Upon testing 12 deck stains, I’ve come to the conclusion that the Cabot Gold Finish Stain is the best deck stain for practical and varied use.
My testing and final decision was guided by my 35 years of wood staining experience, during which I waterproofed decks from rain and humidity, stained maple wood, enriched the color of wooden furniture, and much more.
The main advantages I saw in the Cabot stain included its distinctive, polished appearance, interior and exterior flexibility, and color variety.
Now, this finish certainly doesn’t solve every problem! For solutions to moisture resistance, old decks, or low-budget projects, I have other suggestions.
Keep reading to see my top 12 deck stain choices and what makes each one stand out.
12 Best Deck Stain Choices Summary Table
| Product Image | Product Name | SimpleWood Working Rating | Pros | Cons | Link |
  | Cabot Gold Finish Stain | Best Rated Deck Stain | – Rich appearance – Variety of projects – Color choices | – Requires multiple coats -Thin texture | Check Price Here |
 | Ready Seal 512 Natural Cedar | Best Solid Deck Stain | – Multiple application methods – No primer needed – Vibrant color | – Long drying time – Requires bare wood – Extensive prep | Check Price Here |
 | SaverSystems Premium Wood Stain | Best Semi-Transparent Deck Stain | – Quick application – Waterproof – Durable | – Orange tint – Relatively expensive – Watery consistency | Check Price Here |
 | DeckWise Hardwood Deck Finish | Best Oil-Based Deck Stain | – UV protection – Single coat – Wood strengthening | – Graying color – Strong odor – Difficult to clean | Check Price Here |
 | Restore-A-Deck Cedar Wood Stain | Best for Old Decks | – Speedy drying – Eco-safe – Natural appearance | – Tricky application – Limited tool choice – Extensive prep | Check Price Here |
 | Storm System Protector | Best for Pressure-Treated Wood | – Wood choice variety – Easy to apply – Weather-resistant | – Unstable mixing – Slow to dry – Inconsistent coloring | Check Price Here |
 | Thompson’s WaterSeal Stain | Best for Price | – Affordable – Clean visibility – Prevents fading | – Partial solidity – Sticky texture – Long drying time | Check Price Here |
 | Minwax Polycrylic Wood Finish | Best for Artistic Projects | – Quick to dry – Longevity – Easy cleaning | – Foamy texture – Cold-sensitive – Requires several coats | Check Price Here |
 | DEFY Extreme Cedar Stain | Best Sunlight-Resistant | – Easy maintenance – Sun-resistant – Flexible projects | – Unclear instructions – Poor coverage – Overpowering color | Check Price Here |
 | KILZ Waterproofing Wood Stain | Best Waterproof | – Durable formula – Strong coverage – Water-resistant | – Thick texture – Solid coloring – Clumpy mixture | Check Price Here |
 | PPG ProLuxe Wood Finish | Best for Easy Maintenance | – Single-coat – Wood preservation – Minimal maintenance | – Shiny coat – Difficult to remove – Slow drying | Check Price Here |
 | Varathane Weathered Wood Accelerator | Best Quick-Drying | – Short drying time – Quick cleanup – Natural look | – Unpredictable coloring – Requires several coats – Minimal protection | Check Price Here |
12 Best Deck Stain Choices Detailed Review
Let’s go down my list of the 12 best deck stains, weighing the pros and cons of each, and starting with my personal top choice:
1. Cabot Gold Finish Stain – Best Rated Deck Stain
Using a rating system I’ve developed over my woodworking tenure, the Cabot Gold Finish Stain is my best rated deck stain.
The finish’s focus on a polished, hardwood look, outdoor protection from the elements, and choice of hues provides a good and balanced mix of aesthetics and functionality, making it a versatile option.
PROS
- Appearance. The texture, consistency, and material base of the Cabot stain collectively result in a rich and eye-catching appearance; a necessity for large, centerpiece projects!
- Project variety. This finish offers the sort of appearance that looks great for indoor stains, while simultaneously creating a strong barrier against heat and moisture. Using one finish for interior and exterior staining is a huge plus if you usually have multiple ongoing projects, or like to buy your products in bulk.
- Color choices. While I was buying the stain, I appreciated the selection of 4 distinct colors. The choice allowed me to stop and think about which color would really work best with my deck’s lumber base.
COns
- Multiple coats. Inconveniently, the Cabot stain requires two separate coats, which uses up more product on each use and isn’t conducive to conserving the finish for multiple projects.
- Thinner texture. I was unimpressed with the stain’s thin consistency, which made the finish difficult to apply with a brush and dragged out the application time.
2. Ready Seal 512 Natural Cedar – Best Solid Deck Stain
By offering a natural-looking cedar tint and a robust choice of application options, the Ready Seal 512 Natural Cedar is my clear pick for the best solid deck stain.
Notably, I was relieved at first to see the finish is oil-based, which, as I used it, made the stain generally easier to apply while also keeping the lumber strong, healthy, and long-lasting.
PROS
- Several application methods. Ready Seal’s finish gives the option of applying the product via brush, roller or sprayer, ensuring tool flexibility and user choice.
- No primer. I enormously appreciated that the stain required no primer, as, in the past, stains that have called for a primer have been a headache for me, both from a time and convenience perspective.
- Vibrant color. After roughly two weeks, the product truly shows its full color potential, with a gorgeous cedar look that helps bring out the natural beauty in the lumber.
COns
- Delayed drying. This Ready Seal stain needs up to 72 hours to fully dry. Naturally, this is a big drawback if you’re working with a tight deadline!
- Requires bare wood. The finish doesn’t work effectively on decks that have been painted or recently stained, reducing the range of projects it can be used on and its versatility.
- Extensive prepwork. One aspect I could have done without was the preparation, as I had to invest significant time and labor washing the deck, blending the containers, and applying multiple coats.
3. SaverSystems Premium Wood Stain – Best Semi-Transparent Deck Stain
As a finish that includes a fast and easy application, moisture-protective coating, and durable, long-lasting results, the SaverSystems Premium Wood Stain is the clear choice for the best semi-transparent deck stain.
Another element of the SaverSystems finish that stood out to me was the stain’s range of colors, as these color choices allowed me some much-needed variety in the final appearance.
PROS
- Quick application. Using an air sprayer, it was a simple matter for me to apply the stain in under an hour, minimizing time spent on staining and increasing my overall work speed.
- Waterproofing. With the SaverSystems stain’s protective barrier against moisture and rain, the coating can hold up well on decks and fencing even in rough weather; a highly useful feature for reducing the risk of mold and rot.
- Durability. The tough resistance the stain offers against heat, sun, and rain helps it avoid fading and peeling for long stretches (even years). Meaning, less time and money rebuying and reapplying finishes to worry about!
COns
- Orange tint. One surprising (and unwelcome) effect produced by the SaverSystems finish was a distinct, unnatural-looking orange tint after drying. From some angles, this color made the lumber stand out in an unpleasant way and worsened the aesthetic.
- Price. While not the most expensive deck stain on the market, this one is certainly relatively expensive for a water-based finish. As a result, it’s a less effective option for low-budget projects.
- Watery consistency. Opening the container, I was immediately able to tell the stain’s texture was highly liquid. This made spreading and applying the finish a bit challenging, and raised the chances for splashing and uneven coating.
4. DeckWise Hardwood Deck Finish – Best Oil-Based Deck Stain
Given its impressive protective range, minimal material usage, and strengthening effect on deck lumber, it was easy for me to conclude that the DeckWise Hardwood Deck Finish is simply the best oil-based deck stain.
An additional quality that improved my experience with the DeckWise finish was a resistance to heat and temperature fluctuations, which makes it optimal for outdoor staining.
PROS
- UV protection. The stain consists of a formula that protects against UV radiation and prolonged sunlight exposure, so the coating generally holds up as a durable, outdoor finish.
- Single coat. Adding multiple coats is inconvenient and uses up product quickly, and the DeckWise stain prevents this problem with its single-coat application.
- Wood strengthening. I can verify from testing that, after giving it time to absorb into the wood, the stain strengthened and revitalized the lumber, leading to a healthier, longer-lasting structure.
COns
- Graying color. This deck stain has a marked tendency to gray and fade in color after only a few months, so it’s not a good fit for decks or fencing that call for a rich, lasting hue.
- Strong odor. The overpowering odor of the finish caught me off guard while working, and I even ended up having to take multiple breaks as a result. As you can imagine, this slowed me down and wasn’t an efficiency boost by any means!
- Difficult to clean. Due to its oil base, the stain tends to gather dirt and dust along the wood surface, leading to a routine and frequent headache for cleanup.
5. Restore-A-Deck Cedar Wood Stain – Best Deck Stain for Old Decks
The Restore-A-Deck Cedar Wood Stain, with a focus on characteristics like fast-drying coating, eco-safe and plant-friendly formula ingredients, and authentic coloring, is the uncontended best deck stain for old decks.
Other advantages I found related to the stain’s sunlight and heat protection, helping it reduce the damage done to older, more worn decks.
PROS
- Speedy drying time. When I used the finish, I noted an impressive drying time that was complete in under 3 hours. This is a strong choice for time-sensitive projects!
- Eco-safe. Designed with an environmentally-friendly formula, the Restore-A-Deck finish doesn’t cause damage or pose a threat to nearby plants and soil.
- Natural appearance. As the finish can ship with 5 different natural color choices, it’s a sensible alternative for an authentic, unobtrusive deck appearance.
COns
- Tricky application. The Restore-A-Deck stain consists of a super thin, water-based formula, so applying a thick, even spread can be something of a nightmare, especially without a brush.
- Limited tool choice. Though a roller or sprayer can technically work with the finish, I found that these tools created a huge risk for an uneven coat, so I was stuck using a brush.
- Extensive prepwork. Prepping your deck for this stain can take several hours, due to the need for washing and scrubbing, drying, and careful application.
6. Storm System Protector – Best Deck Stain for Pressure-Treated Wood
As a consequence of its unique formula, the Storm System Protector boasts advantages in lumber compatibility, ease of application, and weather-proofing that make it a stand-out candidate for the best deck stain for pressure-treated wood.
My experience with the stain also attested to its pleasant appearance and subtle coloring, so the finish offers a good balance of beauty and practicality.
PROS
- Wood choice variety. The Storm System Protector works with varied lumber types, from pine to redwood to pressure-treated wood, so this is a compelling choice if you often stain many types of wood.
- Simple to apply. I was satisfied that the finish worked equally well with air sprayers, rollers, and brushes, as this flexibility made it easy to apply and reduced overall project time.
- Protection from weather. Weather resistance is a high point of the stain, which typically maintains a sturdy barrier against heavy rain and prolonged humidity.
COns
- Unstable mixing. Unfortunately, the stain doesn’t hold its mix together well during shipping, so it’s necessary to stir vigorously before use; especially if you use a sprayer, as the finish can easily clog these!
- Slow to dry. With the Storm System protector, you can end up waiting a week or more for the stain to fully dry, so it’s best not to count on it for quick project turnarounds.
- Inconsistent coloring. Once the finish was done drying, I noticed slight color variation between parts of the deck, so this may not be a practical option when hue is a top priority.
7. Thompson’s WaterSeal Stain – Best Deck Stain for Price
With a reasonable price tag, effective transparent appearance, and slow-to-fade coating, the Thompson’s WaterSeal Stain is a fierce competitor for the best deck stain for price.
Likewise, I found its waterproofing and ease of cleanup gave it an edge in functionality and efficiency.
PROS
- Affordability. The WaterSeal Stain is reaching the floor of price you can reach while still maintaining high quality, so it’s a good fit for low-budget staining.
- Clean visibility. Owing to a transparent appearance, the finish plays a key role in hiding wood grain but still allowing the lumber’s natural color to shine through.
- Prevents fading. I never noticed any significant fading or pale coloring, even after the stain faced months of constant sunlight exposure.
COns
- Partial solidity. Solid clumps of white material periodically show up in the container. This can be fixed with frequent mixing and stirring, but it makes application more difficult.
- Sticky texture. Prior to drying, I observed the stain was extremely sticky to touch, creating major obstacles for easily spreading the finish.
- Long drying time. With the Thompson’s finish, you may have to wait weeks for the stain to fully dry, so this isn’t a practical purchase for short-deadline jobs.
8. Minwax Polycrylic Wood Finish – Best Stain for Artistic Projects
For art projects and more aesthetic-focused woodworking, the Minwax Polycrylic Wood Finish is one of the best deck stains you can find.
I quickly realized during use that the stain’s distinctive blend of fast drying time, dead-simple cleanup, and long lifespan makes it especially suited for these types of projects.
PROS
- Quick to dry. This Minwax has a super fast drying time (often, less than two hours), so there won’t be much project time spent waiting for the stain to absorb.
- Longevity. The stain tends to last for an impressive timespan, even years, so worries about wasting time and product on frequent reapplication can be handily put to rest.
- Easy cleaning. As a water-based stain, the finish can be quickly washed with a basic soap and water mixture, eliminating the need for a time-draining cleanup.
COns
- Foamy texture. On initial use, I was surprised that the stain was somewhat foamy as I applied it, which led to issues with smoothing out the final texture.
- Cold-sensitive. The Minwax finish is highly sensitive to cold, so it’s a poor fit for projects that call for prolonged exposure to low temperatures.
- Several coats. Since the stain generally requires 3-to-5 coats, it doesn’t have much to offer those looking for an efficient, product-conserving finish.
9. DEFY Extreme Cedar Stain – Best Sunlight-Resistant Deck Stain
For decks that need to withstand the force of heavy-beating sunlight, the DEFY Extreme Cedar Stain is virtually unmatched.
The finish displays an admirable focus on UV protection, simple upkeep, and material variety, and, in my mind, this focus makes it one of the best deck stains for heat-exposed decks.
PROS
- Straightforward maintenance. The DEFY stain has few maintenance requirements, with only one maintenance coat needed; little added cost or labor to consider!
- Sun-resistant. A strong appeal of this finish for me was its zinc particle formula, which I found consistently protected the coating against UV light and prevented peeling and color fading.
- Project flexibility. With a water base and protective ingredients, the finish works well as an all-in one product for decks, furniture, fencing, and patios.
COns
- Unclear instructions. I found the label’s directions, especially regarding brightening and preparation, to be quite difficult to follow. This could be a big hurdle for less experienced users to jump over.
- Poor coverage. With a thin consistency and subpar spread, this DEFY stain almost invariably requires multiple coats to achieve full coverage.
- Overpowering color. The vibrant, orange hue of the stain is impressive at first, but it can make the deck stand out in a bad way and could benefit from a more subtle approach.
10. KILZ Waterproofing Wood Stain – Best Waterproof Deck Stain
As excess moisture (which leads to rot, mold, and mildew) can be a kiss of death for decks, the KILZ Waterproofing Wood Stain has a powerful selling point.
Incorporating a set of features, including durability, wide coverage, and water-protective sealing, the KILZ makes a convincing case for itself as the best deck stain for waterproofing.
PROS
- Highly durable formula. Ingredients making up the KILZ deck finish provide a durable formula, which can last well over 3 years and dispel the need for recoating and extensive maintenance.
- Strong coverage. The stain’s coverage impressed me greatly, with two coats being sufficient for full reach of even very large decks.
- Water resistance. Forming a tight barrier against water particles, the finish aids in protecting the wood surface from decay-inducing moisture.
COns
- Very thick texture. As a consequence of the stain’s unusually thick consistency, the product is hard to spread, which can slow down work considerably.
- Solid coloring. Despite labeling itself as a semi-transparent stain, the KILZ finish has a very solid, reddish-orange color. I would not recommend it for those looking for a mostly clear product.
- Clumpy mixture. It didn’t take long for me to see that the stain tends to partially solidify in its container, which led to spending extra project time on mixing and stirring.
11. PPG ProLuxe Wood Finish – Best Deck Stain for Easy Maintenance
Targeted at easy and undemanding deck maintenance, the PPG ProLuxe Wood Finish emphasizes few coats, lumber preservation and strengthening, and an infrequent maintenance schedule.
This selection of features helps make it a top choice for the best deck stain for easy maintenance.
PROS
- Single-coat application. Designed to need only one coat, the PPG deck stain avoids common time and budgetary issues caused by excess product and extra purchases.
- Effective wood preservation. As it includes water-repellent ingredients and heat protection, the finish strengthens and preserves wood, allowing it to stay healthy and last longer.
- Minimal maintenance. This stain typically lasts for years before requiring a recoat, and I found the cleaning process after application to be quick and painless.
COns
- Shiny coat. After it’s done drying, the finish has a very distinctive shine, which interferes with the intended translucent effect.
- Difficult to remove. Before a maintenance coat can be applied, the old coat needs to be fully removed. To my displeasure, that meant I had to spend a lot of time sanding the deck to remove the old coat!
- Slow drying. While drying times vary, the PPG finish can, in some cases, require weeks to dry and is not well-suited for decks that you plan to use shortly after application.
12. Varathane Weathered Wood Accelerator – Best Quick-Drying Deck Stain
Need to get a stain put on fast before an upcoming gathering?
The Varathane Weathered Wood Accelerator is an excellent choice for just that, on account of the stain’s ultra-fast drying, simple and quick cleaning process, and natural, aged appearance.
PROS
- Short drying time. The Varathane finish typically dries in less than an hour, so it’s a handy alternative to oil-based stains, which dry much more slowly.
- Quick cleanup. This one doesn’t call for anything more than a basic soap & water cleanup, which I found I was able to complete in less than 20 minutes.
- Natural look & feel. One of the perks of the stain is its ability to recreate an aged, natural aesthetic for newer decks and add some style to the wood.
COns
- Unpredictable coloring. I was surprised during my tests of the stain to see that the color isn’t totally reliable, as the coat sometimes had a blue-ish hue instead of the expected gray.
- Requires several coats. As is often the case with water-based stains, the Varathane finish needs several coats (sometimes as many as 4), leaving less product remaining for future uses.
- Minimal protection. This finish doesn’t provide much protection against common issues like sunlight and moisture, so it’s likely a good idea to use it in combination with a separate, protective product.
A Buying Guide for Deck Stains
Each option on my list will give you generally strong results, but, when you’re trying to narrow down your pick, it’s best to look at your specific project needs.
From there, you can weigh crucial considerations, like the necessary feature set, and possible roadblocks you might encounter along the way.
Features of the Best Deck Stains
As you’re choosing the best deck stain for your woodworking projects, try to keep a close watch on features like:
- Material base. Different materials have their own advantages! Oil-based stains, for example, often help strengthen the wood and are usually easier to apply, while water-based stains are usually cheaper, simpler to clean, and quick-drying.
- Sun and moisture protection. If you’re applying the stain to an outdoor project or deck, protection from the elements is key. Water stains usually work better for this purpose, due to their extra anti-UV barrier.
- Color. The best deck stain colors enhance the natural qualities and appearance of the lumber, so make sure to carefully inspect the wood’s color and select an appropriately matching stain.
- Price. Low-budget projects can benefit immensely from affordable-yet-quality stains. Most frequently, these are going to be water-based products, so keep a sharp eye on the lookout for those.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Now, here’s the part where I share some disastrous wood-staining mistakes I’ve made over my long career, to hopefully help you avoid the same fate!
One pitfall you should avoid at all costs is choosing an interior stain for an outdoor deck.
During one of my first deck projects, I made the unfortunate decision of selecting a delicate, oil-based finish. The finish quickly faded and cracked, and I had to completely redo the project with a new stain, costing a huge sum and extra project time.
Likewise, some stains call for specific application methods. I’ve more than once purchased a finish to use with my air sprayer, only to realize with regret that I needed a paint roller.
Finally, try to avoid spending outside of your budget.
Sometimes, the fancier options seem worth the higher price tag, but that won’t be the case if you don’t have enough money left over to buy your other materials.
Conclusion
For most wood staining applications, I’ve found that the Cabot Gold Finish Stain gives you the best run for its money. The stain’s combination of enhanced aesthetics, use case flexibility, and choice of color makes it, in my view, the best deck stain for most indoor and outdoor projects.
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