The Best Solid Deck Stains of 2024 to Protect and Revitalize, Tested
If your deck looks tired and worn out, a fresh coat of solid deck stain can improve its appearance and protect it from moisture and ultraviolet (UV) rays. A good solid deck stain will also hide some of your deck’s imperfections and wear, and it can even make the deck last longer. We recently tested six of the top solid deck stains in a side-by-side comparison to find out which ones did the best job of covering wood grain, resisting the elements, and holding up to foot traffic. After applying each stain to pine decking, we subjected each one to rain, patio furniture, shoes, and even paws to identify the top-performing solid wood stains.
Our favorite was the Valspar One-Coat Solid Stain & Sealer. It’s an affordable solid outdoor wood stain that produces a smooth finish and provides exceptional protection from rain and foot traffic. Plus, it’s reasonably priced.
That being said, Valspar’s deck stain isn’t the only one that impressed us. This guide will give you an overview of our six favorite solid deck stain recommendations as well as general advice on choosing the best solid deck stain for your needs.
- BEST OVERALL: Valspar One-Coat Solid Stain & Sealer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Behr Premium Solid Color Waterproofing Stain & Sealer
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: Cabot Solid Color Acrylic Stain & Sealer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FADE-RESISTANT: Defy Solid Color Wood Stain
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WATERPROOFING: Thompson’s WaterSeal Solid Color Wood Sealer
↓ Jump to Review - ALSO CONSIDER: SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Wood Stain
↓ Jump to Review
Before You Buy a Solid Deck Stain
Unlike semisolid and semitransparent stains, solid deck stains cover the wood grain and texture with an opaque layer of color. If you’re keen on protecting your deck but also want to see the wood’s character, a semisolid or semitransparent deck stain might be preferable.
Solid stain for decks is also different from deck paint. Paint forms a film that sits on top of the wood’s surface. Solid deck stains penetrate the wood, creating a stronger bond. This is why deck paint is more likely to peel off, while the best solid deck stains tend to last longer.
An important note: If the decking is structurally compromised, no stain or paint will solve the problem. Fixing that requires replacing the decking boards—and possibly the deck’s framing—before applying a finish.
How We Tested the Best Solid Deck Stains
We rigorously tested each of the six deck stains we selected for this guide to determine the top performers. Our scoring was based on four criteria: application, appearance, durability, and value. We began by assessing the ease of application and drying time. After applying each stain, we considered its appearance, including the smoothness of the finish, the accuracy of the color, and the deck stain’s ability to mask wood grains.
Since a deck stain’s worth is largely determined by its ability to protect a deck from weather and foot traffic, we made an effort to simulate both. We checked scuff resistance by placing furniture on the finished area and walking on the deck, noting any scratches or scuffs left behind. We also sprayed each area with a hose, evaluating how well each resisted water. Finally, we considered the value of each solid stain by considering its coverage and price.
Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 6 |
| Hours spent testing | 5 |
| Tests performed | 4 |
| Price range | $34 to $67 |
Our Top Picks
To help you pick the right solid deck stain for your needs, we rounded up our favorites below, giving each one an award based on its standout qualities.
Best Overall
Valspar One-Coat Solid Stain & Sealer
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Our Ratings: Application 4/5; Appearance 5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Uses: Decking, siding, fencing, and furniture
- Coverage: 150 to 350 square feet
- Dry time: 4 hours
What We Like
- Thick consistency makes it easy to apply with a brush or roller
- Covers well, creating a solid, even coating with no brushstrokes
- Provides a thick layer that protects deck from water and sun damage
What We Don’t Like
- Requires 2 coats, not 1 as stated on the can, to create good coverage
Valspar’s solid exterior wood stain and sealer ticks all the boxes for what one might want out of a solid stain. Suitable for decks, siding, fences, and even outdoor wood furniture, it’s formulated to create a moisture barrier in just a single layer. It also beautifies the wood, and though the product we’ve highlighted comes in a “Smoke Signal” colorway, there are a variety of other solid deck stain colors offered. It dries quickly and is capable of resisting rain just a few hours after application.
During testing, we liked how easy this stain was to apply. We tested the aforementioned Smoke Signal, which is a gray color, and we were impressed with its ability to mask wood grain and knots. However, we found it wasn’t quite the one-coat product Valspar bills it as. We needed two coats to get a consistent finish on our piece of test lumber. We did like how easy it was to apply, though. The stain covers well and dries to an attractive semi-gloss finish that leaves a nice sheen without being overly glossy.
It’s very durable, too. With its thick consistency, this stain created a hard shell over our test piece of lumber that endured shoes and furniture being dragged across it. It’s also weather-ready in just 4 hours and endures wet weather well. Water beaded up and rolled off easily during our spray test. Add to that its reasonable price and this is truly a great all-around deck stain.
Best Bang for the Buck
Behr Premium Solid Color Waterproofing Stain & Sealer
Our Ratings: Application 4.5/5; Appearance 4/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Uses: Decking, fencing, siding, and furniture
- Coverage: 200 to 400 square feet
- Dry time: 4 hours
What We Like
- Thick consistency that covers extremely well with just a couple of coats
- Creates a durable shell over the wood that protects from scuffs and weather
- Dries quickly and is weather ready in just a couple of hours
What We Don’t Like
- Shows brush marks more than other solid stains we tested
Behr’s Premium waterproofing stain and sealer might be the pick if your budget is tight. One gallon can cover up to 400 square feet with one coat, providing more coverage than many competitors. This stain and sealer has an acrylic base with a penetrating formula that soaks into the wood. It seals against water to prevent fading and prohibit the growth of mold and mildew. Plus, it’s ready for rain in 4 hours, and it can be easily applied with a roller, brush, or sprayer.
This solid color stain went on thick and covered well during testing. We applied two coats, but it felt like we had applied four. Not surprisingly, it held up very well to our scuff tests and caused water to bead off during our spray test.
That said, we weren’t as satisfied with the quality of the finish. Of the six solid deck stains we tested, Behr showed the most brush marks. While that doesn’t matter if you’re applying it with a roller or sprayer, it makes it less suitable for projects that demand a brush. This formulation also dried to a glossier finish than the other ones we tested. While this shinier finish is great for unblemished wood, it will show imperfections in older wood more clearly.
We did love the fact that Behr offers it in 1,600 custom colors, allowing you to coat your deck in virtually any hue you want. Most brands only offer six or seven colors. This color variety, coupled with the stain’s excellent weather resistance and coverage, makes this a quality budget option.
Get the Behr solid deck stain at The Home Depot or Behr.
Upgrade Pick
Cabot Solid Color Acrylic Stain & Sealer
Our Ratings: Application 4.7/5; Appearance 5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Uses: Decking, fencing, and furniture
- Coverage: 200 to 500 square feet
- Dry time: 6 hours
What We Like
- Creates an opaque finish that covers wood grain and imperfections well
- Semi-gloss finish settles well with barely any visible brush marks
- Effectively defends wood from water and scuffs
What We Don’t Like
- Takes longer to dry than other solid-color wood stains
This option costs a little more money than some of the other stains and sealers out there, but we think it’s worth the additional cost. During testing, we found it to be an all-around great stain. With its thick consistency, it goes on easily, making application a breeze with a brush or roller. It also covers extremely well, producing an opaque, consistent finish that completely conceals wood grain and any imperfections after just two coats.
It does take longer to dry than other stains we tested, which could be an issue if wet weather unexpectedly hits. But it’s also more versatile than most solid stains, as you can use it on concrete and composite decking along with wood.
This stain from Cabot was one of the most durable wood stains we tested. It had no problem shedding water during our spray test, and it resisted marking and scuffing well. Despite its thicker consistency, it settles well, producing a smooth, even finish with deep, rich colors and virtually no visible brushstrokes. Once dry, it leaves a semi-gloss finish that’s attractive while still masking any imperfections in the wood. It also contains additives to provide mildew resistance and UV protection. If you’re after an excellent finish and great durability and don’t mind paying a little more, Cabot is a great choice.
Get the Cabot solid deck stain at Lowe’s.
Best Fade-Resistant
Defy Solid Color Wood Stain Sealer
Our Ratings: Application 5/5; Appearance 4.5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Uses: Decking, fencing, siding, and wood furniture
- Coverage: 200 to 300 square feet
- Dry time: 24 hours
What We Like
- Does an excellent job of masking imperfections and wood grain
- Formula uses an additive that resists fading by protecting it from UV rays
- Produces a smooth coat and consistent finish without visible brushstrokes
What We Don’t Like
- 1 gallon only covers up to 300 square feet per coat
- Color didn’t quite match the color chip on the bottle
This stain from Defy stands out from the pack due to its durability. Out of the bottle, it’s clear that this product is more than capable of protecting your deck from the elements. While all the solid wood stain sealers we tested have a thick consistency, Defy’s was the thickest. It covered well, completely masking wood grain and any imperfections in two coats. Not surprisingly, it held up well to feet and furniture while also causing water to dance off it.
Unfortunately, that thicker consistency means you’ll need more of it to cover a deck than other stains, as its coverage maxes out at 300 square feet per coat. Given that it’s the most expensive solid deck stain we tested, covering an entire deck could get pricey.
Along with this durable performance, we also loved the fact that Defy uses zinc nanoparticles in its formula. This additive resists UV rays, which means you can expect this stain to provide better-than-average fade resistance. That said, we did feel like the color we chose, light walnut, was a tick off of the color shown in its online product description and on the bottle. While it wasn’t enough to bother us, it may rankle those trying to coordinate the color with their home’s siding. Color gripes aside, Defy is a great choice if you want a solid deck stain that will endure and don’t mind paying a premium price to get it.
Get the Defy solid deck stain at Amazon or Defy.
Best Waterproofing
Thompson’s WaterSeal Solid Color Wood Sealer
Our Ratings: Application 3.4/5; Appearance 4/5; Durability 4/5; Value 3/5
Product Specs
- Uses: Decking, fencing, siding, and wood furniture
- Coverage: 150 to 400 square feet
- Dry time: 4 hours
What We Like
- Water beaded up and danced off the wood surface during our testing
- Leaves a smooth finish with very few visible brushstrokes
- Much more affordable per gallon than other solid deck stains
What We Don’t Like
- Cedar shade that we tested was a bit too orange hued
- Thinner formulation; doe