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Deck Stain Reviews

The 5 Best Deck Stain Reviews and Ratings

Update April 2017:

Best Deck Stain Reviews for 2017

Best Deck Stain Reviews

DeckStainHelp.com is a help and review site with the goal of offering advice to homeowners with the difficult task of restoring their exterior wooden decks, docks, and wood homes. We have been using and reviewing wood and deck stains since we started working on restoring exterior wood in the early 1990s. This site was developed to help consumers research and ask questions on what would be the best deck stain, with the goal of longevity and just as important, the ease of reapplication.

Our favorite deck stains have always been the penetrating semi-transparent stains. These stain types allow the wood grain to show and if they truly soak into the wood grain, reapplying is easier down the road. The problem we have noticed in the last 5-10 years is that not all semi-transparent stains are penetrating. Many manufacturers have gone away with the true penetrating stains due to VOC laws and for profitability. Believe it or not, but deck stains in general performed better 10-20 years ago when it came to wearing and peeling than they do in 2017. There have been some major advancements though when it comes to UV protection in the past 5-10 years. Nano-particles of zinc oxides and improvements to trans-oxides have shown excellent UV resistance.

The good news is you can still find some quality deck stains in 2017 that will offer UV protection, penetrate deep into the wood grain, and highlight the natural beauty of the wood.

144 comments

TWP 100 Series Wood and Deck Stain Review 2016

TWP 100 Stain Review

Important Note: This is our 3rd Review of TWP 100 Series.

See our other reviews of the TWP 100 Series here: TWP 100 Wood Stain Reviews

TWP 100 “Total Wood Preservative” Deck Stain protects and maintains all exterior wooden surfaces. TWP Wood Stain is a special blend of chemicals in a contractor grade formula that safeguards and protects exterior wooden surfaces.

TWP® 100 SERIES penetrates deeply into wood without excessive surface film build, highlighting existing grain patterns with amazing clarity and warmth and is specifically designed to provide protection against the four major causes of wood degradation: wood rot, water, sunlight & mildew.

TWP Exterior Wood Preservatives are the only wood and deck stains on the market that are registered as exterior wood preservatives by the EPA.

TWP Deck Stains – 100 Series Review

TWP 100 Series Wood Deck Stain Scores (1-10)

Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 9

– We prepped the deck first with the Gemini Restore Kit and applied the TWP 120 Pecan color after a few days of drying. This deck was originally done with the TWP 101 Cedartone. The customer wanted to use the Pecan this time as it has a slight “brown” tone. The overall appearance was excellent.

Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 8

– Same as the first time tested, The TWP Pecan 120 retained about 80% of the original color after 2 years of full exposure to the elements.

Wear/Tear and Peeling: 9

– Very minor or no wearing of the TWP. TWP penetrates very well into the wood grain so this is normal and expected.

300 comments

Latest Consumer Magazine Reports on Decking Stains

Latest Consumer Magazine Reports on Decking Stains is out again this year and we have been getting some questions as to why our ratings differ so much compared to their highest rated products. We have compiled a list of reasons why we believe our reviews and ratings are more realistic and honest examples of how a deck stain actually performs.

Contractor Restoration

Reviews and articles are posted from our experience as contractors who specialize in exterior wood restoration. We are experienced in the trade of prepping and applying a stain to an exterior deck.

Real World Testing vs. Individual Board Testing

The stains are tested on actual decks with normal exposure to weather and traffic. Consumers uses a test on an individual board that sees no traffic or use. This board is not exposed to normal everyday “real world” conditions.
Brands Tested: Big Box Store Brands vs All Stain Brands

We test all available brands and versions. Consumers tests mainly big box store brands such as Behr, Sherwin William, Cabots, etc. Many of the best wood stains are not available at these stores but rather in high-end paint stores, lumber yards, or online.

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257 comments

TWP 1500 Wood and Deck Stain Review 2017

TWP 1500 Stain Review

Important Note: This is an updated 2017 TWP 1500 Series Review.

TWP® (Total Wood Preservative) 1500 Series Deck Stain was brought onto the market in 2010 as the permanent substitute for TWP 500 Series. TWP 1500 Wood and Deck Stain is a semi-transparent, oil based, EPA registered wood preservative.

TWP 1500 Stain is specially formulated to use on all exterior wood surfaces. Its outstanding UV resistant blend prevents wood graying and discoloration. It is commonly used on decks, fences, log cabins, wood siding and cedar shakes. It is offered in 10 shades that enhance the natural beauty of the wood.

TWP 1500 Deck Stain Rating

TWP 1500 Series Deck Stain Scores (1-10)

Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 8.5

– The appearance of TWP 1500 Wood Stain on our test deck was a warm rich finish. The wood grain was enhanced and highlighted effortlessly. The 1501 Cedartone color was a little browner (not as orange) than a conventional cedar stain color.

58 comments

Ready Seal Wood and Deck Stain Review 2017

Ready Seal Stain Review

Note: This is our 2nd Review of Ready Seal Stains

Ready Seal® Wood Stain is considered a professional grade exterior wood stain. Ready Seal Wood and Deck Stain is suggested for use on all exterior wood surfaces such as decks, fences, arbors, gazebos, wood siding, roofs, and log homes. Ready Seal was originally designed for contractors but is now available to homeowners through some Home Depot stores in the southern part of the country. Ready Seal Stain is a drip and run free resulting in an even finish. The formula is a special blend of paraffin oil, resins, trans-oxide pigments, and algaecides.

Ready Seal® Stain Scores (1-10)

Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 8

– Ready Seal lived up to their claim and resulted in a nice even finish. The cedar deck we tested definitely looked more enhanced with the Natural Cedar color we applied. With that said, the color did fade quite a bit after several days as the paraffin oils continue to penetrate into the wood grain. We also do not like how the finish stays oily for several days after application or until it fully penetrates into the wood grain.

Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 5

– At our 2-year test mark, there was about 50% color retention.

6 comments

Sherwin Williams SuperDeck Stain Review 2017

Super Deck Stain Review

Note: Sherwin Williams bought Super Deck in 2013. This review is for the original SuperDeck Oil-Based semi-transparent formula.

SUPERDECK® by Sherwin Williams is a professional grade exterior wood deck finish that was developed to provide superb weather protection and color enhancement. Superdeck semi-transparent deck stain utilizes iron oxide pigments to protect against harmful UV rays. Superdeck is a blend of tung and linseed oils to help inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.

A high-solid wood finish developed to give superior protection and beautiful color to exterior wood. Superdeck® Semi-Transparent Stain uses the highest quality ingredients to provide superior protection. This unique formula contains carnauba wax for an extremely durable finish and a beautiful lustrous sheen with mar and scuff resistance. Superdeck® Semi-Transparent Stain will not track and is resistant to foot traffic patterning. Superdeck® Semi-Transparent Stain is expertly formulated for any exterior surface including decks, fences, siding, and furniture. Available in a spectacular 63-color palette to capture the beauty you seek.

SUPERDECK® Semi-Transparent Stain Scores (1-10)

Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 7

–Our test deck was a cedar deck. We chose to use the Superdeck cedar color. Unfortunately, after drying the finish was a tacky uneven finish that did not dissipate for several days. A single coat of stain was applied.

11 comments

Olympic Elite Wood Stain Review 2017

Olympic Elite Wood and Deck Stain Review

Olympic ELITE Advanced Stain + Sealant in One is a super-premium stain formulated to protect and enhance the natural look of wood with exceptional richness and depth of color. A curated color palette of 14 rich, wood-inspired colors utilizes only the most durable pigments for natural beauty and durability. Semi-transparent stains use natural oils and rich, subtle color to highlight and enrich wood’s natural grain

This is for the 550 VOC versions that is an oil based stain.

Olympic Maximum Stain + Sealant in One Stain Scores (1-10)

Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 6

– Olympic Elite Stain is an oil based stain + sealer in one. We used the Chestnut Brown color. The appearance of the final stain finish was a brown color that did not seem to enhance the beauty of the wood as well as we had expected. However, the Olympic Elite Wood Stain did penetrate the wood fairly well and did not form a film on top.

Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 7

–At the 2-year test mark Olympic Elite Woodland Oil did hold up pretty decent with an estimated 70% color retention. Some fading and graying was noticed in traffic areas.

13 comments

2016 Consumer Reports Deck Stain Ratings

The Consumer Reports is the publication of the Consumer’s Union. Many consumers use the publication when making a buying decision. After all, it publishes the ratings of other consumers who have bought the same products. So it would seem a logical place to gather buying information right? Well maybe not. The Consumer Reports publication has long been accused of biased ratings.

This is especially true in the car industry. You can find countless articles of Consumer Reports being falsely suggestive in some of their ratings. Unfair testing and biased ratings seem to be common. More than a dozen large companies, from car manufacturers to electronic companies have sued consumer Reports over the years. It almost seems like for whatever reason, they tend to sway the results of tests and ratings.

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Cabot Australian Timber Oil Review 2016

Cabot Australian Timber Oil Update 2017

If you have used Cabot Australian Timber Oil please upload and post pictures of your exterior wood or deck. A short description of your experience would be helpful as well. This can be done in our comment area below. Feel free to also submit a Star Rating as well.

Cabot Australian Timber Oil

Containing a precise blend of superb-grade linseed oil for maximum penetration, long-oil alkyds for durability and pure South American tung oil for color depth and water repellency, Cabot Australian Timber Oil delivers three-way oil protection and a beautiful hardwood stain. In addition, complex translucent iron oxide pigments are added to ensure a lasting U.V.-absorbing surface rich with color and dimension. The result after years of development is an advanced-technology treatment of unrivaled performance designed to protect your wood surfaces like never before.

Cabot Australian Timber Oil Wood Deck Stain Scores (1-10)

Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 8

– The Mahogany Flame looks very red but overall very rich and nice looking on the PTP test deck. All grain was visible and not “covered” by the semi-transparent pigment.

Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 6

-The Australian Timber Oil performed decently at the 2-year mark. It had retained about 60% of the original color.

Wear/Tear and Peeling: 8

-Some wearing but no peeling. Wear was visible on the exposed areas and under the furniture

26 comments

Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Stain Review 2016

ArborCoat Stain Review

Important Note: This is our 2nd Benjamin Moore Arborcoat. See our first review here: Benjamin Moore Arborcoat

ARBORCOAT Premium Exterior Stains offer a variety of opacities in an array of captivating colors that let you express your own unique style. These finishes are designed to enhance the appearance of your deck, siding, or outdoor wood furniture with outstanding color retention. All ARBORCOAT finishes are easy to apply and offer superior protection while enriching the texture and grain of exterior wood surfaces.

Benjamin Moore’s Arborcoat Stain Scores (1-10)

Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 5

– Similar to our first review, the Arborcoat after drying had a “plastic” unnatural look to the wood when done. The finished result was a film-forming stain, similar to a varnish.

Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 8

– The Arborcoat does well with UV protection. It has a high solid content, similar to a paint. We did use the top coat clear on this deck as well. Not sure if that actually helps with UV protection, but BM claims it does.

Wear/Tear and Peeling: 3

– This product does not perform well on our tests. It is prone to peeling and wear. After 2 years much if not all of the flooring had peeling issues. Cracking, peeling and mold growth was evident throughout.

8 comments

TWP 1500 Stain Review 2014

TWP 1500 Review

Important Note: This is our 2nd Review of TWP 1500 Series. Our first review of the TWP 1500 Stain was started in 2010 and completed in 2012.

See Here for First Review: TWP 1500 Series Review

TWP 1500 Series Preservative is an Oil-Based EPA approved wood enhancing preservative that stops structural damage and exterior wood rot on treated or previously treated above ground wood surfaces such as fencing, decking, roof shakes, wood siding and log homes.

*Note: TWP 1500 and the TWP 100 are the only deck stains registered by the EPA as a wood preservative. The 1500 is compliant in all US states while the 100 Series is not.

TWP Deck Stains – 1500 Series Review

TWP 1500 Stain Deck Stain Scores (1-10)

Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 8.5

For the pine deck, we used the TWP 1530 Natural. This is not a “clear” but rather a traditional cedar color in our opinion. The manufacturer stated they made this color in the 1500 Series to match the color of the TWP 101 Cedartone. This allows for an easy switch from the 100 Series for consumers who are in a low voc state.

The wood grain was highlighted naturally with the 1530 Natural semi-transparent tint. The 1500 does not mask or film on top of the wood grain.

Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 8.5

Excellent at preventing UV graying at the two-year mark. For the vertical railings, the TWP 1500 lost very little of the color. For the horizontals, we saw close to 80% color retention.

Same results as last time and one of the better products for preventing color fading

Wear/Tear and Peeling: 8

The TWP 1500 penetrates deep into the wood reducing the chance of wearing. We find that the 1500 Scored well here for a low VOC oil based stain.

Note that when staining brand new wood with TWP, we have found that it is best to let the wood season in the elements for at least 3+ months. Once it is weathered, we prep with a deck cleaner and wood brightener to enhance the stain penetration. Only 1 coat of the TWP 1500 for new smooth wood.

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325 comments

Rust-Oleum Deck Restore Review 2015

Why repaint when you can revitalize your deck—with Rust-Oleum® Deck & Concrete Restore® ? This liquid-armor resurfacer forms a tough, resilient coating over existing decking. It lasts for years with minimal maintenance! Limited lifetime warranty.

10 times thicker than ordinary coatings—fills cracks, locks down splinters, hides imperfections
Non-slip, barefoot-friendly texture; water- and weather-resistant; durable
Economical, environmentally safe; easy to apply and clean up

Note: Class Action Lawsuit has been filed against Rust-Oleum Deck Restore 10x: See Here and Our Article

Rust-Oleum Deck Restore Stain Scores (1-10)

Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 3

– The finished appearance of this product is poor. It looks “clumpy” and dirt has a tendency to stick to the surface as the product cures. The color did not match the color on the chart.

Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 10

– Does not gray in the areas where it has not peeled.

Wear/Tear and Peeling: 2

– Of all the “Deck Resurface” products the Rust-Oleum version peels the worst. It started peeling within a few months of application.

32 comments

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