Best Deck Stain Reviews for 2023
For more info, 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.
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Top-Rated Deck Stain Reviews
See below for more in-depth reviews of the top-rated deck stains in 2023.
Questions on Which of the 7 Best Deck Stains to use?
Want personalized help? Post your questions below in the comments and we’ll be glad to guide you toward the best deck stain and sealer. Please include any pictures you may have and a brief history of the deck.
Our Professional Deck Stain Advice
Our favorite deck stains have always beenpenetrating 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. The problem we have noticed in the last 5-10 years is that not all semi-transparent stains are penetrating. Many manufacturers have gone away with the true penetrating stains because of VOC laws and for profitability. These non-penetrating stains will dry on top of the wood and will be prone to peeling and failure while looking more like paint than a stain. Believe it or not, deck stains performed better 10-20 years ago with wearing and peeling than they do in 2023. There have been some major advancements though with UV protection in the past 5-10 years. Nano-particles of zinc oxides and improvements to trans-oxides have shown excellent UV resistance.
The good news is you can still find some quality deck stains in 2023 that will offer UV protection, penetrate deep into the wood grain, and highlights the natural beauty of the wood all while making the ease of reapplication a breeze down the road.
Top 7 Deck Stain Reviews & Ratings
Each deck stain review that we do offers two rating types. Our DeckStainHelp.com review is based on our experience with the deck stain and the Consumer Star Ratings, which are based on actual customers’ experiences with using the same stain.
Deck Stain Star Ratings are based on these criteria:
- Ease of Application
- Appearance After Application
- Preventing UV Graying at 2-Year Mark
- Wear and Tear After 2 years
- Color Shifting/Darken in Color (5 Star = No Darkening)
- Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae at 2-Year Mark
Listed below, we summarize our Best Deck Stain Ratings for the 2023 deck season, based on the criteria stated above. We have also broken them down into the top oil-based and water-based versions.
Top 4 Oil-Based Deck Stain Ratings
1. TWP 100 Series
2. Armstrong Clark Wood Stain
3. TWP 1500 Series
4. TWP Pro-Series Semi-Solid
Top 3 Water-Based Deck Stain Ratings
1. Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain
2. Defy Extreme Stain
3. Defy Hardwood/Cedar Stain
The 7 Best Deck Stain Ratings
1. TWP 100 Pro Series Stain Review
TWP 100 Series penetrates well into the wood, fades lightly in color, and holds up to wear and tear. We like that when it is time to redo the wood in 2-3 years, the TWP can be cleaned and re-coated or even removed with ease. This makes the reapplication process much easier. TWP 100 Series is only allowed in 35 States and cannot be used in Canada.
Stain Type:Penetrating Semi-Transparent Oil-Based. Full Curing EPA Registered Stain.
Consumer Star Ratings: 4.5/5(40)
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a scale of 1-10): 8.69
See the Review Article Here: TWP 100 Series Review
2. Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain Review
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain can be applied to dry or damp wood. Applying to damp wood allows you the ability to prep and stain on the same day, saving you a tremendous amount of time.Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain is an advanced, water-based, semi-transparent stain formulation designed to penetrate deep into wood pores for maximum protection and longevity. Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain protects the wood from harmful UV rays and damage caused by water penetration.
Stain Type:Penetrating Semi-Transparent Water-Based. Full Curing Damp Application Stain.
Consumer Star Ratings: 4.7/5(47)
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a scale of 1-10): 8.625
See the Review Article Here: Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain Review
Restore-A-Deck Consumer Video Review
3. Armstrong Clark Wood Stain Review
The Armstrong Clark Wood stain has been a solid performer since we started reviewing and using it about 10 years ago. We really like how it penetrates deep into the wood grain and applies easily. Reapplication is simple with a good deck cleaner for the prep. One thing we have noticed is to make sure you do not overapply. You want the AC to soak completely into the wood. Compliant for all US states and Canada.
Stain Type:Penetrating Transparent, Semi-Transparent, Semi-Solid Oil-Based. Paraffin and Curing Oil Blend. Full Curing Stain.
Consumer Star Ratings: 4.4/5(60)
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a scale of 1-10):8.5
See the Review Article Here: Armstrong Clark Stain Review
4. TWP Pro-Series Semi-Solid Wood Stain Review
What we like best about the TWP Semi-Solid Stain is that it is easy to apply, will be easy to prep and reapply when the time comes, and holds color very well from the UV. We are very excited and look forward to using the TWP Semi-Solid colors. Maximum UV protection and a much larger color palette is the top reason we will offer the TWP Semi-Solid to all of our customers. TWP Semi-Solid is only allowed in 35 States and cannot be used in Canada.
Stain Type: Penetrating Semi-Solid Oil-Based. Full Curing Stain.
Consumer Star Ratings: 4.9/5(6)
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a scale of 1-10): 8.50
See the Review Article Here: TWP Semi-Solid Series Review
5. TWP 1500 Series Stain Review
TWP 1500 Series is one of the better wood and decking stains and is one of our top choices. As contractors, we really like stains that penetrate deep into the wood and can be reapplied without sanding. TWP 1500 fits this and more by adding excellent UV and mold protection. Maintaining TWP every 2-3 years is easy. TWP 1500 is compliant for all US states, but not Canada.
Stain Type:Penetrating Semi-Transparent Oil-Based. Full Curing EPA Registered Stain.
Consumer Star Ratings: 4.6/5(20)
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a scale of 1-10):8.5
See the Review Article Here: TWP 1500 Series Review
6. Defy Extreme Wood Stain Review
We find the Defy Extreme Wood Stain to be one of the best-performing water-based deck stains on the market. The zinc oxide Nano-particles do double duty in preventing UV fading and preventing mold or mildew growth. The Defy Extreme penetrates into the wood grain extremely well for a water-based stain, resulting in a non-filming coating that is not prone to peeling or wear from traffic. We use the Defy Extreme on about 30-50 deck restorations every year in the Midwest and is one of our go-to brands. Compliant for all US states and Canada.
Stain Type:Penetrating Semi-Transparent Water-Based. Full Curing Stain with Nano-particles of Zinc Oxide.
Consumer Star Ratings: 4.1/5(54)
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a scale of 1-10):8.47
See the Review Article Here: Defy Extreme Stain Review
7. Ready Seal Wood Stain Review
Ready Seal Wood Stain contains the non-drying oil paraffin, which dives into the wood fibers and does not cure on the surface. There are many positives to paraffin stains, such as a user-friendly application and an even finish. The negatives can be poorer UV resistance and coverage rates with an oily finish that can stay on top of the surface. For an easy to apply even finish Ready Seal Wood and Deck Stain is a great choice. It may be necessary, however, to reapply every 12-18 months due to color loss.
Stain Type:Penetrating Transparent Paraffin Oil-Based. Non-Curing.
Consumer Star Ratings: 3.8/5(50)
DeckStainHelp.com Review (On a scale of 1-10):7.75
See the Review Article Here: Ready Seal Stain Review
Best Semi-Transparent Deck Stain Review
Best Deck Stain Reviews
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain can be applied to dry or damp wood. Applying to damp wood allows you the ability to prep and stain on the same day, saving you a tremendous amount of time. In 2018, our first full year of using the Restore A Deck stain, we had zero issues with performance and saved a tremendous amount of time with the ability to prep and stain on the same day. We will continue to offer the Restore A Deck Wood Stain as one of our go-to decking stains for the 2023 restoration season. The Restore A Deck Stains come in both Semi-Transparent and Solid Colors.
Best Semi-Solid Deck Stain Review
Best New Semi-Solid Stain for 2023: Available in 30 Custom Colors, the TWP® Semi-Solid Pro-Series will keep your wood beautiful, fresh, and looking new longer! The ease of application and maintenance will allow you to enjoy your investment for years to come. TWP®Semi-Solid Pro-Seriesprovides a broad spectrum of weather protection, is water repellent, and aids in color retention. TWP® Semi-Solid Pro-Series resists water absorption that causes warping, cracking, splitting, and prevents freeze damage in colder climates.
Top Deck Stain Reviews Ratings Video – DeckStainHelp.com
Deck Stain Ratings & Review Photos
Popular Best Deck Stain Questions:
What deck stains will protect from UV graying?
Answer: To protect from UV graying the deck stain must be tinted. We prefer the semi-transparent stains as they will not mask or cover the wood but highlight the wood grain while providing UV protection.
What deck stains perform the best?
Answer: Our favorite deck stains have always beenpenetrating 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.
What deck stain types can be cleaned and recoated as needed?
Answer: Penetrating deck stains are not prone to peeling and you can clean and reapply as needed. Deck stains that dry or film on top of the wood are much harder to maintain and prep when reapplying.
Can I use a deck stain on wood siding?
Answer: Absolutely! Deck stains are wood stains and work very well for wood fences, vertical wood siding and log cabins. They last even longer on vertical wood.
Additional Deck Stain Rating Questions
If you have questions on this review of deck stains, please ask below. For a more in-depth article on “What is The Best Deck Stain for Your Deck” see this article: The Best Deck Stain
Please Rate This. You may also post comments or ask questions below.
The 7 Best Deck Stain Rating Results in 2023
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| 4 | 26 | |
| 3 | 3 | |
| 2 | 2 | |
| 1 | 5 | |
| 0 | 2 | |
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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FAQs
What stain will last the longest on a deck? ›
Solid wood stains. Just like regular paint, solid stains hide the grain of the wood, and the best should last three to five years on a deck, the longest of the three types of stains.
What deck stain should I use? ›Clear or transparent stains are often the best choice for newer wood, especially if it's a high-quality material, because these stains allow you to retain and highlight the wood's natural beauty. Solid stains are a good choice for decks that have some visible imperfections.
What happens if you put too much stain on a deck? ›Deck stains will generally peel for two basic reasons: over application and poor adhesion. This is simple — too much stain on the surface of the wood. With deck stains, specifically with semi-transparent finishes, more is not better. You only want to apply as much product as the wood can easily absorb.
What is the most popular stain color for decks? ›- Brown. Brown is far-and-away the most common coloration for decks -- and with good reason. ...
- Blue. Blue outdoor wood stain stain isn't nearly as popular as brown when it comes to decking, but it adds a unique touch to an outdoor landscape. ...
- Gray. ...
- Green. ...
- Red.
"Cerused finishes, where colored pigments—often white—are used to accentuate the grain of a piece of wood, are enormously popular right now," shares Johnston.