Deck staining not only enhances the visual appeal of your outdoor space but also acts as a protective layer against harsh weather and foot traffic. Finding the right stain for your deck can be a daunting task, given the array of choices available in the market today. However, we’ve taken the time to sift through the options and help you find the best deck stain in 2024.
- Cabot Australian Timber Oil - Best Overall Deck Stain
- Ready Seal Natural Cedar - Best Budget Deck Stain
- Thompsons WaterSeal Advanced - Best Water-Based Deck Stain
- Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck - Best Oil-Based Deck Stain
- Olympic Stain Maximum Wood Stain and Sealer - Best Deck Stain for New Decks
The Benefits of Deck Stains for Your Knoxville, TN, Deck
Consider the weather in Knoxville, TN, with its hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Such a contrasting climate can be tough on your deck, leading to accelerated wear and tear. That’s where a high-quality deck stain comes into play.
Before you learn how to stain a deck, let’s determine the benefits of the process:
- Protection Against Weather Damage: With its unique weather patterns, Knoxville can expose your deck to extreme temperatures and moisture. Deck stains offer a protective layer against the sun's UV rays during summers and the freezing and thawing cycle during winters.
- Prevention of Moisture Absorption: Wood stains are effective in repelling water, minimizing moisture absorption by damp wood. This crucially prevents wood rot and mold formation.
- Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal: Apart from their protective qualities, deck stains also enhance the visual appeal of your deck. They come in a variety of colors and finishes, enabling you to match your deck with the overall aesthetic of their property.
- Increased Lifespan: By safeguarding the deck from environmental damage, deck stains extend the life of the wood, reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements.
- Improved Safety: Deck stains provide a slip-resistant surface, reducing the risk of accidents, particularly during rainy or snowy seasons.
15 Best Deck Stains For Your Knoxville Deck
- Price: While slightly on the expensive side, Cabot Australian Timber Oil offers excellent value for the money due to its superior features and performance.
- Durability: With its three-way oil protection, this product provides long-lasting durability, safeguarding your deck for several years before requiring a new application.
- Pros: It boasts excellent penetration, helping protect and condition the wood from within. It’s also very easy to apply with a standard brush or sprayer.
- Cons: Its higher price point may be a deterrent for some. Additionally, it might take longer to dry compared to some other brands.
- Coverage: One gallon of Cabot Australian Timber Oil covers approximately 150-250 square feet of deck surface.
- Stain Opacity: It offers a translucent finish that enhances the natural beauty of the wood, but it’s available in several shades for those wishing a more colorful impact.
- Base Type: It’s an oil-based stain, which provides better penetration and durability than water-based products, but may have a stronger odor during application.
- Wood Compatibility: It’s designed to work well with all types of wood, but it’s particularly beneficial for hardwoods like teak and mahogany.
- Impact on Health: The product is VOC compliant, but always ensure proper ventilation during application and drying. Wear protective gear to avoid direct contact with the skin or inhalation of fumes.
- Time to Dry: The stain takes approximately 24-48 hours to dry, depending on the weather conditions and the wood’s moisture content.
- Price: A mid-range option, Ready Seal Natural Cedar offers impressive features at an affordable price.
- Durability: This product is known for its reliable performance, providing protection for your deck for 2-3 years before needing reapplication.
- Pros: The standout feature is its goof-proof application. Regardless of how it’s applied, the end result is a professional-looking, streak-free finish. Additionally, it doesn’t require a wet-line application or back brushing.
- Cons: While it delivers a beautiful finish, it may require more frequent reapplication compared to other brands. It also needs a fair amount of stirring before application.
- Coverage: One gallon of Ready Seal Natural Cedar covers approximately 125-150 square feet of deck surface.
- Stain Opacity: This product offers a semi-transparent finish that enhances the natural grain and texture of the wood, available in a range of warm, earthy tones.
- Base Type: It’s an oil-based stain, which provides excellent penetration and durability but can produce a stronger odor during application.
- Wood Compatibility: Ready Seal is compatible with all types of wood, but it particularly enhances the natural beauty of cedar and other softwoods.
- Impact on Health: The product is VOC compliant. However, proper ventilation is necessary during application and drying. Always wear protective gear to avoid skin contact or inhalation of fumes.
- Time to Dry: The stain takes approximately 48-72 hours to dry, depending on weather conditions and the wood’s moisture content.
- Price: DEFY Extreme Wood Stain is a premium product with a price to match. However, its stellar performance and unique features make it worth the investment.
- Durability: This stain boasts exceptional durability, providing protection for your deck for up to 5 years before needing reapplication.
- Pros: DEFY Extreme Wood Stain contains advanced UV protection to resist fading, and it’s highly resistant to peeling and cracking. It’s also a water-based product, so clean-up is a breeze.
- Cons: The high price point may be off-putting to some. It also may require a second coat for best results, which could increase the overall cost.
- Coverage: One gallon of DEFY Extreme Wood Stain covers approximately 100-150 square feet of deck surface.
- Stain Opacity: This product offers a semi-transparent finish that amplifies the natural grain and texture of the wood, and it’s available in a range of colors to suit any aesthetic.
- Base Type: It’s a water-based stain, which provides easier clean-up and lower VOCs than oil-based products but might be less durable.
- Wood Compatibility: DEFY Extreme Wood Stain is ideal for all types of wood, but it is particularly effective on pressure-treated wood, like pine and cedar.
- Impact on Health: The product is VOC compliant and is generally safer to use than oil-based products. As always, ensure proper ventilation during application and drying, and wear protective gear to avoid skin contact or inhalation of fumes.
- Time to Dry: The stain takes approximately 24-48 hours to dry, depending on weather conditions and the wood’s moisture content.
- Price: Thompsons WaterSeal Advanced is a budget-friendly choice, offering a reasonable balance between price and performance.
- Durability: Despite its lower cost, this product provides reliable durability and protection for your deck, lasting approximately 1-2 years before needing reapplication.
- Pros: One of its standout features is its advanced water protection, which prevents water damage and resists mildew and UV damage. It’s also very easy to apply.
- Cons: As a trade-off for its lower price point, it may require more frequent reapplication than some other brands. Additionally, its finish might not be as vibrant or long-lasting.
- Coverage: One gallon of Thompsons WaterSeal Advanced covers approximately 200-300 square feet of deck surface.
- Stain Opacity: This product offers a clear finish that maintains the natural look of the wood. However, it can result in a slightly darker appearance due to its water-sealing properties.
- Base Type: It’s a water-based sealant, which is easier to apply and clean up but may not provide as much durability and depth of color as oil-based products.
- Wood Compatibility: Thompsons WaterSeal Advanced is compatible with all types of wood, providing a versatile solution for any wood deck.
- Impact on Health: The product is VOC compliant. It’s important to ensure proper ventilation during application and drying, and always wear protective gear to avoid direct skin contact or inhalation of fumes.
- Time to Dry: The sealant takes about 24-48 hours to dry, depending on weather conditions and the wood’s moisture content.
- Price: Olympic Stain Maximum Wood Stain and Sealer is moderately priced, offering excellent value for its performance.
- Durability: This product offers excellent durability, ensuring your deck remains protected for 3-4 years before reapplication is needed.
- Pros: Olympic Stain is known for its advanced weather protection, offering resistance against harsh weather conditions, UV damage, and mildew. The stain also enhances the wood’s natural texture and grain.
- Cons: The product may require more than one coat for optimal results, which can increase the overall cost. Some users also find the drying time to be relatively long.
- Coverage: One gallon of Olympic Stain Maximum Wood Stain and Sealer covers approximately 150-250 square feet of deck surface.
- Stain Opacity: This product offers a semi-transparent finish, enhancing the natural look of the wood with a modest tint that’s available in various colors.
- Base Type: It’s a water-based stain and sealer, which is easy to apply and clean up. The product also has a lower VOC count than oil-based alternatives.
- Wood Compatibility: Olympic Stain is versatile and works well with all types of wood, including both softwoods and hardwoods.
- Impact on Health: The product is VOC compliant, and it’s less toxic compared to oil-based stains. However, proper ventilation is required during application and drying, and protective gear should be worn to prevent direct skin contact or inhalation of fumes.
- Time to Dry: Depending on weather conditions and the wood’s moisture content, the stain typically takes about 24-48 hours to dry.
- Price: Sikkens Proluxe Cetol SRD is a premium product, reflecting in its slightly higher price. However, its superior performance and finish justify the cost.
- Durability: This stain offers unparalleled durability, protecting your deck for up to 5-7 years before reapplication is necessary.
- Pros: Sikkens Proluxe Cetol SRD offers high UV protection, exceptional resistance to weather damage, and enhances the natural beauty of the wood. It’s also known for its excellent penetration properties, ensuring long-lasting protection.
- Cons: The higher price might not be suitable for all budgets. Some users have also reported that it can be more challenging to apply evenly than some other products.
- Coverage: One gallon of Sikkens Proluxe Cetol SRD covers approximately 150-200 square feet of deck surface.
- Stain Opacity: The product offers a translucent finish, highlighting the natural grain of the wood while providing a rich color that suits any aesthetic.
- Base Type: It’s an oil-based stain, which requires a bit more work for cleanup but often provides a more luxurious finish and higher durability than water-based alternatives.
- Wood Compatibility: Sikkens Proluxe is compatible with a wide range of wood types, making it a versatile choice for any deck project.
- Impact on Health: Although VOC compliant, this oil-based stain requires adequate ventilation during application and drying. It’s also suggested to wear proper protective gear to avoid skin contact or inhalation of fumes.
- Time to Dry: Drying time for Sikkens Proluxe Cetol SRD varies based on weather conditions and the wood’s moisture content but typically ranges from 24-48 hours.
- Price: Minwax Helmsman is a budget-friendly option, making it a great choice for those wanting to maintain their deck without breaking the bank.
- Durability: Despite its lower price tag, this product offers decent durability, with a deck typically needing reapplication every 1-2 years.
- Pros: The Minwax Helmsman is celebrated for its excellent UV protection, resistance to weather damage, and easy application process.
- Cons: Some users have reported that the finish can be somewhat glossy, which may not appeal to everyone. It also might require more frequent reapplication than some of the more expensive brands.
- Coverage: One gallon of Minwax Helmsman can cover approximately 200-300 square feet of deck surface.
- Stain Opacity: This product provides a semi-gloss finish, enhancing the wood’s natural texture while adding a protective layer.
- Base Type: It’s a water-based product, which makes it easy to clean and apply, though it might not provide as much durability and depth of color as oil-based products.
- Wood Compatibility: Minwax Helmsman is versatile, being compatible with most types of wood, including both hard and softwood.
- Impact on Health: The product is VOC compliant and is generally less toxic than oil-based stains. However, proper ventilation is required during application and drying, and users should always wear protective gear.
- Time to Dry: The drying time of Minwax Helmsman varies depending on the weather and the wood’s moisture content, but it usually falls within the 24-48 hours range.
- Price: Flood CWF-UV is a mid-range product, providing a balance between cost-effectiveness and quality performance.
- Durability: It offers sound durability, with a deck typically requiring a reapplication in about 2-3 years.
- Pros: Flood CWF-UV is renowned for its advanced UV protection, resistance to weather-induced damage, and ability to enhance the natural wood grain.
- Cons: It might need more than one application for the best results. The drying time might also be longer compared to some other products.
- Coverage: One gallon of Flood CWF-UV can cover approximately 150-250 square feet of deck surface.
- Stain Opacity: Offering a semi-transparent finish, this product amplifies the wood’s natural appearance while subtly enhancing its color.
- Base Type: It’s an oil-based stain, which may require more extensive cleanup but often provides a more durable finish and richer color than water-based alternatives.
- Wood Compatibility: Flood CWF-UV is a versatile choice, compatible with a wide variety of wood types.
- Impact on Health: Although this product is VOC compliant, it’s oil-based and hence requires proper ventilation during application and drying. Wearing protective gear is recommended to prevent skin contact or inhalation of fumes.
- Time to Dry: The drying time for Flood CWF-UV is subject to weather conditions and the wood’s moisture content, but typically falls within the 24-48 hours range.
- Price: Behr Premium Semi-Transparent is an affordable, high-performance option that delivers top-notch quality without stretching your budget.
- Durability: This stain is celebrated for its long-lasting durability, with decks usually needing a reapplication only every 3-4 years.
- Pros: The pros of Behr Premium Semi-Transparent include its exceptional UV protection, resistance to weather impact, and the way it enhances the natural grain of the wood. It’s also praised for its ease of application.
- Cons: Some users have reported that the stain might require a second coat for optimal results. Additionally, the finish might be slightly less vibrant compared to some higher-priced alternatives.
- Coverage: One gallon of Behr Premium Semi-Transparent covers approximately 150-250 square feet of deck surface.
- Stain Opacity: This product offers a semi-transparent finish that highlights the natural grain of the wood while providing a tasteful color enhancement.
- Base Type: Behr’s stain is water-based, making cleanup easy and application straightforward. However, the depth of color and durability may be less than oil-based stains.
- Wood Compatibility: Behr Premium Semi-Transparent stain is compatible with a wide variety of wood types, making it a versatile choice for your decking project.
- Impact on Health: As a VOC compliant, water-based stain, this product is generally less toxic than oil-based stains. However, it is still recommended to ensure proper ventilation during application and drying, and protective gear should be worn.
- Time to Dry: The drying time depends on weather conditions and the moisture content of the wood but generally falls within the 24-48 hours range.
- Price: Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck is a premium product, known for its high-quality performance, justifying its higher price point.
- Durability: It provides superior durability, with a deck typically requiring a reapplication every 3-4 years, depending on the weather conditions.
- Pros: The product is lauded for its exceptional UV protection, resistance to weather damage, and its ability to highlight and enhance the natural wood grain.
- Cons: This stain may take longer to dry than other brands. Some users may find the higher price point a disadvantage compared to budget options.
- Coverage: One gallon of Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck can cover approximately 150-250 square feet of deck surface.
- Stain Opacity: This product offers a semi-transparent finish, enriching the wood’s natural appearance while providing a robust color enhancement.
- Base Type: It’s an oil-based stain, which typically ensures a more durable finish and deeper color, but may require more cleanup effort compared to water-based stains.
- Wood Compatibility: Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck is a versatile solution, compatible with a wide variety of wood types.
- Impact on Health: While this product is VOC compliant, it is still oil-based, which means proper ventilation is necessary during application and drying. Always wear protective gear to avoid skin contact or inhalation of fumes.
- Time to Dry: The drying time for Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck varies based on weather conditions and the wood’s moisture content, but it generally falls within the 48-72 hours range.
- Price: Rust-Oleum RockSolid is a fairly priced product that offers a balance between cost and quality.
- Durability: This stain is known for its strong durability, typically requiring a deck reapplication every 3-4 years.
- Pros: The advantages of Rust-Oleum RockSolid include its excellent weather resistance, UV protection, and its ability to enhance the natural grain of the wood.
- Cons: Some users have reported that the stain requires multiple coats for the best results. The color may also fade slightly quicker than some premium alternatives.
- Coverage: One gallon of Rust-Oleum RockSolid can cover approximately 150-250 square feet of deck surface.
- Stain Opacity: This product offers a semi-transparent finish, allowing the wood’s natural appearance to shine through while adding a subtle color boost.
- Base Type: Rust-Oleum RockSolid is a water-based stain, which makes cleanup simple and application hassle-free, although the color may not be as deep as oil-based stains.
- Wood Compatibility: Rust-Oleum RockSolid is compatible with a wide range of wood types, showcasing its versatility.
- Impact on Health: As a VOC-compliant, water-based stain, this product is generally less toxic compared to oil-based stains. However, proper ventilation is still required during application and drying, and protective gear should be worn.
- Time to Dry: The drying time for Rust-Oleum RockSolid is subject to weather conditions and the wood’s moisture content but typically falls within the 24-48 hours range.
- Price: Duckback Superdeck is moderately priced. It offers an excellent balance of cost and performance that appeals to many homeowners.
- Durability: The stain is known for its exceptional durability, with a deck typically requiring a reapplication every 3-4 years, subject to the weather conditions.
- Pros: Duckback Superdeck is appreciated for its excellent weather resistance, UV protection, and its ability to bring out the natural grain of the wood.
- Cons: While the product is generally well-regarded, some users have reported that it may require multiple coats for an optimal finish. Additionally, drying time may be slightly longer compared to some other stains.
- Coverage: A single gallon of Duckback Superdeck can cover approximately 150-250 square feet of deck surface.
- Stain Opacity: This product delivers a semi-transparent finish, highlighting the wood’s natural features while offering a rich color enhancement.
- Base Type: Duckback Superdeck is a water-based stain. This makes it easy to clean up after application, although the richness of color may be slightly less than that of oil-based stains.
- Wood Compatibility: This stain works well with a wide variety of wood types, making it a versatile option for many decking projects.
- Impact on Health: As a VOC compliant, water-based stain, Duckback Superdeck is generally less harmful than oil-based stains. However, adequate ventilation is still necessary during application and drying, and protective gear should be worn.
- Time to Dry: Depending on weather conditions and the moisture content of the wood, the drying time for Duckback Superdeck generally falls within the range of 24-48 hours.
- Price: Benjamin Moore Arborcoat is a premium product that delivers high-quality performance, justifying its higher price point.
- Durability: The product is known for its excellent durability, typically requiring a reapplication every 3-4 years, depending on weather conditions.
- Pros: Benjamin Moore Arborcoat offers multiple benefits, including superior UV protection, resistance to weather damage, and its ability to enhance the natural grain of the wood.
- Cons: The product may require multiple coats for optimal results, and its higher price point may be a disadvantage for those on a tighter budget.
- Coverage: One gallon of Benjamin Moore Arborcoat stain can cover approximately 150-250 square feet of deck surface.
- Stain Opacity: This product offers a semi-transparent finish that enhances the natural appearance of the wood while providing broader color enhancement.
- Base Type: It’s a water-based stain, which makes cleanup simple and the application process is hassle-free. However, the color may not be as deep or rich compared to oil-based stains.
- Wood Compatibility: Benjamin Moore Arborcoat is compatible with a wide range of wood types, offering broad versatility for different decking projects.
- Impact on Health: As a VOC-compliant, water-based stain, this product is generally less harmful than oil-based stains. However, proper ventilation is still necessary during application and drying, and protective gear should be worn to avoid skin contact or inhalation of fumes.
- Time to Dry: The drying time for Benjamin Moore Arborcoat can vary depending on weather conditions and the wood’s moisture content, but it typically falls within the 24-48 hours range.
- Price: ZAR Deck & Siding stain is moderately priced, providing a balance between affordability and quality.
- Durability: This product is known for its good durability, usually requiring reapplication every 3-4 years based on the exposure to weather elements.
- Pros: ZAR Deck & Siding offers great weather resistance, UV protection, and the ability to highlight the wood’s natural grain. It also boasts of easy application and good colour retention.
- Cons: Some users have reported that multiple coats may be needed for optimal results. In addition, the stain may take longer to dry compared to some other products.
- Coverage: A single gallon of ZAR Deck & Siding can cover approximately 150-250 square feet of deck surface.
- Stain Opacity: This product provides a semi-transparent finish, allowing the natural features of the wood to be visible while adding a touch of color.
- Base Type: ZAR Deck & Siding is a water-based stain, which facilitates easy cleanup post application. However, the color may not be as deep or rich as oil-based stains.
- Wood Compatibility: ZAR Deck & Siding is compatible with a broad array of wood types, adding to its versatility.
- Impact on Health: Being a VOC compliant, water-based stain, this product is generally less harmful than oil-based stains, but adequate ventilation is necessary during application and drying, and protective gear should be worn.
- Time to Dry: The drying time for ZAR Deck & Siding depends on weather conditions and the wood’s moisture content, but it generally falls within the 24-48 hours range.
- Price: Valspar One-Coat Transparent is a reasonably priced stain that offers good value for money considering its performance.
- Durability: Valspar One-Coat Transparent typically lasts for about 3-4 years before needing a reapplication, depending on the weather conditions and usage.
- Pros: Its primary advantages include good weather resistance, UV protection, and ease of application due to its one-coat formula. It also has an excellent ability to enhance the natural grain of the wood.
- Cons: The product may require more frequent reapplication in harsh weather conditions, and its one-coat claim may not hold up on all types of wood.
- Coverage: One gallon of Valspar One-Coat Transparent stain can cover approximately 150-250 square feet of deck surface.
- Stain Opacity: This product offers a transparent finish, which preserves and highlights the natural appearance of the wood, while adding a subtle color enhancement.
- Base Type: The Valspar One-Coat is a water-based stain, which ensures easy cleanup after application. However, the color richness may not be as pronounced as that of oil-based stains.
- Wood Compatibility: This stain is compatible with a wide variety of wood types, making it a versatile choice for different decking projects.
- Impact on Health: As a VOC-compliant, water-based stain, Valspar One-Coat is generally less harmful than oil-based stains. Adequate ventilation is necessary during application and drying, and protective gear should be worn.
- Time to Dry: The drying time for Valspar One-Coat can vary based on weather conditions and the wood’s moisture content, but it usually falls within the 24-48 hours range.
Best Deck Stain FAQs
Professional deck staining contractors typically use high-quality exterior wood stains for deck projects. The choice of stain often depends on the specific needs and desired look of the deck. For instance, a solid stain is often used when maximum color and UV protection are desired, and the wood’s natural grain doesn’t need to be visible.
On the other hand, semi-transparent stains are popular when the aim is to balance color enhancement with grain visibility. A trusted and professional-grade product often used by professionals is “Restore-A-Deck,” lauded for its durability and ease of application.
It’s always recommended to choose a stain based on the wood type, the desired aesthetic, and the deck’s exposure to weather conditions.
The most popular stain color for decks generally depends on the type of deck wood and the overall aesthetic of the surroundings. However, some universally appealing choices include natural wood tones like cedar, redwood, and walnut.
For example, cedar-colored stains work well with lighter woods, enhancing their natural beauty, while a redwood or walnut stain can provide a rich, warm tone to darker woods. Still, it’s crucial to consider the type and color of your deck wood before making a decision.
Consult with a professional or test a small patch with different stains to determine what works best. Remember, the best deck stains not only enhance your deck’s appearance but also provide necessary protection from weather elements.
The popular deck color for 2024 is dark walnut, especially in a semi-solid finish. The timeless, rich hue of dark walnut has been gaining popularity as it adds a layer of sophistication and elegance to outdoor spaces. This color not only highlights the texture and grain of the wood, but also provides a striking contrast to the surrounding greenery or outdoor furniture, creating a visually appealing aesthetic.
Additionally, semi-solid stains are trending due to their balance between color richness and wood grain visibility, offering both protection and aesthetics.
They deliver a more opaque finish than transparent stains, yet still allow some of the wood’s natural characteristics to show through, making them a perfect choice for those looking to combine protection, color, and a hint of natural wood grain in their deck’s appearance.
The longevity of a deck stain largely depends on the quality of the product, the deck’s exposure to weather conditions, and how well the deck is maintained.
However, oil-based stains typically last longer compared to water-based ones due to their deeper penetration and superior sealing properties.
Among these, semi-transparent stains offer a good balance between color enhancement and durability. For instance, products like “Cabot Semi-Transparent Deck and Siding Stain” and “Ready Seal” are known for their long-lasting performance, often enduring for 3-5 years before needing reapplication.
Nevertheless, the most effective way to ensure the longevity of a deck stain is regular maintenance, which includes cleaning and, if necessary, reapplying the stain every few years.
Let's Bring Back Old Decks To Their Former Glory
At Riverview Decks, we believe in providing only the best for our clients. We specialize in deck restoration in Knoxville, TN, and pride ourselves on using the highest quality stains available on the market to give your deck a fresh, lasting finish. For inquiries or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at (865) 801-4545. Let us assist you in bringing your deck back to its former glory.