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Outdoor wood furniture and structures look great when they’re brand new; however, using exterior wood stains will protect them from the effects of the sun, rain, snow, and wind for years to come. We tested 10 exterior wood stains, applying them to various wood species and subjecting them to foot traffic and wet weather to uncover the top performers.
The best exterior wood stains will protect your wood structures, siding, or furniture while also achieving your ideal color and transparency. Our favorite product is the Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Wood Stain, which produces beautiful rich colors, is easy to apply, and provides plenty of protection from the elements. Keep reading to discover the qualities you’ll want to consider when shopping for the best exterior wood stains and learn about our top recommendations.
- BEST OVERALL: Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Wood Stain
↓ Jump to Review - RUNNER-UP: Olympic Maximum Wood Stain & Sealant
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Storm System Semi-Transparent Stain & Sealer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR DECKS: Ready Seal Wood Stain and Sealer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST EASY-TO-APPLY: SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Wood Stain
↓ Jump to Review - BEST LOW-VOC: Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey Exterior Stain
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WATER-RESISTANT: Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Wood Sealer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST COVERAGE: Behr Premium Waterproofing Stain & Sealer
↓ Jump to Review
How We Tested the Best Exterior Wood Stains
Our main focus when testing the best exterior wood stains was to determine how well they beautified natural wood while also protecting it from moisture and wear and tear. We also considered ease of application and cost.
We tested each exterior stain on three types of wood: pine lumber, premium-grade pine for finish woodworking, and poplar. After allowing each stain to dry for the amount of time directed by the manufacturer, we tested the durability by walking over and dragging patio furniture across each wood sample. We also sprayed each sample with water to determine which wood stains repelled or absorbed the moisture.
Finally, we scored each stain based on a rubric that included points for ease of application, appearance, durability, and value. Once testing was complete, we used these scores to rank the tested products.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 10 |
| Time spent testing | 40 hours |
| Tests performed | 5 |
| Price range | $33 to $57 per gallon |
Our Top Picks
With a bit of background on the subject, selecting outdoor stains for wood doesn’t have to be complicated. Our top picks include some of the best products on the market to make it even easier. Shoppers will want to keep in mind factors like intended use, stain type, and preferred transparency and color when comparing these options to choose the best exterior wood stains for any application.
Best Overall
Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Wood Stain
Our Ratings: Application 5/5; Appearance 5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Water-based with acrylic resin
- Transparency: Semitransparent
- Color(s): 6 wood tones
- Drying time: 2 to 6 hours (24 hours to fully cure)
What We Like
- Thicker consistency reduces drips and runs
- Rich semitransparent finish accentuates wood grain
- Durable formula resists scuffs and beads water
What We Don’t Like
- Only offers 6 color options
Of all the stains we tested, Defy Extreme semitransparent wood stain delivered the most well-rounded performance. This stain has a slightly thicker consistency than other semitransparent stains we tested, which made it easier to apply without having to worry about runs or drips. And since it dried quickly, we were able to apply a second coat after just a few hours. Defy Extreme produced a deep, beautiful finish that accentuated the natural grains in all three types of wood we tested it on with no visible brushstrokes or streaks.
We also loved the durability of this wood stain. True to the name, Defy Extreme resisted our attempts to mark it up with a pair of shoes and heavy metal patio furniture. It also was among the best against moisture, with water beading up on the wood surface during our spray test. This water-based stain cleans up easily with soap and water, and it contains the same zinc found in sunscreen to reflect the sun’s harmful rays before they can damage the wood.
Defy Extreme is only available in six deck stain colors—cedar tone, natural pine, light walnut, butternut, redwood, and gray—which can make it a challenge to match your home’s color scheme. However, given its superior performance and ease of use, Defy Extreme is our top pick for the best all-around exterior wood stain if the limited color options suit your needs.
Get the Defy exterior wood stain at Amazon.
Runner-Up
Olympic Maximum Wood Stain & Sealant
Our Ratings: Application 3.7/5; Appearance 5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Oil-based
- Transparency: Semitransparent
- Color(s): Over 100 wood tones
- Drying time: Around 24 hours (varies with temperature and humidity)
What We Like
- Apply in wet or dry conditions
- Rain ready in 8 hours
- Provides a mold- and mildew-resistant coating
- Features scuff-guard technology
- Produces a beautiful finish with no streaking
What We Don’t Like
- Extended drying time of 24 hours
Olympic yielded some of the best results of any of the stains we tested. With a thicker consistency similar to a paint or solid deck stain, Olympic Maximum wood stain and sealant was easy to apply and limited the amount of runs or drips. It also produced a rich, beautiful finish free of streaks or brushstrokes. While our Canyon Brown test color was transparent, it covered more like a semitransparent stain, leaving the wood grain very visible.
This hardy stain deflected our best efforts to mar the finish, a testament to its scuff-guard technology. It also handled our spray test well with water beading up on the surface. Since this formula features ultraviolet (UV)-blocking technology, it’s also fade-resistant. Olympic Maximum is oil-based, so while it has a longer dry time of around 24 hours, surfaces are rain ready in just 8 hours. It’s available in 10 wood-tone colors that can be tinted to create over 100 tones.
Olympic Maximum wood stain and sealant certainly requires more work and patience during the application process, but the beautiful and durable finish makes it worth the additional effort.
Get the Olympic exterior wood stain at Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., or The Home Depot.
Best Bang for the Buck
Storm System Semi-Transparent Stain & Sealer
Our Ratings: Application 3/5; Appearance 4/5; Durability 3.5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Oil-based
- Transparency: Semitransparent
- Color(s): 6 wood tones
- Drying time: 24 hours
What We Like
- Excellent coverage at an affordable price
- Creates a rich, beautiful finish
- Applies smoothly and produces an even coating
What We Don’t Like
- Extended drying time of 24 hours
- Oil-based formula makes for cumbersome mixing
- Doesn’t resist water as well as other stains
When it comes to getting as much value from a gallon of stain as possible, this semitransparent stain and sealer from Storm System fits the bill. The budget-friendly price tag aside, 1 gallon of this stain can cover up to 175 square feet of smooth-surface deck space, fencing, or siding—as well as several pieces of outdoor furniture—with multiple coats.
Storm System stain is an oil-based formula, which made applying it during our testing more of a chore. We found ourselves spending an inordinate amount of time stirring the stain to ensure all the pigment that had settled to the bottom of the can mixed with the binder and finishing agent. Once we finally had it mixed to our satisfaction, the stain applied well and created a beautiful, even coat over all three of our wood types. Due to the oil-based formula, Storm System stain has a long dry time of 24 hours between coats, which extended our application time significantly over the water-based stains we tested.
While this stain passed our scuff tests, we were disappointed with its water resistance. When we sprayed our wood samples, water did not bead off the wood as we would expect with an oil-based stain, raising concerns about its long-term ability to resist the elements. That said, given the coverage, affordable price, and beautiful finish, this is a good option for shoppers looking for a budget-priced stain who don’t mind the hassle of using an oil-based formula.
Get the Storm System exterior wood stain at Amazon.
Best for Decks
Ready Seal Wood Stain and Sealer
Our Ratings: Application 4/5; Appearance 5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 3.5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Oil-based
- Transparency: Semitransparent
- Color(s): 8 wood tones
- Drying time: 48 to 72 hours (depending on weather conditions)
What We Like
- Easy to apply without streaks or inconsistencies
- Durable oil-based formula resists scuffs and water
- Beautiful rich finish accentuates natural wood grains
What We Don’t Like
- Extended drying time of at least 48 hours
- Costs nearly double of some other outdoor wood stains
Between lap marks and brushstrokes, staining a large deck can be a hassle. With Ready Seal semitransparent stain and sealer, that’s not an issue thanks to its “Goof Proof” formula designed to easily attain a high-quality, streak-free finish. And while “Goof Proof” may sound gimmicky, this wood stain truly works. We applied Ready Seal stain with a basic brush and had no problem achieving an even coating, even without using back brushing or other special brush techniques.
The finished results were impressive. This exterior stain produces beautiful colors while still allowing enough grain to show through to preserve the wood’s natural look. The oil-based formula does require a degree of patience, as it can take at least 48 hours to fully dry. However, Ready Seal stain creates a durable shell once dry. During our testing, it resisted our best efforts to scuff the wood samples, and water beaded up nicely on the surface.
While the results are worth the wait, time isn’t the only thing this stain will cost you. Ready Seal wood stain is pricey at nearly twice the cost of some other stains we tested. Still, if you’re seeking superior performance and would like to extend the time until your next resealing effort, then it may be worth the extra effort and investment.
Best Easy-to-Apply
SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Wood Stain
Our Ratings: Application 5/5; Appearance 5/5; Durability 3.5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Water-based
- Transparency: Semitransparent
- Color(s): 4 wood tones
- Drying time: 24 hours
What We Like
- Produces rich, beautiful colors
- Forgiving formula ensures quality results
- One of the more affordably priced wood stains
What We Don’t Like
- Less water resistance than other stains
- May require reapplication more often than other stains
Protecting exterior wood surfaces like decks, siding, furniture, and fences doesn’t get much easier than with SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium semitransparent wood stain. Of all the stains we tested, few applied as easily as this option. It produced an even coat with no inconsistencies or brushstrokes on any of our three wood types. And since we could apply the second coat in just 30 minutes, we were able to work quickly. Savers Systems stain is also water-based and uses a formula that’s low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), so it had a very mild odor and was easy to clean up.
While we liked the ease of application and cleanup, we did have some concerns about durability. This stain passed our scuff test with flying colors, but water didn’t bead up on the surface during our spray test as well as it did with other stains we tested—an indication that this stain may not last as long as other products. Additionally, SaverSystems wood stain only comes in four color options, which can be problematic if you’re trying to coordinate your deck, fence, or outdoor furniture with your house color.
One gallon of this wood stain will cover up to 150 square feet with two coats, which is about average. For shoppers looking for an easy-to-apply deck stain who don’t mind more frequent reapplication, SaverSystems stain is a great option.
Get the SaverSystems exterior wood stain at Amazon.
Best Low-VOC
Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey Exterior Stain
Our Ratings: Application 3.4/5; Appearance 4/5; Durability 4/5; Value 3/5
Product Specs
- Type: Water-based
- Transparency: Semitransparent
- Color(s): 14
- Drying time: 48 hours (cure)
What We Like
- Leaves an attractive finish after several coats
- Provides ample protection from scuffs and water
- Low-VOC formula that uses a renewable resource as a binder
What We Don’t Like
- Extended drying time of at least 48 hours
- More pricey than some other deck stains and sealers
- Watery consistency is more challenging to apply
Vermont Natural Coatings exterior stain separates itself from other stains and sealers with its natural low-VOC formula. This outdoor wood stain uses whey protein, which is a renewable resource, as a binder. The formula penetrates the wood to create even coloring and features a waterproof layer that protects wood from moisture and UV rays.
While we liked the natural formula of this stain, it was one of the more challenging options to apply. It has a waterlike consistency, which absorbs well into unfinished wood to create a barrier but also makes it harder to avoid drips and runs. This thinner consistency also required us to add more stain to get a richer finish. While this wasn’t a deal-breaker, it does make this wood stain more pricey compared to some of the other stains we tested.
We should also note that Vermont Natural Coatings wood stain can take about 48 hours to fully dry, so monitoring the weather forecast is key before application. It did provide good water resistance during our spray test and also deflected scuffs and scratches well. We also liked the 14 color options, which include hues you don’t typically see in a deck stain, like green. If you’re serious about using a product that has minimal impact on the environment and are willing to spend more for it, this exterior wood stain is an excellent option.
Get the Vermont Natural Coatings exterior wood stain at Amazon.
Best Water-Resistant
Thompson's WaterSeal Transparent Wood Sealer
Our Ratings: Application 4/5; Appearance 2.5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Unspecified
- Transparency: Transparent
- Color(s): 5 wood tones
- Drying time: Unspecified
What We Like
- Excellent water resistance
- One of the most affordably priced exterior stains
- Can be applied in both wet and dry conditions
What We Don’t Like
- Orange tint didn’t match the advertised color
- Visible brushstrokes and some color inconsistency
Thompson’s WaterSeal is renowned for its ability to resist water, and it lived up to that reputation during our testing: Water beaded up and danced off during our spray test. However, while we loved this feature of Thompson’s WaterSeal, we had some complaints about the application and the color.
We liked that we could apply this product to damp wood. But while Thompson’s WaterSeal goes on easily, it left visible brush marks and some blotches where the color was inconsistent. We also weren’t happy with the color. We tested the cedar color, which didn’t match the swatch on the can and seemed to have more of an orange tint. This may only be an issue with the cedar color and not the other four color options.
Thompson’s WaterSeal is very affordable at about half the price of some of the premium stains we tested. If you’re on a budget, looking for excellent water resistance, and don’t mind some color variation, then this product offers good quality at a tremendous value.
Best Coverage
Behr Premium Waterproofing Stain & Sealer
Our Ratings: Application 4/5; Appearance 3.5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Type: Acrylic
- Transparency: Semitransparent
- Color(s): 60 wood tones
- Drying time: 1 to 2 hours (recoat), 72 hours (cure)
What We Like
- Durable finish resists scuffs and water
- Deep, rich colors accentuate natural wood grains
- Wide selection of colors
What We Don’t Like
- Visible brushstrokes limit application to sprayer or roller
While most other stains offer maximum coverage of around 150 square feet per gallon, Behr Premium waterproofing stain and sealer offers twice that amount. One gallon can provide up to 300 square feet of coverage on the first coat and as much as 600 square feet on the second coat. Note that Behr recommends two thin coats for best results.
We tested the Padre Brown color, which is one of the darkest of the semitransparent stains that Behr offers. While we liked the richness of the color, we were less thrilled with how easily it showed brushstrokes, especially on the higher-quality poplar and premium pine boards we used for testing. Although this isn’t a concern if you’re using a sprayer or roller, it can be a deal-breaker for items requiring a brush, such as outdoor furniture.
In terms of durability, Behr performed well. It passed both our scuff test and our spray test easily. This is a stain that we expect will hold up very well to the elements. Behr is a high-quality exterior wood stain and offers great value given its excellent coverage, provided you use a roller or sprayer and avoid a brush whenever possible.
Get the Behr Premium exterior wood stain at The Home Depot.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing an Exterior Wood Stain
Before you choose an exterior wood stain, consider a few key factors to narrow the search process. This section explains the most important points to keep in mind while hunting for the best stain for the job at hand.
Intended Use
First, how shoppers intend to use the stain will have a lot to do with choosing the most appropriate option. Any outdoor wood surface, whether it be a fence, a chair, a deck, or siding, requires an exterior-grade stain. These stains help preserve the wood in rougher environments, whereas interior-grade stains won’t provide the same protection.
Also, some stains are better for use on decks than others. Since decks are flat, they’re more susceptible to standing water and the sun’s baking UV rays than other outdoor wood surfaces. The foot traffic is also a concern. For this application, a penetrating stain is often the best bet.
Outdoor furniture frequently features wood with attractive grain patterns. For this reason, a transparent stain would protect the wood without blocking out the grain.
Stain Type
Exterior wood stains come in a few types: water-based or acrylic, oil-based, and a hybrid option. These names refer to the liquid that the manufacturer uses to mix the pigments and protective particles.
- Water-based or acrylic stains use water as the base liquid. These stains are relatively easy to apply, and they clean up easily with soap and water. They’re also less likely to cause any respiratory issues as they typically have a low VOC content. The downside is that they don’t penetrate wood quite as deeply as oil-based stains, so they might not last as long.
- Oil-based stains penetrate the wood deeply, which makes them longer lasting. Once these stains soak into the wood grain, they protect from within and strengthen the bonds of the wood fibers (this can also be true of some penetrating water-based stains). Oil-based stains also showcase the wood grain. Cleanup can be a hassle, however, as it usually requires mineral spirits. Also, keep in mind that oil-based stains can be very irritating to the respiratory system, so wear a respirator mask during application.
Penetrating vs. Film-Forming Stain
Exterior stains will protect wood surfaces in different ways. For instance, some products penetrate the wood grain, while other products create a barrier, or film, to protect the wood. There are pros and cons to each method.
- Penetrating stains seep into the pores of the wood, strengthening the bonds in the material and protecting it from UV rays and moisture from within. These stains are long lasting and durable, and they can highlight the grain. However, they don’t do a great job of hiding unsightly blemished or mismatched grain—even solid stains.
- Film-forming stains encapsulate the wood and protect it like a shell. They do a better job of hiding irregularities between wood planks and less attractive areas. However, their bond to the wood breaks down over time, requiring more frequent reapplication. This depends on factors like hours in the sun each day, foot traffic, and the condition of the deck boards.
Transparency
Not only do the best exterior wood stains come in a variety of colors with varying degrees of penetration, but they are also available in different transparencies.
- Transparent stains are entirely see-through, and they rarely change the color of the wood by more than a shade. While these stains don’t hide any of the wood grain, they’re excellent for expensive exotic exterior woods and work equally well on more common wood types. Transparent stains are not long lasting and can require reapplication.
- Semitransparent stains will hide more of the wood grain, but they last longer than transparent stains. These stains also do a better job of blending in blemishes than transparent stains.
- Semisolid stains are the next step up in transparency, and they blend the grains of various woods without removing the texture entirely. They also last longer before requiring reapplication.
- Solid stains hide the wood grain almost entirely. These stains are excellent for use after replacing deck boards, shingles, or furniture. They last the longest of the exterior wood stains.
Color
Many of the best exterior wood stains come in different colors, allowing users to choose whichever hue best fits their aesthetic. Keep in mind, however, that there may be other reasons to select a particular color.
When choosing a deck stain, remember that a deck will bake in the sun all day. Darker colors will absorb a lot of heat, but they are easier on the eyes than a lighter color. Lighter colors reflect more sunlight, which can make them more uncomfortable to look at during the day, but they often keep the deck surface much cooler than darker colors.
Likewise, a lighter color stain for a fence will brighten a backyard, while a darker stain might make a yard feel cozier.
FAQs
Now that you know a bit more about the best exterior wood stains and how to determine the right one for your situation, you might have some additional questions. This section contains some of the most frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers.
Yes, exterior-grade wood stains will protect wood outside. These stains protect against moisture and UV rays.
Interior stains simply change the color of wood. They don’t offer much protection. Exterior wood stains protect against UV rays and moisture.
It’s best to first remove any loose paint or finish with a scraper or by sanding. Then, pressure-washing the surface followed by another quick sanding will free the wood of any additional contaminants. Once the surface is dry (unless the chosen product specifies otherwise), it’s safe to stain it.
Apply exterior wood stain with a brush, a roller, or a sprayer, using essentially the same process as painting:
—Avoid lap marks by maintaining a wet edge.
—Avoid pooling or running.
—Work in one small area at a time.
Outdoor stain is usually a better option for exterior wood due to its superior ability to offer weather protection. Stain penetrates the wood fibers, creating a better protective barrier than paint, which merely sits on the wood’s surface. If you want to mask the wood grain completely, consider a solid stain that will offer better protection than paint.
Meet the Tester
Tony Carrick is a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, landscaping, technology, home security, and design. His articles have been featured on such sites as Angi, Popular Science, Futurism, 360 Reviews by U.S. News & World Report, Domino, and more. Carrick has conducted rigorous product testing on everything from power tools to home security systems to backyard grills. With each review, his goal is to help readers determine whether a product meets their needs and if it is or isn’t worth its price tag.
Additional research provided by Tom Scalisi.
