Behr (available at The Home Depot) is generally more affordable and accessible for DIYers, offering excellent coverage and value. Sherwin-Williams is preferred by professionals for superior long-term durability, thicker coverage, and UV resistance, though it comes at a higher price point.
The "best" wood stain depends entirely on your project. For fine indoor furniture and DIY, General Finishes and Minwax are the top choices. For heavy-duty outdoor decks and fences, industry experts consistently recommend Defy and Ready Seal.
Professional painters absolutely use Behr, though preferences vary. Many contractors favor it for its excellent hide and affordability, while others prefer dedicated stores like Sherwin-Williams or Benjamin Moore for their specific application properties and durability.
Consumer Reports' top-recommended deck stains are categorized by opaqueness, as solid stains offer the best durability.
This 100% acrylic formula seals out the elements, and sun's harmful UV rays, for up to 6 yrs. on decks and up to 8 yrs. on fences & siding. It's available in 60 custom colors to help you create a look that's as beautiful as it is durable.
Sherwin-Williams won big among paints, while Behr took home top honors among stains. But we also found other brands that are worth a look, especially if you're dealing with special conditions or have a tight budget.
Yes, Behr typically recommends applying two thin coats for most of their wood stains, including semi-transparent, solid, and penetrating formulas. The first coat primes and seals, while the second provides the necessary waterproofing barrier and uniform color.
There is no single "number one" deck stain, as the best choice depends on your climate, wood type, and desired look. However, industry reviews and independent tests generally point to TWP 100 Pro Series as the top oil-based stain, and DEFY Extreme Wood Stain as the top water-based pick.
Choosing between Cabot and Behr depends entirely on the type of finish you need and the prep work you are willing to do. Cabot is superior for penetrating oil-based stains, while Behr offers better value and durability for water-based solid stains.
The best time of year to stain a deck is late spring or early fall, when temperatures are consistently between 50°F and 90°F and the air is dry. During these seasons, you can avoid extreme summer heat that causes stain to dry too quickly, and winter cold that prevents proper penetration and curing.
Behr and Sherwin-Williams are not identical in quality. While Behr (sold exclusively at Home Depot) is highly rated for DIY convenience and value, Sherwin-Williams is widely considered the gold standard by professionals due to its superior resin technology, better coverage, and long-term durability in high-traffic areas.
BEHR® IS RATED HIGHLY BY CONSUMER REPORTS.
Behr offers a balanced, affordable option for DIYers, while PPG Paints provides solid solutions at a mid-range price. Ultimately, selecting the right brand ensures a beautiful, long-lasting finish for your project.
For interior furniture and flooring, Dark Walnut and Espresso are the most popular stains, favored for their rich, moody, and grounded feel. For a lighter, more airy aesthetic, Natural Oak and Weathered Gray are highly sought after.
Neither is universally better; the choice depends on your project's shape and the type of stain you are using. Rags are ideal for wiping on fast, even color across large, flat surfaces, while brushes are necessary for pushing stain into tight corners, carvings, and wood grain.
Joanna Gaines uses her own signature Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® Water-Based Wood Stain, produced in partnership with KILZ. This low-odor, fast-drying acrylic formula is available in 12 curated, earthy colors hand-picked by Joanna herself, such as "Woodsy Escape" and "Fairgrounds."
Choosing between Sherwin-Williams and Behr for wood stains comes down to your project type, budget, and application method. Behr excels in budget-friendly, readily available DIY solid and semi-transparent stains. Sherwin-Williams dominates in durability, long-term wear, and penetrating oil-based formulas.
Behr stain is a popular, budget-friendly choice that performs very well for solid-color applications and DIY projects, but it falls short for professionals or those seeking deep, long-lasting penetration for natural wood grain.
Behr Paint Company is one of the largest subsidiaries of Masco Corporation, with locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Chile, and India.
Solid (opaque) stains last the longest on a deck, typically lasting 3 to 5 years (and up to 7-10 years on vertical surfaces). Because they contain high levels of pigment, they block the sun's damaging UV rays, but they hide the natural wood grain and can peel over time.
There is no hard rule, but the general design consensus is that decks should contrast with your house rather than matching it perfectly. Whether it should be darker or lighter depends entirely on the color of your home and your practical needs.
Whether Cabot or Behr is better depends entirely on the type of stain you need and how you plan to apply it. Cabot is preferred for natural, oil-based, and penetrating finishes, while Behr excels in thick, solid, water-based acrylics.
Two thin coats recommended. 1-2 hours before recoat. Wait 24-48 hours before light foot traffic. 72 hours for full cure.
The Behr DeckOver lawsuit was a series of nationwide class-action lawsuits filed in 2017 against Behr Process Corporation and The Home Depot. It alleged that the premium "DeckOver" resurfacing product was defective, falsely advertised, and prematurely peeled, cracked, and bubbled shortly after application, causing significant property damage.
The most common staining mistakes ruin color consistency and adherence. Common errors include skipping surface preparation (like sanding or cleaning off dust), failing to wipe away excess stain before it dries, mixing incompatible oil and water-based products, and ignoring the wood's natural porosity.