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Deck Stains 2020

The Best Deck Stains 2020?

by Deck Stain Help 02/04/2020

Armstrong Clark in Rustic Brown

Updated February 2020

The Best Deck Stains in 2020

Please read our Best Deck Stain article and post any questions you have in the comment area below. Our newly enhanced website now offers the ability to upload and post pictures of your exterior wood or deck. This will help us determine the proper prep and overall condition of your deck, leading to better performance.

This is an updated version of our most popular article What is the Best Deck Stain? We have had over 18,500 Q&A questions for the first article, helping consumers find the best wood and deck stain for their deck and specific environment.

The Top Rated Deck Stains

Since 2012 we have been reviewing, rating and helping consumers find the Best Deck Stain here at DeckStainHelp.com. We have listed the top current Deck Stains that we have reviewed based on our experience and consumer ratings of each product.

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What is the Best Deck Stain 2020?

by Deck Stain Help 02/04/2020

Updated February 2020

What is the Best Deck Stain 2020?

What is Best Deck Stains

Find out which deck stain is ranked best!

This is the updated version of our most popular article on DeckStainHelp.com. We help by guiding consumers in finding a high quality and low maintenance deck stain based on a series of questions. This article alone has had over 18,500 Q&A questions and over 600 Star Rating/Reviews to date.

Please also visit our updated article here: The Best Deck Stains?

What is the Best Deck Stain?

This is the most popular question that deck owners have. Unfortunately, there is not a “best” deck stain out there. There are products that are better than others, but there is not one that will outperform every other stain.

A better way to approach this common question is to ask, “what is the best stain for my deck and it’s environment”? Just because a deck stain performs well in the Northeast part of the country does not mean it will perform well in the high altitudes of Arizona. There are also VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) Laws the come into effect for different parts of the country. This may limit what is available in your state. For example, TWP 100 Series cannot be used in 17 states that have a low VOC content of 250.

To understand a deck stain and its potential longevity, we should first look at the main reasons deck stains fail:

UV rays from the sun will damage the wood resulting in degradation of the wood cell structure. This will break down the stain while causing the wood to oxidize (turn gray).
Water, snow, and ice will cause damage to the wood by breaking down the exposed cellular structure.
Freeze/thaw will expand and contract the wood resulting in the stain “bond” with the wood cells to fail.
Mold, mildew, and algae will leave the wood unsightly/dirty and can result in rotting.
High traffic areas will leave “wearing” patterns.
The previous stain used was of low quality or applied poorly.
The Stain was not applied properly or the wood was not prepped properly prior to application. Bad prep is the number one reason stains prematurely fail!

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The 6 Best Deck Stain Reviews and Ratings

by Deck Stain Help 02/03/2020

Updated February 3rd, 2020

Best Deck Stain Reviews for 2020

Best Deck Stain Reviews

For a more in-depth article on “What is The Best Deck Stain for Your Deck” see this article: What is the Best Deck Stain

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 2020. 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 2020 that will offer UV protection, penetrate deep into the wood grain, and highlight the natural beauty of the wood.

Best Semi-Transparent Deck Stain?

Best Newer Deck Stain in 2020: Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain 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. In 2018, our first full year of 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 2020 restoration season. The Restore A Deck Stains come in both Semi-Transparent and Solid Colors.

If you have any questions on this rating and review of deck stains, please ask below. For a more in-depth article on “What is The Best Deck Stain for Your Deck” see this article: What is the Best Deck Stain

957 comments

Deck Stains 2020

by Deck Stain Help 02/03/2020

Updated February 2020

Update on Deck Stain for 2020

Please read this article and post any questions you have in the comment area below. Our newly enhanced website now offers the ability to upload and post pictures of your exterior wood or deck.

Deck stains have not changed much in the past few years. Many brands have gone away from oil-based stains to water-based, but you are still able to use oil-based stains in all US States and Canada. We currently restore about 300-400 decks annually, and our favorites are the penetrating semi-transparent and semi-solids.

We have been getting great feedback here at www.deckstainhelp.com from all of the consumers who have been looking for better stain alternatives for their deck restoration. Our most popular article, “What is the Best Deck Stain” has quickly become the number one article on the web for asking questions and getting answers on restoring your exterior wood and deck.

In this article, we are going to cover what actually is a “Deck Stain”. We will compare the many different types of decking stain options available and what are the positives and negatives of each.

Deck Stains

Deck stains are used to protect and preserve your exterior wood. They offer UV protection, water repellency, mold and mildew resistance, etc. Deck coatings come in many different types of opacity and bases. Many deck stain brands can be restricted in certain states, cities, and counties based on their VOC laws.

Deck staining can be a “chore” for residential homeowners and unfortunately walking into your local store may produce some of the worst options available. Not all deck stains are created equal and there is not a perfect stain type or brand that will outperform all the others.

Water-Based Wood Deck Stains

Water-based deck stains have come on rapidly in the last 4 years. The main reason for the vast amount of water-based stains on the market today is related to changes in VOC laws across the country. Many states have adopted or soon will adopt lower VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) regulations. This has prompted stain manufacturers to increase the production of water-soluble decking stains. In our opinion, water-based deck stains are “thin” paints with varying amounts of acrylic and pigment.

Pros: Water cleanup, less chance of mold or mildew growth. Environmentally friendly.

Cons: Do not penetrate as an oil-base can. Slightly harder to apply as they dry quicker. They can be prone to peeling and wearing. *Restore-A-Deck Wood Stains and Defy Wood Stains are the only exceptions that we have tested. They penetrate the best of all water-based stains, nearly as well as an oil.

Oil-based Wood Deck Stains

Oil-based decking stains have been around for 20-30 years and have been traditionally what all stain manufacturers produce. Oil-based stains are typically made up of natural and synthetic oils. Many contain oils: Linseed Oil, Paraffin Oil, Tung Oil, Rosewood Oil, Etc.

Pros: Excellent penetration into the wood. The better a deck stain can penetrate, the better the performance. Easier to apply. More natural-looking.

Cons: Stronger odors, longer drying and curing time. Some oils can promote the growth of mildew. Some oil-based stains will darken in color over time.

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Update on Deck Stains for 2020

by Deck Stain Help 02/04/2020

Updated February 2020

Deck Stain Types

Deck Stains in 2020

– What Deck Stains are new? What Deck Stains really works? What are the different Deck Stain types are there?

Today we will be reporting what’s new in the deck staining industry for 2020. Out three years ago is the Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent wood stain and two years ago was the Restore-A-Deck Solid Color Wood Stains. The Restore-A-Deck Wood Stains can be applied to damp wood, allowing for prep and stain to be completed on the same day. Restore-A-Deck Stain uses the latest in water-based wood staining technology to create a formula that allows for better UV protection, excellent penetration into the wood stain for long-lasting beautiful results, and the ability to apply to damp wood for single-day project completion. The Wood Stain comes in four radiant semi-transparent colors that highlight and enhance the natural wood grain.

Which stains really work? With the help of thousands of people who have completed deck stain projects over the years, we consistently see the same higher-quality stains outperforming lower quality stains. Hands-down, semi-transparent wood stains seem to receive raving reviews as far as the quality and durability go. As always, be sure to choose a high-quality semi-transparent wood stain, as low-quality semi-transparent wood stains fail to penetrate the wood grain and make maintenance a pain. Click here to see the top 6 rated deck stains.

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Types of Deck Stains 2020

by Deck Stain Help 02/04/2020

Updated February 2020

Different Types of Deck Stains in 2020

We appreciate our community of deck stain enthusiasts here at Deckstainhelp.com as we continue to add content and serve as your go-to source for the latest in deck restoration news and trending topics through 2019. In this article, we talk about the different categories of deck stains and what sets them apart. As always, comments are encouraged below.

Many people ask what types of deck stains are available when curious about deck care and maintenance. Deck stains, in general, are for preserving and protecting exterior wood. They provide water repellency, UV protection, reduce fungal growth, and enhance the natural beauty of the wood. In 2020 deck stains come in several types of opacity levels all having pros and cons.

Solid Deck Stains 2020

A coat of a solid deck stain completely hides the wood grain by creating a heavily pigmented film on the surface similar to paint. These come in any color imaginable and are available in both water-based and oil-based formulas.

Pros: Superb UV protection due to so much pigment

Cons: Do not penetrate well and are prone to peeling. Little chance of ever going back to natural wood look. It looks like paint. Hard to apply and prone to peeling.

16 comments

Sherwin Williams Super Deck Stain Review 2020

by Deck Stain Help 02/04/2020

Updated February 2020

Sherwin Williams SuperDeck Stain Review 2020

We at Deckstainhelp.com appreciate your loyalty. It is our commitment to remain your number one source for deck staining tips and latest industry news on the internet in 2020. Sherwin Williams SuperDeck continues to follow the same wear trends and issues with turning black as years before. Leave us a comment if you’ve used Sherwin Williams SuperDeck and let us know how your projects held up.

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 Ratings (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.

41 comments

Darker Color Deck Stains Will Last Longer

by Deck Stain Help 02/05/2020

Updated February 2020

Will Darker Color Deck Stains Will Last Longer?

DeckStainHelp.com remains the Internet’s go-to site for all things exterior wood surface restoration related. Below we explain why darker color deck stains will last longer, so if you are looking for a long-lasting stain, choose a darker color. We encourage customer interaction on our site, so feel free to leave us a comment below.

Armstrong Clark Stains

The lifetime of a deck stain is determined by several different factors. Weather, climate, sun exposure, and foot traffic are some of the main factors that will determine the longevity of a deck stain. Out of these main key factors, sun exposure is probably one of the most damaging elements to a stain’s integrity. Harmful UV rays can break down the protecting elements of a wood stain in a season or two.

Most deck stains provide water protection but not all of them will provide UV protection. When exterior wood is exposed to the sun it becomes discolored and faded. The top layer of wood fibers turns gray as they are damaged by harmful UV radiation. One key element in the fight against sun damage can be the amount of pigment found in the stain. Color pigments will act like sunscreen and provide a certain amount of sun protection.

26 comments

Cabot Australian Timber Oil Review 2019

by Deck Stain Help 02/05/2020

Updated February 2020

Cabot Australian Timber Oil Review 2020

Here at DeckStainHelp.com, we take pride in the fact that we have become the Internet’s number one reference for your deck stain opinions and unbiased reviews. Our customers who have used Cabot Australian Timber Oil continue to give mixed reviews about the appearance and longevity of their deck stain projects. If you have used Cabot Australian Timber Oil, we would like to hear what you think, so feel free to leave a comment below and pictures of your completed projects if you have them.

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 Ratings (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

146 comments

Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Stain Review 2020

by Deck Stain Help 02/05/2020

Updated February 2020

Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Stain Review 2020

Here at DeckStainHelp.com, we have worked hard to become the Internet’s number one reference for your deck stain opinions and unbiased reviews. We thank you for your continued support. Our customers who have used Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Stain continue to give poor reviews about the appearance and longevity of their deck stain projects. If you have used Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Stain, we would like to hear what you think, so feel free to leave a comment below and pictures of your completed projects if you have them.

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 Rating (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 paint. We did use the topcoat 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 wearing. After 2 years much if not all of the flooring had peeling issues. Cracking, peeling and mold growth was evident throughout.

40 comments

Deck Stain Color Ideas

by Deck Stain Help 02/05/2020

Updated February 2020

Deck Stain Color Tips

We here at DeckStainHelp.com are proud to be the internet’s number one reference for all things wood deck restoration related. In this article, we talk about strategy for picking out the perfect deck stain color for your wood stain project in 2020. We are always looking for ways to engage with our readers, so we appreciate your input, questions, and pictures by leaving a comment below.

Deck Stain Color Ideas for Exterior Wood

Choosing a deck stain color can be a bit confusing with so many different choices on the market today. There is a wide range of colors, tones, and opacity choices to take into consideration. Also taking into account the type of wood you are staining can really leave you more confused than anything. Educating yourself on the different choices of deck stain color ideas will assist you in making the right choice.

Deck Stain Tones

A deck stain tone is basically the primary shade of color that the wood will appear. While the term color, in speaking about deck stains, is mostly associated with solid deck stains, the term tone is more associated with semi-transparent or semi-solid stains. These types of stains do not completely hide the wood grain but rather enhance the appearance of it with a tone. The most common deck stain toners are natural, cedar, redwood, and darker browns.

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Comparing Deck Stain Types in 2020

by Deck Stain Help 02/05/2020

Updated February 2020

Comparing Deck Stain Types in 2020

At Deckstainhelp.com, we take pride in the fact that we are your trusted go-to site for all things exterior wood and deck restoration related. In this updated article, we outline the difference between deck sealers, deck stains, and deck paints, and where to put them to use. As always, we appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below and pictures of your completed projects if you have them.

Deck Stains vs. Deck Sealers vs. Deck Paints

It is a common concern of deck owners whether to use a deck stain, deck sealer, or deck paint. There really is not an exact definition of any deck stain, sealer, or paint and many professionals use the terms loosely when speaking about deck coatings in general. But some clarification can definitely help. We will describe which each one is most commonly described as.

Deck Sealers

A sealer usually does not alter the appearance of the surface. It is applied to protect the surface from such things like foot traffic, water damage, mold, and mildew. Therefore, deck sealers are most commonly any clear, transparent, or translucent coating that protects the wood without altering the appearance.

Deck sealers are popular for those wanting the most natural wood look you can get while still providing water protection. Most deck sealers have excellent water repellency properties but lack of shielding against harmful UV rays causing the wood to turn gray over time.

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