What is the Longest Lasting Deck Stain Brand and Sealer is a common question that a residential homeowner may have. Tired of trying all of the stains that are available locally, homeowners are looking towards the Internet for deck stain reviews and help to find a better alternative for the exterior wood. Let us look at what makes a stain or sealer last longer than other brands.
Penetration Into The Wood
This is very simple to explain. The better a wood stain penetrates into the wood, the longer it will last. This is even more important on a horizontal walking deck surface. When a stain soaks into the wood pores it is less likely to peel or wear.
Prepping of the Wood Prior To Stain Application
This is the number one reason why deck stains may fail. The better the wood is prepped the more porous the wood will be. This is then related to penetration. If the wood is prepped and is more porous, then the better the stain penetrates and the longer it will last. Key mistakes that homeowners make is applying a new stain over top a different brand or not prepping new wood with a wood cleaner and wood brightener.
Transparency
In general, the more pigment or darker color a stain has, the longer it will take to fade away. We prefer semi-transparent stains as they offer UV protection and still show the natural grain of the wood.
Now the most important question, which stain brand lasts the longest? Hard to say since stains perform differently based on where you live and your overall weather exposure. Feel free to ask below in our comment section about which deck stain or sealer would last the longest for your deck.
Be sure to include:
- State you live in
- Previous coatings that were used and why they failed
- Any other information that may be useful
Located in Florida what brand of word sealer would you recommend to last a few years before having to restrain or reseal?
TWP 100 Series.
https://www.opwdecks.com/twpwoodsealers.htm
New deck pressured treated wood deck. Looking for recommendation for long lasting sealer. Located in Jacksonville Florida. It gets hot really hard on the pressure treated wood.
https://www.opwdecks.com/when-to-stain-a-new-deck.htm
I live in SW WA. After using Restore-A-Deck to clean and strip off previous finish, I want to restain/reseal my cedar deck. The deck gets lots of shade from Fir trees, gets mildew/mold in the winter months with all of the shade/rain, and then parts of it get the hot direct sun in the summer. Over the years, we have used everything on the market, some ok, some bad. I’m now a widow and want to keep it easy to maintain with a yearly cleaning and then just a reseal. I’m leaning toward TWP or Penofin. What do you think would be the best?
TWP is much better than Penofin. Use that:
https://www.opwdecks.com/twp-1500-series.htm
I live in Murfreesboro TN. Today they are installing a new PT kiln dried deck. What is the best and longest lasting stain/sealer to use and how long should I wait to stain it?
J.
Hello,
See here: https://www.opwdecks.com/when-to-stain-a-new-deck.htm
I live in Minnesota and have a 20 year old cedar deck. It was stripped and sealed 3 years ago with ready seal. I’m thinking of stripping it again and going with TWP. I’m thinking of the semi solid or should I go with the 1500? I want a rich brown color.
Try the TWP Semi-solids will give longer UV protection.
The 1500 over the TWP semi solid?
Either is okay. Prior comment meant to say the “semi-solid” will give longer UV protection. We adjusted it.
Thanks
I live in Western WA and have ipe wood decks that to my knowledge have never been stained. I want to use traditional black wood tar stain. The decks are mostly covered but do get a lot of direct sunlight. Would you recommend a good sanding to prep the wood ahead of time? Thoughts on use of this traditional product for ipe wood?
Using wood tar for a deck is a very bad idea in general and definitely will not work on IPE. It will not penetrate, attract mildew and be nearly impossible to remove when it fails.
As for pre, that depends on the current condition. Upload some pics.
Thank you for the advice. I have been told by my local hardware store to use oil based stains for ipe wood. I am looking for a very dark ebony color. Any suggested brands??
Armstrong Clark in Black Walnut: https://www.opwdecks.com/ipe-stain-1-gallon.htm
I live in Minnesota and have used other sealants that don’t last long in the tough Minnesota winters. What is the longest lasting deck sealant for weathered but treated pine? I’m talking about extreme protection! If only tar didn’t smell so bad!! 😉
You need a stain, not a sealer. Try this: https://www.opwdecks.com/armstrong-clark-stain.htm
We just built a dock on a small lake near Memphis, TN. I previously used Defy semi-transparent at an Arkansas property. Would this be a good choice or do you have another product you would recommend?
Yes, the Defy would work well.
I live in northern NYS. My deck is unprotected. Other coatings wore quickly off (Thompsons) and peeled. I want one that will last a few years. Thank you
Please reply back with some pics so we can offer proper prep advice. As for the stain, look at the Armstrong Clark in a semi-solid color for longer UV protection: https://www.opwdecks.com/armstrong-clark-stain.htm
I live in southwest Virginia. We have a large tiered deck. The deck gets full afternoon to evening sun (11:00ish AM to 6:00ishPM) and summers are hot, winters are wet, cold, snow, ice. We replaced the upper deck in 2019 due to mold rotted wood and cracks but have not been able to stain it yet (thanks, CoVid). We’d like a long-standing stain – we’re open to any semi or solid as long it’s the best UV protection and longest wear on horizontal surfaces). Also mold is a concern (had to replace the old deck due to mold-rotted wood).
– I used a Behr water + oil based combo previously and wonder if that caused it to rot so quickly. 5ish years later the wood was rotten. Concerned about an oil based stain due to previous experience and I’ve Thought about Defy since it’s water based but unsure of how long it will remain. Would also like a recommendation for a cleaner to prep before staining. Thank you! Jen
Use the RAD Kits for prep: https://www.opwdecks.com/best-selling-cleaner.htm
Your best option for the stain is the TWP semi-solids: https://www.opwdecks.com/twp-semi-solid-stain-2.htm
I live in upstate NY ( hot and humid summers and 60 inches of snow on average in the winter). I just replaced my entire 16×20 deck with new pressure treated pine decking boards. I will wait a minumum of 6 months for the wood to dry before I stain. I am considering semi transparent stains from Defy, Armstrong Clark and TWP 1500. Price does not matter. Any suggestions?
All 3 would work very well for this. It may come down to if you prefer oil or water-based? Color options may narrow the choice as well.
I’m restraining a 20 year old 920 Sq ft covered redwood deck. It had a semi solid stain on that I could only get off with a diamabrush then sanding with 40 grit. I live in Arizona where it’s 100+ degrees in summer and down to the 20’s in the winter. What further prep should I do before I put on an oil semi transparent stain? I’m thinking about using Twp 1500. Thanks,
Clean and brighen for final prep: https://www.opwdecks.com/best-selling-cleaner.htm
I’m in Idaho hot sunny summers and snow in winter. I have 9 large freshly built red wood planter boxes that I a long lasting stain and sealer for.
See this for new wood tips: https://www.opwdecks.com/when-to-stain-a-new-deck.htm
Ontario, hot sunny summers, snow in winter. Treated wood 9 years old, stained with Behr semi transparent. It is peeling off in strips in the sunny section, has green slippery stuff on shady section. The deck is huge, and we have very few days with the ideal weather, so has to be done in sections. Took me three weeks last time. I really need something easy and fast, that lasts as long as possible. yeah right. lol
Your first issue is you will need to remove the Behr fully. How depends on the current condition. Post pictures in the comments for help with this.
We live in Redding, CA, at the top of the Sacramento Valley. We get 100-115 temps intermittently consistent from June thru September. Winters are relatively mild, snow maybe once or twice, fair amt of rain unless we’re in drought. I’m sealing vertical redwood deck posts, new in 2015. Have been using Defy Wood Brightener to clean and Defy transparent sealer twice since installation. What’s best for these conditions? Thanks. Todd
Using the same would be the easiest and best option.
Hi, thanks for the speedy reply. However, I shoulda mentioned that I’m hoping to find a stain/sealer/finish, short of 10yr exterior paint, that will last longer than 1.5-2yrs max. That’s all I get from the Defy Extreme sealer before the bottom of the posts are grey to black. Too frequently to have to do the whole job again: re-clean with brightener and re-finish. Any thoughts? Thanks again.
Armstrong Clark Stains in Semi-solid colors: https://www.opwdecks.com/armstrong-clark-stain.htm
Strip and brighten for prep.
In Boulder, Colorado a mile above sea level. Lots of sun, hot summers and cold winters. Building a new deck using LVL for joists and perhaps cedar for railing. Can I stain prior to assembly? Decking will be PVC – Class A requirement.
No. See here: https://www.opwdecks.com/when-to-stain-a-new-deck.htm
I live in Marietta Ga. what stains should I use
Try Armstrong Clark Stains: https://www.opwdecks.com/armstrong-clark-stain.htm
I live in Illinois very close to St Louis. My deck is 20 years old but still in pretty good shape. I did replace a few boards a couple years ago. I’d like to have something long lasting. I have been using Ready Seal and have had to reseal every other year. My normal prep is power washing, deck clean and brightening, and sanding with 80 grit paper. Thank you
Strip and brighten for prep: https://www.opwdecks.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper.htm
Stain with TWP 1500 Series: https://www.opwdecks.com/twp-1500-series.htm
Hello, I live in Raleigh, NC. Previous owner used Messmer’s UV Plus for pressure treated wood stain (Oxford brown color). Deck gets direct sun exposure for 4-5 hrs/day minimum. Portions of the deck is beginning to crack. I want to continue to retain similar color. Before new stain should I strip & clean or just clean & brighten? Also any advice on best brand to use? Thanks.
Strip and brighten for prep: https://www.opwdecks.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper.htm
Stain with TWP 1500 Series: https://www.opwdecks.com/twp-1500-series.htm
Thank you for the response. Couple of questions.1. The reason for your recommendation of TWP1500 series over Armstrong Clark is because of region or something else? Just trying to learn. Looking at colors under Armstrong Clark they do seem to have my current stain color of Oxford Brown (trying to maintain the same look).2. What kind of sprayers needed for stripping and staining? Are they different ones or same one can be used for both? Do you sell them? Thank you.
The AC would work just as well as the TWP so no issues if you like a color better from them. Any quality pump sprayer will work for this:https://www.opwdecks.com/chapin-pump-sprayers.htm
I live in NW Arkansas 2 story with wrap around decks on both levels. The decks are 7 years old beautiful red cedar and never treated. Mostly protected by roof overhang. Just power washed and dry. I want to keep the natural color as mush as possible. What product would be best longevity and reasonable priced?
Use the AC stains: https://www.opwdecks.com/armstrong-clark-stain.htm
I live in Scotts Valley California (about 6 miles inland from Santa Cruz). Gets pretty hot in the summer and we get some early morning fog in the spring and fall. The decks are redwood and is about 1-2 months old. I’m looking for something to prep it prior to staining and for a good product that has slight color to it to stain and seal it. What do you recommend?
See here for new wood tips: https://www.opwdecks.com/when-to-stain-a-new-deck.htm
After wait and prep, try TWP 1500 or Defy Extreme Stain.
I live in South Florida. My deck is approximately one year old with pressure treated wood I would like to properly clean it and seal it. I want to maintain a natural look. I was thinking I’m going with oil since everything I have read it seems to last longer. Best way to prep my deck best stain to use that will keep the most natural looking color.
Use the RAD Kits for prep: https://www.opwdecks.com/best-selling-cleaner.htm
We live in San Antonio, Texas. We have a deck that needs to be stained again Whats the longest lasting stain for Texas? About how long will it last? Especially in full sun exposure and some rain. Thanks.
Try the Armstrong Clark Stain in a semi-solid color: https://www.opwdecks.com/armstrong-clark-stain.htm
We are installing dried 1.5″ x 14″ cedar plank coping at bench height around an outdoor swim spa. The 14″ face will be horizontal and the poolside (4″ above water level) and outside edges both bull-nosed. We’re in the rainy PacNW so it will be exposed to all weather. I’m looking for a low/non-toxic penetrating, waterproofing sealer that: 1) will not contaminate the pool with runoff; 2) will not flake and chip like a marine varnish; 3) will protect the wood from checking and cupping; 4) can be refreshed without refinishing; 5) will last as many years between recoating as possible; 6) will allow the wood to remain smooth to the touch but not slippery. 7) Weathering to a natural grey is fine. We will be caulking the joints with black, marine deck caulking. Do you have a product to recommend? Thank you so very much! Peggy
Defy Extreme Clear: https://www.opwdecks.com/defy-extreme-clear.htm
I have a new pressure treated deck installed in July. I live in New Orleans where our summers are humid and brutal. The deck receives afternoon to evening sun. What is the best stain to use?
Try the TWP 100 Series: https://www.opwdecks.com/twpwoodsealers.htm
I live in CT and just built a 1000 sq ft pressure treated pine deck over the summer. I plan to stain/seal in the spring after the deck has properly dried out. I will do whatever prep necessary. I’m looking for the longest lasting semi transparent stain sealer that I could potentially stain every 3 years if possible. Deck gets a lot of sun in summer and lots of snow that I shovel off in winter. Cost is not a concern as we all know you get what you pay for. I do the work myself so I hope a few extra bucks buys me a year or two if lucky.
Prep with the Restore A Deck Cleaner/Brightener Kits: https://www.opwdecks.com/best-selling-cleaner.htm
Stain with Armstrong Clark: https://www.opwdecks.com/armstrong-clark-stain.htm
or TWP 1500: https://www.opwdecks.com/twp-1500-series.htm
Building a new deck in Raleigh NC
Gets full sun. Looking for the longest lasting deck stain. Something semi-transparent teak
Try this: https://www.opwdecks.com/twp-1500-series.htm
See here about new wood as well: https://www.opwdecks.com/when-to-stain-a-new-deck.htm
John new deck i live in Chicago what is a good stain for me
See here for new wood ideas: https://www.opwdecks.com/when-to-stain-a-new-deck.htm
I have a few hundred feet of weathered red cedar fence in coastal southern Oregon. I believe it is untreated (just purchased the house). There is lichen, algae, and some kind of dry fuzzy moss that I’ve been scrubbing and scraping off with a hydrogen peroxide based cleaner (Scotts with Oxi-clean). What would be the next step, and what stain would hold up the longest….different parts of the property have different exposures?
Use these kits for prep: https://www.opwdecks.com/best-selling-cleaner.htm
Stain with Armstrong Clark: https://www.opwdecks.com/armstrong-clark-stain.htm
i just got this house a year ago in upstate New York deck stairs were falling apart i took them down and found out the deck is framed with wood that is not pressure treated it had a little mildew on it and there are beams butted up to beams with no flashing. I cleaned the wood with a mold and mildew killer cleaner. What can I seal the wood with. I don’t have to worry about looks just something to block moisture and decay
https://www.opwdecks.com/defy-extreme-clear.htm
Also would I need to apply a sealer after staining?
No, you cannot apply a sealer over a deck stain.
I live in upstate New York. Built my deck 2 years ago with pt pine. Plan to clean and brighten before I stain it for the first time. Looking for a semi transparent stain that will last the longest with our harsh winters and full sun exposure. Any suggestions?
Try the TWP 1500: https://www.opwdecks.com/twp-1500-series.htm
Thnk you for the information. Can you explain difference between the TWP 1500 and the Armstrong Clark. I see you also recommended AC for cold weather states.
Different brands, both oil-based and both very good. You could use the AC as well.
We are redoing a 10 yr old pressure treated deck.first used Behr lasted 5yrs.Second time used Olympic elite .did not last 1 yr.called about it was told we put on too much recleaned and recoated.2yrs later I Am trying to redo again.What do you recommend to use?we have been using semi transparent. I LIVE IN Ohio..Thank you
We would need to see some pictures for prep advice first.
We’re building a new deck for a patio in our front yard and we’re using Douglas Fir. We live in southern California so it’s very hot during the summer, but we live near mountains so it does snow and rain during the winter. The deck will be in direct sunlight almost all day every day. What’s the best stain for us? Also, you’ve mentioned it’s ok to stain without waiting the 3 month period, as long as you follow the proper steps but in most comments you say to wait for the wood to weather. Am I ok to do it immediately? My goal is to have it finished before winter.
Best to weather and prep. Works better this way. Look at the TWP 1500 or Armstrong Clark stains.
We are staining our new deck next week. Weather forecast is for at least 4 clear days with temps in the mid to high 70’s. We would like your recommendation on the best stain to use for our area. We are in Omaha, NE. Summers are hot (90’s) and very humid!!! Winters are below freezing with intermittent thaws. Our deck is north facing and gets a lot of direct afternoon and evening sun. We stuck with a solid stain on the old deck but are considering a semi-transparent on our new deck. Please let us know what you would recommend. Thank you!!!
See here about new wood: https://www.opwdecks.com/when-to-stain-a-new-deck.htm
Thank you! I did read that article and it was very helpful. Our deck was build last summer. I am sorry I left that detail out. Please let me know which stain you think would be best for our climate. Thanks again!
See this product. The AC stains: https://www.opwdecks.com/armstrong-clark-stain.htm
Looking for a stain that will not scape off in the winter when using a shovel. Live in Michigan up north. I redid my deck. We got over 2400 sq ft of deck. It wraps around the log cabin. Upper and a lower level. That not including the staircases. I used colbot stain the last time. I did clean, and I rented a deck sander so I prepared deck correctly. The rails has silken and they are peeling we had someone else do the new rails on the new part if deck.
Thanks
Debbie
You would need to filly power sand off the deck coating first. Once removed, use a penetrating stain like the TWP 100 Series: https://www.opwdecks.com/twpwoodsealers.htm
This is my question, posed earlier, but missing specifics. What would be the longest lasting semi-transparent oil-based stain to use on older, unstained, cypress siding, not on a deck? We use Armstrong Clark on our decks with good results.
Use the AC or TWP 1500 series.
What would be the longest lasting semi transparent (or more opaque) stain to use that will last at least three years?
Look at Armstrong in a semi-solid color: https://www.opwdecks.com/armstrong-clark-stain.htm
We re-did our deck with cedar and stained using Sherwin Williams SuperDeck water based semi-transparent stain. During the snows in the winter, the stain peeled when shoveling, but not all over, only in certain areas. We live in WA state, we stained in dry weather (but it was sunny, not hot) and had washed the deck after letting it weather about 4 weeks after install.
live in ct. have a 30 year pressure treated deck that I stain every 3-4 years with behr solid stain, this year for first time floors are peeling and stairs going upto garage have sun blisters, never happened before, i have tried stain remover which didn’t work, now sanding entire floor with angle grinder and original wood looks good, sanded top rails but leaving spindles alone, in sun 70% of day, new england weather, whats a good step next, deck cleaner, should i use primer first on everything sanded and whats a good long lasting stain that can last atleast 3 years? because spindles are a solid we were thinking maybe a medium semi solid? thanks,
You cannot use a primer prior to a deck stain. Look at the Armstrong Clark in one of the semi-solid colors: https://www.opwdecks.com/armstrong-clark-stain.htm
Hi – we have a very old deck that hasn’t been well maintained. I’m going to power wash it, sand it, then stain. Looking for a semi transparent stain that will last. We live in Massachusetts so we get all the weather.
Use this: https://www.opwdecks.com/armstrong-clark-stain.htm
State of Washington, On Puget Sound:
Orcas Island
Mix of bare Yellow Cedar three year old decking with new replacement boards. New Cedar posts and rail.
Plan to Sand, Clean, Brighten. Create uniformity of old with new. Deck has never been stained before.
What is best recommendation for Cleaner/Brighter?
What is the best Semi-Transparent Stain for this area. Goal is keep the Golden Cedar color and provide the longest amount of protection.
Plan to use bottle sprayer with rag back rub wet on wet two coat application.
Thanks!
See here about new wood: https://www.opwdecks.com/when-to-stain-a-new-deck.htm
Prep with this: https://www.opwdecks.com/best-selling-cleaner.htm
Stain with TWP after the wait and prep: https://www.opwdecks.com/twpwoodsealers.htm
@ The Sealer Store, Thanks, I like the TWP idea an that brand brought me to your site in the first place. I did see the Defy Marine and Defy Ultra. I see the TWP has the mildew and rot as well as other UV protectants. Can you speak to why you suggested TWP vs. Defy?
The DEfy Extreme would work just as well. You would not want the Defy Marine.
Thank you. @the Sealer Store. One more question, If I like the TWP, which is best the 100 Pro or the 1500? I read the brochures, but can’t tell the difference? Suggestions?
Use the TWP 100 Series for WA.
We are over on Whidbey Island. TWP 100 was recommended for my cedar deck as well. The Restore-a-Deck worked great for cleaning and brightening. I applied the TWP 100 with a pad and used a rag for removing excess. I only applied one coat last year and it repelled water quite well. I plan to clean and brighten again this year and apply a maintenance coat.
I have a new Ipe deck, built 5mnths ago. I live in southern WI. It is on the south side of my lake house. It is a high traffic area. I only want a clear finish.
Clear will not provide protection from graying. Must be tinted. Look at Armstrong-Clark in Amber color.
East facing deck in Northern VA that gets a little more than a half day of sun. Deck is ~5 yrs old, not sure what previous owner stained with, but seems to have maintained it. I plan to strip/brighten with RAD. Trying to decide between TWP 1500 and Armstrong Clark. Goal is to achieve best durability and longevity for the wood, with the expectation that I’d re-seal every couple yrs. Thanks in advance!
Either the TWP 1500 or the AC will work and last the same as long as you are using the AC in a semi-transparent or Semi-solid. They can be both cleaned and recoated as needed.
Should I use a stripper to remove faded woodrich timber oil semi transparent stain before applying Armstrong Clark semi transparent. Or can I Just apply AC over top?
Strip and brighten the wood.
I live in Western Maryland. The siding on the front of my house and deck are in full sun from 11am to sunset. CWF lasted great on my siding the last time but not as well on the deck.
Try this: https://www.opwdecks.com/twp-1500-series.htm
I live in Portland Oregon and have 3 mature decks that need to be stripped and re-stained. The front porch is a 150 ft2 mahogany deck with TWP 100 series honey stain. The deck off off of the bedroom is a 200 ft2 redwood deck with TWP 1500 series redwood and the main deck is a 600 ft2 tigerwood deck with the same stain. They are all in very good shape.
I am interested in putting the same stain on all of the decks to simplify my maintenance. The main objective is to minimize the color (red) impact of the stain, maximize protection and have ability to clean and overcoat without dramatically increasing the pigmentation with subsequent coats. Is AC amber a good choice?
Can the amber color be mixed with a bit of mahogany to bring out a bit more red without committing to the total red pigment?
Strip them all down with the Restore A Deck Stripper/Brightener Kits. https://www.opwdecks.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit.htm
The AC Amber would work well after. I would not bother adding or mixing in any red.
I live in south Saskatchewan, Canada. I’ve previously used timber oil in brown sugar, it’s a bit orange looking on my pressure treated deck boards. I’d like it to be more of a light brown, is timber oil the best product for me? Or should I consider Armstrong Clark?
Look at the AC. More color options.
Thanks, if I order some samples will I get a discount on ordering 1 or 2 gallons, I don’t need a 5gallon pail for my deck
No, only on 5-gallon pails.
Live in Northern UT. Built a Douglas Fir deck last October. Preparing to stain here shortly. Ordered cleaner and brightner. Wondering which stain will last longest. Looking to go darker pigment. Some of the wood is splintering after winter. Will a semi-solid provide more of a buffer for the splintering issue? The wife doesn’t even want to walk on it barefoot.
Try Armstrong Clark or TWP stains. Semi-solids will not act a buffer from splinters.
Thank you. I’m going to go with AC rustic brown. Being that this first application is on a new deck, do you recommend one or two coats? Also, could you tell me how many gallons will it take, per coat, for a 12’X 26′ deck with 13 stairs?
Just one coat. 1 5-gallon pail should cover it.
I’m in East Tennessee, and I had all new boards put on my deck a month ago. What is the longest lasting, best protecting deck stain for me?
See here for new wood tips: https://www.opwdecks.com/when-to-stain-a-new-deck.htm