Best Way to Stain a Deck? 5/5 (1)

What is the Best Way to Stain a Deck?

Deck stains come in a variety of different types such as:

Key takeaways

The best way to stain a deck depends on the specific type of stain and even the brand you choose.
Common deck stain types include Solid Color, Semi-Solid, Semi-Transparent, and Transparent formulas.
Stains are also categorized as either oil-based or water-based, which affects application method and tools.
Knowing your deck stain brand name helps determine the most effective application technique for best results.
The right application tools vary by stain type and can make the job significantly easier and faster.
DeckStainHelp.com offers over 150 Q&A articles covering deck staining, cleaning, and prep in their Deck Stain Facts section.

Solid Color Opaque Stains
Semi-Solid Deck Stains
Semi-Transparent Deck Stains
Transparent Deck Stains
Oil-Based Stains
Water-Based stains

There is not a simple answer as to what is the best way to stain your deck without knowing the type of stain and yes, even the brand of stain.

Best Way to Stain My Deck?

Need help finding the best way to stain your deck? We are here to help! Just let us know in the comments below the answer to these simple questions, and will let you know the best way to stain and which application tools will work best for you, making your deck staining easier and faster!

Deck Stain Brand Name
Deck Stain Type. Examples: Transparent, Semi-Transparent, Semi-Solid, Solid Color
Water-Based or Oil-Based

More Info on Best Way to Stain a Deck

For more info, see our Deck Stain Facts section with over 150 simple Q&A articles that answer all the questions that you have regarding deck staining, cleaning, and prep.

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Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 Owner

Scott Paul is the founder and owner of DeckStainHelp.com. He has worked in exterior wood and deck restoration since 1993, when he started Oakland Pressure Wash in Metro Detroit, and has restored more than 10,000 decks over three decades in the field. Everything reviewed here is tested the way a contractor tests it: applied to real wood, in real weather, and watched over multiple seasons. No manufacturer pays for a review, a rating, or a placement on this site. Read Scott's full bio and the list of sites he operates.

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Lisa

3 years ago

Last year I purchased Siberian Larch for my replacement deck wood. I have kept it inside the garage for several months, then stored it in my basement for the winter, with it being taken back out to the garage where is has sat for another 3 months. It is a heavy (deep) grain 1″ thick 5.5″width (16′ lengths). I wanted to stain prior to installation on all sides.

I read that you do not recommend pre-staining, before assembling, why?

With the deep grain, is a brush or pad better?