Update for 2019 on What is the Best Deck Stain
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 17,000 Q&A questions and over 500 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!
What is the Best Deck Stains?
Once we figure out the main reasons for failure, then we should research what stains would work well for your deck. This is the difficult part, so let us get started!
We will ask a series of 5 questions. Based on these answers (Answers are in Red) we will narrow the choices to 2-3 stain brands that will work at maximum performance for your deck:
Here is an example deck:
- Deck Location State: New York
- Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full Sun
- Wood Type: Pressure Treated Pine
- Mold or Mildew Issues: Yes
- Reason for Previous Stain Failure: Peeled and turned dark in color
- Previous Stain Brand and Type of stain (Solid, Semi-transparent, Transparent, etc): Penofin Sem-Trans
First of all the state of New York is a low 250 VOC state. This limits the stains that can be purchased or sold legally. Many decks stains that are of low VOC have been known to fail faster than a 550 VOC stain. There are still quality stains available, just not as many. The rest is fairly easy to figure out. This deck should use a 100% penetrating stain that does well with UV protection and is not prone to mold/mildew growth. A semi-transparent stain that fades evenly over time with little to no wearing. This makes future maintenance easier.
Based on these questions and answers we would suggest one of these stains:
So here comes the fun part! Feel free to ask what are “the best deck stains for my deck”? Just post a comment below and make sure to include the answer to the 6 questions. Feel free to include any additional information that would be useful!
Best Deck Stain and Sealer?
Adding a picture or two of the current condition will help!
Ask in Comment Section Below. Make Sure to Include Answers to the 5 Questions.
Hi, Looking for a good stain to redo my deck. What do you recommend?
Deck Location State: Denver, Colorado
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full Sun
Wood Type: Redwood
Mold or Mildew Issues: No but does have a tree near with sap
Reason for Previous Stain Failure: Didn’t fail, lasted almost 5 years. Its just time
Previous Stain Brand and Type of stain (Solid, Semi-transparent, Transparent, etc): Boodge semi-transparent stain
Also since fall is already here, what temperatures should it be completed in?
Thanks for your help
Prep well with Restore A Deck Kits. Stain with TWP 100 Series or Armstrong Clark wood stains. Temps need to be above 55 degrees.
I live in north western PA. I have a very poorly made deck; contractors didn’t believe in measure twice, I have holes where spindles and railings were continualy moved. The deck is pine, I don’t know treated or not. Some boards were warped and black spots within weeks. It has had nothing applied to it and I don’t know what to use. I don’t want to see all the crappy holes but was told even if I filled them with wood filler it wouldn’t last and be a total waste of time. There is nothing beautiful about the wood or the way they built the deck. I need to preserve it for 5 years and then someone else can replace it with better luck I hope. How do I proceed and with what products? I am disabled and can’t physically do this every year. I greatly appreciate your guidance.
Prep with Restore A Deck Cleaner and Brightener Kits. Stain with Restore A Deck Stains or Armstrong Clark.
Wood filler does not work for decks.
Thank you for your help. Would you use semi transparent or solid?
It appears my last sentence in my original post didn’t submit. The deck is in full sun all day.
Semi-transparent.
If i.put semi on it you are going to see all.of the holes they made that are empty and look like a.child built his first deck. If I put the semi transparent on it and don’t like it can I put solid over it next year?
Yes, but you will have to prep first.
Fence location: Dallas tx
Some sections in full sun, some part sun
Wood: cedar
Mold or Mildew: none
Previous stain: none
After the prep, try Restore A Deck Stain or TWP 100 Series.
Stairs (5 flights with landings) 4 years old. Never stained. Could you please tell me what you would recommend for cleaning and preserving? (I do not necessarily need stain. Is there any benefit in staining?)
Deck location: 100 miles north of Montreal
Almost full shade
Wood: pressure-treated (pine?)
Mold or Mildew: not that I can see
Previous stain: none
You need a stain if you want UV protection from graying. For Canada, try Armstrong Clark or TWP 200 Series. Make sure to prep well. Clean and brighten the wood.
Thank you very much for the assistance!
New deck built a year old; has not yet been finished. What, please, are your recommendations for cleaning and staining? Any thoughts on Stain Solver? Thank you!
Deck Location State: North Carolina
Full Shade: Full Sun
Wood Type: Pressure Treated Pine
Mold or Mildew Issues: Yes
Reason for Previous Stain Failure: 1 yr old deck; not yet stained
Previous Stain Brand and Type of stain (Solid, Semi-transparent, Transparent, etc): not yet stained
Prep with Restore A Deck Cleaner and Brightener Kits. Stain with Restore A Deck Wood stains or TWP 100 Series.
Stain Solver is not a good deck cleaner. As a general cleaner, it is decent but not designed for decks or exterior wood.
Using pressure treated 3/4 ” plywood on cement blocks as the underfloor for a plastic composite floor of a shed. What would be best sealant/stain to prolong life, resist mold mildew. Will get no sun or direct rain. In Cincinnati, so temperatures from -5 to 95 f. Color unimportant. No plans to “maintain”, this is a one and done.
No need to stain or seal as it will not help in this scenario. A stain is for exposed wood. Just make sure to use the pressure-treated plywood and that will help prevent rot and decay.
I just installed a new deck in March 2019 and now I need to seal it. I want to maintain the color it is when it’s wet. Answer to the above questions:
1. State: Utah (SLC area)
2. West Facing: morning shade, full sun after 12:00 noon, snow and ice during winter months.
3. Wood Type: #1 SYP-CLR, WeatherShield, AWPA U1(A) MCA. Reten STD. 0.15.
4. Mold: No
5. Not treated N/A
6. N/A.
What sealer would you recommend for my deck
That will last for 2-3 years (if that’s possible)
Look forward to hearing back from you.
Sincerely,
DDK
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Try TWP in Honeytone or Armstrong Clark in Amber.
Thank you so much for your reply. I really love this site it is very informative.
I am giving up paint due to constant peeling and will sand my pressure treated pine down to the wood. Solid stains have had same problem as paint., I am in northern az at altitude, south facing full sun. What do you suggest? P.s. I use heat mats on deck in winter to melt snow.
Look at using TWP 100 Series or Armstrong Clark Deck stains for this deck.
I’m in Pennsylvania.
Deck has a NW exposure, and gets partial sun, mostly from early to mid-afternoon.
It’s a new deck, built in late July- early August, made from pressure treated pine, and will be treated for the first time.
Beyond seal, what other products should I use for the first treatment?
See this for new wood tips on prep and stains to use: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Deck Location State: Illinois
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full Sun
Wood Type: Pressure Treated Pine
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
Reason for Previous Stain Failure: New deck installed in July 2018. First staining/sealing
Previous Stain Brand and Type of stain: none
Thanks for your help with this.
See this for new wood tips on prep and stains to use: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Best stain to use semi solid in Texas on very clean treated boards
Use Armstrong Clark in a semi-solid color. We use it all the time and works great.
I just posted previously with pictures, Another question then, if you prefer AC over TWP 1500 for our new redwood deck, why? What makes AC best in this situation.
The TWP would work just as well as the AC for this deck. You will need the TWP 1500 for CA.
Hi, we have a huge redwood deck 1 year old. Just pressure washed, sanded, and cleaned/brightened with preserva. Ready to stain.
Which stain is best for us please? We want wood grain to show, and look like redwood.
Location: San Francisco Bay Area peninsula, coast side of Santa
Cruz mountains, California, facing west.
Our upper deck surrounds the house, so we have both areas of partial shade, and full sun, and a lower deck partial shade.
Wood type: Redwood
Mold or mildew: Maybe some in shaded areas of our old deck.
New deck, never been stained.
Try the Armstrong Clark wood stain or Restore A Deck Wood Stain.
location : Central Virginia. Western facing deck.
Sun exposure: Deck is shaded by oak trees in summer, but exposed to sun in winter. Part of the deck is covered porch.
Environment: Oak trees drop pollen, leaves and acorns 3 seasons a year, so it takes a beating. Lots of bike riding and basketball on the deck.
Age: Deck is Pressure treated wood, aged 1 year before stained. Was stained for 5 years. Deck was chemically stripped down to wood last summer. Now need to clean and Restain and seal. Some area of the deck has some moss/algae (shaded areas).
What stain would be best? Any other prep needed?
Thanks!
Try TWP 100 Series or the Armstrong Clark wood stains. Clean and brighten the wood for the final prep.
Should I use RAD cleaner and brightener? Thanks!
Yes, that will work.
I am putting on about 25 squares of western red cedar shingles and would like to use a penetrating oil stain, specifically TWP 100. I’ve read the preparation requirements. I have two problems. (1) There’s no way I’m going to hand sand 25 squares of shingles–I did this before with cedar clapboards and that was trouble enough, and (2) since I want to backprime the shingles I don’t want to install them and then wait four or five months to coat the face side. Any suggestions (with either of the problems). Thanks very much,
1. You do not need to sand new wood for pre.
2. You cannot prestain new wood unless the wood is a rough cut. Do you have a picture?
what is the best stain for Tigerwood
See this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ipe-exotic-hardwood-stain-review/
Should a second coat of stain be put on a weathered deck that just received a coat of stain two weeks ago?
That would depend on the brand and type of stain you are using and if the wood actually needs it? More info would be helpful and a picture or two.
1. East Idaho elevation 4700
2. Partial shade (under west facing covered porch)
3. 4 Year old Port Orford Cedar
4. No mold. This is the desert
5. Peeling stain
6. Semi transparent, not sure of brand something from Sherwin williams. Either I put it on too thick last year or it’s not a penetrating stain because it peels right off in heavy traffic areas as well as areas that get the most rain.
* I plan on stripping all of it OFF and reapply a new stain. I have already ordered the restore a deck stripper and brightener. My dream is to have a porch deck that I can clean and reapply stain top coat every two years to faded areas, but not have the “peeling/strip the entire thing” issue. We didn’t stain it at all until it had sat and weathered for two years.
BIG QUESTION: oil based penetrating (armstrong/TWP) or water based penetrating (restore a deck )?
Thank you!
You may need these as well when stripping: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
All three of the stains you mention are penetrating and can be cleaned and reapplied as needed.
In 2012 we had a new deck installed and used flood sealer then in 2016 we were told Flood is a bad product use Sherwin Williams super deck. We just had our deck cleaned but, not all of the previous sealer can be removed. I live in North Carolina, the deck is part shade with pressure treated wood pine, yes it did have some mold. Now to get the color uniformed??? Do we need to use a solid color. Behr waterproofing stain and sealer solid color be a good choice. Thanks for your help. Karin Fitzpatrick
Post a picture of the current condition.
René
Hello,
NEW pressure treated pine deck and covered pergola.
NW Louisiana.
Partial shade on pergola exterior surfaces
Full Shade on deck
Hot humid Summers
Mild rainy winters, seldom freezes
Mold/mildew, probably
Best stain brand for my location and how long to wait for staining pressure treated wood?
See here about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Wait, prep, and stain with Restore A Deck Wood stains or Defy Extreme.
Hi! I’d appreciate your professional opinion on how best to stain my deck.
Location: Raleigh, NC
Sun: full sun for most of the day…until about 4pm
Wood type: pressure treated pine
Mildew/algae prone: yes, especially algae due to the kiddie pool that gets frequent use (by the Rottweiler)
Previous failure: about 90% of the deck boards were replaced and never stained. Previous stains are completely worn away.
Previous stain: none known
Thank you!
Hello, prep with a deck cleaner and then a wood brightener. Stain with Armstrong Clark or TWP 100 Series.
I’m getting ready to pressure wash the deck in a few minutes. Do I still need the deck cleaner and wood brightener? Thanks!
Yes, you should use prep products while pressure washing.
Also, I do like the idea of a water based stain because of the lower toxicity. Is this a good option for my deck situation? Thanks!
Yes, try Restore A Deck Stains.
thank you so much!
Northern Indiana
Full shade
Pressure treated pine
Some mildew due to full shade and taking forever to dry out
Previous stain was oil based and was faded, last stained 3 years ago.
Unknown previous stain, although the neighbor said it was oil based.
Now for the kicker, I have built a sweet tree house for my kids that I would like to match to the deck. The tree house was built 90+ days ago, pressure treated pine. Any way I can use the same stuff on both? Thanks!
Strip and brighten the deck for the prep. Use Restore A Deck Kits. Clean and brighten for prep on the treehouse. Try Restore A Deck Stains or TWP 1500 Series.
Location:Boise, Idaho Full sun Inter mountain desert with about 14 inches of precipitation a year, mostly between October and April. Lots of sun, 90-105 degrees daily in July/August. Redwood, No mold/Mildew. Deck is 20 years old. Was painted about 6 years ago and has been peeling paint the last few years and is gray. Not sure of brand , but was a deck paint and a primer was used.
Look at using this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/gulf-synthetics-deck-revive-review-2015/
Thanks for the reply. One of the contractors uses Rodda Sharkskin on his decks. Are you familiar with this product? Thanks Frank
It will probably peel based on the feedback we have seen.
Hiya. Basic initial question. My deck is in Kentucky. I’m in process of contracting with a deck restoration contractor who uses Sherwin Williams Super Deck products. He recommended using a solid water-based stain. My deck has always been treated previously with oil-based products. Oil-based stain is my preference. Super Deck makes a semi-transparent oil-based stain. I would appreciate your review comments on this stain. Thank you.
Update to my inquiry >> The previous product used on my deck was Benjamin Moore Alkyd Transparent Exterior Deck & Siding Stain [Cedar], and not an oil-based stain.
We are not fans of SW SD as it turns black. Read the comments from consumers: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/superdeck-stain-review/
Try TWP 100 Series or Armstrong Clark.
Thanks for your prompt response. I will be using TWP 100.
Deck Location State: Kentucky
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Mostly full sun
Wood Type: Pressure Treated Pine
Mold or Mildew Issues: Yes, but not severe
Reason for Previous Stain Failure: Deck is 15 years old and has been neglected. Last stain was approximately 12 years ago.
Previous Stain Brand and Type of stain (Solid, Semi-transparent, Transparent, etc): Transparent, not sure exactly what type, deck has recently been pressure washed (see pics)
TWP 100 Series or Restore A Deck semi-transparent stain for this deck. Prep looks good to go.
Thank you! Now that it’s pressure washed I’m seeing I need to replace one deck board, a few spindles, and a couple of steps and rail boards. Any reason I shouldn’t go ahead and stain the deck in the next couple of weeks as I had planned, excluding the new wood, and prep/stain only the new wood with one coat after it’s weathered next spring?
Thank you!! After pressure washing I see the need to replace one deck board and a few spindles, steps, and 2 rails. Should I go ahead and stain the deck in a couple of weeks as planned, excluding the new boards, and let the new wood weather until the spring then prep and stain the new ones then, or wait until the spring to stain the whole deck after the new wood has weathered? I appreciate it!
Best to stain all at the same time so Spring would be the easiest way.
Deck Location State: Maine – right on the coast
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full Sun
Wood Type: Pressure Treated Pine
Mold or Mildew Issues: Yes
Reason for Previous Stain Failure: Never been stained, want to protect it
For prep, use the Restore A Deck Cleaner/Brightener Kits. For the stain, try TWP 1500 or Restore A Deck Wood Stains.
Colorado
Full/Partial Summer, no sun winter.
Redwood
No mold or mildew
Stopped repelling water and turned gray
Super Deck transparent stain natural.
Photo is after power washing half of deck.
Try TWP 100 Series or Armstrong Clark.
Iowa
full sun in the afternoon, faces west
pressure treated pine
no mold or mildew
semi bare wood now
previous owners stained 6 years ago before we bought the townhouse
Strip and brighten the wood for prep. Stain with TWP 100 Series or Restore A Deck Wood Stains.
Hi,
Deck Location State: Canada
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full Sun
Wood Type: Pressure-Treated Lumber
Mold or Mildew Issues: Yes
Reason for Previous Stain Failure: Previous owner painted the deck, paint is pealing.
Previous Stain Brand and Type of stain (Solid, Semi-transparent, Transparent, etc): Unknow, found used paint buckets of Krylon rust protector gloss enamel leather brown and Sherwin Williams Deckscapes semi-transparent 3518 Hawthorne
Any help on how to prep the surface would be greatly appreciated.
Included two photos of sanding with 120 grit.
Thank you
Pressure wsh to remove all dirt and peeling stain. You will need to reapply another solid stain to cover the rest.
Should I sand the deck after pressure washing and if so what grit?
What solid stain product would you recommend?
Thank you.
No need to sand unless you still have peeling. Use 60 grit. See here for solid stain reviews: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
Hi!
Deck in southern NH
Partial to full shade
Pressure treated pine
Mild mildew issues
Peeling and scraped up.
No idea what was on it before we pressure washed it. Something light grey.
Thanks!
Did you remove all of the od gray stain? Pictures would help.
We are working on removing it!
Once fully removed, look at using TWP 1500 or Armstrong Clark.
Redwood siding on house in Southern New York (55 years old)
Rough sawn finish.
All exposures
South side is quite dried out
West exposure and some north exposure is very black
Previously treated with Flood CWF-UV oil transparent 9 years ago
Used this product for the last 25 years every 5 years approximately.
Before that the siding was treated with Woodlife
I recently stripped and brightened a few sections and it’s very bleached out now. There is also a lot of raised fibers in places.
I want a transparent stain so the natural grain and wood variation shows through.
What stain would be the best to nourish the redwood and protect it?
What stain is the easiest to put additional coats on every year or two? (Least prep in between)
I see a lot of recommendations for Armstrong-Clark and Restore a deck yet Restore a Deck is water based and AC is oil. What about TWP vs AC?
TWP or AC would be top choices for this siding. Both are excellent and can be cleaned and reapplied as needed.
Brand new deck!!
Deck Location State: South Eastern Mass.
full Son unto Noon then all shade
Wood Type: Pressure Treated Pine
Mold or Mildew Issues: unsure.. new deck
Reason for Previous Stain Failure: first time staining
Previous Stain Brand and Type of stain (Solid, Semi-transparent, Transparent, etc): untreated deck
See this for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Deck in N.E. Texas
Full sun
Pressure treated pine
No issues
Newly installed
None used
See here about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Deck Location State: Long Beach, California
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full Sun – shade in late afternoon
Wood Type: Redwood
Mold or Mildew Issues: Some black stains in winter
Reason for Previous Stain Failure: —–
Previous Stain Brand and Type of stain (Solid, Semi-transparent, Transparent, etc): None – New 2 years ago – untreated
Prep with Restore A Deck Cleaner/Brightener Kits and stain with Armstrong Clark or Restore A Deck Wood Stains.
Thanks.
Deck Location State: Wisconsin
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Partial Shade, west facing
Wood Type: 30 year old redwood decking
Mold or Mildew Issues: Yes
Reason for Previous Stain Failure: Normal wear and tear combined with overdue maintenance
Previous Stain Brand and Type of stain (Solid, Semi-transparent, Transparent, etc): Cabot Australian Timber Oil, color Mahoghany Flame
Prep with the Restore A Deck Stripper/Brightener Kits. Stain with TWP 100 Series or Restore A Deck Wood stain.
Do you also make recommendations for siding? Our siding is a 4″ lap clear heartwood redwood that is 30 years old. The south sides are showing the effects of the weather. We used Cabot Australian Timber Oil, color Mahoghany Flame on the siding as well. Stain is lifting/flaking on the south sides but nearly perfect on the north sides and northeast sides. We’re looking for something that requires less maintenance, as we are staining every 1 – 2 years on the south sides.
What kind of life expectancy can I expect with this product?
On a deck, 2-3 years is the best you will get. On a house, 3-5 years. You can use the same stain for the siding. You will need to strip off the Cabot ATO.
If we were to use the Restore A Deck wood stain, which is a water based stain, how do we prep to restain in the future?
Use their cleaner and brightener kits.
What are the best deck stains for my deck? Do you think using a deck primer would help a new stain adhere?
1. NW Indiana
2. Full Sun
3. Pressure Treated Pine
4. No
5. Peeled and filled with moisture bubbles
6. Solid – Cabot Deck Correct
You have to remove the Cabot first as nothing will fix this by adding more over top of it and a primer will not help. The only way to do this is to power sand it all off. Once removed you can then use a proper penetrating stain.
I am looking for advice on the best stain for the tongue and groove decking of a covered porch. It was installed last October and has begun to fade and show water marks on the parts that are exposed to sun and rain. I was hoping to add some brown to the natural reddish coloring so hoping to find a hardwood stain that allows for that.
1. New York
2. Partial shade (western facing covered porch)
3. Kayu Batu/Red Balau
4. No mold issues
5. Never treated/stained
6. NA
Any advice offered would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Clean and brighten for prep. Stain with Armstrong Clark or Defy Hardwood stains.
Trick Deck Stain situation. Any help would be super appreciated:
Deck Location State: Los Angeles, California
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Partial Shade
Wood Type: Redwood
Mold or Mildew Issues: No
Reason for Previous Stain Failure: Peeled and normal wear and tear
Previous Stain Brand and Type of stain (Solid, Semi-transparent, Transparent, etc): Wolman Semi-transparent redwood stain. This Wollman brand semi is really very opaque though. So I’m thinking that I need to put a semi-solid over top. I can’t buy the same type of paint that was previously on the deck due to new state laws in California. Posted some pictures also. Thank you.
Two options, sand it all off or apply a solid stain over this. Semi-solid will not work. pressure wash for prep. Stain with a solid stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
thanks.
OK: Here we go:
Illinois
Partial Shade
One Month Old Rough cedar
??
No previous stain
Thanks!
TWP 1500 or Restore A Deck Wood Stains.
Deck Location State: Nashville, Tennessee
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full Sun
Wood Type: Pressure Treated Pine
Mold or Mildew Issues: Yes
Reason for Previous Stain Failure: turned dark in color , Weathered wood little bit
Previous Stain Brand and Type of stain (Solid, Semi-transparent, Transparent, etc): Solid, over 5 years old,
Post a picture of the current condition.
Here are the pictures
Use a deck stripper and pressure wash to remove the dirt and any loose stain. It will not remove all the solid stain so you will need to cover the current stain with a new solid stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
Thank you!!!
Salem, Oregon
Partial sun (will have awning over)
Cedar
No mold
New porch
We just got new porches built and the contractor used cedar for the railings. All of the other materials came protected except the cedar. I’d like a redwood color and Olympic was recommended to us but I would like a second opinion.
You cannot stain new wood right away, does not matter the wood type. See this for tips and what to use: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Northern Indiana
Full Sun
Pressure treated Pine
No Mold issue
New Deck
Would like to use product that makes it appear a weathered warm gray tone with wood grain showing through.
Can we apply after temp dips below 40 at night?
If we have to wait until late Spring, would product selection be the same?
Wait until Spring: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Try Driftwood Gray by Armstrong Clark.
Deck Location State: Montreal, QC
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Snow/ice
Wood Type: Pressure Treated Pine
Mold or Mildew Issues: Only minor underneath deck
Reason for Previous Stain Failure: Peeled and turned LIGHT in color (only horizontal surfaces ever failed)
Previous Stain Brand and Type of stain: CIL Woodcare Distinction semi-transparent tan base
Raised deck, new June 2016
First application Summer 2017 with CIL Distinction
Failure after winter (see photo) – Contractor did apply in hot conditions
Failure only on horizontal surfaces (ice/snow/full sun)
Second application Fall 2018 with CIL Distinction
CIL rep told us we had to completely remove the product first
Extreme prep – deck wash, sanding, apply on cool cloudy day on dry deck
Failure after winter (see photo)
Failure only on horizontal surfaces (ice/snow/full sun)
Looking for a better product
Is there a semi-transparent product that can be re-applied after a few years WITHOUT removing completely?
Best method to completely remove this product?
The 2 photos show the first (worse) failure and the current second failure
All of these coatings can be cleaned and reapplied as needed: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Strip and brighten the wood for the prep.
Location: northeastern Nevada; high desert; altitude 6,000 feet.
Full shade mornings; full sun afternoons; south and west exposure.
Redwood, constructed in 2005. Small porch with five steps and horizontal topped railings, app. 41 sqaure feet.
No mold or mildew issues.
Horizontal wood graying. After heavy snow and ice last winter (2019), coating flaked and peeled badly on all horizontal surfaces.
2005-2013: Chevron Shake and Deck Oil. 2014-2017: Behr’s Premium Water Proofing All-in-One Wood Finish, Natural, #500, (semi-transparent 100% acrylic). 2018: Ace Wood Royal Lightly Toned Deck and Siding Toner in Natural. (transparent 100% latex).
August, 2019: Horizontal surfaces stripped and cleaned using Behr’s Wood Stain and Finish Stripper and Behr’s Premium All-in-One Wood Cleaner. (Vertical railings showing no problems.) Horizontal wood in good condition except for some narrow cracks beween screws.
My handyman is recommending Daich’s RollerPock Deck and Dock Coating because of snow and ice and scorching summer sun issues, but I would prefer a product that allows the wood grain to show through. I also have concerns about the difficulty of removing the Daich’s if I don’t like the look, or if it doesn’t live up to Daich’s durability claims, but I don’t know what product would be best to use instead. I would much appreciate your suggestions.
Stain with TWP 100 Series or Restore A Deck Stain.
Deck Location State: Oregon
Partial Sun / Varies throughout day
Wood Type: Pressure Tight Knot Cedar (currently untreated – just installed)
Mold or Mildew Issues: Yes
Reason for Previous Stain Failure: Behr Deckover Ruined Deck – Just replaced it yesterday.
Previous Stain Brand and Type of stain (Solid, Semi-transparent, Transparent, etc): Behr Deck-Over
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Renovation of existing redwood deck 750sq ft. Eliminating wood rails & stiles, moving to metal & cables. Deck will be sanded with orbital sander before new finish is applied
1) Wichita, KS
2) Partial shade – west facing
3) Redwood
4) Peeling with age (5 yrs)
5) All rot is being repaired by the renovation
6) Solid color – Super Deck by Sherwin Williams
Clean and brighten the wood for the final prep. Stain with TWP 100 Series or Restore A Deck Stain.
1. Southwest Michigan
2. Partial shade
3. Treated pine
4. Yes
5.never stained before
6. NA
Original deck built 2018. 8 ft added plus railings May 2019. Total deck now 16×28
Would like to keep it the same natural color.
What’s best to use?
Was planning to do it next spring
TWP 100 Series or Armstrong Clark.
TWP is not VOC compliment versus Armstrong is. What’s the difference and or better?
TWP 100 is VOC complaint for MI.
Deck Location State: Southeastern Pennsylvania
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full Shade
Wood Type: Pressure Treated Pine
Mold or Mildew Issues: Yes
Reason for Previous Stain Failure: Aging
Previous Stain Brand and Type of stain (Solid, Semi-transparent, Transparent, etc): Unknown – Deck has been powerwashed and treated for mildew
600 Sq Ft deck – Part of the deck is newly constructed (2months old)
Trying to decide between a semi-transparent and semi-solid stain. What’s the best option?
It is too early to stain this new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Wait until Spring, prep, and then try Armstrong Clark or TWP 1500 Series.
If I coat my newly cleaned cedar outdoor porch ceiling with 1coat of Armstrong Clark,natural tone transparent sealer, and I feel I need a color..how long before I can repaint the wood with the Armstrong Clark transparent amber color sealer? Do I need to remove the clear to change it to,a color or can I repaint over it within,a week?
The AC Natural is not clear. It has a light tint. If you want to add Amber later, you should strip and brighten for prep.
Deck Location State: Colorado
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade:partial sun on one deck and full shade on another
Wood Type: Pressure Treated redwood
Mold or Mildew Issues: no
Reason for Previous Stain Failure: new construction
Looking for a a stain that is a bit brown in color
See here about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Try Armstrong Clark in Natural Oak or Restore A Deck in Dark Walnut.