This post was updated on June 26, 2024
Hi! I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior wood staining and restoration. My simple deck stain facts and tips are based on my history as a wood restoration contractor. See here for more info about me.
Question: Which Deck Stain Lasts the Longest?
My Pro Advice On Longest Lasting Stain
No deck stain can last forever. The best you will get on a horizontal deck surface is 2-3 years and 4-7 years on vertical surfaces like wood railings and wood-sided homes. Since nothing lasts forever, you really should be asking, “Which Deck Stain is Easiest to Maintain” while giving the longest life possible.
Why Penetrating Deck Stains Are Best
Our favorite deck stains have always been penetrating semi-transparent and semi-solid 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 by cleaning and recoating as needed. There is no need to strip or sand, and even if you do have to strip, that can easily be done!
More Info on Longest Lasting Deck Stains
- 7 Best Deck Stain Reviews and Ratings
- Find The Best Deck Stains
- The Best Semi-Transparent Stains
- The Best Semi-Solid Stains
Scott-
I plan on installing new Alaskan yellow cedar 5/4 x 6 decking on an elevated deck in mid-coast Maine. I had thought to back prime the stock, install it in September and clean and finish it in the spring using an Armstrong-Clark product. What is your opinion about back priming? I am concerned about unbalanced drying resulting in cupping.
Thanks
Back priming? Not sure what you mean. You cannot apply a primer before applying a penetrating deck stain.
Scott, I live in Ontario and I replaced the deck boards last summer. I just completed about 90% cleaning of about 700sf of pt deck boards using OxiClean solution. I am reluctant to proceed to apply stain due to the likely unfavorable weather and temp range 40-60F at this time. Assuming that I need to wait till next spring to apply a stain sealer, is it advisable to treat the deck with wood deck brightener now or should I wait till spring to do it all over again. At this point, I am leaning towards “Restore a deck” or “Defy Extreme Stain” for a water based natural or cedar look. Thank you in advance for taking the time to respond, Andre
Just prep and stain all in the Spring.
Thank you for your prompt response. Andre
Scott, Would you consider using OxiClean again in the spring be a good product to use before applying a Wood Deck Brightener followed by a Stain Sealer
Oxiclean is not a proper deck cleaner. Use a deck cleaner that is made for wood and then a deck brightener.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-deck-cleaners/
Comparing TWP 1000, 1500, and Semi-solid, which one lasts the longest before a maintenance cost is noticably needed?
They will all last the same before recoating is needed but the semi-solid will hold color longer since it has more pigment.