Water-Based vs. Oil-Based Deck Stains: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Stain 4.3/5 (93)

This post was updated on December 4, 2024

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We welcome you to Deckstainhelp.com, where people come to share their knowledge and insights about deck staining in 2025. Please see below for some information that sets the record straight when comparing water-based stains with oil-based stains. As always, comments are encouraged below.

What are Deck Stains, and Why Do They Matter?

Here, I’ll explore the different options for your deck: oil vs water-based stains.

If you’re new to the subject, exterior wood stains are sealers or coatings applied to improve the appearance of your deck. More importantly, they help protect it from moisture and ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause problems such as peeling, discoloration, mold, or mildew growth. While paints typically form a solid exterior coating on the surfaces, most deck stains penetrate the fibers to protect the wood while preserving its natural appearance. Exterior deck stains are primarily comprised of either an oil or water base and dyes, pigments, solvents, and resins.

Moreover, the main reasons to stain your wood deck are to:

  • Enhance appearance
  • Protect from water damage
  • Prevent UV damage and oxidation
  • Thwart mold and mildew

If left untreated, decks will weaken, fade, and need to be prematurely replaced.

You’re probably wondering, “Is an oil or water-based stain a better option for my deck?” I always say that decisions on whether to choose an oil-based or water-based stain for a deck depend on your local climate, the age and condition of your deck, and the product availability based on VOC laws in your state.

Key Differences Between Water-Based and Oil-Based Stains

For a short history lesson, oil-based wood stains used to dominate the market, but that trend changed in the 90s when environmental laws regulated the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This resulted in a shift to more water-based stain options, which varied in quality and ease of use.

Today, most DIYers find oil-based products more challenging to use. Still, they can effectively enhance the natural appearance of the wood, protect against moisture, and prevent the growth of mold and mildew. On the other side, water-based stains are typically easier for novices to manage, eco-friendly, and simple to clean up with only soap and water.

Fortunately, in recent years, water-based stains have improved dramatically. For example, water-based stains resist water and harmful UV rays and additives like zinc prevent fungal growth. Unlike oil-based stains that often take 4 to 12 hours to dry, many water-based options dry in only 2 hours.

Next, I’ll explore some of the advantages and disadvantages of both oil and water-based deck stains.

Advantages and Drawbacks of Water-Based Deck Stains

Advantages

  • Fast drying: Because water evaporates quickly, water-based deck stains dry faster than oil-based stains.
  • Less odor: Water-based stains are more eco-friendly and generate less odor.
  • Quick clean-up: Easily cleaned with soap and water.

Disadvantages

  • Less penetrating: Many water-based stains generally struggle to penetrate the wood’s pores.
  • Susceptible to peeling: DIYers often over-apply water-based stains, which may result in peeling.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Oil-Based Deck Stains

Advantages

  • Penetrate deeply: Oil-based stains will deeply penetrate the wood and create a durable layer of protection.
  • Enhances the appearance of wood: Most oil-based stains provide a rich color and highlight the natural wood grain.
  • Easy to maintain: After several years, oil-based stains will begin to wane, allowing you to efficiently clean, brighten, and recoat the surface.

Disadvantages

  • Longer dry time: Slower to dry compared to water-based products.
  • More odorous: Usually emits more fumes.

How to Choose Between Oil and Water-Based Stains

Are you struggling to choose between an oil-based stain vs water-based stain for your deck?

Local Weather Conditions

If you live in a region with certain weather extremes, an oil-based stain might be a better choice for protecting the wood surface. For example, certain parts of Arizona, California, and Nevada may expose your deck to direct sunlight on more than 80% of days each year. Areas of Western Washington, Western New York, and Northeast Ohio have tremendous amounts of rain and other forms of annual precipitation.

Type of Wood

The most common types of wood used in exterior decks are pressure-treated pine, cedar, redwood, and exotic hardwoods like IPE. Pressure-treated pine is often vulnerable to mildew and rot, making it most suitable for oil-based products. Water-based stains continue to improve in many ways and a few brands will penetrate just as well as oil-based stains.

Finish and Color

Consider a water-based stain when aiming to achieve a more opaque, solid-color appearance and an oil-based product for a natural appearance. Water-based stains are more easily mixed when trying to match a custom color.

Environmental Considerations

Water-based stains are known for being the “green” choice, containing lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Many makers of oil-based deck stains have also introduced low-VOC options.

Top Water-Based Stain Ratings

Restore-A-Deck Wood StainRestore A Deck Wood Stain Review

The Restore-A-Deck semi-transparent product is applied using a three-step process that saves time and money. It is among the few options that allow for prepping and staining your deck on the same day.

Defy Extreme Stain

This semi-transparent option is extremely eco-friendly and effectively prevents graying from exposure to UV rays. The Defy Extreme product is semi-transparent and available in colors including Cedar, Natural Pine, and Light Walnut. It works well on cedar, ipe, redwood, teak, and tigerwood.

Note: Both the Restore-A-Deck and the Defy Extreme stains will penetrate just as well as an oil-based stain.

Top Oil-Based Stain Ratings

TWP 100 Series

The Total Wood Preservative (TWP) Deck Stain is a semi-transparent product available in eight colors and VOC compliant in 36 states. Although I do not recommend it for new wood decks, it protects very well against water, rot, mildew, and sunlight on older wood.

Armstrong Clark Wood Stain

Oil-based options from Armstrong Clark are offered in transparent, semi-transparent, and semi-solid and are VOC compliant in all 50 states. I’ve found that a single coat provides a professional finish that lasts for at least two years.

TWP 1500 Stain ReviewTWP 1500 Series

The Total Wood Preservative (TWP) 1500 is a semi-transparent deck stain offered in 10 colors. It also works well on exterior wood, such as fences, wood siding, log cabins, and cedar shakes (shingles). I’ve found that after application, the TWP 1500 prevents greying for two years or longer.

Finding the Right Fit for Your Deck

For your deck, oil vs water-based stain decisions are based on many factors, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Both oil and water-based stains can deliver a professional finish and protect against water and UV damage.

In my view, water-based products are easier to apply, eco-friendly, and available in many colors. Oil-based stains can deeply penetrate to protect well and provide a rich finish. After carefully assessing your specific needs and preferences, choose a high-quality product to protect your investment.

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

author avatar
Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 Owner
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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Dee
Dee
5 months ago

If it were you Scott Paul and you had a one year old pressure treated deck which is in the shade all of the time except for the steps and near a lake, would you choose oil or water based stain/sealant and which brand would you choose.

Dee
Dee
4 months ago

Yes there is mold & mildew issues here so which brand would you use.

Hannah
Hannah
1 year ago

Hi again,

I have questions about our balcony and front steps as well!

The balcony I can’t tell if its ever been treated with stain? (Pictures below) It looks like it is just cedar toned wood bought that way. We built our front steps with cedar toned wood which is why I think that. But I wanted to ask the professionals!

Is the balcony in need of a strip or does it look like cedar toned wood and can we go ahead and stain and seal it? Should we clean it first with a cleaner or if it’s never been stained before is power washing good enough?

Thanks again!

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Hannah
Hannah
1 year ago

Hi, my husband and I have 3 separate wood outdoor surfaces we need to stain/seal. A large back deck, small balcony, and some front steps.

These pictures are of the back deck.
The deck is old with cracks and weathering but still in good condition. Before pressure washing it didn’t seem to have a stain on 85% on it, just greying all over. So we pressure washed the whole thing and it looks new again. But 15% had what the pictures show below and the pressure washing didn’t get it all off. Is it an old stain that I need to strip? Does it need to come off or can i stain right over it?

What do I use after stripper if I need it? A brightener on the whole deck or just those areas?

And if I do need to strip whatever this is, do I need to do the same to the whole deck?

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Hannah
Hannah
1 year ago

Strip and brighten for the front balcony as well? I sent separate pictures above this post, because I think it might just be cedar toned treated pine? Your thoughts?

Mike
Mike
1 year ago

We had Arborcoat natural put on our cedar siding in fall 2019 here in mountainous B.C. Canada, which receives full sun and some rain/snow exposure. It started looking poor after the first summer and looks terrible now. Would oil-based be better than water-based for this setup? Do we need to sand off the Arborcoat before putting a new product on? Would you recommend TWP 200 or Armstrong wood stain or something else? We would ideally still get this transparent look to see the beautiful western red cedar but have a product that continues looking good for years to come with least amount of maintenance possible. Thank you for all you do.

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Mike
Mike
1 year ago

Thanks Scott. Looking at TWP stain stripper to get the Arborcoat off. Would you suggest 1 coat or 2 coats of TWP 200? And how many years to re-apply? Any idea on which TWP 200 colour would be the most natural looking for cedar — perhaps TWP201 Cedartone or TWP205 California Cedar?

Tanya
Tanya
1 year ago

I just washed my deck with dawn dish soap with a broom and a bucket of water. rinsed well with the hose. I’ve had a lot of squirrels this winter pooping an peeing on my deck. Half of the deck is covered but the uncovered part is taking a beating for the sun. 2 years ago a company came out and power washed the deck with water only and let it dry for a day the came back a put one coat of Pinafin (spelling?) on it. I hated it. No water beaded up except for the covered part. they said there was no need for 2 coats. My deck looks in terrible shape this year. I live in the Denver metro area and limited guy’s that work on decks. Theses last guys wanted Thousands to sand and restain the deck. I had it sanded a year prior. What can I do now to save my deck? My husbands in his 80’s and I’m not worth much any more….

Tom
Tom
1 year ago

I am refurbishing a barn like building on my property and have a question about interior stain for re-sawn lumber. I am using the re-sawn lumber to trim out windows, for base board and for shelving. I am ok with a rustic look. Some of the lumber is western cedar re-sawn planks which I already have and some will be simple 1×4 re-sawn furring strips (I assume cedar or pine?) from either a lumber yard or box store. Any stain suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Faith Johnson
Faith Johnson
1 year ago

I am looking to stain a new pressure treated pine covered porch in Georgia. I am interested in semi transparent and minimal maintenance. Everyone I talk to recommends oil based but since it is covered, is UV protection still an issue? Also, does staining the underside of the deck offfer greater protection? Finally, what about the outside vertical areas? Should I use a more durable stain for that? Does it make sense to use a water based stain on the floor inside the porch and an oil base for the outside and vertical areas?

Thanks for any advice you can give.

Faith Johnson
Faith Johnson
1 year ago
Reply to  Faith Johnson

Thank you so much for your quick reply. The painter I am thinking of using to stain the new porch said they use TPW 200. Is that recommended for a screened in porch. What is the difference between that and TPW 100 that you recommend? (I don’t see the 200 series mentioned on your website.

Thanks again!!!

Edie Kello
Edie Kello
2 years ago

Scott, I am Edie Kello, director of marketing for Viance, LLC. We make the preservatives that go into pressure treated wood, selling to wood treaterts. Our website is treatedwood.com. We have many downstream customers: lumberyards, contractors, architects, code officials, DIYers, that ask us this question in your article, Water-based vs. oil-based deck stains. I would love to have you as a guest author in our news section on our treatedwood.com website. I would post your article acknowledging you as author with a link to your website for more information. This way we direct customers to the authority on this subject matter. I have read many posts on this subject and believe you have the most thorough and credible information. Please check out our site. We have over 10,000 users on our website each month. This education is important and we want to direct them to your website. Thank you.

Michael
Michael
2 years ago

I have some redwood stairs and railing that I initially treated with Superdeck semitransparent stain. Now I would like to switch to a water-based product. Is there an alternative to sending it down to bare wood first? My apologies, I am sure this question is frequently asked.

Michael
Michael
2 years ago

Here are pics showing post-scrubbing with a wood cleaner product.

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Michael
Michael
2 years ago

Thank you!

Chuck C
Chuck C
2 years ago

Hi, I’m in the Chicagoland area. We have a pressure treated pine deck, and then an addition covered in cedar car siding. What would you recommend? Thanks a ton!

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Dawn
Dawn
2 years ago

Installed new fence. I’m assuming it’s pressure treated pine. I live on the North Carolina coast, 1/2 mile from the ocean. Which should I use Oil or water based?

jeannie reeves
jeannie reeves
3 years ago

What is the best stain for coastal Mississippi?

Austrial
Austrial
3 years ago

I recently wrapped my front porch posts with KDAT pine wood. I would like to know which type of stain would be best for this project, water base or oil base. I’m looking to stain the posts a dark walnut and I do live in Illinois so we go thru all four seasons.

Brian
Brian
3 years ago

Thoughts on Ready Seal? That is the brand pushed by a company in the area. Looking to do the work myself. Power washed already, mixed reviews out there on stain. Want the best stain to look and last the longest!

Jo Anne Supplee
Jo Anne Supplee
4 years ago

My property has a cedar privacy fence and appears to be stained with a semi-transparent stain. Have no idea how old it is, but the stain is starting to fade. When I had to have some large trees removed, they dropped a large limb that bounced and took out two panels of the fencing. They did replace with two new cedar panels, but now I have to stain it. I most likely will have to stain the entire fence. Problem is, I have no idea what type of stain/sealer was used by previous owner. How can I tell if it was oil or water based stain so I know what to use? Any quick and easy solutions? Thank you.

Wayne
Wayne
4 years ago

i used what I thought was a top rated Behr semi-transparent weather proofing stain on my pine treated deck and it started pealing after a few years. While Behr replaced that product, I had to strip and sand which was a pain. While I’m planning to use Behr premium waterproof stain and sealer to recoat this deck, I’m concerned if this paint is my best choose as it has been sitting in my basement for 2 years. My son is planning to stain his treated pine fence and I question if a water base stain would be his best bet as I would hate to have him have to sand the fence when he needs to restain his the fence 5 to 10 years down the road. Your advise would be appreciated

NY1
NY1
4 years ago

I have a new pressure treated deck that was built 2 years ago, the wood has never been painted or stained. I bought Cabots wood sealer to apply and I was told that I should mix 1 gallon of the cabots with a gallon of paint thinner and apply 2 thincoats 2-4 hors apart and then in 24 hours apply an undiluted coat of the cabots. Does anyone have any experience with mixing these 2 products and does it make the finish last longer?
Thanks!

Tracy
Tracy
4 years ago

What do you consider better? I really only want to protect the wood, it is a pool deck and it is in full sun all day. Thank you for responding!

nance
nance
4 years ago

We have multiple cedar & pine decks. Live in VT. . harsh winter and strong sun. Do not know if wood is pressure treated. Have stained several times but all water based stains peel after 1 year. Never last more than 1 year. What are we doing wrong? Would we get a better result using oil based in this climate. We are at our wits end. Please advise.

Louis North
Louis North
4 years ago

Good info, but what are the disadvantages to each? Just bought a house that has a 1 year old pine deck that has never been stained. North Georgia, so very rainy winters, and surrounded by pine trees. Wondering which type would be best, oil or water based. Looking for a semi-transparent. I’ve had deck stains in the base that peeled one year later and want to avoid that here. Thanks

shnook
shnook
5 years ago

we live on rainy west coast…there is a new product that is oil based , claims organic, (claims to have no V.o.c.’s) but dries fast and cleans up with water, so is water soluble… Contains linseed and Tung oils and beeswax. .. I wonder how it will hold up on a new cedar deck? and if another traditional oil based product could be applied on top of it, once applied.?

Lou Roessler
Lou Roessler
5 years ago

We live in N.California in the SF Bay Area… We just replaced our 32 year old 800 sq foot redwood deck with a new one.
I used Penofin redwood tinted oil deck stain on that original deck and it looked and stayed beautiful for a few years before a recoat…
Our deck faces South and gets fried in the summer sun…We can no longer get the “good” stuff because of EPA regulations in this area…
What would be a good oil based product we could use on our new redwood deck?
Lou R.

Lou Roessler
Lou Roessler
5 years ago

We live in N.California in the SF Bay area…We just replaced our 32 year old 8oo square foot redwood deck with a new one. I used Penofin red tinted oil deck stain on that original deck and it looked and stayed beautiful for a few years before a recoat…
Our deck faces south and gets fried in the summer sun…
We can no longer get the “good” stuff because of EPA regulations in this area…
What would be a good oil based product we could use on our new deck?

Steve B
Steve B
5 years ago

I just picked up valspar one coat exterior stain and sealer Cardova brown. I am repainting a 980sq ft deck in Western North Carolina that was already done in a solid stain. It said a 10 years on decks and 25 years on fences and siding. I Already pressure wash the deck how long can I expect the stain to really last.

Should I also use this stain on the siding lattice and concrete We just purchased this house a few months ago and any help would be greatly appreciated

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Rayna G.
Rayna G.
5 years ago

I use oil based stain and have to re apply every 6 months

Emerson Lee Noddin
Emerson Lee Noddin
5 years ago

Read your review of both stain types/ Which one is better or do they perform identically? What do pros recommend in general and what for cold climates like Maine?

S. Carpenter
S. Carpenter
5 years ago

If one power washes the deck, can one use oil stain over an old solid water-based stain?

John Martin
John Martin
6 years ago

can a oil deck stain be considered water clean up and still be an oil product? Specifically PPG Timeless penetrating oil deck stain.

Mar
Mar
6 years ago

What is the VOC level in TWP?

Mar
Mar
6 years ago

what is the VOC level in TWP series 100?

Joey
Joey
6 years ago

What is better ail or water to protect agains winter and snow in Canada

katharina Ochoa
katharina Ochoa
6 years ago

I have a cider deck that is approx 1 year old. Last year we stained it with a Behr oil based product, but it has completely worn off at this point. What would be your recommendation?

Doris
Doris
6 years ago

I have a 17 year old redwood deck. I used Sikkens Cetol SRD previously for four two-year applications. I have not re-stained in 5 years so have sanded to raw wood again. If I use a water-based stain, would clear semi-transparent stain bring out the natural color of the red wood?
I shovel snow off the deck in the winter. Will it scrape off the finish? I thought using a solid stain would not hold up in Wyoming winters?
What is your recommendation for brand of stain to use?

Doris
Doris
6 years ago

If some of the wood looks too dry, then do I need to consider an oil base stain or will water base stain give just as much protection for this older deck?

Dana
Dana
6 years ago

What type of stain would you recommend for a one year old pressure treated green deck? It has faded to a natural looking colour that I really like, So looking to keep the nature wood look… oil or water based?

Dana
Dana
6 years ago

So tint of colour to the stain then? Also would you recommend oil or water based? This is a cottage deck…last time I used water based stain (with colour) on my home deck it started peeling a few months later, first time I’d ever had this problem. So want to avoid any peeling if possible.

Joe Rauer-Reis
Joe Rauer-Reis
6 years ago

Thanks for your help. Informative site.

Joe Rauer-Reis
Joe Rauer-Reis
6 years ago

This is not a deck stain question but a cedar siding question. I have a 25 year old house with what looks like to me a tinted blueish grey semi translucent stain on it. I figure oil based since it could be 25 years old. Wanting to use an oil product that is tintable in a light grey color as I don’t like the chipping effect of paint or water based stains. A semi solid would probably be better as we will be replacing some of the cracked boards and need them to match old boards. We are in Canada. Any suggestions on the best tintable oil products.
Thanks.

Kevin Grenon
Kevin Grenon
5 years ago

Benjamin Moore offers oil based semi solid (Arborcoat).

Bill Renz
Bill Renz
7 years ago

Correction to my previous question :
**Is my deck properly sealed**

Bill Renz
Bill Renz
7 years ago

I used a PPG oil based stain (uv, water and mildew protection) on my Doug fir deck a couple months ago. The wood had at least a month drying before I applied stain. I followed the directions, applying one thin coat. The deck looks nice but water doesn’t bead-up, just forming a sheen on the wood. Is my deck probably sealed?

Cherie
Cherie
7 years ago

There are advantages and disadvantages to both depending on many factors. This article seems to imply they’re both great without indicating circumstances where one is more advantageous over other. Fresh pine deck, oil or water? Why?

Amanda
Amanda
7 years ago

We applied Preserva Wood oil based to an very old untreated deck, and it turned the wood black! Why,and what can I do to fix this?

Karen
Karen
7 years ago

Cedar deck
3 years old
First application : THompsons(?) semi-transparent, water base
Next year application: Olympic Maximum, semi-transparent, oil
? Can I use the Olympic again as maintenance over existing stain, or do I need to strip entire deck.?

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