I Tested And Reviewed 10 Best Deck Stain For Old Decks (2023)

I recently used Restore-A-Deck Stain on my wood deck and I am extremely satisfied with the results. The application process was easy and the end result looks beautiful. After letting the wood set for a year, I started by using the Restore-A-Deck Cleaner and Brightener. I found that using a paint pad worked better than a roller, and I followed up with a stain brush to ensure even coverage. The stain created a sheen that indicated it would repel water, which is a great feature. The dark walnut color looks rich and gorgeous against my white painted railings. I was impressed with how well it worked in all areas of the deck.

The stain dried quickly without any stickiness, and cleanup was a breeze. It definitely looks better than any previous stains I've used, and I will definitely be using it again in the future. Hopefully, it will last for several years before needing to be reapplied.

I also used the Restore-A-Deck Stain on a large two-tier deck in a heavily wooded and shaded area, and I am equally satisfied with the results. I would advise setting aside more time than you initially think for the prep and staining process. It took me four days to complete the project, spending about four hours each day. I chose to wait a day or two between each step, and although it wasn't necessary for all the steps, I'm glad I did. It's important to do it right to achieve the best results.

I began by using the Restore-A-Deck Cleaner to remove debris that had accumulated on the deck. One bag of cleaner was enough to cover my entire deck, and I found that keeping the surface moist and not letting it dry was crucial. I used a pump sprayer, a scrub brush on an extender pole, and a pressure washer to apply and rinse off the cleaner. After waiting overnight, I lightly sanded some uneven areas and removed hard-dried sap with a finishing sander and 80-grit sandpaper. I then spot cleaned some areas again using the remaining cleaner.

I deviated slightly from the instructions and waited a day before applying the Restore-A-Deck Brightener. I found this step to be easy and satisfying, as I used the pump sprayer to apply the brightener and then rinsed it off with a hose. Although the effects of the brightener weren't immediately apparent, the next day my deck looked like it was brand new.

I waited three days before applying the stain, as recommended by the brightener instructions. I wanted to make sure I had a full weekend to complete the staining process. I started with the uprights, using a pad along the top of the rail and a Wooster brush on an extender pole for the rest of the uprights. I opted to apply a single coat of stain, as I had read that doing two coats can lead to over-application. The semi-transparent stain made it a bit challenging to avoid brush strokes conflicting with the wood grain, but the pad and brush method worked well for me.

The next day, I used a deck pad on an extender pole and the Wooster brush to stain the rest of the deck. This method was efficient and allowed me to get into the cracks easily. I ordered the 2.5-gallon size of the stain along with an extra gallon to ensure I had enough. It turned out that the 2.5-gallon size was exactly enough for my entire deck with a single coat.

I have been a loyal user of Wolman Semi-Transparent for many years, as I have found it to be a durable and long-lasting product. However, I must admit that I was disappointed when Wolman changed their "cedar" shade to a dark, brownish color, devoid of the orange hues that I had come to appreciate.

In my search for an alternative, I came across Olympic, which offered a good price and decent quality. It has been on my deck for about a month now, and so far, it looks great. Of course, the true test will be how it holds up over a full season.

Application was a breeze, as the product stirs easily and goes on smoothly. The coverage was exactly as stated on the can, which was a pleasant surprise. My deck, which is around 300 square feet with railings, balusters, and two sets of stairs, required about 1 1/3 gallons of Olympic. I opted to brush it on for a neater finish, although it did take a bit longer. I still have about 2/3 of a gallon left, which should be more than enough to cover the remaining lattice work.

The color consistency is good, adding a touch of orange to the deck boards, despite appearing brown in the can. However, it is worth noting that the transparency of the product means that it will not completely cover variations in wood shades due to age or discoloration. Lighter wood will appear lighter and darker wood will appear darker, much like any other semi-transparent stain.

In the provided photo, taken on a cloudy day, the boards might appear slightly lighter and have more orange undertones in direct sunlight. It is important to mention that the color on my deck, which is quite old and has some darker boards, may not be as consistent as on a newer deck.

I recently had the opportunity to use this wood stain and sealer based on a recommendation from a trusted source. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The application process was a breeze, and the end result was absolutely stunning.

One of the standout features of this product is its rich color. The wood absorbed the stain consistently, resulting in a beautiful and vibrant finish. I was particularly impressed with how well it darkened and protected my redwood fence. It truly enhanced the natural beauty of the wood.

While the overall experience was positive, there were a couple of minor issues. The plastic lid seal was a bit perplexing to remove, but it was easily resolved with a pair of pliers. Additionally, I noticed that the product tends to get sludgy at the bottom of the container. To counter this, I recommend stirring the stain constantly with a paint stir stick throughout the staining process.

In terms of packaging, I initially encountered a problem with the first order as the can was not packed properly, resulting in leaks. However, the issue was promptly addressed, and I received a refund. I reordered the product, and this time it was well-packed with no leaks or damages.

Comparing this wood stain and sealer to a similar product I purchased from a local home improvement store, there is no doubt that this one is of higher quality. The difference in the outcome was noticeable, and I ended up returning the inferior product to the store.

If you are looking for a reliable wood stain and sealer, I highly recommend giving this product a try. It delivers exceptional results and is definitely worth purchasing.

The first generation Trex decking that we had was starting to show signs of fading and spotting. Instead of replacing the deck boards, we decided to try staining it with an oil-based stain. This turned out to be a great decision, as we were able to give the deck a fantastic facelift for less than $200. The stain was easy to apply and soaked into the boards effectively. We found that doing two coats was necessary, with a waiting period of one or two days in between. It's worth noting that the oil-based stain took longer to absorb and dry compared to water-based stains.

In our new house, we came across an old arbor in the backyard that was in pretty rough shape. Some of the wood was even starting to rot. Instead of replacing it, we decided to give it a try and fix it up. We started by power washing the arbor to remove all the old mildew, moss, and dirt. Although we didn't follow the instructions to strip off the old stain or sand it down completely, the power washing did remove some of the old stain. We then used a Mahogany color stain and applied it with a paint brush. Waiting 45 minutes between coats, we ended up doing two coats. The results were astonishing – the arbor looked brand new! We were both amazed and my wife absolutely loved it.

Additionally, we found that the stain held up well even when we took a break in the middle of the project. There were no visible differences between the sections we stained before the break and the ones we stained after. We plan to provide an update next year to see how the stain held up over the winter.

I am extremely satisfied with this product and am grateful to have come across it. My deck had suffered severe weather damage and had not been maintained by the previous owner for many years. Contractors suggested tearing it down and replacing it, but I believed the wood was still structurally sound and didn't want to spend that kind of money. The previous stain was a solid one that hid the natural beauty of the wood and was starting to show problems.

To prepare the deck for staining, I power washed it to remove as much of the solid stain as possible. I also used a wood grain filler to fill in deep cracks and gouges, as well as hand sanding blocks and a wood floor sander with 60 grit sandpaper to remove difficult stains and surface defects. I then used a wood cleaner and brightener to get rid of embedded algae stains, lichen, wood tannins, and UV damage. After letting it dry for a couple of days, I was ready to start staining.

I used a lambskin painting glove for the guard rails and Cabot's own stain pad for the horizontal decking. Staining the rails was time-consuming, but luckily this stain only required a single coat application. Staining the deck surface was surprisingly quick and easy compared to the rails. I finished staining the entire surface in about 2 hours, while the rails took around 6 to 8 hours in total. I made the mistake of staining one of the guard rails before checking the weather, and it started raining shortly after. I covered it with plastic until it dried for 48 hours. Although it developed some light water spots, a gentle brush and a very light second coat made them fade into the rest of the appearance.

Before staining, I recommend checking the weather closely and waiting for at least 24 to 48 hours of dry time before expecting rain. Despite not having the nicest looking deck in town, I am extremely pleased with the way it turned out and its beautiful appearance compared to its initial state. I used Jarrah Brown and only needed 3 out of the 5 gallons I purchased. I will keep the remaining 2 gallons for future restaining.

I highly recommend this product for old or weathered decks, but proper deck preparation is essential. It was easy to work with, didn't create a messy application, and had a less strong odor than anticipated for an oil-based stain. I learned that thoroughly wiping away excess stain produces better results than letting it drip or run down the sides. This was my first experience with deck staining.

Update after 1 year: Since it had been a long time since our deck was properly maintained, I decided to apply a second coat approximately 1 year after the first application. I thought the first coat may have soaked deep into the wood, and an extra coat wouldn't hurt. It has been about 4 days since the second application, and the deck has shown resistance to heavy rain. I have included a new picture to showcase this.

I was pleasantly surprised with how quickly and efficiently I was able to clean and stain my deck using this product. In just one day, I was able to complete the entire process and the very next day, I could put all my furniture back in place. The application process was a breeze, and the clean-up was easy as well. The color of the stain is very close to the sample, and my deck now looks great. I'm glad I decided to give this product a try.

Although I haven't used this particular purchase yet, I have been using Defy for years and have always been pleased with the results. One of the things I really like about this product is that it is water-based, yet it still provides excellent coverage and lasts for several years. It is also incredibly easy to apply, making the whole staining process a lot more convenient.

I can confidently say that two coats of this product are all you need. Not only does it provide great coverage, but it also beads water well over a year's time, ensuring that your deck remains protected. I highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a reliable and long-lasting deck stain.

One thing to note is that the quantity of the product may vary. Thankfully, I found that one bottle was just enough for my deck. However, when I went back to reorder, I noticed that the price had more than doubled. So, it's important to keep an eye on the pricing and availability of this product.

In addition to staining my deck, I also used this product to refresh our swing set. The color turned out great, and it was incredibly easy to put on with a brush. It made our swing set look brand new again, and the added benefit of sealing the wood meant that it was no longer a local wasp hangout. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with the results and would highly recommend this product for any outdoor wood staining projects.

I found this product incredibly easy to apply and was impressed with its long-lasting protection. I used it on my cedar porch decking and it has held up well for about 2-3 years. I have attached a before and after photo, and you can see that the wood appears darker and well-preserved after using this product.

The only downside I found was the price. It is quite expensive, but I noticed that the price is high no matter where you purchase it. I initially bought a quart to finish off my porch decking, and although it did the job well, I will need a full gallon to redo the decking in a couple of years. Unfortunately, it seems that most sellers only offer either a quart or four gallons, so I will have to continue searching for a seller who offers a gallon size.

I recently used a semi-transparent oil-enhanced stain and sealer on my deck and found it to be a time-saving solution. The product allowed me to easily apply the stain without having to get on my hands and knees. I even washed the deck and let it air dry, and it was ready for its next job. Overall, I can confirm that this product lives up to the positive reviews and is of high quality.

When it comes to applying the stain, I found that this soft bristle brush worked great for wood surfaces. While I would have preferred a stiffer bristle brush, this one still did the job effectively. I would recommend it to anyone in need of a soft bristle brush. However, it's important to note that the long handle is not included.

In terms of performance, the brush worked well and made the job quicker. It was flexible enough to get between the deck boards, although it wasn't always easy to completely cover them in one stroke. I did not see an application pad with protruding areas that would have been ideal for getting between the boards.

On a separate note, I also used this brush to spread stain on my living room wood walls. While it initially worked well, I was disappointed to find that it broke the third time I used it. Given that I am a 51-year-old woman, I suspect that the brush might not be very sturdy for most people.

I recently had the opportunity to apply Ready Seal stain (Pecan) on my cedar fence, and I must say, I am quite impressed with the results. The stain went on smoothly and as many reviews have mentioned, it is a forgiving stain that levels out and blends nicely even when overapplied.

To make the application process easier, I decided to purchase a Harbor Freight airless sprayer – Avanti (AV-APS1) instead of renting one. With the addition of a 20-inch tip extension and an extra 50ft hose, I was able to minimize the need to move the unit and cans around. I highly recommend investing in a Harbor Freight respirator set with goggles as well, as the overspray can be quite bothersome even on calm days.

One thing to note is that the Avanti tip I initially purchased did not fit my sprayer, so I had to return it and buy a similar tip from Home Depot, which fit perfectly. The finer tip not only helped with overspray but also allowed me to use less stain. Additionally, I replaced the original filter screen with a finer 100 filter screen from Harbor Freight, which improved the overall performance of the sprayer.

In terms of cost, the stain was a bit expensive at Home Depot, priced at $200 for 5 gallons. However, I managed to find it on sale for $160 on Amazon, though the cans did arrive dented due to shipping. Thankfully, there were no leaks.

For my 320 linear feet of 6ft tall cedar fence, I used less than 20 gallons of stain, with about 1 gallon left over. Despite nursing an ankle injury from surgery 9 weeks ago, I was able to finish the fence in approximately 5 hours of nonstop work. I can confidently say that using the airless sprayer saved me a significant amount of time compared to rolling or brushing the stain.

As for the color, the stain turned out a bit darker than I initially imagined, but I've heard that it lightens up over time. Only time will tell how durable the stain is, but I plan on applying another coat next year to ensure its longevity. Overall, I am happy with the outcome of my fence staining project.

Lastly, I want to emphasize that this review is not a paid endorsement. I purchased the Ready Seal stain myself and decided to share my experience. My deck, which was 3 years old and never stained, had deteriorated due to the harsh Southern sun, monsoons, and wind. After extensive research and reading numerous reviews, I stumbled upon Ready Seal on Amazon. Unlike other products with negative reviews, Ready Seal had minimal one-star ratings, which intrigued me. I watched multiple videos on YouTube and felt confident in giving it a try.

I was fortunate enough to find the Kona color of this stain, and it perfectly matched my floors. The transformation was remarkable, as shown in the photos and video. The application process was simple, and when properly rubbed off, it left a seamless finish. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using this product.

Firstly, it is important to take safety precautions. I highly recommend using a n95 respirator mask, opening windows for ventilation, and wearing gloves. This stain can stain anything it touches and has dangerous fumes.

For small touch-ups, I found it convenient to dip a tissue in the product and rub it on the spot. I let the stain sit for less than 30 seconds before wiping it off with a microfiber towel. Alternatively, a rag can be used for application. It is crucial to avoid letting the stain sit for too long, as it is easier to add color than to remove it.

After application, the floors remained sticky for approximately 30 minutes to an hour. It is important to keep this in mind and avoid walking on the freshly stained area during this time.

In the provided photos, the white substance is wood filler. The floors had deep scratches, which I filled with stainable wood putty and sanded before staining. These sections did not take the stain evenly, but overall, the result was satisfactory.

Moving on, my spouse and I attempted to build a West Elm table knock off. As first-time builders, we were clueless most of the time. However, we discovered a newfound love for power tools. Every mistake we made added character to our table, which now possesses a unique charm. The stain was perfect for our coastal-themed home decor. The Sunbleached color precisely matched our vision, and the application was incredibly easy. After drying, we topped it with a furniture wax that takes a few days to fully cure. Although unconventional, it worked for us and helped conceal the dog crates, minimizing their visual impact.

Lastly, we used this stain for our mobile butcher block island, and it turned out to be the ideal choice. The island was primarily made from reclaimed pallet wood with varying colors. I was concerned that the inconsistencies in the wood would be noticeable through the stain. However, the coverage provided just the right amount to allow some of the natural wood pattern to show, resulting in a consistent color. The application was easy, and it dried quickly. We were able to paint and assemble the entire island in a single night. It is worth noting that the stain should be stirred frequently to ensure even distribution of pigments throughout the can.