The Best Stain for Cedar Decks, Fences, and Furniture of 2024
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Stain for Cedar Decks, Fences, and Furniture of 2024 and hope the blog can help you.
Protect those beautiful cedar surfaces against water, sun, and mildew damage with these top products.
Cedar is a beautiful building material. While it can last a long time, even without stain or sealer, it can eventually show signs of wear. Whether it’s a new project or an older surface that might do well with a bit of refreshing, protecting and rejuvenating your cedar structures and furniture with some high-quality stain might be a smart move for optimal longevity.
But with so many products on the market, it might seem impossible to figure out which is the best stain for cedar. This guide helps clear up the differences among stains while pointing out some of the top considerations to keep in mind while shopping.
We recommended the Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain as our best overall pick because of its versatile indoor/outdoor formula; integrated ultraviolet (UV) and moisture protection; seven color options; and ease of application using a sprayer, brush, or roller.
Keep reading to learn more, and check out some of the other best options on the market, many of which we hands-on tested to ensure they performed as promised.
- BEST OVERALL: Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Ready Seal 512 Natural Cedar Exterior Stain
↓ Jump to Review - BEST CLEAR: Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Stain
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SEMITRANSPARENT: SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Stain
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WATER-BASED: Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey Exterior Stain
↓ Jump to Review - BEST OIL-BASED: Cabot Australian Timber Oil Wood Stain and Protector
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR EXTERIORS: Behr DeckPlus Transparent Waterproofing Wood Finish
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR FURNITURE: Furniture Clinic Wood Stain
↓ Jump to Review - BEST COLOR SELECTION: Minwax PolyShades Polyurethane Wood Stain
↓ Jump to Review
How We Chose the Best Stain for Cedar
Cedar is such a widely used material, in everything from fencing to furniture, that we felt it important to offer as varied a selection of wood stains as possible. After extensive market research into leading brands and conducting hands-on testing on the majority of these products, we are confident we have put together a range that will satisfy the demands of every task.
While we looked for the most eco-friendly water-based stains where possible, there are still times an oil-based stain is the optimal solution. Wherever possible we chose stains that are easy to use, easy to clean up, and have good fade resistance and durability. We picked stains that allow the original grain warmth to show through, and those that will mask flaws. Value was also a consideration, and there are stains for cedar on our list at a variety of different price points.
Our Top Picks
There is a lot to know about choosing the best stain for cedar. To help make the shopping process go as easily as possible, check out the following list or popular choices. It’s a compilation of some of the best products to stain cedar fences, outdoor furniture, and more.
Best Overall
Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain
Photo: amazon
Product Specs
- Oil- or water-based: Water
- Interior/exterior: Both
- Color range: 7
What We Like
- Versatile, easy-to-use stain can be used to enhance and protect, indoors or out
- Uses zinc nano-technology to block UV light and resist stains and mold
- Can be used on pressure-treated lumber and a wide variety of softwoods and hardwoods
What We Don’t Like
- One of the higher-priced stains, and 2 coats are recommended for best results
For cedar decks, fences, siding, or furniture that needs some freshening up or protection, check out Defy’s Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain. This water-based, quality stain will add a bit of color without blocking out the beauty of the cedar. It comes in six natural finishes, including Natural Cedar, which is meant to enhance the look of cedar surfaces or allow other wood species to mimic the look.
Not only does the Defy Extreme stain enhance cedar surfaces, but it also has some other desirable traits such as UV light protection and low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) content. The recipe includes zinc, the same ingredient found in sunscreen, to prevent the sun’s UV rays from damaging a cedar surface. This stain is easy to apply with a brush, roller, or sprayer, and its water base makes it easy to clean with soap and water.
What our tester says: Tony Carrick, Bob Vila writer and product tester, notes in The Best Exterior Wood Stains that “of all the stains we tested, Defy produced the most well-rounded performance. Defy has a slightly thicker consistency, which made it easier to apply without having to worry about runs or drips. We were able to apply a second coat after just a couple of hours. Defy produced a deep, beautiful finish that accentuated the natural grains in all three types of wood we tested it on with no visible brushstrokes or streaks. It also resisted our attempts to mark it up with a pair of shoes and heavy metal patio furniture. It was among the best against rain, with water beading up on the wood surface during our spray test.”
Get the Defy stain for cedar at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Bang For The Buck
Ready Seal 512 Natural Cedar Exterior Stain
Photo: amazon
Product Specs
- Oil- or water-based: Oil
- Interior/exterior: Exterior
- Color range: 8
What We Like
- Tough, long-lasting wood stain and sealer at a very competitive price
- Ready to use straight from the can, and doesn’t need a primer
- Low-VOC, streak-free, self-blending formula can be applied with sprayer, roller, or brush
What We Don’t Like
- Needs mineral spirits for cleanup, and it may take several weeks to dry completely
Those looking to stretch their cedar-staining budget as far as it will go may want to check out Ready Seal’s 512 Natural Cedar Exterior Stain. This bucket offers a lower cost per gallon than other stains with similar features, making it a smart choice for budget shoppers.
Ready Seal is an oil-based stain that penetrates and protects cedar surfaces from within. It comes in eight stain colors, with a natural cedar-colored stain variation meant to bring out the beauty of cedar surfaces. It contains UV-protecting particles as well as a mildew-resistant recipe, offering long-lasting protection against more than just water damage. Users can apply Ready Seal with a brush, roller, or sprayer, though cleaning will likely require mineral spirits.
What our tester says: Glenda Taylor, Bob Vila staff writer and product tester, notes in The Best Fence Stain that “we applied the cedar fence stain in a natural cedar tone and really liked the rich color. We applied two coats (as recommended) 45 minutes apart, and then let the board dry for 72 hours. After it dried, we took it outdoors with the rest of the test boards and nailed it to a wooden frame at a 45-degree angle where it received near-direct sunrays. We sprayed it with water, dumped dusty dirt on the wet surface, and let the dirt dry. After the 4-week test period, we power-washed the boards one last time and then let them dry completely before examining them. The board with Ready Seal looked nearly as good as when we first applied the stain.”
Get the Ready Seal stain for cedar at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best Clear
Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Stain
Photo: Lowes
Product Specs
- Oil- or water-based: Water
- Interior/exterior: Exterior
- Color range: 3
What We Like
- High-durability coating that exceeds industry-standard ASTM-D4446 for waterproofing wood
- In most cases 1 coat is sufficient, though it can be recoated in just 4 hours
- Seals the wood to provide sun block, mold resistance, and mildew resistance
What We Don’t Like
- Requires careful surface prepping for best results
Protecting cedar surfaces with a water-based stain and sealer might not get any better than with a reliable, old-school product like Thompson’s WaterSeal. This stain comes in three colors, one of which is meant to mimic the color of natural cedar. It can be a good choice for rejuvenating an older cedar deck, fence, or siding surface.
The Thompson’s WaterSeal formula uses a unique recipe to resist color fading, allowing its color to last longer than some other water-based stains. Also, this formula creates a coating that resists mildew and UV damage, preventing graying and fading caused by both of those wood-surface enemies.
What our tester says: Glenda Taylor, Bob Vila staff writer and product tester, notes in The Best Deck Sealers that “we gave the board two coats and then let it dry for 24 hours before continuing our tests. The sealer started to soak in right away, and it imparted a hint of color—not enough to change the look of the wood grain but just enough to enhance it. When sprayed with the hose, water beaded up on the sealed section of the board but soaked into the bare, untreated section. Oncea month in the sun and elements had gone by, we gave the board a good scrubbing. Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent sealer continued to protect the wood from moisture, as the water beaded up and ran off.”
Best Semitransparent
SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Stain
Photo: Amazon
Product Specs
- Oil- or water-based: Water
- Interior/exterior: Exterior
- Color range: 4
What We Like
- Affordable stain for fence, siding, and deck stain that lets the cedar grain show through
- Quick-drying formula comes ready to use, and it can be applied to all softwoods
- The flat, natural-looking finish is mildew-, fungus-, and mold-resistant
What We Don’t Like
- Careful prep is required, and 2 coats are recommended for full protection
SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Stain might be the product for anyone looking to protect and add a bit of color to an older cedar fence, deck, or siding surface. Its semitransparent finish won’t hide any of the grain or natural beauty, but it can add a bit of color. And with its water-based formula, it will work over any existing stains.
This stain from SaverSystems protects against fading and graying, and it’s available in four colors to bring a bit of pigment to cedar surfaces. It’s also a naturally mildew-resistant formula, preventing fungi and mold from growing on wood surfaces.
What our tester says: Glenda Taylor, Bob Vila staff writer and product tester, notes in our tested guide that “we wet the test board by spraying it with the garden hose and then let it dry until it was just damp. Then we applied a single coat of the cedar wood stain. We tested a semitransparent light-walnut color. It went on well, but we had to wait until the board dried before we could see if it had penetrated uniformly. After we completed the testing, the color of the stain was still vibrant.”
Get the SaverSystems stain for cedar at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Water-based
Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey Exterior Stain
Photo: Amazon
Product Specs
- Oil- or water-based: Water-based
- Interior/exterior: Exterior
- Color range: 14
What We Like
- Eco-friendly, low-VOC formula with whey protein is safe to use around wildlife, children, and pets
- Works as a stain and a sealer; provides a waterproof layer and protects against UV damage
- Comes in 14 bright and natural colors to suit a variety of outdoor spaces
What We Don’t Like
- Should not be applied to mahogany, Ipe, and other exotic wood varieties
Water-based stains like this option from Vermont Natural Coatings are more eco-friendly than their oil-based counterparts, making them the ideal choice for homes near wildlife. This low-VOC natural cedar stain uses whey protein as a binder to penetrate the wood and leave behind a waterproof layer for UV and moisture protection while effectively staining cedar fences, furniture, and decks.
This formula also comes in 14 neutral or colorful finish options, including bright green. It can be applied to decks, fencing, raised beds, docks, outdoor furniture, and siding. This stain is also easy to apply with a brush, paint pad, foam brush, or sprayer.
What our tester says: Glenda Taylor, Bob Vila staff writer and product tester, notes in our tested guide that “Vermont Natural Coatings did provide good water resistance during our spray test and deflected scuffs and scratches well. It has a waterlike consistency, which absorbs well into unfinished wood to create a barrier that goes deep into the surface. We also liked its color options, which included hues you don’t typically see in a deck stain, such as green. If you’re serious about using a product that has minimal impact on the environment and don’t mind spending twice as much for it, Vermont Natural Coatings is a great choice.”
Get the Vermont Natural Coatings stain for cedar at Amazon.
Best Oil-based
Cabot Australian Timber Oil Wood Stain and Protector
Photo: amazon
Product Specs
- Oil- or water-based: Oil
- Interior/exterior: Exterior
- Color range: 4
What We Like
- Combination of oils provide deep penetration into softwood and hardwood decks and outdoor furniture
- Single cedar-staining application produces a rich finish that protects against UV damage and mold and mildew growth
- Excellent coverage, doesn’t crack or peel, and is highly scuff- and fade-resistant
What We Don’t Like
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