Which Stain Finish Is Right for Your Deck or Fence?

Not all stains are the same. Pick the wrong one and you could be redoing your deck in a year. Pick the right one and your wood looks great and stays protected for a long time.

There are 3 main stain finishes. Each one has a job. Here is how to tell which one fits your wood.

Semi-Transparent Stain

Semi-transparent stain is the most natural look. It adds a light layer of color but lets the wood grain show through. If you love the look of real wood, this is a good place to start.

The upside

• You can see the full wood grain
• It brings out the natural color of the wood
• It is easy to recoat over time
• It works best on newer wood in good shape

The tradeoff

• Colors are soft, not bold
• It gives less protection from sun and rain
• It will not hide flaws in the wood
• You will need to recoat it more often

Semi-Solid Stain

Semi-solid stain is the middle ground. It has more color than semi-transparent stain, but you can still see some of the grain. For many homes, this is the best of both worlds.

The upside

• You can still see the wood grain
• The color is richer and deeper
• It protects better against the sun
• It hides small marks and stains

The tradeoff

• It is a little harder to recoat
• You lose some of the wood's natural character

Solid Stain

Solid stain gives the most coverage. It looks a lot like paint. It covers the grain fully and gives the deepest color. This is a great choice for older wood that has seen better days.

The upside

• It has the fullest, deepest color
• It gives the best protection from sun and moisture
• It covers weathering and old stains
• It is great for old or worn wood

The tradeoff

• You will not see the wood grain at all
• It is hard to strip if you want to switch later
• It has a paint-like look

How to Choose

Start by looking at your wood. Is it newer and in good shape? Semi-transparent stain will show it off. Is it a few years old with some small marks? Semi-solid stain is a safe bet. Is it gray, worn, or stained from years of weather? Solid stain will give it a fresh start.

Think about upkeep too. The lighter the stain, the more often you will need to redo it. The heavier the stain, the longer it lasts.

The Products Our Crews Use

Decks and fences face different kinds of wear, so we use a different product for each.

Decks take a beating. People walk on them, rain sits on them, and the sun hits them all day. For decks, we use Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck. It is made for flat surfaces that get heavy foot traffic and standing water.

Fences stand up straight, so water runs off them faster. But they still take years of sun and weather. For fences and other upright surfaces, we use Sherwin-Williams Woodscapes. It is made to protect vertical wood and hold its color over time.

Using the right product for each surface means your stain lasts longer and looks better.

Prep Comes First

Even the best stain will fail if the wood is not ready. Good prep is what makes a stain last. Here is what needs to happen before any stain goes on.

1. 1.Clean the surface. Pressure wash the wood to remove dirt, mildew, and loose old stain. Then let it dry all the way.
2. 2.Remove old coatings. If there is old stain that forms a film on top of the wood, use a stripper or wood brightener. Old coatings can seal the wood and keep new stain from soaking in.
3. 3.Check that products match. Putting an oil-based stain over a water-based one (or the other way around) can cause the new stain to peel. If you are switching types, the old stain needs to come off first.

Skipping these steps is the most common reason a stain job fails early.

Let Us Help You Pick the Right Finish

Every deck and fence is different. The right finish depends on the age of your wood, how much sun it gets, and the look you want. Our crews will look at your wood, walk you through your options, and recommend the right Sherwin-Williams product and finish for each surface. Then we handle the prep and staining so you get a clean result that lasts.

Ready to protect your deck or fence? Schedule your free consultation.