(Image: Consumer Reports)
Deck stain does more than make a deck look nice, it extends the life of the wood.
“It’s a serious investment, obviously, to build a new deck – lumber prices are through the roof, so a good stain is really something that will help you get every last year of life out of a newly built deck,” said Paul Hope, home editor at Consumer Reports.
CR’s tests show “enormous differences” in the performance of various stains, more significant that many of the difference they find with other products they test.
“It’s a 78-point spread between our very best and very worst wood stain,” Hope told me. “In practical terms, that means the worst of them really won’t do anything to extend the life of your deck, and the best ones will keep it in great shape for years.”
DIY Tip: Be sure to clean the wood and fix any damage before you stain.
“And give the deck a really good chance to dry out before you go applying the stain,” Hope advised. “The drier the wood is, the more your deck will be able to soak in that stain and really get the best protection.”
You have three basic choices
When it comes to wood stains, the choices are solid, semi-transparent, and clear. CR says a solid stain should last the longest – about three to five years.
“It offers, in general, the best protection from sun UV damage and just about everything else,” Hope said. “The big con for most people is that it really goes on like a paint. It’s got a lot of pigment in it, and it really distorts and hides the grain of the wood. So, it’s not what you want to use for beautiful cedar or redwood.”
Semi-transparent wood stain is what Hope calls the “Goldilocks” of wood stains. It has enough pigment to offer UV protection, but it also lets some of the natural beauty of the grain peek through.
Clear sealer contains water repellents but little or no pigment.
“It’s wonderful in that it lets the grain of the wood shine through. Unfortunately, it’s not really adding much of a layer of protection, if at all,” Hope said. “So, it’s really only an acceptable choice if you’re using something like a Brazilian hardwood, or cedar, which is naturally resistant.”
CR’s top-rated stain (scoring 82 out of 100) is Behr Premium Solid Color Waterproofing Stain and Sealer sold at Home Depot. Olympic Elite Advanced Stain + Sealant came in second with a score of 80.
More Info: Best and Worst Wood Stains From Consumer Reports’ Tests
