This post was updated on April 4, 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.
Scott’s Steps to Picking Out a Deck Stain Color
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.
$15.00 – $18.00$219.99 – $237.99$56.99 – $66.99$209.95 – $235.95$260.00 – $286.00$275.00 – $301.00$69.95 – $79.95$269.95 – $328.95$320.00 – $379.00$335.00 – $389.00
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.
$69.95 – $79.95$269.95 – $328.95$320.00 – $379.00$335.00 – $389.00
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.
2. The Most Popular Deck Stain Colors: The Quick Answer
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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:
- Restore-A-Deck Solid Color Deck Stain in Coastal Gray
- Defy Extreme Solid Stains in White
- 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.
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:
- TWP 101 Cedartone Color
- Restore-A-Deck Light Walnut Color
- Armstrong Clark Rustic Brown Color
- TWP 1520 Pecan Color
- Defy Extreme Cedar Color
You can read our reviews and learn more in this review of the five best semi-transparent deck stains.
4. Deck Stain Photo Color Ideas
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!
What color should I go with front porch i was leaning towards darker color but I’m not sure
Sure, darker would look nice to blend with shutters. Try TWP Dark Oak or Armstrong Clark in Black Walnut.
I have a new cedar deck. I want the wood to look as natural as possible. There is some discoloration because the installers left wood piled on my deck for the 4 months. Would going with a brown semi translucent colour be better than a cedar for minimizing the difference? Do you have a suggestion? Also I don’t love a re yellowish orange tone. Thanks
See here about new wood:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Try a light brown when ready.
Thank you Scott.
Where do I send my photo of my deck and my house so you can show me a good color that would complement
You can upload pics in the comments.
Hi Scott, We are looking to maintain the natural color of the deck wood as much as possible yet still protect it. We like the contrast against the house color. The house is located on a North Ga lake. Read where the Honeytone may be more prone to graying with moisture/rain. However, by looking at gallery pictures it seems that may be the color best suited for maintaining the natural look. Right now comparing TWP 115 Honeytone, TWP 1515 Honeytone and TWP 1530 Cedar natural. Do you have any insight or recommendations? Or is there even another shade/color we should consider? Thanks,
Gerrie
TWP 115 Honeytone or Restore-A-Deck in Natural.
Make sure to read this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
I would love some advice on a stain color that would go well with the color of our house. Thank you.
Medium brown? Try TWP in Dark Oak, Restore-A-Deck in Dark Walnut, or Armstrong Clark in Rustic Brown.
Is this deck brand new? If so, you cannot stain it yet.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Hi thank you for the advice. The deck was put up last July and we were told to stain it a year after it was done.
Make sure to clean and brighten for prep to remove the mill glaze and oxidation from the UV.
I’d love some advice on choosing a stain color. I’m looking at RAD semi-transparent cedar or light walnut, but am open to other suggestions. I have new PT pine, except for the posts — they were painted for years and have been stripped. All wood will be cleaned and brightened using RAD products. Shutters are made from rough-sawn PT pine fence pickets.
Either color would work. See here for more photos of the RAD colors.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-and-deck-stain-photo-album
FYI, Cedar and Light Walnut are very close in color. Maybe a little more “red” in the Light Walnut.
This is such a helpful blog! House is very light blue. Suggest a color, please. Thanks. Assuming semi-transparent.
Medium to Dark Brown. Look at Armstrong Clark Stains in Rustic Brown or TWP 1503 Dark Oak. Another option could be Restore-A-Deck in Dark Walnut.
Hi,
I recently purchased some Penofin stain: after testing it on scrap I find it substantially lighter than the color chart indicated and am wondering if you have any suggestions about adding colorants: been thinking artist’s oil paint but don’t know how that would stand up to the bleaching effect of sunlight, etc.
You cannot add colorant to penetrating deck staind like Penofin. It will not work correctly. What you can do is add a gallon of a darker Penofin color to your lighter color and come up with a custom color in between.
Hi, could you please tell what colors these are? I can’t seem to click on anything to get info. Thank you
The color of the stain and brand is below the pics on the left. For example, the first one says Restore A Deck Stain in Cedar color.
Sorry about that. I didn’t mean to include that picture, but the other two do not have names.
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?
Go back to the area you saw gallery that you saw the pcitures. The names are showing now for each picture.
The house is light gray and deck is honey brown I want to change color. What color I should get?
Try a medium brown like Dark Oak from TWP or Rusic Brwon from Armstrong Clark Stains.
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
Dan, colors are always up to the costomers. We may like one thing and then you live another. If married, I would gihgly suggest to get some advice from your partner.
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!
Look at a medium to dark brown color.
Thank you!
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!
You have a natural wood house. We would not sugget using a solid stain. Wait until next year to allow new wood to weather, prep all wood with a deck cleaner and a brightener, stain all wood with a brown colored stain. Examples would be Restore A Deck in Dark Walnut or Armstrong Clark in Rustic Brown.
Would you be able to tell me the stain color used in this picture in your Semi Transparent group?
It looks like TWP stain in Pecan color. Could be either 100 or 1500 Series.
Thank you for the quick response, I may dive in this weekend!
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
You will need to remove the fist coating before applying a new color. Post pics for prep advice.
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.
That is not a semi-transparent but a solid stain. You will have to use a solid stain again unless you want to power sand it all off as you cannot strip that fully off.
Sorry correct it is a semi solid. So can it be used just Stained over again same color.
You have a solid stain, not semi-solid in appearance. You can use any brand of solid stain that you like and color: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
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.
You cannot fade scratches so it blends.
Can you please tell me the color of this fence
Not sure as that is not one of our pictures so we do not know the brand or color.
Hi! Great article, thank you for all the useful information. Could you tell me the name of these two colors?
On mobile, if you click the “I” in the top right corner, it will tell you the color and product name.
Excellent! Thank you so much!
What name is this colour
Which one?
Hi, half of our deck is open and half is a covered screen porch with a roof. The open deck and stairway was refaced with new pressure treated pine about 3 years ago and has not been stained yet. Cannot tell when the porch was last stained by the prior owners but the wood is much much older. How can I minimize the color variations in the two sections after staining – currently considering a semi-transparent stain in cedar, pecan or maybe redwood, but willing to go to a mid brown like rustic if going to a darker color like that will help in minimizing color variations between newer and older wood. Don’t want it to turn out to be too dark though – ie like black walnut etc. Thanks!
Post pictures of both areas in comments.
Pictures attached (some of the support posts are newer as well)
Just use a quality deck cleaner and brightener like the Restore A Deck products for prep. It should blend after.
Thank you!
We have a cedar deck installed less than a year ago. It looks very clean there has been no use or furniture on it. We live in the north and it had snow on it . It is a bit grayer than brand new but not too bad. Does it need to be cleaned before staining? It does not look dirty.
Clean and brighten. See for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Can you stain over a semi clean deck?
It will look bad if not prepped correctly and could be issues with adhesion as well.
What about if you are in an area that has a lot of freeze and thaw ,and Usually a lot of snow ?
Penetrating stains would be best for this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews/
I have a deck which is i think color stained. I would love to color stain it black. Its a screened lanai with rails on the ouside.
There are no true black stain colors. Closest would be the TWP 1504 Black Walnut or the Armstrong Clark in Black Walnut.
My house is olive smudge which is dark green, which deck stain would look the best?
Color preference is 100% your choice.
is it better to stain or paint a outdoor deck after its been sanded? what’s the best to use?
See this for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Images of blue painted concrete decking for an Inground concrete pool with existing blue tile trim
What about sage green on my deck to match my shutters?
You will need a solid stain to custom mix this.
Can you recoatca semi transparent over a solid color?
No.
Isthis a 5 star paint
Recommendations for a deck that has cured for 13 months. Wanting a semi-transparent, oil-based, color grey. Thx for any suggestions.
Try Armstrong Clark in Driftwood Gray or Restore A Deck in Cottage Gray.
You recommend certain stains for decks that have cured for 1-3 months, but what about decks that have cured for 12 months? I am looking for a semi-transparent oil-based grey. Any suggestions? Thx!
We want to stain our front porch an opaque color by Flood. They have an online color chart of their more than 100 colors, but it’s hard to determine the undertones by looking at something online. Our house is pale yellow with a light blue door and there’s a column of tan bricks with a dark gray mortar along the porch. For the porch apron/skirt, the deck and the treads of the stairs, I am going to choose either a muted off-black opaque stain OR something lighter from the gray family. For the railings and risers of the steps, I’m going with white.
Whether I choose a lighter gray or an off-black stain, I don’t want to wind up with any weird purple, pink, blue or green undertones. Instead I’m looking for a brown undertone. Do you happen to know which of Flood’s opaque colors have brown undertones?
Last, which color would you choose–the muted black (think charcoal) or a lighter gray. There are now lots of plants in front of house (the entire lawn has been replaced with a garden) so I was thinking that an off-black might help the flowers pop, as well as making the pale yellow look a bit more yellow but I also think that a lighter gray might feel more airy.
Thoughts?
And thanks!
Sorry, but we do not know their colors that well. We like gray over black. Grays are very popular.
Thanks! If we go with a black, it will be a muted, off-black (as close to Benjamin Moore’s Wrought Iron as possible), which I think would help anchor the house (it’s a small apron) and set off the flowers in front, but I am leaning more toward an airier gray. I just have to find one with a brown undertone to mach that porch column.
Which opaque deck stains do you recommend? I’m leaning toward Flood only because it has a lot of colors to choose from and I can pick it up at Menard’s. I was also considering at Deck Restore but they have only very limited colors.
See here for the best solid stain brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
Hi, we are staining our pressure treated deck for the first time. We have read that solid stain lasts the longest but have also read that it can chip/peel off. Wondering your thoughts on durability between solid and semi-tesnsparent stains?
Also, hoping for some color advice. Our house is a greenish-gray. My husband wants to do a gray deck, not sure if that will look good?
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Use a penetrating semi-transparent. They make gray colors.
You shouldn’t stain a new deck with a solid.
I have a summerhouse which I have painted using Sikkens Cetol Filter 7 plus, satin Rosewood. I have decking around the summerhouse, but so far, nothing has been done to it, either by way of staining or painting.
I’m looking for suggestions as to which colour I should stain the decking, (this is my preferred choice), as I have no idea what will go well with the Rosewood colour of the summerhouse.
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks,
Stuart
We are not familiar with Sikkens colors but really you can go with any color you like. It does not have to match the house.
Many thanks.
Looking for a stain color for my cessation post railing. I also have a BBQ deck off the side of my house. You can see both from front of yard. So both will have to match. House is taupe and tan trim. Have Kansas rock wall around front with pine tree and grease. Going for natural look .
You will need a solid stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
I have a brand new deck and want the most natural look what color should I use. My house is cream, brown shutters and a dark red front door.
See here about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
After wait and prep, try Restore A Deck in Natural or Armstrong Clark in Amber.
Trying to find a good brown from Benjamin Moore. Tried Potters Clay and it leans too pink
Sorry but we do not use the Arborcoat due to numerous problems with the stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/tag/benjamin-moore-arborcoat/
That was not my question. Any color recommendations in general more brown than that color? I love Benjamin Moore.
We did answer your question. We do not use the BM Arborcoat as it has major issues so we do not know their colors to give any proper advice on what color to use.
You may love it but many or most have had serious issues with it.
I’m having a hard time to choosing a color for our deck. Our house is a reddish brick with red Mortar. Please see attached photos. I would greatly appreciate your opinion
You will need to power sand off your current stain first. Try Armstrong Clark in Sierra Redwood color when done.
With red brick, I like lighter colors. Something in the tan family.
We’re looking at the Defy Semi-transparent Natural for a new redwood deck as we would like the natural grain to come through. Is semi-transparent ‘Natural’ color basically clear? Does Natural color have as much UV protection as a darker color?
It is not clear but tinted. Similar to a clean wet look. it does have decent UV protection like the other colors.
We just noticed that Defy Extreme doesn’t have a ‘Natural’ color, but have a semi-transparent called ‘Crystal Clear’. Is that the same as ‘Natural’. Will it have the same UV protection as a tinted color?
You would want their Natural Pine, not the clear. Clear will not provide the same UV protection.
We’re torn between the Natural TWP 1530 or the Defy Extreme Natural Pine. Do you have a preference? This is for a new redwood deck, on a flat roof where it gets a lot of rain and sun exposure.
Thanks, Rob
Either would work. The Natural in TWP will be darker in color than the Defy Natural Pine. see this article for new wood tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Go with TWP. We just stripped Defy off of our huge deck because it didn’t last in our rainy climate. In the past I’ve used TWP and liked it. The TWP 100 series is also recognized as a wood preservative. Also, do not apply wet on wet for either product. It will not absorb into the wood and instead will set on top.
I have been press
Urging washing my deck for 2 days now, n this is what I got.
I
The deck was precessional
Ly completely 6 months ago. With a blue stain~paint?
Started peeling off in large amounts so I completely pressure washed it
I would like to c the natural wood, what should I do?
At this point you will need to use a stripper to get all the old stain off your deck. Then use a brightener so that the new stain will absorb evenly. Let it dry for a few days, then apply a new stain. (Anytime that you change brands of stain, this process is recommended).