This post was updated on April 4, 2025
2026 Latest Consumer Magazine Reports on Decking Stains
Consumer Reports Deck Stain Ratings
Please read this article and feel free to post any questions in the comment area below.
The Latest Consumer Magazine Reports on Decking Stains are out again this year, and we’ve been receiving questions about why our ratings differ significantly from their highest-rated products. To address this, we’ve compiled a list of reasons why we believe our reviews and ratings offer a more realistic and honest evaluation of how a deck stain performs in real-world conditions.
Why Our Reviews Are Different
Contractor Expertise
Our reviews and articles are based on decades of experience as contractors specializing in exterior wood restoration. We’ve mastered the trade of prepping and applying deck stains, giving us firsthand insight into their performance and durability.
Real-World Testing vs. Individual Board Testing
We test stains on actual decks exposed to weather, foot traffic, and everyday use. By contrast, Consumer Magazine tests stains on individual boards that are not subject to normal conditions, such as traffic or real-world weather exposure. This significant difference in testing environments often leads to discrepancies in performance ratings.
Wide Range of Brands Tested
Our testing includes all available brands and versions, not just those found in big box stores. Consumer Magazine tends to focus on major brands like Behr, Sherwin-Williams, and Cabot, which are commonly sold in retail outlets. Many of the highest-performing wood stains, however, are found in specialty paint stores, lumber yards, or online and are overlooked by these reports.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask in the comments below!
Consumer Reports Ratings for Deck Stains
Consumers Test Appearance Only for Mildew, Cracking, Wearing, Color Change, Dirt
Consumers mainly test only for the appearance of the stain after a period of accelerated testing. They do not take into consideration many of the requirements that we look for.
- Ease of application
- Cost per square foot
- Difficulty in reapplying in the future
Free vs. paid subscription
Our help articles, reviews, and ratings are free for all to read and post their own experience when working with a particular stain. Consumers is a paid subscription that requires a monthly or yearly fee to access.
Overall Ratings On The Web
Our help articles, ratings, and reviews for decking finishes are consistent with real-world experiences across the Internet. For example, Consumers rates Behr Stains “Best” while we gave it the worst deck stain rating of any brand tested. In our opinion, this is absolutely ridiculous. A quick search online for “Behr deck stain failure” will produce a substantial amount of unhappy and mad customers. In fact, Consumers own “user ratings” show that homeowners who have used Behr Stains gave it a 1 Star out of 5! We have never met an experienced contractor who would use Behr on a customer’s deck. We encourage potential deck stain buyers to do thorough research online prior to buying.
Who is Consumer Reports and Why Deck Stain Reviews
The Consumer Reports is the publication of the Consumer’s Union. Many consumers use the publication when making a buying decision. After all, it publishes the ratings of other consumers who have bought the same products. So it would seem a logical place to gather buying information right? Well maybe not. The Consumer Reports publication has long been accused of biased ratings.
This is especially true in the car industry. You can find countless articles of Consumer Reports being falsely suggestive in some of their ratings. Unfair testing and biased ratings seem to be common. More than a dozen large companies, from car manufacturers to electronic companies have sued Consumer Reports over the years. It almost seems like, for whatever reason, they tend to sway the results of tests and ratings.
The same can be said for wood deck stains. Most of the Consumer Reports claim Behr as the number one stain followed by Thompsons Water Seal. But ironically most any professional in the deck staining industry will tell you these stains are inferior and they do not use them. Behr has been in many lawsuits with homeowners over the premature failure of their deck stains. In fact, Consumers’ own “user ratings” show that homeowners who have used Behr Stains gave it a 1 Star out of 5!
Both of these deck stain brands are sold at the big box stores, which would suggest these are the most common brands of stain consumers buy. But this doesn’t necessarily mean these stains are the best. We have tested both of these brands and many other stains. Our results for Behr Deck Stain or Thompsons Water Seal are definitely not at the top of our list. We are happy to share those results with our readers. See our deck stain reviews for more information.
I live in Michigan and we have used TWP for the last 10 years, I am VERY pleased with the results over the years. Our contractor who installed our deck told us if we used any of those big box brands he would personally come back and rip the deck out, he recommended TWP as the product to use.
Do you answer questions about cedar fence finishes? We have a new (one month) cedar fence in Pacific Northwest, rainy winters, sun exposure one side, cedar trees above. We’ve had lots of dry weather and I would like to use a semi-transparent stain and finish soon. Could you please suggest a product. Sikkens SRD has been recommended. Is this a one step process or more? Is a spray finish with back brushing a reasonable approach? Thank you.
Try the Armstrong Clark or TWP 1500 Series. You can spray and back brush.
I have subscribed to Consumer R for over 30 years. Do I have access to exterior deck and steps reviews without the blind charging. I should hope so.
I live near the Mississippi in Minnesota, wet and humid summers, with sometimes harsh winters. Need to cover 610 square feet of deck, railings, and fence. Pressure treated lumber, 1 year of drying. Want something that will NOT peel, penetrate down into wood well, has a honey coloring to it, and protects well. What deck stain would be the best? Don’t want to have to maintain yearly if I don’t have to. Midwest weather can be harsh on decks. Best advise? we also have not been able to get more than 2 days of full sun, without rain this summer.
Hello,
Try the TWP 115 Honeytone or Armstrong Clark in Amber.
1. Maryland, northwest of Washington DC ( more snow and colder temperatures than DC & tidal areas
2. Covered porch with some filtered &
direct sunlight on south and west
3. Oak
4. No mold issues
5. Never stained or finished
6. Previous coating: about 40 years of dirt
I recently power washed our porch and was amazed to see what a lovely red color it was when it was wet. I would like to achieve that appearance, but I have been reading that transparent coatings do not have as good of a UV protection. Despite the long overhangs the wood is visibly worn on the edges where it receives afternoon direct sunlight, as well as more snow and rain. I am not interested in creating a maintenance issue, as evidenced by the fact that this is the first time that the deck has received any attention other than an occasional broom or hose ( we have been living here 17 years) . The porch is very rustic, so paint and pigmented stains are out of the question, but I would consider a transparent stain if the life of the coating would be prolonged. You can see in the photos of the deck where I did not consistently remove all of the dirt and grime. Should I power wash those areas or do you recommend a particular cleaner? I did not power wash the walls, but the damage from the dryer vent is very visible in the photo. Should that receive the same application as the deck? I was considering Penofin Ultra until I saw your reviews about graying. Would their marine product last longer? Am I being unrealistic in hoping to find the right product to bring out the beautiful color of the wood without a lot of maintenance?
1st photo: dark wood on right is what it looked like prior to the power wash; the rest shows damage from weathering.
2nd photo: shows areas I missed with the power washer.
3rd photo: damage on wall from dryer vent
Use a deck cleaner and pressue wash off all the wood. Brightener when done.
Penofin Marine does not last any longer. Try TWP stains for this.
I really like the look of the red oak without a stain. Will a stain last longer? Is UV degradation slowed at all because the porch is under cover?
No color in the stain = no UV protection. Covered areas do take longer to gray.
how is sikkens proluxe translucent wood finishes
See this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/tag/sikkens-cetol-srd/
How do Cabot Oil deck stains review as to performance?
Used to be great until they were bought out by Valspare years ago. Not the same formulations.
What is the hottest external temperature that De k and Dock should be applied?
85-90.
Can I apply a semi-solid stain like Armstrong or other over a solid stain without removing all of the solid stain or will only solid stain work if not completely removing first?
No you cannot do this. Only a solid stain unless you remove all.
That is what I was afraid the answer would be – thank you.
what deck paints or stains are the best
see this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Just had our deck done with SuperDeck Deck & Dock Elastomeric Coating and this stuff is horrible. goes on poorly and the finish looks different as the thickness varies. Was talked into it by the painters we hired and will never do that again. Awful stuff.
Can you elaborate on went on poorly? This is still a one direction product. No longer elastomeric either. I have had excellent results out of the reformulated deck and dock. Smoother and a finer anti skid built in.
The finish looks inconsistent. Parts were shiny with an almost sheen look and parts were gritty and dull looking. Not sure what you mean by a one direction product? Of course some of my opinion could be based on the way the professional painters applied it, but they are the ones that recommended it. From a distance the deck looks great, but on the deck it just does not look right. Also due to the thickness of the product it did not do a good job covering/filling small cracks in the surface boards. They pretty much had to to the deck a second time because coverage was so poor and I could see the old color all over the place.
It says it is a 1 to 2 coat process depending on condition of the wood. Prefill large cracks with a squeeze bottle before initial application. One direction means when rolling you don’t go back and forth. Push forward lift up and go forward again so product doesn’t pull back and have inconsistency problems. I will get some pictures of several houses I have done.
Then maybe the painters did not follow directions.
We have used Behr semi transparent deck stain–which failed, followed with Behr solid stain–which failed. We now have a credit for Behr products. Do I risk the Behr premium penetrating oil wood finish. We are very detailed in our deck preparations, following instructions to the letter. Does anyone have experience with the penetrating oil?? Thank-you.
Behr has yet to make a quality deck stain that works well. Just an FYI, the only way you could use a penetrating oil finish is if you sand off all of the solid stain 100%
Thank-you for your response
Thanks for this,I was looking at CR rating and was about to buy the Behr at a Home Depot but the person working there knew absolutely nothing and gave me little confidence. Your site is terrific. Have you ever heard of a product called Eco-Safe Wood Treatment (sounds too good to be true) or "Outlast". Can't find much information about either of them.
Hello, we reapplied to this yesterday.
Used Behr DECKOVER last year on my condo deck. It has peeled in many places and when I powerwash the deck it comes up in small sheets. I think the problem is that the paint is not flexible enough for the wood during the shrink-swell process. I used another Behr paint for the wood fence and it is doing great. So I am now in the process of repainting the deck with the paint I used on the fence with the hope of having better results.
I used Deckover and hated it – very poor adhesion. CR recommended the Behr basic deck paint over both the premium and Deckover. I’m goign back to that.
What do you know about Thompson's deck products?
how long will that take? Should I wait now or will it take hours or days to see a reply? thanks
Below average in general.
Olympic Rescue It versus Sherwin Williams Superdeck thoughts?
Would you add sand?
Neither. Sand cannot usually be added to a deck stain. Do you want a solid color?
Yes, wanted a solid color stain and want a thicker resilient product to fill in some older wood
Then try Deck Revive by Gulf Synthetics.
My shed has a sloped ramp that gets slippery when wet. Can I sprinkle a little sand on it after applying waterproof stain?
No it will not work.
I need to restain a fence and a deck (different colors) and am considering what to use. Previously I had used Cabots thinking it was the best, but after reading your reviews, am considering using TWP, Defy, or Armstrong Clark (or reusing Cabots). Location: Seattle, lots of clouds, rain, and 3 months of sun.
Deck: Cedar 1×4's laid on edge w/ 1/4" spacers between them. I used Cabots Deck Stain, oil based. At home I mixed cans 50/50 of their Sandstone & Spanish Moss colors. Have restained it every 3 years … this will be the 3rd application. Cabots seems to have worked ok, but its pretty worn this 3rd year.
Fence: Cedar 4 years old. I used Cabots Semi Transparent Deck & Siding Stain. This will be the first restain on it. Am considering using semi transparent again, or trying semi-solid.
Questions:
Would using TWP, Defy, or Armstrong Clark by ok, or should I stick with Cabots?I'm presuming we might be able to get a somewhat similar color in all cases
Are there any special considerations should make about using the different stains over the Cabots?.
If you switch brands, you will need to strip off all the Cabot first. If you decide to go this route, try the Restore A Deck Stripper and a pressure washer to remove. Brighten the wood when done. Stain with any of those three stains.
Where can I buy Twp stains in Ohio butler cty
Not sure. Contact manufacturer for help.
Don't see any statement about your relationship with manufacturers of deck stain products. Can you provide detailed explanation? For instance, Consumer Reports does not have any connection whatsoever with any manufacturers or sources, and is very clear about their objectivity in testing and reporting.
Can you say the same?
Hi Charlie, your answers to your questions are on the front page at the top and at the bottom of every page. Feel free to use our advice or Consumers. Thanks!
Hi Deck Stain Help,
I can’t find the detailed info that Charlie has asked for- at the top or bottom of this page. Not implying anything…just want to know that the info DSH gives is unbiased and true. Would you direct me more specifically? Thanks.
We never claimed to be completely unbiased and that is based on 20+ years of doing restoration work on decking. We offer two ratings and review systems. Our article reviews are based on our experiences as contractors while the consumer ratings and comments are from consumers using the same brands.
The very first article on the home page explains in more detail about the site. It also has two links to even more details about who we are.
This is very helpful and makes complete sense in terms of your being biased/unbiased. I had overlooked this (background info on who you are) because of diving into your reviews. There is so much mis-information about deck stains out there, it’s difficult to tell who is giving you the straight story. You have answered all my questions.
Thank you.
No problem! We strive to be forthcoming and that is why we allow reviews from consumers as well. DSH is by far the most extensive site on deck stains out there with over 32,000 comments, questions, answers, and reviews.
Hi, we have a new pine pressure treated14x16 platform deck that was built around an apple tree. We waited a year and are ready to clean and stain it and want to keep it as natural looking as we can. We are also worried about tree stuff falling on to the deck after it's stained and still wet. Any suggestions?
Try the TWP stain. 100 or 1500 Series. Falling stuff from tree will not harm the stain.
I had my deck replace everything was great patio set was on the deck for 9-12 months no problem, then I had my deck sealed with the TWP 100 OMG my patio set left black marks all over — I had them redo the sealing process. I was upset the people who sealed the deck was not happy — my contractor who did my deck was — all he could say was OMG.
I am in the mid-west lots and lots of rain this year, however we did have some dry days.
I am afraid to put my patio set back on–I've never never had this problem before — I've had decks sealed and patio set for 40 years without a problem what is up???
Is the patio set metal? If so then it is starting to rust and that leaves black marks in wood.
Another possiblity, if your patio set has rubber feet, is an incompatibility between the rubber and the oils in the TWP. The oils may be attacking the rubber, and/or the plasticizers in the rubber may be migrating into the oils of the TWP.
I’m a pro painter and restore historic home. I been in the for years. Since I was 10yrs old I helped my father on his construction site and was exposed to all the trades. After graduating college major in bussines. I started my painting company. In all my years of painting I never came across a paint that failed misserably like the super deck n dock elestomeric. Did everything step by step how to prepare a deck before applying the product. It failed. Lasted 4months than it just peeled up. If it rain than the sun come out it would bubble up. Than it would just peel away as you walk on deck and it would stick to boots or shoes. I put a water hose no presuure and just would come off. Totally embarassing. I called up sw reps they took samples of deck chips and paints so they can get it tested. 2 months later got results back. They told me product was watered down and I applied it to thin. They said it (sw) it should be 12mills thick.lol I called around to other Benjamin Moore stores that carry the ssme product talked to they reps and told me they never heard of such thing. Deck is under 1k sq ft I used 11gs first applied it with 3/4napp roller than second coat I used 9gs with very little left. (Pint) please if you are going to use this product I would be very careful. I’m in the middle of battling sw to correct the deck since the rep talk me and my client into using super deck elestomeric solid. Stay away or get it in writting a warranty from them cause they will find a way to pass the blame onto the contractor. As of rt now deck needs to be completly sanded to remove all paint. Beware homeowners and contractors
Thanks for the insight. I am very leery about using these products until there are better reports. I've been reading poor results on all products. Not sure what is going on. Like to have some sort of pretest on deck material before coating it with a resurface product.
Im a professional painter and i used super deck elastomeric on my own deck 3 years ago. No problems! Of course i didnt roll it on. I used a deck brush and worked the product into the substrate. We are approaching our 3rd summer and the biggest issue is minor peeling in an area where i moved my grill. One issue some folks might be having is using a roller and not back brushing into the wood. The same for those who spray stains thru an airless pump. The application techniques may be the determining factor in whether the product performs or not. I sanded and clraned tge deck, waited until there was no moisture in the substrate(very important) and i brushed 2 heavy coats onto the deck boards and the rails and spindles. As i said before the only problem areas ive experienced is where i moved my grill from one place to another. Perhaps i just got lucky, but i like to think i know what im doing as a professional tradesman.
We have used Thompson's Water Seal Wood Protector for the boat dock for years. Most of it is full sun and we have to stain it every 2 years. In the past we have always used oil-based. This year the 5 gallon can label looked exactly the same, so we assumed it was oil-based, but it is a water based "wood protector". Would it provide adequate protection? We tested a vertical wall area and it seems to be a semi-transparent, color (Honey Gold) stain. I understand that VOC regulations may dictate your answer, but is there a better product available for preserving and protecting the wood?
Return it and try the TWP 1500 Series or the Armstrong Clark. Those are both oil based and better then what you know have.
I'm DISGUSTED with the product. I did everything right and after 8 months its mostly all peeling. I did 5 decks and now I have to SCRAPE 5 decks. All that work for nothing. The product SUCKS!
You probably won't post this because its true.
I have no idea what you are trying to imply.
I tried to find the post from the person that contacted a manufacturer to substantiate the "different/cheaper formula" to be sold in large box stores and thought that they would really ask the manufacturer that type of question…really? Anyways, I was trying to find Armstrong Clark in my local area, Colorado, and nothing. So I tried looking at TWP. According to their website…I thought this was worth repeating: https://www.twpstainhelp.com/where-to-buy-twp-stai…
Big Box Stores
TWP is not and never will be sold into a Home Depot, Lowes, Menards, etc. To do this, TWP would either have to change it's formula or move operations off shore to be competitive with the "big box" brands sold there.
Sounds familiar…
Has anyone used behr deck over paint for their deck?
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/behr-deckover-olympi…
What do you think about using TWP301 as a topcoat over TWP101 on a brand new deck made of Alaskan Yellow Cedar in Gig Harbor, WA – our climate is extremely wet for 7 months and then very dry for 5 months, I call it our drown & drought climate.
I'm a boat guy and I love the glossy wood look but from my online reading I don't dare use my favorite gloss varnish (Pettit Captains 2067) on a house deck.
I've also considered using several applications of a penetrating epoxy to stabilize and permanently bond the surface and then varnish it – but again all my reading says putting a film coating on a deck is a bad idea.
What's your recommendations? Thanks!
That is not a good idea. You cannot or should not put a glossy finish on an exterior deck. It will create a huge problem down the road.
what can be used to restore color and seal a 5year old Trex deck. Trex people are no help
Has anyone used Benjamin Moore superdeck elastomeric coating. Our issue is trying to eliminate splinters on an older deck
Has anyone used Benjamin Moore super deck elastomeric coating? My issue is eliminating splinters on an older deck
Try Sherwin Williams deck and dock elastomeric, worked for me.
Living in Vancouver BC have a roof top deck that is pressure treated lumber and is a year old without treatment. Gets full sun ( in the 4-5 months that we get sun) then rain over winter. Want to keep as much of the natural wood grain as possible, purchased Thompson's Clear, but then read your reviews. As we live in a marine environment am concerned about chemicals leaching into salmon streams. Also, want as much protection without a lot of colour. In an apartment building, not our deck and don't want to spend a lot of money on a 600 sf deck, as we may move in a few years. Thanks
Try Defy Extreme Stain for this.
Do NOT use Cabot stain products UNLESS YOU WANT TO RE-DO it in a year! I spent $500 buying 20 gallons of their product 2 years ago. I followed ALL of their instructions on prepping, as I wanted it to last! After a year, the stain started peeling up on every Horizontal surface!! Now, after 2 years, I have to COMPLETELY powerwash the decks again, purchase the deck cleaner…AGAIN and spend countless hours re-staining 2 large decks. Their response…"Customer service will be in touch." After getting in touch, they want me to send in a sample of the peeling stain, so they can "analyze" it with a chemist (which we ALL know they will just tell me it was installed improperly). DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY ON THIS INFERIOR PRODUCT!!! #Cabotwoodstain #cabotwoodcare
My deck was done with Cabot 15 years ago and is beat up by sun and weather and it has held up well. Every few years we re coat the deck and railing surfaces. My front porch is covered and was done 15 years ago with minor touch ups and looks great. I love Cabot stains.
What cabot product..exactly please..did u like so much
have you ever used behr premium wood coating called deckover
Please see this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/behr-deckover-review…
Built a new, south-facing, mostly shaded, front porch on a four square in Chicago last November. Ipe deck with cedar railings. We want to make the railings white with limited grain showing through, but don't want to do paint or solid stain because we really hate the look of peeling when it starts to wear. Problem is, the only semi solid stain that comes in white is Cabot, which gets very poor reviews. Any suggestions? Thanks!
No. If you want it white that means it has to be custom mixed/tinted and that means it will be a filming stain like a solid color. These will peel but not as much on vertical railings.
I don't know where my first submission went, but I can't find it. Here it is again.
why do your reviews say nothing about Hemp Shield Deck Stains? A friend started using this 1 year ago, and I can't find any independent reviews. Only on Hemp Shield websites.
For one reason we have never used it and cannot review correctly. A review from us takes at least 2 years to test. You can start you own review if you would like in our forum.
I tried hemp shield on a retaining wall, bench, railings and stairs in California. Failed big time. I was very excited to try the product because it was environmentally friendly etc etc. it was new but dry redwood. By the middle of winter the wood had black spots all over it. I had the hemp shield rep over and he said he's never seen anything like it. Blamed it on the wood. I had all the material sanded off and the wood looked beautiful once we got the awful hemp shield product off. They're refunding me for the product but not for the additional labor costs I've incurred to remedy the situation. Sad. I do not recommend hemp shield.
Hi David,
I have had mixed results with HempShield (applied Clear to Redwood). On new redwood it develops black splotches over time and does nothing to prevent cracks. However, on old, distressed redwood (a play structure with 10 years of neglect) it seems to help hold the wood together. I'm t 2,800' in the Santa Cruz mountains, where it alternates between cold/wet and hot/dry.
I really want this stuff to work, so I'm going to give it another chance on our (new) chicken coop (untreated new redwood).
I agree about Behr Stains….absolutely ruined my cedar log home…turning black within a year. AND almost impossible to remove and redo without destroying wood.
Flagstaff, AZ , 7000' elevation
redwood, non pressure treated
south facing, full sun
4 years old
Sun just did its thing on the finish. Sikkens tinted
Strip, pressure wash, and brighten the wood for the prep. Try the Armstrong Clark in a semi-solid color for max UV protection.
I did actually look up Consumer ratings as was confused for the reasons you addressed above. Although I continue to subscribe, I'm often surprised by their ratings vs their actual subscribers' experience/reviews. There is a pattern of disconnect between the two.
Hi:
I posted a new question a day or two ago and I cannot locate it anywhere… I tried searching for my login ID but didn't help. Are some posted questions occasionally not published/answered for certain reasons? Thanks
We do not see any posts from you that is a day or two old. The last one was in June?
I have used F & P finish and preservative about 6 yrs. ago with good results .Has the formulation changed due to EPA requirements ? Is it still a good product ? F& P is a Wolman oil product .
Yes it was a great product until they changed formulas. Not as good but still better than many other options at a big box store.
Thanks for the quick reply. Would you mind sharing the approach you use to derive ratings? Is there a number of contractors that need to review a specific product before you publish results? Is there a number of actual restorations and related experiences before you rate a product? What I can see (as I am looking for products for my deck) is that every contractor that gave me an estimate has his "pet" product which is "great" for where I live and for my deck (both the same for all of them). They do get discounts from the manufacturer of the product that they use. I asked about your top rated product and NONE of the 4 Angie's highly rated contractors heard about it…..How many contractors used and rated your top product and in how many restorations vs. the bottom product? Thanks in advance,
We have restored over 10,000 decks with the top products. We have seen numerous failures with the bottom products. Many 100\’s. We will not use them ever again as they are so poor to apply and fix down the road.
Angies is a JOKE! I would question anyone who follows this ridiculous ripoff site.
I appreciate the info on this website. Could you please clarify something that was mentioned in this thread: do manufacturers of all reviewed products pay you? I would like to understand how objective/biased these reviews are. Is there a disclaimer on this site explaining who "supports" you? Thanks.
No we do not get paid by manufacturers. Just posting our experiences as deck restoration contractors.
Four year old pressure treated pine, coastal Maryland (black mold) but deck is in full sun (faces directly southwest, gets the hottest part of the day at 110° heat index unless it's rainy season where black mold will form immediately).
I bought my dream house with my dream deck….but the floor was gray (railings are pvc). I discovered Minwax stain and Thompson's (ugh) in the shed. No wonder it was so much work! Powerlessness with deck cleaner, sanded with floor answer, powerwashed again with Oxalic Acid, now it's bare wood and looks amazing. I want to keep it looking great (most important criteria: NO MOLD and NOT GRAY). I actually purchased the SW Deckscapes Semi Transparent in White Birch (I got a light color to reflect the heat rather than absorb, my last deck I painted in Behr Wood Chip after prepping the same way (yeah yeah, don't laugh, I sold the house last July after three years of kids, dogs, dropping bbq on it, stupid hot summers, and even Snowpacalypse, it looked like I painted it yesterday. Maybe I'm just that good of a painter, but I truly had zero problems with the Behr solid.). At any rate, after this much work, on a fairly new deck, on my Forever House, I don't want to cock it up. Recommendations? Maryland. Full sun. On the bay. Mold issues. Light semi transparent color that doesn't gray (best UV protection). And no VOC concerns because I can get whatever (frequent interstate travel). Please help a DIY girl out!
Try TWP 100 Series.
If it looks like mold/mildew, but it is in the sun, it is likely algae. (About 50% of the stuff on homes that looks like mildew is really algae. Algae isn't always green!) In that case, you need a product that has an algaecide.
I'm trying to figure out which deck restore type paint is the best. I have read good and bad reviews for all of them. I have an older deck that I want to bring back to life but I don't want to tear it down this year it's just not in the budget and I have been reading about Rustoleum and Behr and Rock Solid and I am wondering if anyone has had personal experience with any of them or recommends one over the other
Hi Lisa!
Do not use Rustoleum 10x. It will peel off within months. Where it doesn't peel it's almost impossible to get off. Apparently there is a class action against them for it.
We're still trying to find something to redo our deck from that disaster.
What is an "average" per sqft charge when a cedar deck requires stripping, brightening and staining in the NW? The actual size of the deck is around 300 soft, but there are also rails and stairs from this first level deck with handrails. I need a base of comparison with quotes that I plan to get.
About $1.50 to $2.50 a foot. You have to add all wood together for total sq. footage.
I live in Portland, OR where it rains a lot, but winters are relatively mild. I have a 300 sqft cedar deck ("Pro-Deck Tight Knot cedar deck boards and handrails") that was added to the house in 2008 by the prior owner, stained with Sikkens Brand (Cedar 077) semi-transparent. The stain is peeling.
I would appreciate your advice re. stripper, brightener, semi-transparent stain to use based on your experience with cedar in similar conditions. Should I use the same stain or is there something better? Thanks in advance.
Use the Restore A deck Stripper. Apply and pressure wash off. Rinse well and apply their brightener. Let dry for a couple of days and use TWP 100 Series.
Thanks a lot for the very quick and helpful reply. Within the TWP 100 series, which color would you recommend to be as close as possible to the natural cedar tone while in compliance with the VOC content requirements for OR?
Honeytone
Was told the Superdeck deck and dock was a good choice over the rustoleum, deckover, or rescue product? Has this been used or tested? I would really like to try on a cleaned deck that is on its last limbs anyway, but I dont want to be disappointed when i peel it off in sheets next year. Any info from anyone who knows about or have used the deck and deck and have had it down for over a year please let me know how it held up. Thanks
Hi, 6 mos ago I put on two coats of deck and dock solid stain. It has been coming off and sheets since. What a nightmare. I have a grind it all the loose paint hoping it would hold then cleaned it in more pain started peeling. I am now in the process of stripping it
I have had no issue with the deck and dock elastomeric stain that they carry. Applied it on my deck about a year ago in an area of the house that receives a lot of heavy sun. I will say that I was told that prep was everything upon speaking with the manager. Sanding down and roughing up the surface as well as making sure there was no dust left behind before application. I used a roller and it has worked well thus far. Hope this helps.
Make sure you buy enough to apply it at 100 ft.² per gallon. If you have product left over put it all on
Can't seem to find a local dealer in central massachusetts that sells Flood Solid deck stain. Called Flood and they told me ace hardware or true value would either carry or could order for me. Called some local stores and they did not carry nor would they order. I found one hardware store that will order for me but they cannot tint for me. Said i'd have to take it elsewhere. Could I order this and bring somewhere that does not have Flood tinting instructions? Doesn't seem like that would work but figured i'd ask. Any suggestions on where i can purchase/order online and get tinted to the color I want? Thanks!
Steve, not sure about that. Sorry.
I know this is very old. Flood can be purchased at PPG stores, if you have any in your area. Lowe’s also carries Flood, but in the past it wasn’t the “Pro” series.
Live in Chattanooga, TN. Have a 2 yr old pressure treated pine deck that has never been sealed. Deck faces east and receives sun until about 3pm. No mold or mildew. Quotes and recommendations from contractors vary widely and most want to use SW Deckscapes semi-transparent stain. So, now I am considering tackling this project myself. What stain would you recommend for my area?
Stay away from the SW. Try to hire a deck restoration contractor, not a painter if you go that route. Use the TWP 100 Series. Prep first well.
Thank you for the prompt reply!
Hi – I live in Mid Hudson Valley, NY — Pressure treated lumber deck. I just pressure washed, looks like new lumber! Gets little sun, so it's prone to having a mildew/mold problem. I want to put clear wood preservative on (not a STAIN). Have used TWP in past and that's where I'm aiming. What do you recommend? If Thompson's, which of their products do you suggest? Thanks for your time and attention!
Clear means no UV filtering from graying? You okay with this? If so than use the TWP 1500 Clear.
Have a 14 year old deck of CCA pine that was treated years and years ago with a Behr product. The Behr product was supposed to be semi transparent but went on closer to a solid. The color was not what the chip showed and we were refunded all the purchase price which was a substantial amount on a 1500+ sq ft wraparound deck! The finish did not last. We need to retreat as the wood is showing cracks and is grey and doesn't repel water. I have been on Consumer Report's website and am here now as my own personal experience with Behr, there best buy, is less than positive.
Are your reviews up to date for 2014? Just moved into this home. What is the best solid color stain to use on a previously stained deck (2009 solid color applied to deck) Thank you.
Yes we update what is tested and current. We use Flood solid color deck stains.