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10 Best Deck Stains 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,242
Opacity
Durability
Color

Most important from
10309 reviews

Opacity
This stain goes on effortlessly, absorbing evenly into the wood without blotching, delivering a beautifully consistent finish every time.
Durability
Water resistance is impressive, with the stain creating a subtle oily finish that causes water to bead up on the surface.
Color
The natural cedar color deepens initially but settles into a rich, authentic wood tone that enhances the grain without obscuring it.

Ready Seal 512 is an oil-based exterior wood stain and sealer designed for decks and other wood surfaces. One of its strongest points is its ease of application—it doesn’t require primer, thinning, or back brushing, and it blends itself smoothly without leaving streaks or runs. This makes it beginner-friendly and saves a lot of effort during application. The stain has moderate opacity, allowing about half an inch of penetration, which helps protect the wood while giving it a natural cedar color that darkens at first but settles to a natural tone within two weeks. It also offers UV resistance, which helps protect your deck from sun damage and fading over time. The product is mildew and mold resistant, which is important for outdoor use where moisture is a concern.

In terms of coverage, a 5-gallon pail covers roughly 625 square feet, suitable for larger projects. However, it is not recommended for use over painted or recently stained wood, so it works best on bare wood surfaces. While it claims to be durable, oil-based stains typically require reapplication every few years to maintain protection, so some maintenance should be expected. The flat finish will give a natural, less glossy look if you prefer that style. If you want a straightforward, reliable stain that’s easy to apply and offers good UV and mildew protection with a natural finish, this product is a solid choice. Just be aware it’s best for raw wood and not surfaces that already have paint or stain.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,242
Opacity
Durability
Color

Most important from
10309 reviews

Opacity
This stain goes on effortlessly, absorbing evenly into the wood without blotching, delivering a beautifully consistent finish every time.
Durability
Water resistance is impressive, with the stain creating a subtle oily finish that causes water to bead up on the surface.
Color
The natural cedar color deepens initially but settles into a rich, authentic wood tone that enhances the grain without obscuring it.
#2

1 gal Ready Seal 120 Redwood Exterior Stain and Sealer For Wood

Rating
9.6
Opacity
Base Type
Durability

Most important from
10309 reviews

Opacity
The stain soaks in slowly and dries quickly to the touch, preventing runs or streaks and allowing for easy reapplication without stripping.
Base Type
The product’s oil base gives the wood an oily, water-resistant finish that causes water to bead up effectively.
Durability
Penetrates wood deeply and offers lasting protection, making it ideal for large, expensive projects where durability is critical.
Color
The natural, subtle color enhances wood grain without being too bright or glossy, maintaining a realistic wood look.

Ready Seal 120 Redwood is an oil-based exterior stain and sealer designed primarily for wood surfaces, making it a solid choice for deck owners looking for easy protection. Its oil base means it penetrates well into wood, helping with durability and water resistance. It offers good UV protection and is resistant to mold and mildew, which are important for keeping wood decks looking nice over time. The stain has medium opacity, providing decent color coverage without completely hiding the wood’s natural grain. The color starts darker and then settles into a true redwood shade in about two weeks.

One of its biggest strengths is the application process — it doesn’t require a primer, back brushing, or thinning, and it can be applied with a brush, roller, or sprayer without runs or streaks. This makes it beginner-friendly and saves time. It can also be applied in any temperature, which offers flexibility if you’re working around weather. However, Ready Seal cannot be applied over painted or newly stained surfaces, limiting its use on some decks without prep work.

The finish is flat, so it won’t give a shiny look, which some users may prefer or not depending on personal taste. Coverage is about 125 square feet per gallon, which is typical but not exceptional. For those seeking a stain that combines easy application with solid protection against sun and moisture, Ready Seal 120 Redwood is a suitable option. It performs best on clean, bare wood and delivers a natural, subtle appearance rather than a glossy coat.

Rating
9.6
Opacity
Base Type
Durability

Most important from
10309 reviews

Opacity
The stain soaks in slowly and dries quickly to the touch, preventing runs or streaks and allowing for easy reapplication without stripping.
Base Type
The product’s oil base gives the wood an oily, water-resistant finish that causes water to bead up effectively.
Durability
Penetrates wood deeply and offers lasting protection, making it ideal for large, expensive projects where durability is critical.
Color
The natural, subtle color enhances wood grain without being too bright or glossy, maintaining a realistic wood look.
#3

SEAL-ONCE Marine Ready Mix - 2 Gallon Penetrating Wood Sealer Waterproofer & Stain (Clear). Water-Based, Ultra-Low VOC Formula for high-Moisture Areas to Protect Wood Docks, Decks & Piers.

Rating
9.4
Mildew and Mold Resistance
Durability
Color

Most important from
2013 reviews

Mildew and Mold Resistance
It creates a reliable waterproof barrier that keeps water running off and protects wood surfaces effectively, even in high-moisture environments.
Durability
The product dries fast and doesn’t yellow over time, ensuring long-lasting clarity and protection.
Color
The clear finish preserves the wood's natural look without adding shine or altering color, ideal for maintaining original wood aesthetics.

Seal-Once Marine Ready Mix is a clear, water-based wood sealer designed especially for decks, docks, and other wood surfaces exposed to a lot of moisture. Because it’s water-based with ultra-low VOCs, it’s safer for the environment and easier to clean up than oil-based stains. Its formula penetrates deep into the wood fibers, creating a flexible and breathable barrier that helps protect against water damage, salt spray, and the sun’s UV rays. This means it helps preserve the wood's natural look rather than covering it with a thick, colored layer.

The clear finish is flat and smooth, so it won't add shine or change the wood’s appearance, which is great if you want to keep the original look. It also resists mildew and mold, which is important for wet areas like docks or porches. Because it’s clear and penetrating, it doesn't offer opacity or color options, so if you want to add color to your deck, this product isn’t suitable.

Its durability is good for high-moisture environments, but as a penetrating sealer rather than a heavy stain or paint, it may need reapplication over time to maintain protection. The two-gallon size is practical for medium to larger projects. This product is ideal for users who want an eco-friendly, effective waterproofing sealer to preserve natural wood, especially in marine or wet settings, without altering the wood’s color or providing a decorative tinted stain.

Rating
9.4
Mildew and Mold Resistance
Durability
Color

Most important from
2013 reviews

Mildew and Mold Resistance
It creates a reliable waterproof barrier that keeps water running off and protects wood surfaces effectively, even in high-moisture environments.
Durability
The product dries fast and doesn’t yellow over time, ensuring long-lasting clarity and protection.
Color
The clear finish preserves the wood's natural look without adding shine or altering color, ideal for maintaining original wood aesthetics.

Buying Guide for the Best Deck Stains

Choosing the right deck stain is crucial for maintaining the beauty and longevity of your deck. The right stain will protect your deck from the elements, prevent wood damage, and enhance its appearance. When selecting a deck stain, consider the type of wood, the climate in your area, and the look you want to achieve. Here are some key specifications to help you make an informed decision.
OpacityOpacity refers to how much of the wood's natural grain and texture will show through the stain. It ranges from clear to solid. Clear stains offer minimal protection but allow the wood's natural beauty to shine through. Semi-transparent stains provide a balance of color and visibility of the wood grain, offering moderate protection. Solid stains offer the most protection and color but cover the wood grain completely. Choose based on how much of the wood's natural look you want to preserve and the level of protection needed.
Base TypeDeck stains come in two main types: oil-based and water-based. Oil-based stains penetrate deeper into the wood, providing excellent protection and durability, but they take longer to dry and can be harder to clean up. Water-based stains dry faster, are easier to clean up, and are more environmentally friendly, but they may not last as long. Consider your preference for ease of application and maintenance when choosing between these two.
UV ProtectionUV protection in a deck stain helps prevent the wood from fading and becoming damaged by the sun's rays. Higher UV protection is important for decks that are exposed to a lot of sunlight. If your deck is in a shaded area, you might not need as much UV protection. Look for stains that specifically mention UV protection if your deck gets a lot of sun exposure.
Mildew and Mold ResistanceMildew and mold resistance is an important feature for deck stains, especially in humid or rainy climates. This feature helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew on your deck, which can cause damage and make the deck slippery. If you live in a damp area, look for stains that offer strong mildew and mold resistance.
DurabilityDurability refers to how long the stain will last before it needs to be reapplied. More durable stains will save you time and effort in the long run. Factors that affect durability include the type of stain, the amount of foot traffic on the deck, and the weather conditions in your area. Choose a stain with high durability if you want to minimize maintenance.
ColorThe color of the deck stain can dramatically change the appearance of your deck. Stains come in a wide range of colors, from natural wood tones to more vibrant hues. Consider the overall look you want to achieve and how the color will complement your home and surroundings. Test a small area first to ensure you like the color before applying it to the entire deck.

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