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This post was updated on April 4, 2025
The Top Deck Stain Ratings Video
In this video, we have listed the Top 5 Current Deck Stains in 2026 that we have reviewed based on our experience and consumer ratings of each product.
New Smooth Wood
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, ease of reapplication. Our favorite deck stains have always been 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.
Price range: $229.99 through $247.99
Price range: $58.99 through $68.99
Price range: $219.95 through $245.95
Price range: $270.00 through $296.00
Price range: $285.00 through $311.00
Price range: $72.95 through $83.95
Price range: $284.95 through $344.95
Price range: $114.99 through $669.89
Price range: $15.00 through $18.00
Price range: $336.00 through $395.00
Price range: $351.00 through $405.00
Tested both the Armstrong Clark rustic brown and natural oak stain on a new northern white cedar plank. Both stains look the same. Is that because they are applied to cedar?
It is because the wood is new. You cannot stain brand-new wood right away. See here:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
AC wants three months of weathering for new wood and the prep to clean off mill glaze and oxidation.
Hi! I have a new (2 month) small set of redwood landing steps that I’d like to keep looking new and highlighting the original color, not weathered /gray. Im in California. Which deck stain would you recommend ?
See here about new wood tips and what stain rbands we suggest: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
I currently have behr premium semi transparent weather proofing all
In one stain. It is a dark color. I want to change the color and was told if I use solid then I will only have to clean the deck and not strip it. Do I need to strip the previous stain first? It is a dark brown semi transparent, the color I want is dune gray solid. Thank you.
You do not have to remove all the old stain but you should still strip off the loose stain and pressure wash before applying your solid stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/