Are you trying to find deck stain and sealers 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 deck stain and sealers 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 10 hours of research and did 21 deck stain and sealers 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 deck stain and sealers you can buy today
- 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
- 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.
- WATERPROOFING STAIN – Bring out the beauty of your outdoor wood with Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain. Along with adding lightly tinted color, it’s a deck sealer that prevents water damage to help you maintain your outdoor living spaces.
- SEMI-TRANSPARENT WOOD STAIN – This outdoor wood stain provides a semi-transparent finish. It will hide the wood grain, but still allow the wood texture to show. It provides complete protection while adding lightly 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.
- WATERPROOFING STAIN – Bring out the beauty of your outdoors with Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Multi-Purpose Waterproof Stain. Proven to waterproof concrete, brick, exterior wood and other exterior surfaces.
- CLEAR STAIN – This outdoor wood stain and sealer provides a clear finish. It will hide the grain, but still allow the texture to show. It provides complete protection while adding enhancing the natural 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 patio, this concrete, brick, wood sealer is easy to apply. Clean the surface thoroughly prior to use for best results.
- THOMPSON’S – Protecting & maintaining all your exterior surfaces, can easily be simplified if you know where to start. Thompson’s WaterSeal is here to take the edge off, thanks to our one-coat products, informative how-to guides & decades of expertise.
- 1-Gallon funnel-top, translucent tank for easy filling and cleaning
- Compatible with deck cleaners, sealers and transparent stains
- Poly shut-off, curved wand and fan nozzle
- Reinforced hose
- Ergonomic handle for easy pumping and carrying
- OIL-BASED WOOD STAIN - Cabot Semi-Solid Stain + Wood Sealer is formulated to provide long lasting beauty and wood protection. The wood protector hides some wood grain to form a stronger weather barrier.
- SUPERIOR PROTECTION – Our advanced waterproofing formula creates a mold- & mildew-resistant finish that stands up to time and style. Choose a one-coat wood sealant that won’t show brush marks and resists lapping, peeling, scuffs and scratches.
- EASY TO APPLY – With just one deck staining coat needed, this natural wood stain lets you finish your projects quicker and get back to enjoying the outdoors.
- IDEAL FOR - Use as a deck stain, wood fence stain and sealer, and much more. It’s ideal for decks, siding, and fencing. Available in 100 colors, both classic or modern and on-trend, this paint stain is made to last.
- CABOT STAIN – Since 1877, Cabot has been a leader in wood care with easy-to-use prep products, long-lasting deck staining products, durable topcoats and more. At Cabot, we do wood care. And we’re here to help.
- Long Lasting Fence Sealer - 3 Year Warranty on Fences
- Easy to Apply Water-Based Fence Stain - Use an Airless or Pump Sprayer, or Brush & Roller
- Available in 5 Semi-Transparent Colors Including Driftwood Gray, Natural, Cedar, Dark Walnut, & Light Walnut
- Waterproof Protection for All Wood Surfaces Including Fences, Decks, Siding, Log Home Boards
- Resists Fading, Graying, & Peeling on All Vertical Wood Surfaces
- 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.
- MARINE SEALANT: Our liquid formula creates a UV-stable coating for protection against the elements, saltwater spray, and water damage. Marine is a great protector for outdoor furniture, thermally modified wood, and boat docks. Marine is safe for use over open water and is non-hazardous to aquatic life.
- DECK STAIN: It's water-based, ultra-low VOC, great for enhancing the extended life of your flooring, siding, and porch. The paint forms a water-resistant shield around wood fibers at the cellular level to help preserve the natural color.
- WATERPROOF WOOD SEALER: The wood used on boat docks, decks, and retaining walls near rivers, lakes, oceans, and ponds is subjected to constant moisture. We crafted a sealer, remove stain, and finish all in one, specifically for these installations.
- WOOD SEALANT: Our fast-drying protector penetrates wood below the surface, coating the wood fibers at the cellular level, which creates a long-lasting, flexible, breathable barrier. It provides a no-fuss, easy clean-up with soap and water.
- SEAL-ONCE: Our user-friendly wood sealers and stains are an effective way to protect your lumber or concrete against water damage. When you use Seal-Once, you have the satisfaction of knowing our products will not harm pets, plants, or people.
- SIMPLICITY MEETS EFFICIENCY - Our deck stain brush is easy to use with fast application of paints or stains. Just attach it to any standard extension pole for an easy, seamless experience that makes deck staining a breeze for DIYers and professionals alike. Our deck stain applicator works great on wood and concrete.
- TIME-SAVING MASTERY - Harness the power of our 7-inch wide lime stain brush for a swift, flawless application. Cover more deck in less time and bask in the satisfaction of efficiency. Our deck staining brush has universal pole insert threads that fits most standard size poles.
- UNMATCHED DURABILITY - Our stain brushes to apply stain to deck surfaces have resilient synthetic bristles withstand the toughest of projects, ensuring your masterpiece endures season after season.
- ULTIMATE VERSATILITY - Not just for decks! Our lime wash brush excels with paint, stain, and sealer, on wood and beyond. Transform any surface from mundane to magnificent with unparalleled ease.
- OPTIMIZED FOR YOUR COMFORT - Designed to attach effortlessly to your preferred extension pole, our deck brush head lets you tackle any project, large or small, without the backache. Say goodbye to bending and kneeling, and hello to easy, comfortable staining.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Assorted Brushes for Decking: the package includes 3 pieces of staining brushes for plastic, which measure respectively approx. 30 x 70 mm/ 1.2 x 3 inches, 30 x 100 mm/ 1.2 x 4 inches and 50 x 150 mm/ 2 x 6 inches, offering you various choices for home improvement needs
- Convenient to Paint: the deck paint brush is thick, wide and soft, making it easier for you to polish your furniture efficiently, saving you time and energy, bringing you lots of convenience
- Thoughtful Design to Use: the paint brushes for walls are designed with solid plastic handles, which can well fit your palm; The bristles are tightly fixed with metal ferrules, not easy to fall off; Besides, you can hang the brushes on your wall, not occupying too much space
- Nice Working Efficiency: the paint brushes for painting walls have different functions; The large painting brush can be applied to deck large surfaces, and the medium and small decking brushes are ideal for modifying the details, which can effectively improve your working efficiency
- Reliable Workmanship for Lasting Service: made of quality synthetic filament and natural bristles, the furniture paint brush can be applied repeatedly, thus serve you for a long time
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 💎BRUSH SPECS: 7” (180mm) wide x 2” (50mm) thick. Giant Block Stain Brush. This large brush with threaded handle can be attached to an extension pole or a long broom handle. Stand Stain Brush Applicator, free up your back and knees as you paint deck floor and wall ceilings.
- 💎THICK and WIDE: Interlocked Synthetic Bristle Filament, thick Paint Brush, High Capacity to apply wood brightener, deck sealer, oils, water-based stains, waterproof, latex, emulsion, limewash, seal/ sealant on large surface areas. Easy to control in lightweight application and heavy paints. A paint materials saver. Stainless Ferrule, makes the brush more durable.
- 💎FLEXIBLE and STRESSED: The Stain Brush is soft enough to spread paint evenly, gets in between deck boards and cracks with ease, giving you a smooth stain application finish. The brush filament features medium stiffness stress, flexible to force stains on wood, floor, decking, docks, shed and fence. A labor and time saver.
- 💎VERSATILE and EFFICIENT: This 7-inch mega Staining Brush works extensively for various rough surfaces, patio concrete, cedar siding and log stain. Specifically efficient for very large decks, back brushing deck stain, old weathered decks with crevices, masonry, brickwork and all other outdoor, interior/ exterior big painting projects.
- 💎QUALITY BRUSHES: No Loss of Bristle. No Paint Streaks. Easy to Clean in proper way for repeated use. Quality Guaranteed.
- Water-Based Semi-Transparent Wood Stain – This water-based deck stain allows the wood grain to show through with a beautiful semi-transparent, natural matte finish. It's great for staining wood decks, fences, siding, playsets, outdoor patio furniture, and more.
- Fortified With Zinc Nano-Particle Technology – It’s like sunscreen for your wood. Tiny zinc particles dispersed throughout the stain reflect damaging UV rays, preventing premature graying and color loss.
- Durable Quality That Lasts – DEFY Extreme wood stains are made with the highest quality resins available that have better resistance to fading and darkening.
- Easy to Maintain - DEFY is easy to apply and maintain by applying a single maintenance coat of DEFY Extreme Wood Stain when the wood starts to show signs of wear.
- 250 VOC Compliant - Water based and VOC compliant everywhere except California.
- Ready mix, ready to use transparent deck stain with sealer with approximately 250 - 350 sq. ft. of coverage per gallon
- Waterproofing protection for decks, fences and other exterior wood projects
- Durable sealant that provides waterproofing protection with resistant coating
- SUNBLOCK UV defense
- Exclusive SCUFF GUARD Technology
How to choose a good deck stain and sealers
Does the idea of finding a fantastic deck stain and sealers 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 deck stain and sealers. 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 deck stain and sealers 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 deck stain and sealers 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 deck stain and sealers 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 deck stain and sealers 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 deck stain and sealers 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 deck stain and sealers, 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 deck stain and sealers.
Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting deck stain and sealers 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 deck stain and sealers. 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 deck stain and sealers 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 deck stain and sealers.
