Darker color decks tend to show a lot less wear and tear, and can be much easier to clean. Anything that's a lighter color, such as very light brown or light gray, is going to show dirt more and will need cleaned more often.
Wood Stain Colors For Decks
The richness of a dark brown like Mahogany adds elegance and depth while a lighter brown like Cedar is perfect for casual areas as it adds light and openness. Some browns can be almost black like Ebony, bringing in a modern, urban vibe suitable for decks in city homes.
Is a dark or light deck better? "It depends on your personal preference and the surrounding environment,” Carmen says. “Dark colors can create a cozy and intimate feel, while light colors can make a small space feel larger and more open."
Newer decks built with pressure-treated lumber should choose a light-colored wood stain because once you go dark with stain you cannot go back. Older decks, however, should choose something a little bit more of a punch of color to help hide imperfections.
Browns, whites, and natural tones are great colors for decks on traditional-style homes. This traditional-style porch uses earth tones and a farmhouse interior with wood and stone (click here to view more photos of this project). The contemporary style blends modern and traditional styles.
Gray Shades: Yosemite's deep slate gray can also be effective at hiding dirt, especially in shaded areas where dirt might be less noticeable. The neutral color can help disguise dust and small stains, making it a practical choice for busy outdoor spaces.
Many people don't realize that early spring and summer are not the best time to apply stain to a deck. Wood absorbs humidity and accepts new treatments best when it's dry, so staining too early in the spring may lead to peeling or cracking.
When In Doubt, Always Go Lighter and Use Bronzer. If you're stuck between the lighter and the darker shade, it's much easier to create a darker-looking complexion with the help of bronzer than it is to lighten up a darker hue. Bronzer offers definition and dimension to a lighter foundation.
Avoid applying in direct sunlight. Don't apply stain if rain is in the forecast over the next 12—24 hours. Test a small area first and let it dry to make sure you're pleased with the result. If you're covering a large area and using multiple gallons, mix them together to ensure color consistency.
Brushing is ideal for smaller areas and hard-to-reach spots, while rolling is better for larger decks and flat surfaces. Brushing produces a smoother finish, while rolling can leave behind a rough texture on the deck's surface if not done correctly.
Two Coats Recommended: Most manufacturers suggest applying two coats for optimal protection and appearance. Drying Time Matters: Wait at least 4 hours between coats and 24 hours before using the deck. Avoid Over-Application: Too much stain can lead to poor adhesion, peeling, and uneven color.
Consumer Reports just tested 76 products under tough conditions that accelerate the effects of the elements, from spring showers to summer sun to the sleet and snow that can torment siding and decks in colder months. Sherwin-Williams won big among paints, while Behr took home top honors among stains.
In some cases, your deck's previous coat of stain will begin to fade and peel from the surface, in which case it's best to remove it before applying a new coat. Other times, however, the old stain will stay put even if it's been there for several years.
For 2024, Benjamin Moore's “Fresh Brew” has emerged as the leading solid stain color, chosen for its deep, earthy tone that provides a clean and contemporary look.
Many homeowners and even some professional painting companies skip the deck sanding step when re-staining a deck. However, sanding the deck is crucial for several reasons: Improves Adhesion: Sanding roughens the surface of the wood, allowing the new stain to embed deeper and adhere better.
Darker Color Stains Will Last Longer
The more pigment in the stain formula, the more it will protect against sun damage. For example, a completely clear wood stain will provide no UV protection at all. A heavily pigmented stain will provide a lot of UV protection.
If the deck is made with pressure-treated woods, the stain will adhere better than paint. If pressure-treated woods are used, stain seeps into the deck, becoming a part of the deck rather than an added layer, which means that it won't chip, crack or flake.
The most popular stain color for decks generally depends on the type of deck wood and the overall aesthetic of the surroundings. However, some universally appealing choices include natural wood tones like cedar, redwood, and walnut.
The Superdeck deck stain scored well in this category. At the 2-year mark, nearly 80% of the original color was still intact in full sun exposure. Superdeck stain showed no signs of peeling, although some signs of wear were in the high-traffic areas.
The easiest car colors to keep clean are white, gray, silver and blue. They're easier to keep clean because they don't show dirt as easily as other car colors.
What is the Best Material to Put Under a Deck? In general, gravel is the best material to use under a raised deck. While a little more expensive than some other options, it provides the most benefits.