This post was updated on July 2, 2025
I regularly get questions regarding how to choose a deck stain. This is not surprising, as people encounter a mind-boggling number of deck stain options on the market. The best way of making this decision begins by assessing your unique set of conditions and circumstances. Start by identifying the type of wood your deck is constructed of, the local climate, the age and condition of the wood, personal preferences, and more.
Know Your Wood First
The types of wood used in decks today have different characteristics, which make them appropriate for certain types of stains. Softwoods such as pine, cedar, and redwood are more porous and absorbent. For these types of wood, I typically recommend a high-quality, oil-based stain that penetrates deeply and creates a strong layer of protection.
As the name suggests, hardwoods such as IPE, mahogany, and ash are fairly dense, and many deck stain options are unable to effectively penetrate. I usually recommend stains that are specifically formulated to overcome these density concerns and penetrate hardwood.
Tip: Absorbency can be determined by sprinkling some water on the wood. If the water is absorbed, the wood is suitable for staining. If you notice the water “beading up” on the surface, the wood may need to be sanded or require more time to thoroughly dry.
Think About Your Local Climate
What Kind of Weather Does Your Deck Face?
Your regional climate is a key consideration when choosing a deck stain. Northern states such as Minnesota and Michigan have icy and frigid winter conditions. In most cases, the best deck stains for cold climates include moisture-resistant solid or semi-solid stains.
Your deck may face extreme heat and prolonged direct sunlight in many areas of the Southwestern U.S., such as Arizona or Nevada. Powerful ultraviolet (UV) rays can quickly damage the wood, which soon begins to fade, grey, or crack. For direct sunlight, I often recommend oil-based, semi-solid stains from Armstrong Clark or TWP, which contain pigments that offer superior UV protection.
Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi consistently rank among the states with the most rainfall and humidity. In these climates, consider semi-transparent stains such as the TWP 1500 Series or Defy Extreme, which effectively prevent damage from moisture, mold, and mildew.
Decide on Your Desired Look
How to Choose a Stain Color for Deck Beauty and Style
You should also choose a deck stain that will help achieve your preferences in style, color, and appearance. Here, you should consider the stain color and transparency options as follows:
- Clear: Although they offer minimal UV protection, clear stains help resist moisture and allow you to fully showcase the wood’s natural wood grains.
- Semi-transparent: A semi-transparent stain offers better UV protection than a clear stain without hiding the natural wood appearance.
- Semi-solid: A semi-solid stain will limit the visibility of the natural wood grain but generally provides better UV protection and richer color.
- Solid: With paint-like properties, solid stains are available in most colors and help to hide the imperfections commonly found on older wood decks.
Tip: Test the stain by applying a small amount to an inconspicuous area. Consider buying several stain samples to closely compare the deck stain differences before making a final choice.
Maintenance: How Much Time Do You Have?
Do You Want to Stain Once and Forget It—Or Are You Okay Reapplying?
Deck stains are unique and have different maintenance requirements. One of the key factors influencing how often you must reapply a stain is opacity. For example, you should expect to reapply clear or semi-transparent stains every one or two years. Many semi-solid and solid stains will last up to five years between applications. Remember to always review the stain manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.
Oil-Based vs. Water-Based Stains
What’s The Difference—And Which Is Better?
Traditionally, oil-based stains were the most prevalent. However, a transition to water-based stains began in the 1990s to comply with environmental regulations limiting the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Recently, in the market, the water-based deck stain options have improved in many ways and often perform nearly as well as oil-based products.
Oil-based stains generally penetrate the wood and enhance the wood’s natural appearance better than water-based stains. Oil-based stains usually require more dry time, and many do-it-yourselfers find them more challenging to use than water-based formulas. Water-based stains are more eco-friendly, allow for easier cleanup, dry faster, and are available in more colors compared to oil-based options.
Final Tips for Choosing the Right Stain
Put It All Together
Performing regular maintenance is critical to protect, preserve, and enhance the appearance of wood decks. The exterior environment may pose challenges associated with moisture, ice, UV rays, mold, mildew, pests, and more. Deck stains can form a vital layer of protection against the elements.
Some of the most important factors to consider when selecting a stain include:
- Wood type: Certain stains are more suitable for either softwoods or hardwoods.
- Climate: Choose a stain that is formulated to protect against the challenges in your local environment such as freezing temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight.
- Finish: Based on your deck’s current condition and your preferences, choose either a clear, semi-transparent, semi-solid, or solid stain.
- Maintenance: Remember to consider how frequently you are able or willing to perform maintenance when selecting a stain.
- Base: Assess the pros and cons of water-based and oil-based stains when choosing the ideal solution.
Tip for getting started: Ask yourself how you want your deck to appear next year.
Ready to Choose Your Deck Stain?
I encourage you to use DeckStainHelp.com as a resource when choosing a deck stain. I’ve worked as a professional contractor who specializes in wood restoration for over 30 years now. DeckStainHelp.com offers comprehensive guidance and professional reviews of the best products and practices in deck maintenance. The site is very interactive and invites feedback, which is demonstrated in the posting of more than 70,000 Q&As and 6,000 discussions.
Recently, the site was transformed into a one-stop shop for deck stains, cleaners, strippers, sprayers, tools, and more. I encourage you to shop and compare our large selection of products that ship for free to 48 U.S. states.
