Search

*Disclaimer: Tossions earns a commission from qualifying purchases.

The 8 Best cedar fence stains of 2025

Are you trying to find cedar fence stains among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!

We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling cedar fence stains on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 12 hours of research and did 39 cedar fence stains tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!

An overview of our top picks

Table of contents

The best cedar fence stains you can buy today

No. 1
Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood
  • Requires no primer. Ready Seal is darkest when first applied. It reaches its true color in approximately 14 days. Do not apply Ready Seal over painted or newly stained surfaces. Sealed surfaces inhibit penetration.
  • May be applied using sprayer, roller or brush onto the woods surface.
  • Requires no back brushing and will nerver leave runs, laps, or streaks.
  • Requires no wet-line application, the product will blend itself and can be applied in any temperature range for proper application.
  • Requires no diluting or thinning prior to spray applications.
  • "Goof Proof" application
  • No laps, runs or streaks
  • No back brushing
  • Apply in any temperature
  • Subject to or will include a PaintCare recycling fee in the following states: CA, OR, CT, VT
No. 2
SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Wood Fence Stain - Semi-Transparent Sealer (1 Gallon, Cedar)
  • PROTECTS AGAINST COLOR FADE AND PREVENTS GRAYING - #1 Deck Protects Wood From Damage Caused By Exposure to the Elements. Can Be Used On Pressure Treated Pine, Cedar, Fir, Redwood, or Most Other Softwoods. Hardwoods Will Require More Frequent Maintenance Coats
  • BOTH A DECK STAIN & DECK SEALANT IN ONE - #1 Deck Stain Is a Dual-Purpose Stain & Sealer. It Adds Color to Your Wood and Seals it, Preventing Damage Caused by Water Penetration
  • ALLOWS THE WOOD GRAIN TO SHOW THROUGH - Available in 5 Beautiful, Semi-Transparent Deck Stain Colors That Dry to Flat, Natural Looking Finishes That Will Enhance the Beauty of Your Exterior Wood
  • BETTER FOR THE PLANET, EASY SOAP & WATER CLEANUP - With Less Than 50 g/L VOC Content, #1 Deck Sealer Is a Better Choice For Our Planet. Clean Up is Super Easy - Just Use Soap and Water
  • WORKS ON DAMP WOOD, MINIMIZING THE WAIT TIME BETWEEN CLEANING AND STAINING - Once Your Wood Deck Is Visibly Dry, It's Ready to Stain
No. 3
Wood Defender Transparent Fence Stain Cedar Tone 5-Gallon
  • UTILIZES ULTRA-FINE TRANS-OXIDE PIGMENTS:to highlight the wood’s grain and other positive characteristics, and increase resistance to UV rays.
  • COVERAGE RATE: on unsealed wood is 100-150 sq. ft per gallon.
  • APPLICATION: Goes on easy in just one coat with no runs, drips, or back-brushing.
  • SURFACE TYPES: Often used on new cedar or redwood fences that have a lot of naturla beauty to amplify, as well as for pre-stain facilities that choose to stain outdoor builing materials prior to installation.
  • STATE RESTRICTIONS: Undeliverable to CA
No. 4
SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Outdoor Wood Stain and Sealer in One - Water Based Wood Stain for Decks, Fences, & Siding - 1 Gallon (Cedar)
  • SEMI TRANSPARENT EXTERIOR WOOD STAIN: Our outdoor wood stain and sealer allows the natural wood grain to show through, highlighting the beauty of your decks, fences and sidings and preserving its natural look.
  • ULTIMATE UV PROTECTION DECK SEALER: Shields wood from damaging UV rays, preventing fading & graying. Lasts longer than deck paint for wood decks, siding or fences & is better for the planet because it's water based with less than 50 g/l VOC content.
  • WOOD DECK STAIN AND SEALER IN ONE: This outdoor wood protector serves a dual purpose as both a stain and sealer. It adds color to your wood and seals it, designed to penetrate deep into wood pores for maximum protection and longevity.
  • BEAUTIFUL WOOD STAIN COLORS: Our semi-transparent wood deck stain comes in stunning colors that dry to a flat and natural-looking finish. Enhance the beauty of your exterior wood with our natural, cedar, light walnut, gray, and dark walnut colors.
  • EFFECTIVE ON DAMP WOOD FOR FASTER APPLICATION: Our wood stain sealer works on damp wood, cutting down wait times between cleaning and staining. Once your wood deck is visibly dry, it's ready for staining, speeding up your project.
No. 5
Wood Defender Transparent Fence Stain Cedar Tone Gallon
  • UTILIZES ULTRA-FINE TRANS-OXIDE PIGMENTS:to highlight the wood’s grain and other positive characteristics, and increase resistance to UV rays.
  • COVERAGE RATE: on unsealed wood is 100-150 sq. ft per gallon.
  • APPLICATION: Goes on easy in just one coat with no runs, drips, or back-brushing.
  • SURFACE TYPES: Often used on new cedar or redwood fences that have a lot of naturla beauty to amplify, as well as for pre-stain facilities that choose to stain outdoor builing materials prior to installation.
  • STATE RESTRICTIONS: Undeliverable to CA
No. 6
Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon
  • WATERPROOFING STAIN – Bring out the beauty of your outdoor wood with Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain. Along with adding smooth color, it’s a deck sealer that prevents water damage to help you maintain your outdoor living spaces.
  • TRANSPARENT WOOD STAIN – This outdoor wood stain provides a transparent finish. It will hide the wood grain, but still allow the wood texture to show. It provides complete protection while adding boldly tinted color.
  • FADE RESISTANT FINISH – The advanced polymers in this outdoor wood and deck stain deliver fade-resistant color so it stays looking great year-round. The coating resists UV damage, so you can apply with confidence.
  • EASY TO USE – Whether you’re refinishing an existing fence or putting the finishing touches on a new deck, this waterproofing wood stain is easy to apply. It can be applied to damp or dry wood. Clean the surface thoroughly prior to use for best results.
  • EXCEEDS INDUSTRY STANDARDS – Thompson’s Waterproofing Exterior Wood Stain exceeds Industry Standard ASTM D-4446 for waterproofing wood.
No. 7
Olympic Wood Protector 1 gal. Cedar Solid Exterior Stain Plus Sealer in One
  • Waterproofing deck stain & sealer with all-in-one protection
  • Sunblock UV protection, fast drying to the touch in 30 min.
  • Recommended for use on exterior wood decks, fences, siding, railings, outdoor furniture and other wood surfaces
  • Provides a resistant flat finish and approximately 350-500 sq. ft. of coverage per gallon
  • Water based deck stain formula for easy soap and water clean up
No. 8
KILZ Waterproofing Wood Stain, Exterior, Semi-Transparent, Cedar, 1 Gallon
  • KILZ TRIBUTE Satin is a low VOC, hundred percent Acrylic advanced technology paint and primer in one formulated for superior hide and coverage with exceptional durability
  • Papyrus is a medium shade of almond. Because of its Neutral tone, it creates the perfect backdrop for adding your own personal style, allowing your other design elements to take center stage
  • Papyrus is a medium shade of almond. Because of its Neutral tone, it creates the perfect backdrop for adding your own personal style, allowing your other design elements to take center stage
  • KILZ TRIBUTE paint comes in four sheens and hundred classic neutrals and on trend colors. Our low-voc durable and Washable long-lasting paints will beautify your home and enhance its livability and value
  • 1-Gallon can of KILZ TRIBUTE Satin Papyrus TB interior paint for use with high-quality brushes or rollers. Up to 400 sq. Ft. Per gallon coverage on smooth surfaces
SaleNo. 9
Wood Defender 200 Series Cedar Tone Transparent Stain & Sealer 5-Gallon
  • Its unique blend of modified oils and resins is formulated to repel water, resist the impact of UV light and contains additives that prevent graying during the life of the stain
  • It also cures faster than other deck stains, making it the recommended product for decks or any surface that will be walked on or tracked.
  • Wood Defender 200 Series Wood Stain and Seal
No. 10
Olympic WaterGuard 1 gal. Woodland Cedar Semi-Transparent Wood Stain and Sealer
  • Ready mix, ready to use semi-transparent wood stain and sealant all-in-one
  • Waterproofing deck and fence protection, dries in 24 hours
  • Provides a resistant stain coating & seal
  • SUNBLOCK UV defense
  • Exclusive SCUFF GUARD Technology
  • Protects up to 3 years on decks and 4 years on fences and siding
  • Use on exteriior wood surfaces including decks, fences, siding, railings, outdoor furniture and other wood or previously coated wood with a weathered clear sealant or semi-transparent stain
SaleNo. 11
Thompson’s WaterSeal Solid Color Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon
  • WATERPROOFING STAIN – Bring out the beauty of your outdoor wood with Thompson’s WaterSeal Solid Color Waterproofing Wood Stain. Along with adding smooth color, it’s a deck sealer that prevents water damage to help you maintain your outdoor living spaces.
  • COLOR WOOD STAIN – This outdoor wood stain provides a solid finish. It will hide the wood grain, but still allow the wood texture to show. It provides complete protection while adding boldly tinted color.
  • FADE RESISTANT FINISH – The advanced polymers in this outdoor wood and deck stain deliver fade-resistant color so it stays looking great year-round. The coating resists UV damage, so you can apply with confidence.
  • EASY TO USE – Whether you’re refinishing an existing fence or putting the finishing touches on a new deck, this waterproofing wood stain is easy to apply. It can be applied to damp or dry wood. Clean the surface thoroughly prior to use for best results.
  • EXCEEDS INDUSTRY STANDARDS – Thompson’s Waterproofing Exterior Wood Stain exceeds Industry Standard ASTM D-4446 for waterproofing wood.
No. 12
DEFY Ultra Semi-Transparent Outdoor Wood Stain and Sealer in One – Cedar Tone, 1 Gallon, Deck Stain and Sealer | Rich Color and Satin Sheen for All Wood Types
  • Deck Stain and Sealer in One - Combines stain and sealer benefits for comprehensive protection and enhanced natural beauty in a single product. Easy application for long-lasting results.
  • Semi-Transparent Finish – This outdoor wood sealer allows the natural wood grain to show through while providing a beautiful color. Perfect for decks, fences, siding, porches, pergolas, and playsets.
  • Versatile Outdoor Wood Stain and Sealer - Can be applied as a 1 coat or 2 coat system. Apply 1 coat of stain for a flat, natural-looking finish, or 2 coats for a deeper color and rich satin sheen.
  • Superior UV Protection - Infused with zinc nano-technology and advanced UV inhibitors to guard against sun damage, preventing graying and fading while keeping your wood vibrant and protected.
  • Enhanced Water Resistance – This wood sealer outdoor waterproof stain seals wood with a silicone/siloxane additive that prevents moisture damage, extending the life of your wood.
No. 13
DEFY Essential Semi-Transparent Outdoor Wood Stain and Sealer in One, 1 Gallon, Cedar Tone - Wood Sealer Outdoor Waterproof Deck Stain
  • Wood Stain and Sealer in One - This product works as a wood stain and water sealer for wood - it simultaneously adds color and protects your outdoor wood surfaces for years to come.
  • Waterproof Wood Sealer Protection - DEFY Essential deck stain offers effective waterproofing, safeguarding your wood from moisture and water damage.
  • Durable And Long-Lasting - This deck stain and sealer is made with durable acrylic resins that provide long-term protection and resists cracking, peeling, and fading.
  • Easy Application - This outdoor wood sealer is suitable for use on all wood types, including deck staining, fence stain, patios, and pergolas. Cleanup is easy with soap and water. 250 VOC compliant.
  • Semi-Transparent Finish - Enhances the wood’s natural beauty with 6 semi-transparent deck stain colors, while offering protection against graying caused by UV rays and weather damage.
No. 14
Ready Seal Stain & Sealer for Wood, Outdoor Deck, Fence - All-in-One Exterior Wood Stain and Waterproofing Sealant – Easy to Apply, No Back Brushing Needed, UV Protection - 1 Gallon, Natural Light Oak
  • STAIN & SEALER IN ONE - Enhances wood’s natural beauty while providing durable, waterproof protection.
  • NO PRIMING OR DILUTING - Easy application with no need for a primer, thinning, or back-brushing.
  • UV & WEATHER RESISTANT - Protects against fading, water damage, and harsh outdoor conditions.
  • SELF-BLENDING FORMULA - Ensures an even, streak-free finish with no lap marks.
  • IDEAL FOR EXTERIOR WOOD - Perfect for decks, fences, siding, outdoor furniture, and more.
No. 15
Wood Defender Transparent Fence Stain Bright Cedar 5-Gallon
  • UTILIZES ULTRA-FINE TRANS-OXIDE PIGMENTS:to highlight the wood’s grain and other positive characteristics, and increase resistance to UV rays.
  • COVERAGE RATE: on unsealed wood is 100-150 sq. ft per gallon.
  • APPLICATION: Goes on easy in just one coat with no runs, drips, or back-brushing.
  • SURFACE TYPES: Often used on new cedar or redwood fences that have a lot of natural beauty to amplify, as well as for pre-stain facilities that choose to stain outdoor builing materials prior to installation.
SaleNo. 16
Storm System Protector - Cedartone, 1 Gallon, Protects Outdoor Wood from Water & UV Rays, Siding, Fence & Deck Stain and Sealer, Outdoor Wood Stain and Sealer
1,200 Consomer Reviews
Storm System Protector - Cedartone, 1 Gallon, Protects Outdoor Wood from Water & UV Rays, Siding, Fence & Deck Stain and Sealer, Outdoor Wood Stain and Sealer
  • STORM PROTECTOR: Storm Protector is a penetrating, semi-transparent stain and sealer that highlights the natural beauty of the wood grain while providing protection from Mother Nature.
  • PROTECT YOUR EXTERIOR WOOD SURFACES: This siding, deck and fence stain and sealer offers superior waterproofing and UV protection to help prevent color fading.
  • FOR A VARIETY OF WOOD SUBSTRATES: Storm Protector exterior wood stain and sealer can be applied to any exterior wood, including redwood, cedar, pine, douglas fir, spruce, cypress, mahogany and pressure treated lumber.
  • EASY TO APPLY: Storm Protector features a ready-to-use formula that's easy to apply. Mix thoroughly and apply to a prepared wood surface with a brush, roller, or sprayer. Packaged in a 1-gallon container.
  • PROTECTION TO WEATHER WHATEVER: From clear finishes that protect wood and highlight its natural beauty to more dramatic solid color stains, Storm Stain offers the look you want as well as the protection to weather whatever.
No. 17
Ready Seal Exterior Stain and Sealer-1 Gallon can (Natural Cedar 112)
  • Wood Stain and Wood Sealer in one
  • No peeling, cracking, or chipping.
  • Goof Proof application process
  • Ready Seal is designed for exterior use only
  • Approximately 125-150 sq. feet per gallon
No. 18
2-Pack of 5 gal Ready Seal 512 Natural Cedar Exterior Stain & Sealer for Wood
  • No Laps, Runs or Streaks
  • No Back Brushing Required
  • No Cracking, Chipping, Flaking or Peeling
  • Can withstand rain within minutes of application
  • Easy Maintenance - No sanding or stripping required for reapplication
No. 19
Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey Exterior Penetrating Stain - Lakeside Cedar - Quart
  • RICH COLOR: PolyWhey Exterior Penetrating Stain delivers color & waterproofer deep into wood for increased protection and durability.
  • PROTECTS WOOD: Protects wood projects against moisture and harmful UV rays to prevent rot and decay by creating a non-toxic, waterproof barrier.
  • BIO-BASED: By using whey protein as a co-binder, PolyWhey leverages a renewable resource to deliver the safest and most durable paints, stains and finishes on the market.
  • EASY APPLICATION & CLEANUP: Complete jobs quickly with 48 hours dry times and easy soap and water clean up.
  • USE ON: Exterior Penetrating Wood Stain with PolyWhey technology is a one-step, durable, element-repelling sealer and topcoat for siding, fences, furniture and other outdoor wood surfaces
No. 20
General Finishes Exterior 450 Water Based Wood Stain, 1 Quart, Cedar
  • PREMIUM, EXTERIOR WOOD STAINS, MADE IN THE USA - General Finishes Exterior 450 Stains are specifically designed for outdoor projects with vertical surfaces such as fences, patio furniture, garage doors, entrance doors, outdoor kitchens, and interior windows. These stains are not recommended for large horizontal surfaces such as a deck.
  • CONTAINS U.V. ABSORBERS - The U.V. absorbers protect the integrity of the film, but will not prevent the wood from changing color in the sunlight.
  • EASY APPLICATION AND CLEAN-UP - Exterior 450 Stains can be brushed, rolled, or sprayed. Clean hands and application tools with soap and water.
  • PROUDLY MANUFACTURED IN AMERICA - General Finishes-East Troy, Wisconsin. America's leading manufacturer of innovative water-based finishes. Est. 1928
  • FOR EXTERIOR PROJECTS - including wood, MDF and fiberglass.
  • FAST DRY TIME - Dries 2+ hours, dependent on humidity and temperature. Ideal conditions: 70ºF/20ºC, 50% humidity.
  • VOC COMPLIANT in every U.S. state. Made with Renewable Resources comprised of plant proteins,an eco-friendly advancement in the paint and coatings industry.
  • AVAILABLE IN 14 COLORS - 13 stock colors and a natural base.

How to choose a good cedar fence stains

Does the idea of finding a fantastic cedar fence stains make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!

Your presence here indicates that you are interested in cedar fence stains. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top cedar fence stains products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?

First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top cedar fence stains on the market right now!

The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:

Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top cedar fence stains brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.

Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top cedar fence stains based on those.

Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.

Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.

Customer ratings:  Would it be accurate to suggest that the cedar fence stains were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.

Customer Reviews: Like ratings,  provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.

Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good cedar fence stains, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.

Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your cedar fence stains.

Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting cedar fence stains for months and years to come.

Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.

Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.

These are the standards by which we selected our cedar fence stains. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.

Why should you believe us?

There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what cedar fence stains should you purchase in 2022?

This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on cedar fence stains.