This post was updated on January 18, 2023
Which Deck Stain Lasts the Longest?
See our Deck Stain Facts section with over 150 simple Q&A articles that answer all the questions that you have regarding deck staining, cleaning, and prep.
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, what you really should be asking is “Which Deck Stain is Easiest to Maintain” while giving the longest life possible?
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. 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
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.
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.