Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain Review 4.6/5 (51)

This post was updated on November 6, 2024

Restore A Deck Wood Stain Review

Restore A Deck Wood Stain Review

Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood decking. My Restore-A-Deck Wood stain review is based on my history as a wood restoration contractor and actual hands-on testing, all designed to present you with the top deck stain tips. See here for more info about me.

Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Review 2025

This is our 6th Year for the review of the Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain. This review will be updated through the years with new pictures as the stain ages. In 2017, our first full year of using the Restore A Deck stain, we had no issues with performance and saved a tremendous amount of time with the ability to prep and stain on the same day. We will continue to offer the Restore A Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain as one of our go-to decking stains for the 2025 restoration season.

*We prefer the application to damp wood as it performs better and applies easier.

Note: Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain can be applied to dry or damp wood. Applying to damp wood allows you to prep and stain on the same day, saving you a tremendous amount of time.

Summary: Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain is an advanced, water-based, semi-transparent stain formulation designed to penetrate deep into wood pores for maximum protection and longevity. Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain protects the wood from harmful UV rays and damage caused by water penetration. Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain is safe to use, has a low odor, and is easy to clean up with soap and water. It is ideal for all wood types including pressure-treated pine, cedar, fir, or redwood.

Recent advancements in water-based wood stain technology have allowed the active ingredients in the Restore-A-Deck Stain to offer better UV protection, excellent penetration into the wood grain, and the ability to apply to damp wood. All this is available in five beautiful semi-transparent colors highlighting the natural wood grain.

RAD Wood and Deck Stain will increase all exterior wood surfaces’ life, appearance, and durability. With the easy-to-apply and maintain Eco-Safe formula, you’ll be able to finish faster and enjoy your exterior wood or deck for years.

Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain Ratings (1-10)

How I Rated Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain

My Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain review contains an 8-step process and the final average score. Each step is on a scale of 1-10.

  1. The appearance of Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain after Application
  2. Preventing UV Graying
  3. Peeling or Wearing
  4. Cost Per Square Foot
  5. Preventing Mold and Mildew
  6. How Easy was the Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain Application
  7. Color Shifting
  8. Ease of Reapplication
  9. Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain Final Score

8-Step Review of Restore-A-Deck wood stain

1. Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 8

The Restore-A-Deck wood stain color we used was the Semi-Transparent Light Walnut. The initial appearance was a rich brown with a hint of red (see pictures below) after drying. The Restore-A-Deck Stain penetrated extremely well into the wood grain on our test deck. No surface film on top of the wood.

2. Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 9

Restore-A-Deck had little to no fading at the 2-year mark. Excellent color retention should be achieved through years 2-3 as well based on initial pictures and testing. See below for a picture.

Restore A Deck Stain One Year

Restore A Deck Stain Two Years

3. Wear/Tear and Peeling: 9

At the 2-year mark, there was no wearing or peeling.

4. Cost Per Square Foot: 8

We applied two coats to our 150 sq foot deck, including all railings and steps. Less than 1 gallon was used for this at a total cost of $40. This equates to $.30 a square foot. Very reasonable pricing and better than most other top brands.

5. Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 10

Like other water-based deck stains, the Restore-A-Deck Wood stain will not promote mold or mildew growth. This is one of the primary advantages of using a water-based coating. At the 1-year mark, the deck showed no signs of any mold or mildew.

6. Ease of Application: 9

Our favorite aspect of the Restore-A-Deck Wood stain is the ability to stain and prep on the same day! We tested this by cleaning and brightening the wood with the Step 1 and Step 2 Restore A Deck Cleaner/Brightener Kit and then applying the RAD stain 1 hour after the prep. The wood was visibly wet on a few deck areas and damp to the touch throughout. The Restore-A-Deck actually applied more easily to the damp wood than any other water-based stain that we have used previously. We also found that the coverage was better when applied to damp wood. In theory, the stain will absorb better when applied to damp wood. The water “swells” the wood pores and “pulls” the stain deep into the wood as it dries.  Applying to damp wood will also help avoid potential issues with Applying a Deck Stain in Full Sun.

See before and after pictures below.

Restore A Deck Stain After Prep

Restore A Deck Stain After Prep

Restore A Deck Stain Damp Wood Application

Restore A Deck Stain Damp Wood Application

7. Color Shifting (darkening) after 2 Years: 8

As expected, the Restore-A-Deck stain darkened very little and did not shift color. See the picture at the 2-year mark above.

8. Difficulty of Reapplication: 8

The Restore-A-Deck will be an easy clean and reapplication as needed.

Overall Score Restore-A-Deck Stain at 1-Year Period: 8.63

– The Restore-A-Deck is an awesome exterior wood stain and has shown the ability to outperform other water-based and oil-based wood stains. Restore-A-Deck’s 3-Step system allows you to save time and money when restoring your exterior wood and decking. No other system that we have used or tested has allowed the ability to Prep and Stain in the Same Day. If you are looking for the future of exterior wood and deck stain, consider the Restore A Deck Wood Stain and their prepping system.

 

 

Product Information:

More Info: Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain
Cost: $47.99 per Gallon,  $219.99 per 5 Gallon Pail. Products ship free on their website.
Stain Type: Semi-Transparent Water-Based
Available Colors: Natural, Cedar, Light Walnut, Dark Walnut, Cottage gray
Application Temperature: 45-95 F
Coats Required: 2 Coats. “Wet on Wet” for older wood. New wood = 1 Coat.
Coverage Per Gallon: 100-150 sq. ft
Application Tools: Sprayer, Pad, Brush, Roller
Dry Time: 2-4 Hours
Cleanup: Water
VOC Compliant: 50 VOC Compliant in all States
More Info: Product Data
Manufacturer: Restore-A-Deck

Test Deck Stats:
Deck Wood Type: Pressure Treated Pine
Deck Square Footage: 150 Square feet
UV Exposure: 50% Full Sun
How Many Years Tested:  2 Years
Stain Color Used: 
Light Walnut

*All products tested and results are from our experience. We offer no guarantee of similar results. Consider that results may differ due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.

Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Stain Photos

How To Restore Your Deck All in One Day – DeckStainHelp.com

YouTube player

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.

Related Deck Stain Help Articles & Reviews

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
834 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Linda
Linda
10 months ago

I cleaned and prepped my new deck 2 yrs ago with Restore a deck products and semi transparent cedar stain. It looked great. I need to do it again soon. It doesn’t look too bad, but is a little “thin” in spots. I probably didn’t get enough stain on it. What steps do you recommend for me to use to restore the beautiful color I had. I love the product.

Brandon
Brandon
2 years ago

I applied the this product to a new deck this weekend, with great results. I was able to mostly complete a 750+ sq. foot deck by myself.

I was extremely surprised how much much dirt and grime came off of new kiln dried cedar after only 3 months of being installed. Although it was a bit of work scrubbing the deck boards, I am so glad that I used as I had no idea that the boards were are dirty as they were.

Anyways, now for my question, do you have a suggestion for a product to remove any stain that may have gotten on metal railing/trim?

I saw the video of someone suggesting goof-off graffiti remover. My worry with this product is that is it pressurized and I don’t want overspray to hit the deck.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

20220815_085351.jpg
20220812_113932.jpg
Richard & Irene Garipoli
Richard & Irene Garipoli
3 years ago

I absolutely can honestly say this restoration product(s) are the best I have ever used. We live in PA. I followed all the directions to the tee. I applied the SOLID stain on 20 yr old deck wood, which was in poor shape. Nothing worked previously, even when it was professionally done with their materials, we would have chipping and peeling after the first Winter. I applied this during covidcation last March/April because we had a warm beginning of Spring. This was not hard to apply but we did everything that was recommended, along with some sanding. We were in communication by email with this company almost every other day asking a question or two. They returned a reply sometimes within 10 min. Then if we had additional questions they answered them and referred us to other research material to help us. They were great to deal with even though you didn’t talk over the phone with them. Like I said, we applied this and then wondered if it was going to start peeling by the Fall. Nope, well then definitely after the first ice storm, nope. Well, then after 3 weeks of snow fall pretty continuously. Even though we shoveled the snow off the wood deck, NO PEELING OR CHIPPING! We have a deck that gets hammered with rain, ice, hail and snow. This stuff is the best we have ever used. This Spring, we only had to hose it down with mild soapy water and that’s it. We really appreciate when something actually works the way it’s advertised. This would out sell anything in the stores if it were sold their. I am in awe by this product(s). I am telling all my family, friends and colleagues. I hope you don’t sell out because of word of mouth advertising. It is GREAT COMPANY WITH GREAT PRODUCTS!!! Thank you!!

Erin
Erin
2 years ago

Please send a pic and let us know what color you used. Thank you!

Irene Garipoli
Irene Garipoli
2 years ago
Reply to  Erin

This is the start of our third year and we are still amazed by good it looks with no chipping and peeling. We used the taupe, solid stain originally. Apply this according to the directions and you won’t regret it. This Summer we will use their cleaner and sand it all lightly and apply another coat or two, just for good measure. We don’t want to go through the whole process with stripping again, so this is the easiest method to maintain it. We truly love our deck and would not replace it, at this time since there is no visible rot from above. We cannot see underneath, so maybe years ahead that would be the area that may cause it’s destruction. Until then, we are very pleased with it’s look. Sorry, if the following picture isn’t the best, I just now took it, after a rain storm, early this morning.
Take care, have fun and be safe!

Deck.jpg
Erin
Erin
2 years ago
Reply to  Irene Garipoli

3 YEARS AND LOOKING GOOD!! Thank you so much for sharing!

Elaine Booth
Elaine Booth
5 years ago

We are so pleased with the Restore a Deck stain. New wood 9 months after it was installed. Process couldn’t be any easier!

CB88B97E-FE3E-4015-A838-3ADA1D872F17.jpeg
3275617E-2E00-4573-A7A1-4CE0A6A23203.jpeg
39731F23-0B93-45E5-A3E3-023F3EFF5AAB.jpeg
Steven Murillo
Steven Murillo
5 years ago

All I can say is WOW! I was in a world of hurt with an oil-based sealer/stain product. Admittedly, I had applied too much when I was doing my maintenance clean & reapply after a year of the original coat. I tried stripping the oil-based coat with paint stripper, denatured alcohol, and mechanically, but I would have been at it for weeks!

Then I discovered the Restore-A-Deck webpage and read about the Restore-A-Deck water-based products: Stripper, Brightener, and Stain. I used the Stripper along with the Booster. I first tried just the Stripper, but realized that as the salesperson noted, I did indeed also need the Booster. After a second application with Booster, the deck came out beautifully! I then applied Natural Stain (after waiting a day – ran out of daylight!). The deck looks fantastic! I hadn’t expected the gentle satin or eggshell finish, but it was a nice surprise! Cleanup, being all water-based, was a breeze, and I didn’t end up with lots of environmentally unfriendly run-off.

Hats off to the Restore-A-Deck company! Great products, easy to use, with fantastic results! What more can I say?

Ken Tidwell
Ken Tidwell
6 years ago

Just cleaned and brightened my 2 year old pressure treated pine deck. Then applied the light walnut stain, all from Restore A Deck. It looks great.

Ken Tidwell
Ken Tidwell
6 years ago

Will do.

Ken Tidwell
Ken Tidwell
6 years ago

Here are some photos.

IMG_1887.JPG
IMG_1896.JPG
IMG_1889.JPG
Tina
Tina
5 years ago

What shade color is this

jean eustice
jean eustice
5 years ago

What color stain is shown in photos?

Ken Tidwell
Ken Tidwell
6 years ago
Reply to  Ken Tidwell

Some more photos.

IMG_1886.JPG
IMG_1887.JPG
Deck Finishes, Stains, Sealers,
David
David
3 months ago

Scott. I stained stripped and neutralized deck with TWP low VOC semi solid stain. Stain took well and dried fast. Just wondering if adding a sealer would brighten up the flat finish a bit and benefit the weather protection at all without negative consequences for refinishing in the furure
Thank you

Car
Car
4 months ago

We followed the prep and application instructions but the Rad semi-transparent stain is taking a while to cure. It’s been almost a week and still a little tacky when in the sun and temps rise but hopefully it will cure soon. We also had rubbery balls form when we were brushing it on so now that’s in the finish. Don’t know why this happened. When we pull the bigger balls off the stain lifts. Feels gritty under foot. Is there anything we can do now? or just wait until it wears and then maybe lightly sand off the balls, clean, and brighten before reapplying another coat? If you think wait, should I go around with an artist brush and apply a little stain to each of the bare and? Thanks for your help.

IMG_3655
IMG_3654
IMG_3653
Car
Car
4 months ago

Ok thanks. To address it at recoating time do you think we could use an orbital sander on low to knock off the balls and lightly blend the pock marks with the remaining stain, then clean, brighten and recoat- with no need to strip? And we’ll know it’s time when the stain is wearing off in any places at all or water no longer sheds? Reapply stain 1 or 2 coats? Thank you again.

Wendy
Wendy
4 months ago

My redwood deck is 6 months old.Do I need to the cleaner/brightner before staining with the RAD brand?

Car
Car
4 months ago

Hello, I ordered the RAD sealer today along with the cleaner and brightener. But due to timing with weather I really need to clean and brighten this week ahead of the delivery. I sourced another brightener locally with oxalic acid which should work? I can’t find a cleaner to buy locally with the same chemicals as RAD cleaner. Can I use Oxiclean powder with the RAD sealer and get a good clean or is there something else better sold in big box stores? Our deck is very gray. Thank you

Brendan
Brendan
4 months ago

This is what I’d love to see when reading this:

Step-by-step implementation, including links to the tools/products.

This would be a great opportunity for affiliate revenue too!

Lauren
Lauren
4 months ago

I have a 22 year old porch swing that hangs from its own trellis/pergola that my husband and I started working on yesterday. It is made of pressure treated wood and had never been stained before this. We cleaned and brightened it in the morning, then started the staining process in the afternoon when the wood seemed the right dampness. We worked on it til bedtime and still didn’t quite finish the first coat. Now of course it’s completely dry. Should I dampen the “raw” areas before I stain them? Can I put a second coat on? I had no idea it was going to take us so long. The lattice panels on each side were very tedious. I am using the RAD semi transparent stain.

Rob Bogue
Rob Bogue
6 months ago

Sunday applied RAD dark walnut semi-transparent water-based stain on prepped wood of western red cedar deck. Only finished 1/3 of 360sf. It was done in the morning while air temperatures and sunshine were lower. Monday, I started early again at about 65 degrees and cloud cover was helpful. As the day waxed on, air temp went to a high of 81 degrees and full sun appeared. Rain expected at 2pm on Tuesday so I kept working to stay within the window. That was a mistake. I was trying to keep color uniform, but it became very dark, more like mahogany. Please see pictures attached.
Can you recommend a way to even out the color by either darkening the light area or (much more preferably) lightening the dark area? The cedar is 11 months old, originally light-sanded to remove mill glaze and stained with Behr Premium Transparent Waterproofing Wood Finish Penetrating Oil. A month ago, I stripped and brightened the wood to change the color since it appeared dirty and orange-ish. Pressure washing did not clean it up and I removed too much of the finish. I wanted transparent to show the beauty of the wood, so you recommended RAD Natural or TWP 1515 Honeytone. A good suggestion, but I changed my mind to go with the RAD dark walnut thinking it would hide the dirt better. Lovely color, but I messed it up. Can you help? See pictures of original unfished and recently stained.

20240723_094511
Pressure-treated wood deck
20240723_094324
image000000