The Best Deck Stain Colors: Pro Tips 4.8/5 (80)

This post was updated on February 5, 2025

Hi, I am Scott Paul. I have been staining exterior wood decks since 1993. I have tried 100s of different stain colors and have compiled a list of the top wood and deck stain color tones. My deck stain color reviews and help tips are based on my history as a wood and deck restoration contractor and actual hands-on testing, all designed to present you with the top color choices. See here for more info about me

Deck Stain Colors in 2025

Choosing a new deck stain color is not easy, and there are a few things to consider before you start staining. I have compiled this handy guide on the most popular deck stain colors to help you decide which is best for your deck.

1. Deck Stain Color Opacity Differences

Before we look at the colors, let’s talk about a few of the main types of deck stains transparent, semi-transparent, semi-solid, and solid color stains and the pros and cons of each one. Deck Stains come in different opacities. The opacity will determine the final color of your wood after full curing. Below, we break down the 4 main deck stain opacity types.

Transparent Wood Stain Colors

  • Transparent stains provide a clear finish that will show most of your deck’s natural wood grain, altering the color slightly. However, transparent stains offer minimal UV protection.

Semi-Transparent Wood Stain Colors

  • Semi-transparent stains offer the best of both worlds. They enhance the wood’s natural beauty with a pigmented tint and change its color. They’re also less likely to peel and easier to reapply as needed.

Semi-Solid Wood Stain Colors

  • Semi-solid stains contain a high amount of pigment and will only show a small amount of wood grain. Only a limited number of manufacturers offer semi-solids, which can be both water-based and oil-based.

Solid Opaque Wood Stain Colors

  • Solid-color stains will completely cover your deck surface, and the natural grain will not show through. However, since they dry on top of the wood, they are prone to peeling.

TWP Semi Solid deck stain color chart

Choosing the right deck stain color is essential for enhancing your outdoor space’s beauty and longevity. With over 30 years of experience in exterior wood restoration, I’ve tested hundreds of stain colors to help you find the perfect match for your deck.

Top Deck Stain Colors

  1. Cedar Tones: Cedar is a timeless choice that complements any garden setting. Its warm hues are neither too dark for summer nor too light for winter, making it a versatile option year-round.
  2. Brown Tones: Brown stains bring warmth and blend seamlessly with natural surroundings. Dark browns like mahogany add elegance and depth, while lighter browns such as chestnut or fawn create a casual, open feel.
  3. Honey Tones: Honey stains highlight the wood grain, offering a light, natural appearance. They’re ideal for sunny climates but may darken in areas with frequent rain.
  4. Redwood Tones: Redwood stains showcase the wood’s natural beauty with eye-catching ruby tones, adding a vibrant touch to your deck.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Deck Stain Color

  • Wood Type: Different woods absorb stains uniquely, affecting the final color. Always test a small area first.
  • Sun Exposure: Darker stains absorb more heat, which can be uncomfortable in direct sunlight. Lighter stains reflect heat and may be preferable for sun-exposed decks.
  • Home and Landscape: Choose a stain color that complements your home’s exterior and surrounding environment for a cohesive look.
  • Maintenance: Some colors may show wear more quickly than others. Consider the maintenance requirements of your chosen stain color.

By selecting the right stain color, you can enhance your deck’s appearance and ensure it remains a cherished part of your outdoor living space for years to come.

Take a closer look at each of the most popular colors for deck stain below, plus a few watchouts to keep in mind before starting on your next home improvement project.

Deck Stain Environmentally Friendly

Cedar Tones and Semi-Transparent Colors

Cedar is by far one of the most popular deck colors. It will fit on any deck and in any garden. As a rule, it is wise to take the most dominant color in your yard and work from there, but with cedar, it is hard to go wrong. The color is not too dark for warm summer days and is perfect for cozy winter evenings.

Brown Tones and Semi-Transparent Colors

Sometimes, brown gets an unfair reputation as an unimaginative or dull shade. When you know what you’re doing with this color, it can really shine in your garden. It’s important to note that when using a brown deck stain, it should be paired with lighter and brighter-colored furniture and accessories to bring out its rich natural qualities. If you find the perfect match, then you will have a gorgeous, aesthetically pleasing deck.

Honey Tones and Semi-Transparent Colors

Honey is a light tone that will augment the natural look of the grain on your deck. This deck stain color is popular in places with year-round sunshine, as regular rain can cause it to turn dark and dull. Use this color wisely if you live in an area that is prone to showers or is close to the coast, or consider investing in a gazebo to help protect the color.

Redwood Tones and Semi-Transparent Colors

Like darker shades of deck stains, redwood should be paired with light colors to accentuate its beautiful ruby undertones. Alternatively, people who select a semi-transparent redwood stain are lucky as the softer shade allows you to see the intricate wood beneath and work comfortably with any color palette.

This striking color will last for many years when properly cared for, but it can fade to iron-gray if allowed to weather, so be careful to protect and maintain your deck as required.

Consider using a color chart when choosing a new deck stain. These handy tools help by showing you which colors fit best with those that are already present in your garden. With some deliberation, you will find the perfect fit.

3. Most Popular Deck Stain Colors FAQs

Still searching for the perfect deck stain color? Read these frequently asked questions to learn more.

Should the deck be lighter or darker than the house?

As is the case with many home improvement projects, you’re in charge of the design! Choosing to stain your deck darker or lighter than your home is up to you. Rather than worrying about a general rule, consider factors like the aesthetic you’d like your home to have and the weather conditions your deck may face.

What color deck stain best hides dirt?

If your deck is in a high-traffic area, you may consider opting for a darker stain or even a solid-colored deck stain, like cedar or brown stains, to hide footprints, dirt, and grime. 

Which are the best solid-color deck stain colors?

Here are our favorite solid-color deck stains of 2025: 

  1. Restore-A-Deck Solid Color Deck Stain in Coastal Gray
  2. Defy Extreme Solid Stains in White
  3. Flood Pro Series Solid Stain in Redwood Tone

Learn more about each and shop online in our guide to the best solid color deck stains.

Restore a Deck deck stain most popular colors color chart

Which are the best semi-transparent deck stain colors? 

We’re big fans of semi-transparent deck stains at DeckStainHelp.com. They’re durable, easy to clean, and won’t peel, making them a low-maintenance option for most homeowners. Take a look at our five favorites of 2025: 

  1. TWP 101 Cedartone Color
  2. Restore-A-Deck Light Walnut Color
  3. Armstrong Clark Rustic Brown Color
  4. TWP 1520 Pecan Color
  5. Defy Extreme Cedar Color

You can read our reviews and learn more in this review of the five best semi-transparent deck stains.

See our extensive gallery of many different deck stain color ideas to help you choose teh best option for you.

5. Want Help Choosing a Deck Stain Color?

Do you need help and are overwhelmed by all the different deck stain colors and opacities? I am here to help. Post a comment below and include a picture of your deck and the house so I can offer tips on what color would look the best.

Ask Below!

Please Rate This. You may also post comments or ask questions below.

author avatar
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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Suzy
Suzy
3 months ago

Hi, could you please tell what colors these are? I can’t seem to click on anything to get info. Thank you

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Suzy
Suzy
3 months ago

Sorry about that. I didn’t mean to include that picture, but the other two do not have names.

Suzy
Suzy
3 months ago

Hi. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to include that picture, but the other two do not have names. Do you know what they are?

Maria
Maria
3 months ago

The house is light gray and deck is honey brown I want to change color. What color I should get?

dan
dan
4 months ago

What color of stain could I use with color of my brick and also its on north side of the house.In the summer its almost all exposed to the sun. Thank you. Dan

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Suzanne
Suzanne
4 months ago

I haven’t re-stained my deck in years and I intend on staining it this weekend. I am having trouble choosing a color. My house is a very light grey and I have a red barn-like garage in the background. I’d like to use semi-transparent water based stain. Notice that the flat surfaces have lightened due to the sun but the railings and anything in the shade are darker. I’d appreciate any guidance. Thank you!

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Suzanne
Suzanne
4 months ago

Thank you!

Fatima
Fatima
5 months ago

Thank you for your article. I am overwhelmed with choosing the stain colour for the deck. About to re-stain the house (colour will stay the same) but would like to stain deck with a solid colour stain so can’t see such a difference between new and old pieces of wood on deck. So overwhelmed with choosing deck colour stain the wood match wooden home. Help please 🙂 Suggestions of stain colour for deck would be so appreciated!

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Sydney
Sydney
6 months ago

Would you be able to tell me the stain color used in this picture in your Semi Transparent group?

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Sydney
Sydney
6 months ago

Thank you for the quick response, I may dive in this weekend!

Arnette
Arnette
1 year ago

I used honey oak on my deck and it is to yellow, what color transparent stain can I use on it to change the color to maybe a light walnut color

Rusty
Rusty
2 years ago

Had my deck staned in a Semi transparent with a SW color. I believe it went on to thick and now peeling off. House is red brick open any suggestions and help.

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Rusty
Rusty
2 years ago

Sorry correct it is a semi solid. So can it be used just Stained over again same color.

Maria
Maria
2 years ago

I have a deck stained 1 year ago with Clark Anderson Stain- it is a dark color and i have dog and other scratches. We want to sell our home and not resand and stain it all over again since it is over 2000 sq feet- its huge. I just want to fix scratches by fading them into the color. I do not want to make the deck any darker, do I apply a very light stain to fade the scratches? Ive researched and read everwhere that you cant.

Jon Anne Winstead
Jon Anne Winstead
3 years ago

Can you please tell me the color of this fence

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Noelle M. Pixley
Noelle M. Pixley
3 years ago

Hi! Great article, thank you for all the useful information. Could you tell me the name of these two colors?

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Noelle M. Pixley
Noelle M. Pixley
3 years ago

Excellent! Thank you so much!