10 Best Exterior Wood Stains 2025 in the United States

The Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer is an oil-based product designed for wood surfaces. One of its main strengths is its ease of application; it requires no primer, back brushing, or wet-line application, making it very user-friendly. This stain can be applied using a sprayer, roller, or brush, and it blends itself to avoid laps, runs, or streaks. It is also versatile in terms of application temperature, which adds to its convenience.

The product features UV resistance, helping to protect your wood from sun damage, which is a significant advantage for exterior use. However, it's important to note that the stain is darkest when first applied and reaches its true color in about 14 days, so patience is needed to see the final results. The color available is Natural Cedar, which might limit choices for those looking for a variety of color options.

Another limitation is that it should not be applied over painted or newly stained surfaces, as sealed surfaces inhibit penetration. The 5-gallon pail size is economical for larger projects. This product is particularly suitable for those who want a straightforward, effective staining solution with good UV protection and are working with untreated wood.

The Ready Seal 120 Redwood Exterior Stain and Sealer is a strong choice for protecting and beautifying wood outdoors. It offers good UV protection along with mold and mildew resistance, helping wood maintain its look longer under sun and moisture exposure. Water resistance is built-in since it seals the wood, preventing damage from rain or humidity. One of its biggest perks is the ease of application: you can use a sprayer, roller, or brush without worrying about streaks, runs, or the need for back brushing, which makes it very user-friendly even for beginners. It doesn’t require a primer, thinning, or special conditions like warm weather, adding to the convenience. The color starts quite dark and then fades to a natural redwood tone after about two weeks, so patience is needed to see the final shade.

This stain can’t be applied over painted or recently stained surfaces, which limits its use if you plan to recoat existing finishes. Coverage is decent at around 125 square feet per gallon. Though the product comes in a single redwood color and a flat finish, it suits those wanting a classic, subtle wood look rather than bright or glossy options.

This stain is well suited for homeowners looking for a durable, easy-to-use exterior wood finish with effective protection, especially if you want to apply it yourself without fussing over complex preparation or technique.

Ready Seal 125 Dark Walnut is an oil-based exterior wood stain designed to protect and enhance wood surfaces with a rich, dark walnut color. One of its standout features is ease of use—it requires no primer, no thinning, and can be applied with a brush, roller, or sprayer without worrying about lap marks or streaks. This 'goof proof' application makes it a good choice for homeowners who want a straightforward staining process. The stain doesn’t need wet-line application and can be applied in any temperature, adding to its convenience.

Ready Seal offers water resistance and guards wood against weather damage. It is made to seal the wood, preventing moisture penetration, which helps with durability. It should not be applied over painted or freshly stained surfaces, as it adheres best to bare wood. The stain darkens initially and then settles into its true color over about two weeks, requiring users to be patient before seeing the final look.

This product is available in the Dark Walnut shade with a matte finish, giving wood a natural appearance without a glossy effect. Coverage is approximately 125 square feet per gallon, suitable for moderate-sized projects. Ready Seal 125 is well-suited for those seeking durable, water-resistant wood protection with an easy application process and a classic wood tone. It is a practical choice for exterior wood surfaces like decks, fences, and siding, especially for those who want a no-fuss staining product.