Sherwin Williams DeckScapes Stain Review  2.4/5 (78)

This post was updated on February 26, 2024

SW DeckScapes Review

SW DeckScapes Review

Sherwin Williams DeckScapes Advanced Waterborne Transparent Stain offers 3 way UV protection for wood by absorbing, blocking, and stabilizing the wood fibers. DeskScapes enhances the natural wood grain while preventing mold and mildew.

Note: We used SW’s DeckScapes in their water-based toner formula for our test and review.

Note: Sherwin-Williams Deckscapes was discontinued in 2016. It was replaced by Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck.

Sherwin Williams DeckScapes Stain Scores (1-10)

Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 5

– Sherwin Williams DeckScapes is a water-based acrylic formula that created a film on top of the wood after drying. The overall appearance of the redwood color was poor and the stain dried unevenly even though it was applied properly.

Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 6

– After 2 years the Sherwin Williams DeckScapes lost about 60% of its original color.

Wear/Tear and Peeling: 4

– The Sherwin Williams DeckScapes did not hold up well on our full sun test deck. After the second Winter, about 60% of the stain had peeled from the floor. This did not happen in just the high traffic areas but throughout the entire deck.

Cost Per Square Foot: 7

– We used 4 gallons of stain for our 400-foot test deck. 2 Coats of the Sherwin Williams DeckScapes was applied. The cost to stain was around $.35 a foot.

Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 9

– The DeckScapes tested very well for preventing mold and mildew. No mold was growing in or on top of the stain. Very small amounts of mold were visible in the wood where the stain had peeled.

Ease of Application: 3

– This stain is not easy to apply. We found that the Deckscapes dried incredibly fast. This made it very difficult to apply the stain as we worried about overlaps. We used a brush and roller with the application and found that the stain did not apply anywhere near the manufacturer coverage rates. We found that the Sherwin Williams DeckScapes closer to 150 feet per gallon.

Color Shifting (darkening) after 2 Years: 8

– Sherwin Williams DeckScapes does not darken in color but fades and peels.

Ease of Reapplication: 4

– Reapplication of the DeckScapes would not be easy. Since the stain had peeled badly you would need to use a heavy stain stripper followed by sanding to remove the stain from the rest of the deck. A light cleaning and re-coat would not work.

Overall Score Defy Extreme Stain at 2 Year Period: 5.75

– We were very disappointed in the Sherwin Williams DeckScapes. Having used SW paints in the past with excellent results, we expected better for their exterior decking stain. The Deckscapes does not apply very well, has a poor appearance when finished and peels.

Buyer Beware!

Sherwin Williams SuperDeck Stain Photos from Consumers

Product Information:

Where To Buy: Sherwin Williams
Cost: $36.99 per Gallon, $180.99 per 5 Gallon Pail
Stain Type: Transparent – Water Based
Available Colors: Natural, Redwood, Cedar
Application Temperature: 40-90 F
Coats Required: 2 Coats
Coverage Per Gallon: 125-150 sq. ft in field tests
Application Tools: Sprayer, Pad, Brush, Roller
Dry Time: 24-48 Hours
Cleanup: Soap and Water
VOC Compliant: 250 Compliant in all States
Manufacturer: Sherwin Williams

Test Deck Stats:

Deck Wood Type: Pressure Treated Pine
Deck Square Footage: 400 Square Feet
UV Exposure: Full Sun, Western Exposure
How Many Years Tested: 2 Years
Stain Color Used: 
Redwood


*All products tested and results are from our hands-on experience. We offer no guarantee of similar results. Take into consideration that results may differ widely due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.


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

author avatar
Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993
#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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Judy
Judy
9 months ago

What is the best wood stain and sealer for wood deck location in direct
sun.

Mary D
Mary D
1 year ago

I had my wood deck refinished and stained last year. The company used Sherwin and Williams Superdeck. The deck looks dry and faded this summer, just under a year afterwards. This is from a large painting company in town that’s supposed to be good.
The company says they suggest redoing every year. is this the normal procedure? My husband restained and finished the deck 3 years before it was needed again.
I’m a widow on limited budget and can’t afforded every year,
Would appreciate your thoughts

Mary D
Mary D
1 year ago

Thank you for your speedy response. Much appreciated.

Angela
Angela
3 years ago

Can I get it in a color by chance

Jerry
Jerry
3 years ago

How soon after the first coat of Sherwin Williams deck scape is applied should the second coat be applied?

Steve
Steve
3 years ago

Old homeowner used SuperDeck Waterborne Semi-Transparent in 2018 and it looks terrible now. It is peeling and chipping everywhere.

What is the best way to remove it before switching to TWP100?

Jim
Jim
3 years ago

We used Superdeck Solid stain on 32 decks ar our condo in 2017. Many are now pealing and the owners think we used paint. Should we use Superdeck solid stain after we power wash the decks? What precautions should we take to prevent pealing? Would it be better to use a semi-transparent stain?

SW employee
SW employee
3 years ago

Sherwin-Williams Deckscapes was discontinued in 2016. It is not available in any SW store. It was replaced by SuperDeck.

Dennis
Dennis
3 years ago

I was at a local SW and they no longer carry the Deckscapes oil based stain that I have used on my pergola any ideas for me?

Dennis
Dennis
3 years ago

Ok thanks for the information I will be switching to a different brand!

SW employee
SW employee
3 years ago
Reply to  Dennis

Sherwin-Williams replaced Deckscapes with SuperDeck. Have your stain color made in SuperDeck. It may not be exact because they are going to a different product. Your local SW store can help you with the conversion. SuperDeck comes in oil for transparent and semi-transparent.

Diane King
Diane King
3 years ago

I have always used Sherwin Williams paints for years. But for my deck sherwin williams stains is horrible. It peeled, faded and mildew. I will go to Behr in home depot.

Jack
Jack
4 years ago

Will super deck waterborne formula exterior deck stain freeze

Dave
Dave
5 years ago

I’ve had nothing but success with Deckscapes. Only have to redo every 5-6 years. From the looks of this, most are using an actual stain. The Deckscapes Portibello color we use is phenomenal

Bill K
Bill K
5 years ago

I used clear Deckscapes to seal the ceiling of the porch three years ago. No problems, except the wood has aged but the putty used to fill the nail holes has not. so I am looking to paint the entire ceiling. What prp work do I have to do to make sure the paint adheres to the Deckscape?

Jean
Jean
5 years ago

I am building a Pergola. 15’W X 35′ L . 6×6 post, 2×12 girders, 2×10 rafters & 2×2 sun slats.
Instead of building the pergola first and then staining the wood after, i decided it would be more efficient to stain the lumber then build. I purchased the wood and shook it out. pressure washed it and let it cure.
(pressure treated pine #1) Once it was cured i bought SW Woodscapes Advance Waterborne Formula Exterior House Stain. Semi Transparent in the Cedar Mill color. First I tried rolling the product on. Thought it was going well till it started to dry. It looks smooth when wet, but drys will roller lines. So i applied a second coat. This time it dried with spots all over. So i applied a third coat. Wow what a mistake. The stain doesn’t want to adhere to its self and almost pools as if the previous coats are resisting the stain like water. (because it is water based acrylic) Correct me if i am wrong. Now with the third coat it looks like a just painted the wood brown. So I switched tactics, I started to spray the stain with an airless sprayer, 1st coat thin and very runny. 2nd coat looked good going on, but yet again as it dried it looks horrible. spotting and streaking. I am a month behind schedule on this build and I am very unhappy with this “stain” and i put it in quotes because this isn’t a stain. It is pretty much a very thinned out latex paint. There is some penetration on the stain, but very little. Now I am stuck with either finishing the stain or sanding the wood back to bare wood and building the pergola without a stain. If i do this what grit sandpaper should I use? Or is there a faster fix to this issue? My wife wants the wood to be stained, but at this point I am not sure I want to go through with this headache anymore. If I sand the wood back to an almost natural color can I apply a Oil based stain instead? I need a point in the correct direction, and any feedback would be appreciated.

Jean
Jean
5 years ago

What grit sand paper should i use?

Mandy
Mandy
5 years ago

After just one year our deck turned black!! My mother’s deck look the same as ours…black!! It works great on cedar siding, but wouldn’t recommend it for desks!!!

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Melissa
Melissa
6 years ago

Okay we stained our 5300 sq foot log home with deckscape stain. We have not had the issues with peeling etc but our problem is Sherwin Wms has discontinued the deckscape stain and we can not locate a conversion formula to match the old stain. We have several repairs and our local Sherwin Wms has been trying for weeks to match their stain. Does anyone know if a conversion formula exists for discontinued stains?

Vinny
Vinny
5 years ago
Reply to  Melissa

You shouldn’t be using deckscapes on your home. Use woodscapes…it’s still available.

Ron
Ron
5 years ago
Reply to  Melissa

Hey Melissa I have a 5 gallon bucket of Deckscape for sell. Send text to 757 907 9567 if interested

Rigall
Rigall
6 years ago

The SW product tested here is was a waterborne, mostly transparent stain. The testers acknowledged that they applied the stain to the deck floor via brush and roller which is a 100% rookie/amateur way of application. This product, and all other deck stains should be applied in the shade, the old-fashioned way by 4 inch brush, taking 2-3 (MAX) boards at once, evenly without puddling, all the way across to the end of each board, working backwards out of each corner. When applied this method, it really doesn’t take much more time and will provide a professional appearance that will resist the fading and mildewing which occur quite rapidly with oil-based stains.

Vinny
Vinny
5 years ago
Reply to  Rigall

So a brush and roller is “rookie” but a brush isn’t? I’m confused. Have you ever tried to brush a solid stain on a floor? Especially some of the new elastomerics?

Jan
Jan
6 years ago

Terrible product. I would NEVER recommend this product to my worst enemy. From start to finish. We have a $1000 , 2 year old deck that looks 10 years old and we have no idea what to do with it . Stain is pealing everywhere, railing, deck surface…everywhere, not just traffic areas. This is the second summer. We are sick. Short ic tearing it down and down and starting over, we are clueless about his to fix this mess.

MACK
MACK
6 years ago

Use Benjamim Moore oil .

Geigen
Geigen
6 years ago

I’m surprised at all the stories of peeling, bubbling, etc. All of these issues occur with wood that has retained too much moisture prior to staining.
I live in Michigan with harsh winters and the stain did not start to wear down until 3 years. I had exposed wood in a few areas and faded color…but no peeling. After 3 years I think this is normal wear and tear, not a product defect.

Darren
Darren
6 years ago

I literally just finished my deck with Sherwin Williams stain and ran into all the same issues. Had a nice wood deck and now I have a brown painted deck. Very unhappy with the product, wish I had found this review prior to using it. It looked horrible after one coat and had to use two on everything I did! Waste of money, time and effort. Cannot wait until it starts peeling in 1 year!

Laurie
Laurie
3 years ago
Reply to  Darren

Ours took less than 6 months to start peeling to the point of embarrassment, the deck is two years old, looks like 20, it’s actually coming off with the garden hose spray on full force

Larry
Larry
6 years ago

Pealed after 1 yearof application had to use almost twice as much to cover my deck, and this is not a stain, It’s a deck paint……Now I am stuck with a painted deck, don’t waste your money

Gordon Laser
Gordon Laser
6 years ago
Reply to  Larry

Go with Simi transparent for a stain not deep base or solid

Stu
Stu
6 years ago

Dont go near this stuff. Scuffing and peeling off after 6 months. I did everything as instructed, including deck wash before staining. Does not penetrate the wood at all.

bill
bill
5 years ago
Reply to  Stu

did you use a moisture meter to see if the moisture content was low enough to apply the stain. It does not matter what material you would use if the moisture levels are high. The moisture will push any product up if you have too high of a content

MCS
MCS
6 years ago

I have a large deck (approx 1,000 square feet) that has been stained with multiple coats of Sherwin Williams Deckscapes solid waterborne stain. The horizontal surfaces are stained gray and are bubbling and peeling. Sherwin Williams has discontinued their Deckscapes product and replaced it with the Superdeck product.

What is the best way to remove the layers of old stain so I can put a fresh coat of stain on the wood?
Do you recommend the Superdeck product? (I expect that I will need to stay with a solid stain in a dark color.)

Thank you.

MCS
MCS
6 years ago

So you recommend sanding off the loose stain then pressure washing to remove any loose remnants?
For a pressure treated deck with 5 1/2″ wide boards, do you recommend a floor drum sander or a random orbital floor sander?

Thank you!

MCS
MCS
6 years ago

I have already pressure washed and I keep finding more sections that lift off. Please see the attached photos. They are all of the same area with a little bit of lifting of loose stain. Power washing just seems to drive more water under the stain causing it to bubble up further.
…not wanting to make this a life-long endeavor…
I appreciate your experienced insights.
MCS

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tony whitney
tony whitney
6 years ago
Reply to  MCS

I feel for you. I would be extremely upset. There is peeling, but these are sheets. Good luck. I personally do not line three deskscapes products.coverage sucks on them and not any longevity with this product.

LRPRDH
LRPRDH
5 years ago
Reply to  MCS

This could be pictures of my deck, color and all. I found pressure washing only peeled more stain so I lightly use a wire brush attached to a handle and then clean with cleaner and a hose. I have used this stain several times since I didn’t want to mix brands or types, but I’ve had enough and this year will try something new. I have wasted enough money and time with this one.

Kath
Kath
6 years ago

How about updating your research give me a break 2008

karen
karen
6 years ago

OH yeah …when you are out there trying to fix your ruined deck…and you get no help from idiot on the phone the next thing you better do get signed up for a classaction law suit….I don’t care if I never see a dime and it all goes to the lawyer…at least they will have to pay someone.

TJS
TJS
6 years ago

We used this product on a new deck that we let weather for one year. One year after applying the stain, the full sun floor had 10% peeling. Now after 2 years almost 50% peeled. Don’t know what to do. Will be a lot of work to sand or remove unpeeled stain.

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