Nail your next project by choosing the right type of stain
Whether you’re refinishing your deck or beloved Adirondack chair, staining it can protect your wood from the elements. Staining your wood not only prevents damage from the sun, moisture, and mold, but it enhances its beauty. Based on your project, you’ll need to decide between a water-based or oil-based stain, then select your transparency type or color.
You can stain your wood furniture, fence, or deck yourself or hire a local deck refinisher to handle the job for you. Read on to learn about the best types of wood stains for your next project.
Choosing the base of your stain, whether oil or water, depends on your wood project and the effect you want.
A water-based stain is made of water, a combination of acrylic or latex resins, stabilizers, and pigments. This exterior stain offers solid protection from the elements but is slightly less durable than an oil-based stain.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Environmentally friendly (produces fewer VOCs) | Less protective than oil-based stains |
| Safer to work with than oil-based stains | Less durable than oil-based stains due to less wood penetration |
| Dries quickly (usually 3 hours or less) | Quick drying time can be difficult and time-consuming to work with |
| Helps prevent mold and mildew because it doesn’t trap water | |
| Easy to clean | |
| Can be thinned with water |
Best for: Furniture, wood decor items, and smaller projects that need a fast dry time, as well as interior wood projects such as cabinets and wood flooring.
An oil-based wood stain is made of linseed oil, alkyd resins, or tung oil. It offers more durability than water-based stains and is a great choice for staining your deck or fence. If you’re using new lumber treated with water repellency, you’ll need to use an oil-based stain as that type of wood won’t accept water-based stains.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Absorbs into wood better than water-based stains | Long dry time (usually 48 hours) |
| Offers more durability and protection | Prone to water damage, mold, and mildew |
| Prevents cracking and peeling as it conditions the wood | Usually needs to be reapplied sooner than water-based stains |
| Smooth final finish | Must be applied in temperatures between 50 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Rich color | Needs mineral spirits to thin and clean |
| Flammable when wet |
Best for: Decks, fences, and pieces that need to withstand harsh conditions, but make sure the label says it contains UV and mildew protection.
Whether you choose a water- or oil-based stain, you'll need to decide the best wood stain color or opacity level for your project. Depending on what you're working on, you may want to choose a clear, semi-transparent, semi-solid, or solid stain.
Clear toners offer your wood protection but don't add color. They’re great for when you want to admire the natural beauty of the wood grain. You’ll likely need to recoat every year, unless you’re staining a piece of furniture you move inside for part of the year.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Shows natural wood grain | Less protection than stains with pigment |
| No visible brush marks | May need annual recoating |
| Must use paint or stain stripper if you’re applying to wood with a darker stain |
Semi-transparent stains contain some pigment, offering your wood color while still allowing you to see the wood grain. You’ll likely need to restain every two to three years.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers more sun protection than clear toner | Doesn't offer as much protection as semi-solid and solid stains |
| Allows you to appreciate natural wood grain | Not best for horizontal or south-facing surfaces (due to harsher UV rays) |
| Doesn't leave any brush marks |
A semi-solid stain offers more color than a semi-transparent one but not as much as a solid stain. It hides most of the wood grain but not all. You’ll likely need to recoat every two to four years.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers deep color while allowing for some wood grain to show through | Can form a film, causing peeling |
| Provides better sun protection than lighter stains | Doesn't show as much wood grain for those who want that look |
| Great for horizontal surfaces like decks |
Solid stains are the darkest choice for exterior wood stains and can even look like paint. A solid stain hides the wood grain but still shows some of the texture. Depending on the surface, you’ll likely need to recoat every three to five years.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers deep, rich color | Hides wood grain |
| Great for fencing and outdoor furniture | Can peel or crack if not properly applied |
| Hides imperfections of old wood or pieces made with various types of wood | May not work well for horizontal surfaces like decks, especially with foot traffic that could wear out the color |
| Provides painted look |
You can tackle the deck staining project yourself or hire a deck staining company near you to ace the job.
Staining a deck costs $550 to $1,250 or an average of $850. This cost depends on the size of your deck and the type of stain you choose; for example, water-based stains are cheaper than oil-based stains. There are also some tasks worth considering before you stain to ensure the best outcome. Most pros include pressure washing your deck as part of the project quote, but sanding costs an extra $1 to $4 per square foot, and paint stripping costs $1.50 to $3 per square foot. Talk to your pro and ask about recommended preparatory steps—you may be able to save money by doing some of the prep work yourself.
Staining a deck is a good job to flex your DIY muscles, with some caveats. First, this is a time-consuming project, so set aside several hours and make sure you have clear weather on the horizon. The biggest hurdle for homeowners is that mistakes can really disrupt the look of your deck. If you want to ensure a perfect outcome, hire a local deck staining contractor. They’ll come equipped with a sanding belt and pressure washer, both of which you’d likely have to rent when DIYing.
Jenna Jonaitis contributed to this article.
Wood stains last anywhere from two to five years, depending on exposure to the elements, your local climate, the type of stain, and the surface it’s on. For instance, vertical surfaces last longer than horizontal surfaces. Some types of woods, like dense hardwoods, will require a recoat yearly, as they are too dense for the stain to absorb. In any event, apply a recoat every 2 to 4 years. As for storage, a can of unopened stain can last up to 5 years, though results may vary.
Applying a topcoat sealer is not required, but it will keep the stain from fading over time. This is particularly important if the stain imparts a color or varnish. If you’re staining exterior wood, you should apply a sealant or finish to prevent weather-related issues down the line. Also, stained wood that lacks a seal won’t look as clean and fresh. A clear topcoat will give it the professional result you want.
Stains penetrate wood best when it's cool and dry, so you want to avoid moisture. If the wood is wet upon application, or if it rains before the stain dries, the water will soak into the wood and displace the staining solution. This leads to a flaky and blotchy look, which is the opposite of a sumptuous even coat. Once the stain has fully cured, after about 3 days, rain shouldn’t cause you any problems.
