Deck Stain vs Deck Sealer

Deck Stain and Sealer

What is the difference between a Deck Sealer vs a Deck Stain is a very common question here on DeckStainHelp.com. The simple answer is that all deck stains are sealers as well but a deck sealer is not a deck stain.

In this article about Deck Stains and Sealers, we will breakdown the main difference between the two different types and give our 25+ years of experience as to what stain brand and type is best for your exterior wood deck.

Deck Sealer Beading Water

Deck Sealers

A deck sealer is a clear, transparent coating designed primarily to repel water. It prevents water from soaking into the wood by causing it to bead up or “shed” off the surface after rain.

Pros of a Deck Sealer:

Clear coating that won’t alter the natural color of the wood.
Simple and quick to apply.
Effectively repels water, protecting against moisture damage.

Cons of a Deck Sealer:

It offers no UV protection, so the wood will still be gray over time.
Requires frequent reapplication, typically every 3–12 months.
Does not protect against mildew or mold growth.

Deck Stain and Sealer Tip #1:

Avoid clear deck sealers from big-box brands like Thompson’s or Olympic. These products often provide minimal benefits, and in some cases, they can lead to mildew or mold issues. Their lifespan is disappointingly short—usually lasting less than a few months—making them a poor investment for your deck’s long-term care.

For better results, consider high-quality alternatives that offer both water repellency and UV protection for more comprehensive wood preservation.

Solid Color Deck Stain Beading Water

Deck Stains

Deck stains are available in various transparencies, including solid color opaque stains, semi-solid stains, semi-transparent stains, and transparent stains. The amount of color or tint in the stain plays a crucial role in providing UV protection. This protection helps prevent UV oxidation, which is the primary cause of wood graying over time.

Pros of a Deck Stain:

Offers UV protection to prevent graying.
Repels water, causing it to shed or bead off the surface.
Enhances the natural beauty of the wood grain with a wide range of color options.
Provides lasting protection, typically for 12–36 months, depending on the transparency level.

Cons of a Deck Stain:

Some brands and types can be more challenging to reapply, especially thicker options.
Solid color stains are more prone to peeling over time, especially if improperly applied or maintained.

Deck Stain and Sealer Tip #2:

The more pigment a stain contains, the longer it will provide UV protection. For example, transparent or lightly tinted stains fade and gray faster than semi-solid or solid stains, which offer better durability against sun exposure. Choose a stain with the right balance of color and transparency based on your deck’s condition and the level of protection you need.

Deck Stains and Sealers are Best

While all deck stains can be considered sealers the best versions are the penetrating semi-transparent deck stains. These stains types offer the best of all options. They soak deep into the wood grain, offer UV protection for 2-3 years, the will bead or shed water, and they are the easiest to prep and reapply as needed.

The Top Deck Stain and Sealer

See here for our full review for the best Best Penetrating Deck Stains