Having a cedar deck is a great experience. You get to enjoy sunrises and sunsets on the deck with your loved ones. However, if you don’t use the best stain for cedar decks to protect it, you won’t be enjoying those moments for long.
So, what should you protect your cedar deck from? The protection is mostly from elements such as snow, rain, strong wind, insects, falling leaves, and other results of the changing seasons.
Staining your cedar wood ensures that it will always remain intact over the decades. Therefore, whether you use oil or water-based stains, we’re here to guarantee that you get the results you seek.
Best Stains for Cedar
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We've rounded up the best stains for cedar, no matter the type of surface you're working with.
We'll consider stains for cedar decks, cedar sidings, cedar posts, cedar fences, and cedar shingles.
Best Stains for Cedar
1. Best for Cedar Deck - #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain
- PROTECTS AGAINST COLOR FADE AND PREVENTS GRAYING - #1 Deck...
- BOTH A DECK STAIN & DECK SEALANT IN ONE - #1 Deck Stain Is a...
- ALLOWS THE WOOD GRAIN TO SHOW THROUGH - Available in 5 Beautiful,...
- BETTER FOR THE PLANET, EASY SOAP & WATER CLEANUP - With Less Than...
- WORKS ON DAMP WOOD, MINIMIZING THE WAIT TIME BETWEEN CLEANING AND...
This semi-transparent wood stain protects your cedar from graying and color fading. We loved this feature because it means that your cedar deck will always stay intact no matter how long you use it.
In addition to being used on cedar, you can also use this stain on pine, redwood, fir, and other types of wood.
Another reason we picked this product is that it is a dual-purpose stain and sealant. This means that you can think of it as a stain and sealant all in one. The sealant part ensures that no water penetrates and ruins your wooden surface.
Because it is semi-transparent, this stain allows the beauty of your wood to shine through it. We love how natural our deck looks after applying this stain.
You'll notice that all the 5 different colors that it comes in enhance the beauty of your wood after they dry to a flat finish.
Finally, we chose this stain because it is environmentally friendly with a VOC content of less than 50 g/L. It is also really easy to clean. You need some clean water and soap, and you’re good.
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2. Furniture Clinic Wood Stain
- EFFECTIVE ON ALL SURFACES: Furniture Clinic Wood Stain is a fast...
- COMES IN 12 COLORS - VISIBLE WITH ONE COAT: Our wood stain comes...
- SAFE TO USE: The water based formula of our wood finish is safe...
- IDEAL USES: Ideal for use on all interior wood projects:...
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: We understand that protecting your...
You will be happy to learn and consider how easy this Furniture Clinic Wood Stain is to apply. Like any acrylic paint, it goes on smoothly and because it is water-based, it does not take long to dry and hence reduces on time used when you are painting. If you are redesigning your garden shed or refreshing old furniture, this type of stain provides the color and penetration.
This particular stain is quite remarkable because it effectively accentuates the grain and general texture of the wood. It dries very smooth and is possible to cover a surface with just one layer which is outstanding. Some past users have pointed out that the Natural Oak shade can restore the appearance of new and old wooden products, which can save you the amount of money needed to buy replacements.
It is water-based, which means that cleanup is pretty easy. It also does not emit any strong odor which is a plus especially when used indoors. Just remember that it will make your hands black if you do not wear gloves while preparing it. This product can also be ideal for those people who love DIY activities that are supposed to be conducted inside the house.
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3. Varathane 368029 Less Mess Wood Stain
- Liquid Volume: 4 Fluid Ounces 2-in-1 wood stain and applicator is...
The use of Varathane Less Mess Wood Stain was quite a welcome change to the norm. The mess that traditional stains leave behind often has a way of making you contemplate your projects. This product is designed as a stain and applicator in one and this makes it very easy to use.
Yes, the sponge applicator does provide more precision but to start it up and get a good, steady flow going, you do have to press rather tightly. However, as one gets accustomed to the application, it runs quite smoothly. The rich Dark Walnut finish definitely adds a magnificent feel to the cedar grain.
One has to admit that it is great for relatively small jobs but may not be as useful in the larger areas. Walls are one of the most challenging surfaces to paint or to touch up. Altogether if you are dealing with crafts or small wooden products, this stain will make your work easier.
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4. Varathane 386449 Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain Spray
- Premium spray wood stain provides quick, even coverage on...
- Easy to use, oil-based spray stain is perfect for intricate...
- Complete projects 3X faster than traditional Varathane brush wood...
- Any-angle spray with comfort tip offers easy application in any...
- Fast dry wood stain spray reveals the true beauty of wood with...
The Varathane Premium Fast Dry Wood Stain in American Walnut has been an exciting project finish to many of your recent woodworking projects. Another advantage of using the product is that it comes in an aerosol form which helps make an application without messing up. You can see how fast it sets, impacting surfaces within a few minutes, and applying up to 40 square feet per can. This feature is convenient when working on several pieces of furniture or with projects that need a similar shade of finish.
After applying the product you can observe how it sticks well on the surface of the wood creating more grain patterns. The comfort tip makes it easy to hold it in return, making it easier to navigate through corners and detailed areas. While it is supposed to dry quickly, some consumers have noted that it takes longer under some circumstances which may have an impact on your project.
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5. Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer
- WATERPROOFING STAIN – Bring out the beauty of your outdoor wood...
- TRANSPARENT WOOD STAIN – This outdoor wood stain provides a...
- FADE RESISTANT FINISH – The advanced polymers in this outdoor...
- EASY TO USE – Whether you’re refinishing an existing fence or...
- EXCEEDS INDUSTRY STANDARDS – Thompson’s Waterproofing...
The Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer is the best product for creating the needed barrier for the wood and adding color and protection to the wooden structures outside the home. Meant for enduring protection, this product incorporates the science of water sealers together with the genuine wooden appearance. It claims to use one coat formulation that actually seeps deep into the threads of the wood and offering protection from water damage, mildew, UV exposure and more, especially perfect for decks, fences, ad outdoor furniture.
This stain and sealer is clear and will not hide the grain and color of the wood which is often an advantage. It advances polymers to ensure it does not absorb water leading to cracking and splitting over a certain period. This stain also has an extremely good UV protection feature which assists in preserving the look of the wood especially when exposed to too much sun. Thompson’s WaterSeal comes in several natural wood shades and can be brushed, rolled or sprayed and dries to a hard, fast finish.
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Considerations When Choosing Stains for Cedar Decks
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Whether you're staining a cedar decking, cedar siding, or any other cedar surface, having these considerations in mind will help you choose the right pick.
1. Type of Cedar Stains
The type of stain you'll use on your cedar deck, cedar siding, or other cedar surfaces affects the process you'll follow during application. There are two main types of cedar wood stains. These include oil-based and water-based cedar stains.
Let's look at these two in a bit more detail.
a) Oil-Based Cedar Stains
When looking for the best stain for cedar decks, you'll find that many of these are oil-based. Oil-based cedar stains are the typical way of staining cedar surfaces.
Most oil-based cedar stains protect the wood surfaces from Ultra-Violet (UV) rays, water damage, mildew, and mold.
Some advantages of oil-based cedar stains are that they are very preservative, deep penetrating, and durable.
b) Acrylic/Water-Based Cedar Stains
Water-based cedar stains are similar to oil-based ones, although they are more environmentally friendly and less toxic.
Therefore, consider acrylic cedar stains if you are into saving the environment and applying more eco-friendly options.
2. Presence of Discoloration
Another thing to look at is if there's any discoloration on the wood fibers. Check for any graying issues before you start applying the stain.
Another thing to consider is if the cedar has been previously stained. If you find any discoloration issues, try fixing them before applying the wood stain.
Applying something to prevent future discoloration will also help.
3. VOC-Compliance
VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. Some states ban the use of certain products because they are harmful.
VOC compliance measures how toxic certain products are. Therefore, if your cedar deck stain has these products, you may not be able to use them.
4. Protection Needed
What protection does your wood surface need before you apply the stain? This could be protection from UV rays, mildew, water, and more.
5. Transparency Level
Do you want to enjoy the great beauty of the wood, or do you want to see a different color? The answer to this will dictate what type of cedar stain you get.
For example, a solid-color stain covers the wood grain and changes the color of your cedar deck. On the other hand, semi-transparent stain leaves the natural beauty of the wood behind.
You can opt to use a durable solid color stain if you don't want to apply the best deck paint on your cedar.
Therefore, choose the right stain to allow you to enjoy your deck with your loved ones. You can even add some outdoor deck lighting for a better experience.
6. Type of Cedar
There are various types of cedars, and knowing what you're going to stain will allow you to choose the right pick. For example, cedar decks, cedar shingles, cedar fences, and more.
Now that we've considered what to look at when choosing the stain for you let's look at the supplies you need to get the job done well. After all, a man (or woman) is only as good as their tools.
Supplies to Use When Staining Cedar Surfaces
Using the right supplies will allow you to have a proper finish to your cedar deck and enjoy it for years to come.
So, what are these supplies?
1. Stain Applicator
You can use a staining block brush, paint roller, or a high volume less pressure (HVLP) paint sprayer to apply your wood stain. The good thing about the HVLP paint sprayer is that it produces a finer finish that will make your cedar deck the envy of your neighbors.
2. Masking Supplies
These allow you to protect the surfaces that don't need the deck stain. Some masking supplies you can use include drop cloths and masking tapes. Ensure you take measurements of the places you want to cover to protect them properly.
3. Cedar Deck Stain
This will be the pick you choose from the above list. After that, armed with the right stain and the knowledge of how to stain your cedar, there'll be no stopping you.
4. Sandpaper
Sanding the wood surface allows it to absorb the deck stain properly. It also helps remove any gross spots or rough edges on the cedar deck.
5. Cleaner
You can use a pressure washer or deck cleanse to clean the surface of your deck before you apply the wood stain.
6. Safety Essentials
Last but not least, we have the supplies you need the most. These protection supplies ensure that you can continue with your life well after you're done protecting your cedar deck and other cedar surfaces.
Some of these safety essentials include the following:
a) Safety Glasses
These are arguably the most important safety supplies to have. A good pair of safety glasses will protect your eyes from any wood stain splashes.
Wearing safety glasses also ensures that you still have your eyesight when you're done with your deck stains.
b) Respirator
A cotton mask will ensure that you don't breathe in any harmful fumes from the wood stains. You may be tempted to use deck stains without a mask, but try to resist that urge to avoid respiratory complications.
c) Leather Gloves/Nitrile Gloves
Nitrile gloves work wonders to protect your hands against oils. Therefore, if you are working with oil-based stains, consider getting a pair of these.
These gloves are also puncture-resistant and great if you have a latex allergy. Because they are made of synthetic rubber, these gloves are durable and won't tear like their latex counterparts.
Take-Away
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Have you found the best stain for cedar decks you want to use? We selected the best stains in the market that can be used for more than just your deck. This means that if you have cedar shingles, fences, or sidings, you'll still be able to use the product.
The two types of stains to consider include water-based and oil-based stains. You should also consider if you want the natural appearance of the wood to remain or if you want to paint over it. This will allow you to choose the right stain for you.
If you want to cover up the natural color of the cedar, consider a solid-color stain. Alternatively, if you want to see the natural color of the wood, get a semi-transparent stain.
Whether you are building your own deck and want to protect it or plan on staining an existing deck, one of these products we'll do a great job.
Featured Image Source: realcedar.com
