Deck Stain Choices & Color Guide
Choosing the right stain is the single most important decision for your deck's appearance and longevity. Let us help you find the perfect match.
Three Types of Deck Stain
Each stain type offers a different balance of natural beauty and weather protection. Here is what you need to know about each.
Transparent / Clear Stains
Transparent stains let the full natural beauty of your wood grain shine through. They provide the most natural look but offer the least amount of UV protection. Ideal for new, high-quality wood like western red cedar where you want to showcase the grain pattern.
Advantages
- Shows full wood grain and natural colour
- Easiest to apply and touch up
- No peeling or flaking over time
- Great for premium wood species
Considerations
- Least UV protection — wood will grey faster
- Needs reapplication every 1-2 years
- Minimal colour change or enhancement
Semi-Transparent Stains
The most popular choice for Ontario decks. Semi-transparent stains add rich colour while still allowing the wood grain to show through. They strike the perfect balance between beauty and protection, making them our most recommended option for most homeowners.
Advantages
- Beautiful colour with visible grain
- Good UV and moisture protection
- Wide range of colour options
- Ideal balance of look and durability
Considerations
- Needs reapplication every 2-3 years
- Some prep work needed for recoating
- Colour may vary with wood porosity
Solid / Opaque Stains
Solid stains provide maximum protection and completely cover the wood grain with rich, even colour. They work like a thin paint, hiding imperfections and old stain. Best for older decks that need a fresh, uniform look or decks with extensive repairs.
Advantages
- Maximum UV and weather protection
- Hides imperfections, repairs, and old stain
- Longest lifespan of any stain type
- Uniform, consistent colour finish
Considerations
- Completely hides wood grain
- Can peel or flake if poorly applied
- Harder to strip if you change your mind
Popular Stain Colors
These are the most popular deck stain colours we apply across Southwestern Ontario. Actual colours vary by wood species and stain brand.
Natural Cedar
Honey Gold
Redwood
Dark Walnut
Driftwood Grey
Mahogany
How to Choose the Right Stain
Consider these four factors when selecting a stain for your deck.
Deck Age
New decks look great with transparent stains. Older decks with wear benefit from semi-transparent or solid stains that hide imperfections.
Sun Exposure
South-facing decks get intense UV. Choose semi-transparent or solid stains with higher pigment for better UV protection.
Desired Look
Want a natural wood look? Go transparent. Want rich colour with grain? Semi-transparent. Want a uniform painted look? Solid.
Maintenance Preference
Transparent stains need annual touch-ups. Semi-transparent lasts 2-3 years. Solid stains give you the longest time between coats.
Brands We Work With
We use only professional-grade stains from trusted manufacturers. Our team will recommend the best product for your specific deck.
Benjamin Moore Arborcoat
Premium stain with advanced alkyd technology. Excellent penetration and UV protection.
Cabot
Trusted for over 140 years. Known for deep wood penetration and rich colour.
TWP (Total Wood Preservative)
Professional-grade oil-based stain. Outstanding weather resistance for harsh climates.
Ready Seal
No back-brushing required. Self-priming with a beautiful semi-transparent finish.
Stain Choices FAQ
Going from solid to transparent requires stripping the old stain down to bare wood, which is labour-intensive but possible. Our team uses professional-grade strippers and sanders to prepare the surface. Going from transparent to solid is much easier.
Absolutely. Cedar and redwood have beautiful natural grain that looks stunning with transparent or semi-transparent stains. Pressure-treated lumber often benefits from semi-transparent or solid stains that add colour and hide the green tint.
Perform the water test: sprinkle water on your deck. If it beads up, your stain is still protecting. If it soaks in, it is time to re-stain. Also watch for greying, fading, or visible wear patterns in high-traffic areas.
Stain is almost always better for decks. It penetrates the wood and allows it to breathe, while paint sits on top and can trap moisture, leading to peeling and rot. Stain also highlights the wood's natural texture rather than hiding it.
Deck sealer is a clear protective coat that guards against moisture but adds no colour or UV protection. Deck stain contains pigment that protects against UV rays and adds colour. Many modern stains include sealant properties, giving you both in one product.
Ready to Transform Your Deck?
Get a free, no-obligation quote from our team. We proudly serve Southwestern Ontario with expert deck staining and refinishing.