10 Best Cedar Fence Stains 2025 in the United States

The Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer is an oil-based stain designed for wood surfaces, particularly for exterior use. One of its standout features is that it requires no primer and self-blends, making it easy to apply with a sprayer, roller, or brush. This 'goof-proof' application ensures no laps, runs, or streaks, even without back brushing or wet-line application, which is a significant advantage for users looking for a hassle-free staining process. Additionally, it can be applied in any temperature range, adding to its versatility.

The stain offers UV resistance, protecting the wood from sun damage and prolonging its life, which is crucial for outdoor wooden structures like fences. It will look darkest when first applied and takes about 14 days to reach its true color, so users need to be patient to see the final result. The product also includes water resistance and mildew/mold resistance, making it suitable for high-quality exterior stains.

One limitation is that it cannot be applied over painted or newly stained surfaces, as sealed surfaces inhibit penetration. Weighing 1 pound and measuring 12 x 12 x 13.75 inches, this 5-gallon pail should be manageable for most users. With a strong customer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars and being ranked #24 in Household Stains, it is well-regarded by users. This product is a solid choice for anyone needing an easy-to-use, effective wood stain and sealer for exterior projects.

The Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain in Barn Red is an oil-based stain designed mainly for interior wood projects such as furniture, cabinets, doors, and trim. It offers a fast-drying formula that dries to the touch within an hour and provides one-coat coverage, making it convenient and time-saving for indoor use. The stain enhances the natural wood grain with rich color due to its nano pigment technology, which helps achieve a vibrant finish.

It covers about 275 square feet per quart, which is suitable for most small to medium indoor projects. The stain applies easily and dries quickly indoors, making it an efficient choice for beautifying and protecting indoor wood surfaces.

The DEFY Extreme Wood Stain in Natural Pine is a water-based, semi-transparent stain designed for outdoor wood like fences, decks, and pergolas. It offers strong UV protection thanks to zinc nano-particles that help prevent sun damage and fading, which is essential for maintaining the natural look of cedar over time. Moisture resistance is another highlight, with the stain acting as a reliable barrier against rain and dampness to reduce wood warping or damage.

Applying this stain is straightforward—you can use a brush, roller, or sprayer and clean up is easy with just soap and water. It covers about 100 to 150 square feet per gallon when applying two coats, which is a decent coverage for a 1-gallon container. Water-based stains typically dry faster than oil-based ones, making this convenient for quicker projects. While it protects well against weathering, it may require reapplication once water absorption becomes noticeable, so some maintenance is needed over the years.

This stain provides a good balance of UV defense, water resistance, and easy application, making it a strong option for maintaining your cedar fence or other outdoor wood surfaces.