2024 Behr Deck Stains Expert Reviewed: Are They Good? (2024)

FAQs

What is the number one rated deck stain? ›

The best deck stain for most homeowners is Arborcoat by Benjamin Moore, which is easy to apply and provides excellent protection against the elements. The brand is known for its high-quality paint, so it's not too surprising that you'd rely on its products for your wood staining needs, too.

Consumer Reports just tested 76 products under tough conditions that accelerate the effects of the elements, from spring showers to summer sun to the sleet and snow that can torment siding and decks in colder months. Sherwin-Williams won big among paints, while Behr took home top honors among stains.

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.

Selecting the best deck stain for an older deck depends on factors like wood type, climate, and desired finish. Some highly-regarded options include: DEFY Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain. Ready Seal Natural Cedar Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer.

Opaque: Sometimes called “solid deck stain,” this product contains the highest percentage of pigment and can protect wood the longest, requiring a recoat every 4 to 5 years. Opaque stain, also the densest, completely hides the wood grain. It offers the most coverage short of applying a deck paint.

Most manufacturers recommend applying two coats of stain to a deck for optimal results.

This 100% acrylic formula seals out the elements, and the sun's harmful UV rays, for up to 10 yrs. on decks and up to 25 yrs. on fences and siding. It's available in more than 1,600 custom colours to help you get just about any look you can imagine.

Browns bring a sense of warmth to wooden decks and are perfect for fitting in with natural surroundings. The richness of a dark brown like Mahogany adds elegance and depth while a lighter brown like Cedar is perfect for casual areas as it adds light and openness.

BEHR Premium® Fast-Drying Water-Based Wood Stain 2.7 out of 5 stars, average rating value. Read 76 Reviews.

If, for instance, the new stain is the same brand and color as the old stain, you might not need to go through the complete removal process. You do, however, need to properly use a quality deck cleaner to get your deck ready for a new coat, and sand your surfaces to aid in adhesion and penetration.

Why does my wood deck always look dirty? ›

Sprinkle baking soda over stains. Scrub the deck using a stiff-bristled brush. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose or power washer to remove all the cleaner and dirt. (If using a power washer, put it on a low setting and keep the nozzle at least 6 inches away from the wood surface).

These areas will need to be sanded out as well. If you stain on top of peeling stain, the new layer of wood stain will end up peeling right off with the old one before you know it. Additionally, if you want to make sure you have as even a color as possible you need to use a stripper.

Many homeowners wonder, “How often should I stain my deck?” To keep a deck looking great and prolong the life of the wood, a deck should be stained every two to three years. Other signs your deck needs staining are: The deck has mold or mildew buildup. Water soaks into the deck boards and no longer beads up.

Often when people restain timber, the old Stain is either sanded away, is already flaking off, or can be restained over. While you can restain a deck over an existing stain without sanding or removing the existing peeling product, this isn't always recommended and can leave your deck looking a little worse for wear.

Water base decking oils last longer as the product sits on top of the wood, where as an oil based product penetrates into the wood giving it a very traditional look. Furthermore, water based products dry quicker then oil based, which is usually seen as an advantage if you are wanting to complete the job within one day.

Use a paint pad applicator for a smooth, even finish and good coverage. An applicator attached to a pole is easier than using a brush to stain a large deck by hand, and more accurate than using a pressurized sprayer. You can use an airless paint sprayer to apply stain quicker than is possible with a roller or brush.

Semi-solid stains are a better choice for decks that have seen their share of cookouts. You'll still see some grain, but you'll hide more of the wear and tear your deck has endured. Solid wood stains are for deck surfaces that have a lot of imperfections, or you just want to add a splash of color.

Which Is the Best Wood Deck Stain for Pressure Treated Wood? Once your pressure treated deck is dry enough for staining, oil-based stains offer the highest level of protection. It's also worth looking for products that clearly indicate their application for pressure treated decks.

"Acrylics have better color retention, but the oil-based stains are more compatible with what's already on there," Zelinsky says. Clark says contractors simply have to spray the stain on, back-roll it and move on to the next job. "It's the easiest to apply and it's the longest-lasting.