Deck Stain vs. Paint: What’s the Difference Between Stain and Paint, and Which Is Best for a Wood Deck? 4.8/5 (9)

This post was updated on June 22, 2024

Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood. My 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 product choices. See here for more info about me.

I often hear a question at DeckStainHelp.com: “What’s the difference between using deck stain and regular house paint?” The key to answering this question starts with understanding the difference between stain and paint.

House Paint or Deck Stain?

If you’re comparing stain to house paint, it’s better to use stain on your wood deck. House paint is explicitly designed for vertical surfaces, such as walls and trim, not horizontal ones, like the surfaces of your deck. House paint is much thicker; it will wear and peel when applied to a deck. Meanwhile, staining is a more budget-friendly option that is easy to apply and shows off the natural look of the wood.

However, it’s important to note that there are numerous coatings explicitly designed for horizontal wood, such as a deck floor. Paint for a house is not one of them, but if you like the look of paint rather than stain, you can buy specialized deck paint made for horizontal surfaces.

Appearance of Deck Stain vs Paint

The main differences between deck paint and deck stains are appearance and ease of application. Deck paint will cover the grain of your deck completely and hide any blemishes you don’t want people to see, and it comes in an array of colors; stain shows the grain of the wood and typically only comes in shades of brown. However, a stain can be applied in one coat and doesn’t show brush or roller marks, while deck paint will require multiple coats and is more challenging to apply smoothly.

Deck Stains Lasts Longer

Wood Stain is much more durable than house paint on a wood deck. However, if you compare deck paint vs. stain, the paint will often last longer, assuming you’ve applied it correctly. While the stain is fairly easy to use, deck paint requires a wood preservative, a primer underneath, and a sealant on top.

Deck Stain Types vs. Paint

Exterior wood and deck stains come in many different types and transparencies. The most popular are transparent deck stains, semi-transparent deck stains, semi-solid deck stains, and solid color deck stains. These deck stain types are designed especially for decks but will have different appearances and longevity. Here’s an analysis of the different types of deck stains and how they compare to house paint.

Solid Color Deck Stain vs Paint

Solid deck stains look like deck paint. They cover the wood completely, so the grain is no longer visible. Once you apply a solid deck stain, you will have to stick with it in the future unless you want to power sand to remove it.

Differences in a Solid Stain vs. Paint

While both will hide the wood’s grain, giving you a similar appearance, a solid-color stain for decks will have a thinner consistency. This allows for better penetration into the wood grain, which has a huge advantage over paint, as there will be less chance of peeling.

Is Solid Stain Better Than Paint?

Solid deck stain is better than house paint for your deck. It adheres better and is not prone to peeling like house paint.

Semi-Solid Deck Stain vs Paint

A semi-solid deck stain will only show a little of the wood grain, as it contains a high amount of pigment. Semi-solid stains come in both oil- and water-based versions. Oil-based semi-solids are better, as they will soak deeper into the wood grain compared to water-based semi-solid stains.

Difference Between Paint and Stain That’s Semi-Solid

Transparency and penetration into the wood are the main differences between paint and a semi-solid deck stain.

Semi-Transparent Deck Stain vs Paint

Semi-transparent deck stains are designed with pigments highlighting the wood’s natural grain while sealing the surface. Semi-transparent wood and deck stains are among our favorites, and they come in both oil- and water-based versions. Check out our recommendations to find the best semi-transparent deck stains.

Comparing Semi-Transparent Wood Stain vs. Paint

In most scenarios, semi-transparent deck stains fully penetrate the wood grain very well. They also show or highlight the grain of the wood, while the paint will hide the grain fully.

Transparent Deck Stain vs Paint

Transparent deck coatings contain minimal pigment, so they look the most natural. Transparent stains last about 12 to 18 months

Difference Between Transparent Deck Stain and Paint

While paint will cover up your wood, transparent deck stains look the most natural and will not hide the grain of the wood. This is also the easiest type of stain to remove and reapply as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Deck Paint and Stain

Is it Better to Paint or Stain Treated Wood?

Staining pressure-treated wood instead of painting is better because the preservatives in the pressure-treated wood make it harder for the paint to bond to it. Staining doesn’t require additional preparation for your wood and handles the abuse of the sun, rain, and snow better than deck paint.

Deck Stains are More Affordable

Wood stain is a more affordable option for homeowners than paint. Deck Stain has an average price range of $40 to $60 per gallon, while exterior paint for decks has a price range of $50 to $75 per gallon. If you choose to paint your deck, you’ll also have to buy a wood preservative and primer to coat your deck before you paint it, which can cost between $15 and $40 per gallon each.

Do you have a question on Deck Stain vs Paint? Ask Below!

Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 Owner

As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior wood and deck restoration. Scott and his Deck Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 decks in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the deck restoration industry and has contributed to numerous wood restoration forums and informative sites. All the products he suggests through this site are sold through online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them.

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