Choosing the best stain for a cedar deck protects wood and keeps its natural beauty. The right stain guards against weather and fading.
Cedar decks need special care to stay strong and look great. Using a quality stain helps prevent water damage, sun damage, and mildew. Some stains add color while letting the wood grain show. Others offer clear protection without changing the wood’s look.
Water-based stains dry faster and clean up easily. Oil-based stains soak deeper for long-lasting protection. Popular options include Ready Seal 112 Natural Cedar, Flood FLD520 Cedar CWF-UV, and PPG ProLuxe SRD Wood Finish. Each stain suits different needs for durability, appearance, and ease of use. Choosing the correct stain improves your deck’s life and keeps it inviting for years.
Top 6 Best Stains for A Cedar Deck Reviewed by Expert!
Ready Seal Natural Cedar Exterior Stain And Sealer For Wood
Our Rating: 9.9/10
The 1-gal Ready Seal 112 Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer For Wood is ideal for homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and professional contractors looking to protect and enhance the natural beauty of their wooden outdoor surfaces. If you want a product that provides a durable finish while maintaining the wood’s natural appearance without the hassle of primer or back brushing, this stain and sealer is a perfect choice.
Pros:
- Easy to apply with no primer or back brushing required
- Provides excellent protection against weather, UV rays, and moisture
- Enhances the natural beauty of wood with a rich, natural cedar color
- Penetrates deeply to seal and protect wood from the inside out
- Dries quickly to a smooth, durable finish
Cons:
- Only available in a natural cedar color, limiting color options
- May require reapplication every few years depending on exposure
The Ready Seal 112 Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer combines a unique formula that both stains and seals wood in one step, simplifying the finishing process. Its ability to penetrate deeply into the wood fibers protects against moisture damage and prevents cracking and peeling over time. This results in a longer lifespan for decks, fences, and other exterior wood surfaces, saving you time and maintenance effort.
Additionally, the stain’s quick-drying properties mean you can complete your project faster without compromising on quality. The natural cedar color enriches the wood’s grain, giving it a warm, inviting look that enhances curb appeal. Because it requires no primer or back brushing, this product is user-friendly for those new to wood staining as well as seasoned professionals.
Saversystems #1 Deck Premium Semi-transparent Outdoor Wood Stain And Sealer
Our Rating: 9.8/10
The SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Outdoor Wood Stain and Sealer in One is ideal for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts looking to protect and enhance their outdoor wooden surfaces such as decks, fences, and siding. If you want a durable, easy-to-apply, and water-based wood stain that combines both staining and sealing properties, this product is perfect for you, especially for those who prefer a natural cedar finish.
Pros:
- Combines staining and sealing in one product, saving time and effort
- Water-based formula ensures easy cleanup and low odor
- Semi-transparent finish enhances the natural beauty of wood while providing UV protection
- Durable protection against weather elements, extending the life of outdoor wood
- Suitable for various wood surfaces including decks, fences, and siding
Cons:
- May require multiple coats for deeper color or added protection
- Not recommended for use on floors with heavy foot traffic
- Color options are limited, with this product specifically available in cedar
The SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Outdoor Wood Stain and Sealer is designed with a water-based formula that makes it easy to apply and clean up, appealing to both beginners and experienced users. Its semi-transparent nature allows the natural grain and texture of the wood to show through, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor spaces. The inclusion of both stain and sealer in one product reduces the need for multiple treatments, providing convenience and saving valuable time.
Beyond aesthetics, this product offers robust protection against harsh weather conditions, including UV rays, rain, and snow, which helps prevent wood from cracking, peeling, or fading over time. The cedar color option adds a warm, natural tone that complements many outdoor environments. Overall, this stain and sealer combination is an excellent choice for anyone seeking long-lasting beauty and protection for their wooden decks, fences, or siding.
Flood Cedar Exterior Clear Wood Finish
Our Rating: 9.7/10
The 1 gal Flood FLD520 Cedar CWF-UV Exterior Clear Wood Finish is ideal for homeowners, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts looking to protect and enhance the natural beauty of their outdoor wooden surfaces. If you want a durable, UV-resistant finish that preserves the rich tones of cedar and other exterior woods, this product is a perfect choice. It is especially suitable for decks, fences, siding, and outdoor furniture that require long-lasting protection against weather elements.
Pros:
- Provides excellent UV protection to prevent wood fading and discoloration.
- Clear wood finish that enhances the natural cedar color without hiding the grain.
- Manufactured by Flood, a trusted brand known for quality exterior wood finishes.
- Easy to apply with a brush, roller, or sprayer for even coverage.
- Dimensions of the container (7.75″ H x 7.5″ W x 6.65″ L) make it convenient for storage and handling.
Cons:
- Requires proper surface preparation and maintenance for optimal performance.
- May need reapplication every few years to maintain protection and appearance.
- Not suitable for interior wood surfaces or floors.
The 1 gal Flood FLD520 Cedar CWF-UV Exterior Clear Wood Finish stands out for its ability to penetrate deeply into the wood, creating a protective barrier that resists moisture and sun damage. This helps extend the lifespan of outdoor wood surfaces by preventing cracking, peeling, and warping caused by exposure to harsh weather. The clear finish allows the natural cedar color to shine through, preserving the wood’s authentic look while adding a subtle enhancement.
Additionally, this exterior wood finish is designed to be easy to apply and quick to dry, making your staining projects more efficient and less time-consuming. Its formulation ensures that the wood remains breathable, reducing the risk of trapped moisture and subsequent damage. Overall, this product offers a reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution for maintaining the beauty and durability of your exterior wooden structures.
Flood/ppg Architectural Fin Fld566-01
Our Rating: 9.6/10
The FLOOD/PPG ARCHITECTURAL FIN FLD566-01 Gallon UV5 Cedar Wood Finish is ideal for homeowners, contractors, and woodworkers looking to enhance and protect outdoor wooden surfaces with a natural, rich cedar tone. If you want a durable, UV-resistant finish that brings out the beauty of your wood while shielding it from weather damage, this product is an excellent choice. It’s especially suited for decks, fences, siding, and other exterior wood structures.
Pros:
- Provides a rich, natural cedar wood color enhancing wood aesthetics
- UV5 technology offers superior protection against sun damage and fading
- Durable and weather-resistant finish extends the life of wood surfaces
- Easy application with smooth coverage and quick drying time
- Comes in a convenient 1-gallon size, perfect for multiple projects
Cons:
- Requires proper surface preparation for best results
- May need reapplication every few years to maintain protection
- The weight of 8.65 pounds might be cumbersome for some users during handling
The FLOOD/PPG ARCHITECTURAL FIN FLD566-01 features advanced UV5 protection, which is designed to shield your wood surfaces from harmful ultraviolet rays, significantly reducing fading and weathering. This means your deck, fence, or siding retains its attractive cedar color for longer periods, maintaining curb appeal and value. The product’s formula penetrates deeply into the wood, offering not just surface protection but also enhancing the wood’s natural grain and texture.
Additionally, this wood finish is crafted by Standard Plumbing Supply and delivers a smooth, even application thanks to its ideal consistency. Its dimensions and packaging make it easy to store and handle for any size project. Whether you are refreshing an old deck or finishing new woodwork, the FLOOD/PPG product provides long-lasting durability, weather resistance, and a beautiful finish that makes your outdoor spaces stand out year-round.
Ppg Proluxe Srd Wood Finish
Our Rating: 9.5/10
The PPG ProLuxe SRD Wood Finish, 1 Gallon, 078 Natural is ideal for professional woodworkers, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts seeking a high-quality, transparent wood finish that enhances natural wood beauty while providing durable protection. If you want a reliable product to preserve and showcase the grain and texture of your wood projects, this finish is a perfect choice.
Pros:
- Provides a rich, transparent natural color that highlights wood grain.
- Durable protection against moisture and wear for long-lasting results.
- Easy to apply with smooth, even coverage.
- Produced by trusted brands Sikkens and ProLuxe.
- Comes in a convenient 1-gallon size suitable for large projects.
Cons:
- Requires proper ventilation during application due to strong odor.
- May need multiple coats for optimal protection and finish.
- Not suitable for non-wood surfaces.
The PPG ProLuxe SRD Wood Finish offers a premium transparent finish that penetrates deeply into wood surfaces, enhancing the natural color and grain while protecting against damage. Its formulation ensures that wood maintains its original beauty without yellowing or clouding over time. This makes it especially beneficial for hardwood floors, furniture, and cabinetry that require both aesthetic appeal and durability.
Additionally, the finish is designed for ease of use, allowing for smooth application with brushes or sprayers, reducing labor time and effort. Its protective qualities help resist moisture, stains, and everyday wear, extending the lifespan of wood surfaces and maintaining their appearance. Overall, this wood finish combines quality, protection, and aesthetic enhancement, making it a valuable addition to any woodworking project.
Old Masters Wiping Stain
Our Rating: 9.4/10
The Old Masters 11916 Wiping Stain, Cedar is ideal for DIY enthusiasts, professional woodworkers, and anyone looking to enhance the natural beauty of their wooden surfaces with a rich, warm finish. If you want a reliable stain that offers both aesthetic appeal and ease of application, this product is a perfect choice.
Pros:
- Provides a deep, natural cedar color that enhances wood grain
- Easy to apply with a wiping method for smooth, even coverage
- Compact dimensions and manageable weight for convenient handling
- Produced by the trusted Old Masters brand, ensuring quality
Cons:
- Limited to the cedar color, which may not suit all project preferences
- Requires proper ventilation during application due to solvent content
- May need multiple coats for deeper or more uniform color
The Old Masters 11916 Wiping Stain delivers a beautiful cedar finish that penetrates wood surfaces to highlight the natural grain and texture. Its wiping application allows users to control the intensity of the stain easily, making it suitable for both delicate projects and larger furniture pieces. This ease of use benefits professionals and beginners alike by reducing mess and ensuring consistent results.
Crafted by Old Masters, a brand known for quality wood finishing products, this stain comes in a compact container with dimensions of 3.0 inches in height and 2.88 inches in width and length, weighing just over 4 pounds. This makes it easy to store and transport, ideal for workshop or on-site use. Overall, this product combines convenience with professional-grade results, enhancing any wood project with a warm and inviting cedar tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Stain For Cedar Decks?
The best stain for cedar decks depends on your needs. Ready Seal 112 and SaverSystems #1 Deck offer excellent protection and color. They both enhance the natural beauty of cedar wood. Consider the desired finish, ease of application, and weather conditions when choosing the right stain.
How Do I Apply Cedar Deck Stain?
Applying cedar deck stain is straightforward. Clean the deck thoroughly and allow it to dry. Use a brush, roller, or sprayer to apply the stain evenly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time. Ensure even coverage for the best results and reapply every few years to maintain the deck.
How Long Does Cedar Deck Stain Last?
Cedar deck stain longevity varies based on product and conditions. Ready Seal 112 and SaverSystems #1 Deck can last 2-3 years. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and reapplication, extends lifespan. Sun exposure and weather conditions can also affect how long the stain remains effective.
Can I Use Water-based Stain On Cedar?
Yes, water-based stains work well on cedar. SaverSystems #1 Deck is a popular choice. Water-based stains are easy to apply and clean up. They penetrate well and enhance the wood’s natural grain. They are also environmentally friendly and provide excellent protection against the elements.
How To Maintain A Cedar Deck After Staining?
Maintain a cedar deck by cleaning it regularly and reapplying stain every few years. Remove debris and dirt with a gentle cleaner. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can strip the stain. Periodically inspect for any damage and address issues promptly to extend the deck’s lifespan.
Conclusion
Choosing the best stain for your cedar deck helps protect and enhance its natural beauty. Products like Ready Seal 112 and Flood FLD520 offer strong protection against weather damage. Semi-transparent stains work well to keep the wood looking natural while blocking harmful UV rays.
Clear finishes like Flood FLD566-01 bring out the wood’s rich color without hiding its grain. Old Masters Wiping Stain adds a smooth, even coat for a polished look. Remember to pick a stain that matches your climate and the deck’s exposure to sun and rain.
Regular maintenance with the right product keeps your cedar deck looking fresh for years. A good stain not only improves appearance but also extends the wood’s life. Take time to apply it carefully for the best results. Your cedar deck will thank you with lasting beauty and strength.