Best Deck Paints and Stains for 2024
Updated: Apr. 15, 2024
Whether you're looking to protect your new deck or restore an old one, here are some deck paints and stains that are worth considering.
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Your deck is an outdoor extension of your home’s living area. Get yours in tip-top shape for summer by sprucing it up with the right deck paint or stain.
There is a significant difference between deck paints and stains. Paint is the most opaque choice in protective coatings. Available in a wide range of color options, it tends to be more prone to chipping and peeling, requiring periodic sanding and repainting.
Stains, on the other hand, penetrate the wood to protect against water and UV damage while accentuating its texture and grain. They come in a range of see-through options: solid, semi-transparent, transparent and clear. Remember that stains at the sheerest end of the spectrum offer less protection and require regular re-application.
To determine which products to recommend, we weighed reports of application properties, durability and cost from professionals and DIYers.
Best Water-Based Deck Paint
Behr Premium Porch & Patio Floor Paint
The 100 percent acrylic Behr Premium Porch & Patio Floor Paint makes our list for its versatility alone. Use it on new, weathered, primed or pre-painted wood, as well as uncoated concrete and other masonry. It also scores high marks for its fast dry time — it allows you to recoat in as little as four hours.
It provides a low-luster, enamel finish for extra protection on high-traffic areas like wood porches or cement walkways. And there are a multitude of beautiful custom colors to choose from.
Best Water-Based Deck Stain
DEFY Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain
DEFY Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain is an environmentally friendly, water-based stain that leaves behind a durable matte finish while protecting against damaging moisture, mildew and UV rays. It utilizes a new formula with transparent oxide-based nanoparticles that helps prevent premature graying and fading.
And it’s easy to maintain. When the surface begins to dull, simply clean with soap and water and reapply a single coat. No stripping or sanding is necessary. Said one Amazon user: “Rain water beads up like no other product I’ve seen.”
Best Oil-Based Deck Paint
Rust-Oleum Marine Coatings Topside Paint
For achieving extra-hard yet flexible surface preservation, oil-based products deliver. Rust-Oleum Marine Coatings Topside Paint was originally designed for boats, so it’s an excellent choice for decks exposed to lots of rain or extremely humid weather conditions.
Topside bonds to all types of surfaces, from wood to fiberglass and metal. It dries to the touch in as little as one hour and promises long-lasting color retention.
Best Oil-Based Deck Stain
Cabot Australian Timber Oil Stain
Using the purest linseed and tung oils available, the Cabot Australian Timber Oil Stain gives superior penetration into wood surfaces.
This stain features a durable alkyd resin formula that produces lasting durability on heavy-traffic areas, while remaining flexible so it doesn’t flake or peel over time. Earth-ground pigments deliver a rich and natural color for UV protection three to four times that of other synthetic compounds.
One Amazon user wrote, “…it coats perfectly and lasts longer than any other with simply amazing results. You do not need to be a professional to get a professional result at a fraction of the price!”
Best Anti-Slip Paint
RTG Deck, Porch, & Patio Anti-Slip Paint
Not slippery when wet, the RTG Deck, Porch, & Patio Anti-Slip Paint is a deck coating with a traction additive for a sure-footed, non-slip finish.
Made of a water-based polyurethane formula, this fast-drying and DIY-friendly paint is easy to apply with a brush or roller and cleans up with soap and water. It’s recommended for heavy foot traffic areas like decks, patios, porches, stairs, ramps and walkways — almost anywhere where slipping is a risk.
One Amazon reviewer reported, “I bought this paint because it sounded easy to use, and it was. It helped us turn a dingy patio into a cozy outdoor space, and the traction underfoot is a plus.”
Best Waterproof Stain
Thompson's WaterSeal Waterproofing Stain
Thompson’s WaterSeal Waterproofing Stain has more than earned a reputation for giving exterior wood decking complete protection. The stain prevents water damage. Its advanced polymers combat fading. And as it says on the container, the coating resists mildew and UV damage.
Applied to freshly cleaned decks and damp or dry wood, it sinks in fast with one coat protecting your deck for up to four years (six years on fences and siding). Moderately pigmented in a range of colors, Waterseal comes in solid, semi-transparent and transparent formulas.
Best One-Step Stain and Sealer
Olympic Maximum Wood Stain and Sealer
The all-in-one Olympic Maximum Wood Stain and Sealer stains and beautifies in a single step, making it a real time-saver.
The weather-ready formula can be applied after it rains or in full sun. In the heat or in the cold, there’s no need to wait for the perfect conditions to get the job done. Olympic Maximum provides enhanced waterproofing and superior UV sunblock defense, and it’s made to condition all types of wood.
Best for New Wood
Ready Seal Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer
Requiring no primer, Ready Seal Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer is goof-proof. Recommended by pros because it goes on effortlessly at any temperature, it penetrates deeply to preserve and protect decking from the elements.
Apply using a brush, roller or sprayer. It stains and seals in one step, allowing you to finish the job in a single day. Ready Seal is biodegradable for easy cleanup and meets VOC level requirements in all 50 states.
Best Resin Coating for Wood and Concrete
Behr Premium Advanced Deckover
While technically not a paint or a stain — it’s a coating — Behr Premium Advanced Deckover provides a barefoot-friendly, durable veneer. It can also rejuvenate well-weathered wood and worn-out concrete.
The high-viscosity, splatter-resistant formula of 100 percent acrylic resin adds a waterproof coating and brings wood back to its former sheen. It goes on easily with a roller and is ready to recoat in six hours. Deckover comes in 54 colors, and custom color-matching is available.
What to Consider When Buying Deck Paints and Stains
The first decision you need to make when you’re getting ready to update your deck is whether you want to paint it or stain it. We discussed the difference between the two earlier in this guide. If you have a brand new deck, you have a clean slate and can decide which coating will work best for you. If you have a deck already stained, you can sand it down and re-stain it or give it a new coat of paint. If you’re working with a deck that’s already painted, the easiest route is to clean it up, give it a light sand and re-paint it.
When deciding on a paint or stain, keep these things in mind:
- Durability: Decks are exposed to the elements—rain, sun, snow, ice—so you want to choose a high-quality paint or stain that is not only going to hold up, but also protect your deck. Look for one that blocks UV rays and is mold or mildew-resistant, especially in a humid climate.
- Color: Darker paint and stain colors will fade quickly, especially if your deck is in direct sunlight. Keep this in mind when thinking about yearly upkeep. Also, a dark-colored deck in the sun can get hot in the summer. Stick to more neutral tones if you plan to spend summer days outside.
- Type of wood: Different types of wood (and different treatments made to the wood) accept stains differently. Note that you may need additional coats of paint or stain to get the desired look because the wood will absorb the first coat or two. Research the type of wood your deck is made from before deciding on what paint or stain to use.
Why You Should Trust Us
I have covered many topics for Family Handyman and am an expert in reviewing products. I know how to gather new items that the FHM audience will love, taking into account price, durability and customer reviews. For over a decade, I owned a successful faux finishing, mural and children’s furniture business before moving to a career in writing so I know what to look for in paints and stains.
How We Found the Best Deck Paints and Stains
When selecting the best deck paints and stains we began by researching a wide range of options available on the market, considering factors such as durability, color, the type of surface it works best on and price point. To narrow down our choices, we analyzed customer reviews to understand each paint and stain’s real-world performance and durability. Finally, we selected deck paints and stains that offered a balance of quality, functionality and value, ensuring that there was an option suitable for every DIYer looking to upgrade their outdoor space.
FAQ
Is it best to paint or stain an old deck?
If you have an older deck with many imperfections, it’s probably better to paint it. Paint is better at hiding imperfections and it will last years longer than a stain.
Should you prime a deck before staining?
To protect the wood of your deck better and ensure an even finish of stain, yes, you should prime your deck before staining it.
Is it okay to paint over old deck paint?
Yes, you can paint over old deck paint. If the old paint is cracked, chipping or peeling you’ll want to scrape off what you can and sand the uneven areas before applying the new paint.
Originally Published: April 08, 2020
