy oil based deck oil in Canada. We previously used Natural Deck Oil from Biowash. It has apparently been replaced by Defy but I am having trouble locating anywhere accept online to buy same. I live in Winnipeg. Thanks for your help.
Online only from what we can see.
Thanks for replying.. Can you give me your best shot at the best deck oil to buy locally in Canada? Thanks
We do not live there so no idea as to any decent brands. It seems from other posts there are not any and most buy from states and have them shipped.
The states do not ship the 200 series to Canada. I tried. If you does how much would a gallon cost. What about duty and shipping fees. Any idea
You can order the TWP 200 Series and have it shipped to Canada. As for cost, check with the TWPStain.com site.
Hi! I live in Canada, I have two fences and a deck to stain- but one fence is cedar one is pressure treated wood. What stain would you recommend? Thanks!
TWP 200 Series or Armstrong Clark.
I live in Edmonton Alberta. Last year I prepped and used a solid color stain on my deck (about 15 years old). This year it is peeling like crazy! I would like to “start over” with Restore a Deck or TWP. Are these products only available for on-line purchase? If so, would I have to buy them from the US website? Please let me know!
Check with them directly for help buying. As for the solid stain that you have now, you will have to sand it off fully to fix it.
Thanks. Will any products assist me with stripping or is sanding the only option? I would like to do this as efficiently as possible.
You cannot strip off a solid stain fully. Needs to be sanded.
Sorry but that is inaccurate
Sico deck stripper bought at rona worked 100%
roll it on, wait 20 min, wash it off with light power washer so not to damage the wood
That will not remove a solid stain. It will remove semi-transparent.
For a 10 year old cedar south facing deck in Saskatchewan what would be better the Restore a deck or the TWP
Try the TWP 200 Series.
I have a 3 year old Cedar Deck that we want to stain as the cedar is turning grey in colour. We live in Canada,
what stain would you recommend? I was told we should use a oil stain,
TWP 200 Series or Armstrong Clark.
What is the best, most durable stain for house siding in Northern Ontario? One that will cover the weathered parts that got splashed from the rain hitting the small roof over our front door onto the house siding and that will be a water sealant as well as last a very long time as our home is a 3 story (2 story with half above ground walk-out basement).
Try TWP 200 Series. Make sure to prep well.
Can I get this in northern Ontario?
Check with TWP.
Hi there. We have a 20 year old multi-level deck/fencing across the street from the ocean on Vancouver Island BC Canada. My goal is to extend the life of the deck as long as humanly possible as it’s on a very steep hillside so refinishing regularly is not an option. We have used the Benjamin Moore Remove after having sanded certain areas on the fence. And we will finish all surfaces with brighten. We have a stripper on the way from Restore-a-deck for the decks/walking surfaces. I prefer wood to look as natural as humanly possible but I don’t want to redo it 5 years from now if possible. #1. What product would you recommend for the fencing? 2. What product would you recommend for the decks/walking surfaces? Many thanks,
Try TWP 200 Series or Armstrong Clark. BTW, nothing will last more than 2-3 years on a deck. You can get close to 5 years for a fence. Use the same brand for both areas.
hello. i have an old cedar deck that’s probably about 30 years old. previous owner had applied a sikkens treatment. when it started peeling i stripped about 10 years ago and left it au naturel. it’s now grey, cracking and rotting in a few places but salvageable. the holy grail of sealers for me would be a product that offers uv/mildew/water protection and very importantly DOES NOT form a film that would need to be stripped down the road. i don’t mind cleaning and reapplying every other year but not stripping. does that product exist. i’ve yet to hear of one. thanks, jim
TWP 200 Series or Armstrong Clark stains.