I Tested And Reviewed 10 Best Deck Stain For Pressure Treated Wood (2023)

I recently used #1 Deck stain to improve the appearance of my old fence, and I must say that the results exceeded my expectations. The fence was covered in black and green mold/mildew, giving it a dark and mottled grey look. Living in a high heat and humidity area like Atlanta, I needed a stain that could withstand these conditions.

Following the instructions provided, I properly cleaned the wood surface beforehand and applied the Light Walnut color. The transformation was incredible. The fence now looks like it was just installed two months ago. The #1 Deck stain truly lives up to its advertising hype, and I couldn't be happier with the results.

Additionally, I had a 31-year-old deck that was weathered, stained, and deteriorating. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to recondition it. I went through the process of pulling up deck boards, sanding them, and even reversing them to use the underside on top. I also power washed, sanded, and fixed rotted areas with wood filler. Finally, I applied two coats of #1 Deck stain, and the outcome was remarkable. My old deck now looks almost new.

It has been two years since I applied the stain, and the deck still looks great. However, I plan to clean it in the fall and apply another coat of stain for added protection. I highly recommend #1 Deck stain to anyone looking to revitalize their old deck. The application process was easy, and the results were outstanding.

I also purchased all three steps products from #1 Deck to refinish the deck on my newly purchased house. The cleaner and brightener worked exceptionally well, with plenty left over for future use. I ordered 5 gallons of stain for my 30' x 30' deck, which turned out to be just enough to cover the surface. However, keep in mind that the amount of stain needed may vary depending on the level of wear and the coverage area.

The finish of the stain is advertised as flat, but I did notice some sheen, especially on less weathered sections of the deck. Following the recommended application process of applying the second coat within 15 minutes of the first coat resulted in better coverage and drying.

I opted for the dark walnut color, as my deck had been previously stained. The darker color helped even out the overall appearance of the deck while allowing the natural woodgrain to show through. As for durability, I cannot speak for how it will hold up to Northern Alabama weather, but so far, I am satisfied with the results.

The only downside I experienced was with the shipping process through Amazon. The original order arrived damaged and leaked, causing inconvenience. However, the customer service representative at Amazon was helpful in resolving the issue and ensuring a replacement order was sent promptly.

I recently had the opportunity to try out this wood stain and sealer, and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed with the outcome. As someone who has never stained wood before, I was a bit apprehensive, but this product exceeded my expectations.

First and foremost, the application process was a breeze. It went on easily and smoothly, even with just two coats. The richness of the color is absolutely stunning, and it really brings out the natural beauty of the wood. I particularly appreciate how consistently the wood absorbed the stain, ensuring an even finish.

One minor issue I encountered was with the plastic lid seal. It was a bit perplexing at first, but with the help of pliers, I was able to remove it without much trouble. Additionally, I noticed that the stain tends to get sludgy at the bottom of the container. To counter this, I found that stirring the stain with a paint stir stick throughout the process helped maintain a smooth consistency.

In terms of packaging, I did have a disappointing experience with my first order. The can was not packed properly, resulting in leaks inside the shipping box. However, I reported the issue and received a refund. I decided to give it another chance and re-ordered. This time, the package was very well packed, with no leaks or damages. It was a relief to see that the company took steps to rectify the issue.

The results of using this stain and sealer were truly satisfactory. I used it to stain and seal my side porch, which had been power washed a few days prior. The transformation was remarkable, and I was so pleased with the outcome that I ordered two more gallons for another porch. In fact, I had previously purchased a redwood stain and sealer from Lowe's, but found that this product was of superior quality. I ended up returning the Lowe's product and sticking with this one.

I am extremely satisfied with the Black Walnut stain that I recently used on my untreated pine ceiling. The application process was smooth, and the stain adhered well to the wood. The rough sawn beams soaked up the stain beautifully, resulting in a slightly darker shade compared to the tongue and groove pine on the ceiling. This contrast adds a great visual appeal to the pavilion.

I opted not to wipe down the boards after applying the stain, as I wanted a darker look. However, I will make sure to wipe down the deck floor boards, as recommended in the instructional video by the Idaho Painter. To ensure an even color throughout, I followed the advice to stir the stain regularly, using a drill attachment that I purchased on Amazon. This made the stirring process effortless.

I also tested the stain on treated lumber and was pleased with the results, so I am looking forward to using it on my deck floor. The stain not only enhances the natural wood grain but also provides protection against sun and water damage. It's a great solution for preserving the wood while maintaining its aesthetic appeal.

I also want to mention that I used the stain on a 250-foot fence made of pressure-treated pine. The application was done using an air sprayer, and the final result is fantastic. The stain not only preserves the wood grain but also repels water effectively. However, it's important to note that the stain requires thorough stirring throughout the application process, as the color tends to settle at the bottom. Additionally, being oil-based, it takes a considerable amount of time to dry.

I recently decided to try the DEFY Extreme water-based stain for my old redwood deck after having poor results with oil-based stains in the past. After doing some research, I opted for this product and was pleasantly surprised with the outcome.

The application process was fairly easy. After power washing, sanding, and brightening the deck, I followed the instructions on the can and applied two coats of the DEFY stain using the wet-on-wet method. The product is water-thin and penetrates the wood effectively. I also took the precaution of installing a tarp to provide shade since it was a hot sunny day.

One of the most impressive features of this stain is its ability to repel water. Rainwater beads up on the deck like no other product I have seen before. While it is too early to determine its long-term durability, I am optimistic based on its performance so far.

After six months, I noticed that the areas of the deck exposed to direct sunlight for most of the day no longer beaded water and required an additional "maintenance-coat." However, this was a quick and easy process with no additional preparation required. The stain did not peel, and fading was minimal. Areas that received less sunlight still exhibited water beading after six months.

I also used this stain on a 10×15 floating dock. Before applying the stain, I cleaned the dock with DEFY's wood cleaner, which worked exceptionally well in restoring the wood's appearance. I have yet to determine the longevity of the stain, but given that I followed the manufacturer's instructions and used their cleaner, I am hopeful for positive results. The dock is located in Florida, where it will be exposed to plenty of sun and rain, providing a true test for the stain's durability. I plan to update my review annually to track its performance.

One year later, I am pleased with the results. The color still looks decent, with only minimal fading. The stain has held up well despite the dock being exposed to full afternoon sun and tree debris. The wood planks show some signs of weathering, but there is no peeling of the stain anywhere. Overall, this stain has outperformed the oil stain I used on my deck.

I recently tried out this stain for a few outdoor projects and I must say, I was quite impressed. First off, I used it to restore my son's playset and it worked wonders. After sanding it down, the stain made the playset look brand new again. The color was spot on and one coat was sufficient enough to achieve a great result.

I also used this stain on an outdoor bench that my husband built. The consistency of the stain was a bit liquidy, so I had to be careful not to spill or drip it. However, after mixing it up really well, it went on easily and smoothly. The drying time was quick, which was a plus. The clean up was a breeze as the paint brushes washed out quicker than expected.

What impressed me the most was that a little bit of this stain went a long way. I was able to cover the entire bench with just a small amount and still have over half a gallon left. In terms of coverage, it exceeded my expectations. I only needed to apply one coat on an old swing set and it looked better than when we first got it.

I also used this stain on the wood deck of my trailer and it turned out beautifully. The color was vibrant, and I only needed a quarter of the can for two coats. While I can't speak for the long-term durability just yet, I am very happy with the initial results, especially considering the affordable price.

I recently purchased the solid light walnut stain for a deck job and I must say I am extremely impressed with the quality. As a restoration business owner, I have used a variety of stain products, but this one definitely stands out. After applying two coats of the stain on a wood deck, it has held up remarkably well over the past two years. Despite being exposed to harsh weather conditions and coming into contact with caustic chemicals, the stain has remained intact with minimal wear and tear. The only areas where the stain has come off are where I regularly dragged equipment and cinder blocks.

The color of the stain is beautiful and it soaked well into the wood, giving the deck a fresh and amazing look. I needed two containers of the stain for my deck, but it was definitely worth it.

However, I did find that the consistency of the stain was more like a thin paint. This caused it to run on vertical surfaces and required me to apply two coats for decent coverage. The finish is flat, which was my desired outcome, but it would have been helpful to have information on the container regarding the recommended waiting time between coats.

Mixing the stain was a bit challenging due to the small opening of the gallon jug. I had to resort to hand shaking, which resulted in the first pour being thinner than the rest. It would have been more convenient to have a mixer or paint stick option.

The product is truly remarkable. As a first-time user, I found it extremely easy to apply and a little bit goes a long way. It only took one coat to achieve the desired results, which was impressive. Furthermore, the price of the product is great, making it an even more attractive option.

We purchased this product specifically to use as a sealer for our wood deck. We opted to apply it using brushes for the railings and a long-pole applicator pad for the deck floor and stairs. This method worked perfectly and the product has a consistency that would allow for use with a sprayer as well. However, I recommend using a combination of strategies to ensure proper coverage. We used 2 gallons to complete 2 medium landings, the railings, and one set of stairs. If your project is larger, I would suggest getting at least 2-3 gallons. Despite this, the coverage is fairly good even with just one coat. It is satisfying to see the water bead up after a rain, knowing that the wood is being protected.

I have been using Thompson water seal for as long as I can remember. While this product is the lowest grade available, I have a suggestion. The best Thompson water seal is the 6-year deck and 15-year fence post variety. I sealed a kids swing set at church a year ago using this product, and it still looks as good as the day I applied it. The thicker coat and darker colors in the 6/15-year version make it particularly effective.

As a non-professional, I used a sprayer to apply the water seal. The process was easy to follow. I made sure to shake the can well before use and poured it into the sprayer container. For the deck and staircase, I used about three containers of the product. Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to witness its performance in the rain yet, but I am looking forward to seeing the results.

We purchased this product to stain some shutters for our rental property. Our goal was to achieve a natural look, and the end result was beautiful. The application process was incredibly easy, and only a small amount of the product was needed. Overall, it is a great product that I would highly recommend.

I recently purchased this deck stain and I must say, I was initially concerned about the color. However, I am extremely pleased with how it turned out. The color was exactly what I had hoped for and I couldn't be happier. I will definitely be purchasing this product again in the future.

I used this stain on my deck and while the results weren't exactly like what I had seen in videos, it did provide some level of protection. It reminded me of pouring cooking oil on the floors, which actually gave me the idea to try that as well. But in all seriousness, it did help to repel rain and I would consider buying it again for that reason.

I absolutely love this deck stain. It went on smoothly and easily with a roller brush. The color I chose, a brown with a slight red tint, gave my treated deck boards a nice, rich look. It's not completely sheer or clear, but I think it looks really good. I can't speak to the durability just yet, but so far, I am very happy with the results.

This oil-based stain/sealer has worked wonders for our deck. I was initially hesitant to buy it from this brand instead of the more expensive options at the big-box stores. However, after a month of use, I can confidently say that it has performed exceptionally well. It beads up nicely after rain and has given our deck a fresh, new look. I appreciate that it accentuates the natural grain of the wood rather than covering it up with paint. I will definitely be purchasing this product again in the future.

I have been using an Ipe deck for the past 12 years, which is actually Red Belau, and I must say that I have been struggling to maintain its original beauty. Despite using various top brands of penetrating oil for regular maintenance, I have noticed that my deck has gradually become darker over time, almost turning black. Additionally, the growth of green slime has been increasing every year, especially considering that I live in Western Washington.

After conducting thorough research online, I decided to try a new approach this year, and I am extremely pleased with the results. Here is the regimen I followed, which I intend to use going forward:

1. Pressure washed: I began by thoroughly removing all the dirt, grime, and green slime from the deck, just as I usually do.

2. Defy Stain Stripper: This step was completely new to me but turned out to be crucial. I had never used a stain that created a coating before, so I initially believed that a Stain Stripper was unnecessary. However, I soon realized that the penetrating oil I had been using had formed its own coating over the years, which needed to be eliminated. The stain stripper effectively removed years of built-up oil from the wood, visibly washing away the dark red and brown layers. To enhance the effectiveness of the stripper, I also scrubbed the deck with a push broom before rinsing it off with water.

3. Defy Wood Brightener: Although I had used this product before, I decided to repeat the process this year. Apart from lightening the wood to a certain extent, the wood brightener is critical in restoring the natural pH balance of the wood, which enables it to better absorb the stain.

4. Defy Extreme Stain for Hardwoods: This year, I opted for a new product, the Defy Extreme Stain for Hardwoods, which proved to be a game-changer. I purchased three gallons each of the Cedar and Light Walnut colors. After testing them on a hidden board, I realized that they were almost identical in appearance. Therefore, I decided to mix the colors together in a 5-gallon bucket and applied the stain to my deck.

The results were nothing short of amazing. I never thought that I would be able to restore my deck to its original state, but this stain, along with the overall approach I followed, exceeded my expectations. I am hopeful that it will withstand the challenges of winter. In the future, I plan to simply clean, brighten, and apply more stain without the need for pressure washing or stripping.

The provided photos illustrate the progress I made halfway through the project, clearly showcasing the significant difference achieved.

I was initially skeptical about this cleaner, considering the neglected state of my deck wood, which had been left untouched for almost a year and a half. However, to my surprise, this cleaner exceeded my expectations. Even with just manual scrubbing, my deck looks as good as new. I can only imagine the results if I had used a mechanical scrubber. Needless to say, this product has gained a loyal customer in me for future purchases.

After eleven years of dirt and weathering, we finally decided to give our neglected deck some much-needed care. We opted for this cleaner, and the results were remarkable. Not only does our cedar fence now look brand new, but water even beads up on its surface, a testament to the great protection it provides. The application process was a breeze, making it a convenient choice. Just make sure to check the color compatibility before use.

When I first moved in, the existing structure was in such poor condition that I contemplated tearing it down. However, someone suggested giving this cleaner a try, and I am so glad I did. The transformation was truly remarkable, and now the wood looks beautiful. This product has saved me from unnecessary expenses and allowed me to appreciate the beauty of the wood.

This cleaner truly lives up to its claims, as long as you follow the instructions carefully. It is crucial to wet the wood thoroughly before application and spray it on liberally with a pump sprayer. Letting it soak for about 10 minutes works wonders, but for more stubborn stains, gentle scrubbing can be employed. It is important not to let the cleaner dry on the wood. While using a pressure washer provides the best results, it is essential to use a maximum of 800psi and a 40-degree (white) tip. Clean one board at a time without stopping to avoid unsightly lines on your deck. The presence of oxalic acid in this cleaner effectively brightens wood and removes most stains. For those on a budget, pure oxalic acid can be purchased separately and mixed for similar results. However, I found the convenience of this product worth the investment, especially when I stumbled upon it at Ollie's Discount Store for just $4.99 per gallon.