Restore A Deck Wood Stain Review
Update for 2019: This is our 2nd Year for the Review of the Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain. This review will be updated through the years with new pictures as the stain ages. In 2018, our first full year if using the Restore A Deck stain, we had zero issues with performance and saved a tremendous amount of time with the ability to prep and stain in the same day. We will continue to offer the Restore A Deck Wood Stain as one of our go-to decking stains for the 2019 restoration season.
Note: Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain is the only stain we have tested can be applied to dry or damp wood. Applying to damp wood allows you the ability to prep and stain on the same day, saving you a tremendous amount of time.
Summary: Restore-A-Deck 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 wood from harmful UV rays and damage caused by water penetration. Restore-A-Deck 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, the ability to apply to damp wood, all in 4 beautiful semi-transparent colors that highlight the natural wood grain.
RAD Wood and Deck Stain will increase the life, appearance, and durability of all exterior wood surfaces. 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 Scores (1-10)
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.
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 picture.
Restore A Deck Stain Two Years
Wear/Tear and Peeling: 9
–At the 2-year mark, there was no wearing or peeling.
Cost Per Square Foot: 8
– We applied two coats to our 150 Sq foot deck that included 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.
Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 10
– Similar to other water-based deck stains, the Restore-A-Deck Wood stain will not promote the growth of mold or mildew. This is one of the main advantages of using a water-based coating. At the 1-year mark, the deck showed no signs of any mold or mildew.
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 areas of the deck and damp to the touch throughout. The Restore-A-Deck actually applied easier 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 actually absorb better when applied to damp wood. The water “swells” the wood pores and “pulls” the stain deep into the wood as it dries. See before and after pictures below.
Restore A Deck Stain After Prep
Restore A Deck Stain Damp Wood Application
Color Shifting (darkening) after 2 Years: 8
– As expected there was very little darkening for the Restore-A-Deck Stain or color shifting. See picture at 2-year mark above.
Difficulty of Reapplication: 8
– The Restore-A-Deck should 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 it comes to 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, then you should consider the Restore A Deck Wood Stain and their prepping system.
Product Information:
More Info: Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain
Cost: $39.99 per Gallon, $89.99 per 2.5 Gallon Pail, $179.98 per 5 Gallon Pail. Products ship free on their website.
Stain Type: Semi-Transparent – Water Based
Available Colors: Natural, Cedar, Light Walnut, Dark Walnut
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. Take into consideration that results may differ due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.
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.
Post a picture or two if you have time.
Will do.
Ken, can you try the pictures again when you have time. The issue with uploading images has been fixed.
Here are some photos.
Looks really good!
Some more photos.
Where did you buy the restore a deck stain?
Directly from their website.
I used this stain last Spring and so far so good. No issues at all and is holding the same color as when applied. Question though. When it is time to reapply, do I have to prep with the Restore A Deck 2 part system again?
Yes. You always have to prep when reapplying. This will ensure that the new coating will adhere well.
Thanks. Do I need the Brightener or the Cleaner for the prep when reapplying.
Cleaner for sure to remove any dirt and grime. Use the Brightener after to neutralize.
Because of all the rain this summer in the Northeast I’ve never gotten a chance to treat some of the cedar wood I’ve replaced on my deck. Is it safe to go through a winter without treatment? If not, then what is the lowest temp.I can apply to the deck? I’m assuming 50 degrees F but what about the cold nights? Will the product dry properly?
You will be fine to wait until Spring.
Can you add color to Restore aDeck Wood Stains
No, you cannot.
I noticed that Restore a Deck says that the product can be used on hardwoods such as mahogany, but does not warrant the product for use on such hardwoods. They say that if used on hardwoods, you may have to reapply every year. Has this been your experience for use on mahogany, or do you find that reapplication every year may not be necessary. I live in Massachusetts. Deck is in the shade mostly from October to March and partially in the sun in the summer months.
All exotic hardwoods require an annual recoating. No stain will last longer than a year.
I had a contractor stained (sprayed) my 2 year old deck with Ready Seal approximately 15 months ago. I had it pressure washed (using low pressure) about 2 months ago. I want to change to Restore A Deck as I live in NC and a water based product will work better in this humid climate.
The deck looks good and since it’s been washed recently, will I need to do any prep before I apply Restore A Deck product?
You will need to strip it and remove all the RS as the RAD cannot go over top of it. Brightener after the stripping.
Can restore a deck stain be used on ipe wood?
Yes it can. Works very well.
We purchased redwood at extra cost for our deck and applied Sikkens as recommended by the lumber store. It did not even last a year, mold and mildew appeared and worn out places. Next we tried Sherwin Williams super deck product and was told we should expect it to last three years. Once again barely over a year and we have worn out places and mold. We live in Georgia hot and humid, on a lake. Our deck is barely 6 yrs old and we are looking to redo it for the 3rd time. Please help!
Strip it all off and brighten the wood. Use the RAD Wood Stain.
New deck installed early in the Spring, 2018 in Maryland. Husband got antsy and coated it with a clear sealer about 2-3 months later. Water still beads up on it. Do we have to strip it to apply a stain sealer now that we are prepared to pick a product to acheive the appearance we’d like?
Yes, you have to remove the sealer first.
Where can I purchase this product in Toronto Canada?
You would have to order online to be shipped.
i have used a deck cleaner AND later power washed our pine pressure treated wood deck in order to get algae stains off deck but can’t seem to get them completely off all areas. Can I still stain or do i need to sand first? I don’t know what stain was used previously.
Post a picture please.
Hi
Is it better to use the Cedar color vs the Natural for UV protection? I have read with stains its more effective to use one with a color. Thanks. Its for a new Cedar fence, smooth.
You will get the same UV protection between those two colors but the Dark Walnut (the darkest tint) will have the best UV protection. You cannot stain new wood right away: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Thank you
Where can I buy this stain at? I live in Shepherd mi
Best to contact them for help locating.
Put a new deck on December 2017 and let it weather for 10 months. I cleaned and then brightened the wood according to the directions. Waited 24 hours and applied the Reatore a Deck walnut stain with a stain brush 2 wet on wet coats. It looked while it was wet but after it dried it looks terrible. Very uneven colors and a splotchy look. I have used TWP and Ready Seal on other deck with out any problems. i wish I had went with one of those this time.
Something must have gone wrong with your prep or application process because it always dries evenly for us. Feel free to post a picture.
We applied restore a deck
After stripping our deck disaster with Sherwin Williams deck scapes. Looks great now.
Nice job!
What color stain did you use? We are trying to figure out a color. Looks great by the way
Natural
will this work on a teak deck
Yes as long as the Teak is free of previous coatings.
I HAVE a home with cedar shingles that were stained Olympic water repellant oilstain solid color about 15 years ago …..They have held up very well What would you reccommend I use for a stain this time around?
If you used a solid stain before you will need a solid stain again. The RAD wood stain does not come in solid colors currently.
When could I put this product on a new pressure treated deck
3 months after install.
Our deck was put in this week (pine). How long do we really have to wait to stain it? We are in Florida. Lots of rain and sun this summer.
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
The RAD wood stain says 3+ months and prep after.
how long does the deck need to dry after stain application before getting wet from rain?
4-6 hours.
With staining an old oak wood dock, is it unreasonable to expect that each board would be uniform in color? Or due to the age of the wood, would there be differing shades over a large area? If there are these lighter boards, is there a way to fix them to be more evenly colored. Light Walnut was the stain using Restore a Deck staining. Dock was pressured washed first, then stained over a few days due to the amount of area to cover. Thanks
Wood grain shows different colors when using a semi-transparent stain. Also, the age of the wood, the application of the stain, and prepping of the wood can determine the final color results. Post a picture if you can.
Here are the pics. Thanks
Looks normal for a semi-transparent stain. I would leave alone, you can always add a light coat in 9-2 months if needed.
Thank you for the response. Appreciate your input and we’ll probably add another coat next year.
Planning on sanding deck to bare wood totrmove multiple applicationss of solid stain. Do you recommend cleaning and brightening before application of RAD stain. Deck is covered with 3′ of snow during winter. Also, do you recommend two coats?
Clean and brighten for prep after the sanding. Just one coat since you sanded.
deck floor what amount of time before you can walk on it?
After applying? 4-6 hours.
after application of the product to the deck floor ,when or what amount of time before it can be walked on?
I live on a lake and I am looking for a deck brightener to use on a dock that is eco friendly.
The Restore A Deck prep kits will work.
I live in Arizona so of course, I need the best UV protecting stain out there. After extensive reading on your awesome site, I’m between Restore a Deck or Defy Extreme. Unless there is another one more suitable for our HOT, dry, and sunny weather that is better.
Either one would work great.
I have a Large Deck that has been neglected for years.. I pressure washed it with Deck Cleaner, now looks much better.. My question is ; Now what stain filler do you recommend ????? The wife wants to keep it light or natural looking, I think a darker stain would hide any blemish the wood has — YOUR THOUGHTS ??????
The RAD Wood stain should work well for this. Any color that you like.
Photos to go with my previous question
Great site!!!!
I recently bought a home with a huge wrap around deck. Live on a lake in Kentucky so summers are hot and damp and cold winters. The wood is old and we think it is pine. Gets about 4 hours direct sun per day
No idea what the old owners used. I think it is at least 20 years old. Good condition but dry and whatever they put on it last year before our purchase is about 50 percent gone. What product do you recommend to prep?
Would think an oil product would be good for the stain on this very dry wood
Hoping for a semi solid that I could use a gray color. I have looked up all your recommendations but found an option in gray.
Lastly, it gets high traffic and we have big dogs!
Please help me wow my very handy husband when I pull this project off by myself!!!
Thank you so much for all of your great advice!
Jenny
The RAD stain does not come in a gray or semi-solid colors. The only way to get a gray semi-solid is to custom tint and that means you will end up with a stain that films on top of the surface instead of penetrating into the surface.
We bought TWP last year to stain our deck but we couldn’t get a good weather window last summer, so are just now approaching this project. We stripped/cleaned (have some old and some new decking) and brightened it just yesterday.
I just found out about this RAD stain this morning and we would much rather use a water based than an oil based stain.
If we use the TWP this year (which has already been purchased), what process would be required next year to switch RAD stain?
I ask as we are considering just taking a loss on the TWP and switching this year if it would be labor intensive to do so next year. Thank you!
You will need to strip and brighten the wood for the prep. The TWP comes off easily.
Can you put stain on a deck that still has some paint on it? If so would you recommend a solid stain?
You should not stain over a paint.
Okay thank you!
Sorry to ask this but I was wondering if there was a paint help sight set up just like this also. I was looking online for the best concrete sealers and found a site set up exactly like this for sealers and was wondering about paint also? Thanks.
Not that we know of.
Ok, thanks 👍
What area of the country was this tested in? Did it go through a snowy winter?
Midwest. Yes, it went through last Winter. Still looking great.
IT has gone through 15 Maine winters and the house stain is still in good condition.Irecently talked with apaint contractor about restaing the house just because its been 15 years! The contractor reccomended Benjamin Moore Arborcoat .Your reviews on this product arnt very good . This is why I am trying to find agood stain that will perform as well as the Olympic Oil stain has done.
I have a large 18 year old PT deck in full sun that has been treated repeatedly with Sikkens semi transparent stain, which peeled terribly. It has now been sanded to bare wood and cleaned with a mixture of OxiClean/water/dish detergent. I am considering restaining with Defy or Restore-a-deck. Do I need to clean/brighten again with one of their products before staining? Since this is now bare wood, is it considered “new wood” and does it get one coat or two?
Do not sand with a grit finer than 80 grit. Clean and brighten the wood for the final prep. This will help the Defy or RAD stain soak in better.
2 coats wet on wet.
Would you favor the Restore-a-Deck or the Defy in this situation, or some other product? We live near Cincinnati. Thanks for your help.
Either of those brands would work well for your area.
Thank you!
My new pt deck installed 3 weeks ago is splitting. How can I stop this and fix the cracks already formed?
Cracks in decks are normal. Nothing you can do to prevent this or fix this. Just leave them be as it is part of having an exterior wood deck.
I meant to mention that if we let the wood weather we’re pretty sure it will discolor very quickly at 9000′ ft.
You have to let it weather and prep. No way around this. Prepping will restore the color. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
We’re putting in a new redwood deck. We live at 9000′ ft elevation. The deck gets sun all day.
We’re wondering if water based stain would be better than oil based or reverse.
Thank you, I look forward to hearing from you. LP
As long as the stain is a penetrating stain like the RAD, you are good. Less chance of wearing and peeling.
We had a cedar fence installed last October and want to protect it (we are located in the Chicagoland area). Do we need to clean and brighten it first? We are also new to owning a home and not especially handy. Are we going to regret taking on this project ourselves, or should we hire someone? Thanks
Yes, you need to prep with a cleaner and a wood brightener. Doesn’t hurt to get a quote from a pro to see if worth it.
Recently had new railing installed on front porch over a month ago. I want to preserve the wood the way it currently looks and prevent fading as well as mold and mildew. Will this product work for this. Thanks!
Yes, but you have to let new wood weather for 3+ months and clean and brighten for the prep.
is Restore-a-Deck suitable for a 1 year old treated pine deck that has never been stained or painted?
I would prefer a light transparent color. Thanks!
Yes, it would work for this. Prep first.
Thanks
2 coats of Natural applied to 10 year old pressure treated pine, about 450 sq foot. Power washed prior day. Applied the stain without the cleaning and brightener. Applied with Wagner sprayer on the stain setting. Took 2 hours and about 2 1/2 gallons. Stained half the deck at a time. Very happy with the results.
Great job!
Is this product appropriate to use on a previously-stained weathered pressure treated wood deck? I was debating about the Behr deck paint, but everything I’ve read says it, or a similar thick deck paint, is a poor choice. Please advise.
Hello, you cannot use this product or any other brand of stain over a Behr. You will have to fully sand off the Behr first. The Behr deck Paint will peel.
What is the best sanding method?
Power sand. Try a drum sander.
I have a 30 y.o. Pressure treated deck, mix of sun and shade, Delaware winters, leaf stains, sun damaged. I’ve used Defy Extreme the last 7 years. Verticals are doing fine, but horizontals in sunny areas fail and need reapplication every year. I’m considering new brand eg Restore a Deck. Is RAD compatible with Defy? Or I need to strip first? Really like to avoid stripping if possible. Looking for best way to keep appearance/performance of this aging deck… and avoid annual reapplication. Any suggestions? Solid? Semi? RAD?
You will have to strip off the Defy if switching brands. Use the RAD after the proper prep.
I just replaced my deck floor with new mahogany. Railings, which were very weathered, grayed and mildewed, have been power washed and are being hand sanded. I live in Massachusetts. Can (or should) I wait until next year to clean, brighten and stain, or would it be best to do it in Sept/Oct. I plan to use Restore a Deck products. How much graying can I expect if I leave it until next year. A portion is in direct sun, and some in shade.
You can do this in the Fall. The prep will remove any graying.
Thank you for all the helpful information that you provide. I have lots of decking, some newer, some as old as 25 years but still in good condition. My decking is CCA treated wood. I would like to use the restore-a-deck products but I am looking for a driftwood grey finish to match the cedar shakes on my house. What stain do you recommend?
For the stain, try Armstrong Clark in Driftwood Gray.
Hi. My wife and I are trying to choose a restore-a-deck stain color but are having a hard time. Can you please tell us which color stain was used in the pictures above? Thanks! Great review.
That is Light Walnut color on pressure treated pine wood.
Can this be used on new mahogany deck surface, and old power washed raining.
Do I have to wait to put on the new mahogany deck.
Yes, you have to wait a few months and then prep before applying. It can be used on Mahogany wood.
I am getting ready to have my cedar shake siding cleaned and stained, I am not sure if the last stain was oil or water based but I think it was oil based. I am cleaning it with restore a deck cleaner and brightener first. What type of stain do you recommend I use for easy care and application, keep in mind that it is a two story house with difficult areas to reach?
If switching brands you need to strip and brighten for the prep, not clean and brighten. Once removed, you can use a stain like the Restore A Deck Wood stains.
When my deck was constructed, it was recommended that I use the water base Sherman Williams brand. The last time I restained the deck I used Deckscapes. I am lucky to get a year and a half of protection. I have power washed and sanded my deck, there are still areas of remaining stain, can I put RAD over it. I am not so concerned about cosmetics as I am protection. Thanks.
You cannot. When switching brands you must remove the current coating.
Have a 15 year old redwood deck floor that hasn’t ever been stained. The railings and posts have been painted (not stained) and need to be redone. Can I sand the paint from railings and posts and then use the RAD cleaner, brightener, and semi-transparent stain on the entire deck- floor, railings, and posts? If not, what do you recommend? Thank you
To be able to use the RAD wood stain all paint would need to be sanded off. Your steps would be correct.