The best decking stain will subtly colour and protect your deck for years to come. This summer of all summers, you'll want your deck to be spick and span – and a decking stain will help you do that while enhancing the natural beauty of the wood.
A decking stain is the product you need if you want just a little bit of depth added to the colour of your deck, although some stains will give a richer colour than others. Decking stains also help protect and nourish your wood, prolonging its life span. And with some of our choices having a drying time of as little as one hour, it is the perfect weekend garden update. Keep reading for our top picks.
Find the the best decking paints if you want a bolder look.
The best decking stains
1. Ronseal Ultimate Protection Decking Stain
Best water-based decking stain: this stain’s water base and low VOC content make it one of our friendliest options
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This water-based decking stain from Ronseal is designed to penetrate deeper into the wood than others, making for better adhesion and, as it says on the tin, ultimate protection. Its low-odour formula and low VOC content make it a good option if you’re worried about inhaling fumes, and reviewers found it was really easy to apply. So far, so user-friendly, but users also say it performs well once applied too, earning rave reviews for its elegant translucent finish and hardiness. So, that’s all the boxes ticked.
2. Sikkens Cetol HLS Plus Translucent Woodstain
Best durable decking stain: beautifully glossy and lasting an age, this is our best deck stain for a durable finish
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Whether used as a base stain or a top coat, users say this Sikkens wood stain more than earns its near-legendary status among decking devotees. They say it sinks in quickly and forms a solid foundation as a base, and leaves a wonderful glossy finish, as well as a water-repellent, anti-mould, anti-algae and UV-resistant protective layer as a top coat. Best of all, perhaps, reviewers found it lasted an age, with one homeowner who lived in an exposed location claiming it only needed re-coating an astounding seven years after the initial staining. For its proven hardiness, it looks to be a great bet for high-traffic areas and variable weather.
3. Cuprinol Anti-Slip Decking Stain
Best anti-slip decking stain: stop sliding with this grippy, non-slippy deck stain
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While the effect this semi-transparent deck stain gives is an undeniably elegant one, make no mistake – it’s made of tough stuff. The anti-slip formula is ideal for decking that sees a lot of foot traffic, especially from fast-moving children and pets who could get into scrapes, but it does double duty as a hard-as-nails durable layer too. The double-action formula of anti-slip microbeads and algicide keep things grippy while preventing the formation of unsightly mould, and protects against weathering and scuffs too. A great choice for busy gardens.
4. Ronseal Decking Stain
Best all-in-one decking stain: whether hardwood or softwood, get it all done in one with this Ronseal deck stain
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This decking stain, another showing from big brand Ronseal, colours, waterproofs and protects decking in one step, making it a great choice for the time-starved DIYer. Just like our previous pick, it comes highly recommended for busy households that see a lot of foot traffic thanks to its scuff-resistant finish and impressive 90-minute rainproofing. As well as surviving adverse weather with its UV filters and inbuilt resistance to cracking, peeling and blistering, like all the best stains, it’s tough yet beautiful, with a matte finish that leaves decking looking even, bright and perfected.
5. Johnstone's Woodcare Stain For Decking
Best anti-mould decking stain: stop growing nasties in their tracks with this anti-mould deck stain
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Nothing looks worse on an otherwise beautiful deck than rapidly growing mould, algae or fungus. Luckily, this stain from Johnstone’s Woodcare sees them all off at the first sign of trouble, offering prevention in the form of a tough water-repellent formula, which means there won’t be an attractive place for micro organisms to settle. This clever formula is also said to resist peeling, blistering and cracking, and throws three years of protection and a quick dry time into the finish, so you can get to enjoying your deck sooner rather than later.
How to buy the best decking stain
Quick links to buy the best decking stains
The finished effect
Not all deck stains are created equal, and there are a few formulas and finishes to choose from based on the effect you’re after. In terms of looks, a translucent deck stain is an option for those who want to let the natural grain of the wood shine through, while those after a more deliberately painted look should opt for a solid finish.
Water- or oil-based?
The other choice is whether to go for a water-based or oil-based decking stain; both do a good job of locking out damaging water and UV rays, but water-based has the slight edge on eco-friendliness, so that’s something to consider. Our top water-based decking stain overall is (again) , which testers found easy to apply, and which dried to a wonderful translucent finish that stood up to harsh weather and footfall.
What is the best decking stain?
The best decking stain you can buy is the , in our opinion. It's available in over 13 different colours, dries within 90 minutes and the formula is low-odour and low-VOC. What more could you want? Read on to find out more.
- For more garden ideas, go to our ultimate gallery.
More ways to makeover your garden:
- In need of inspiration? Get 15 amazing decking ideas
- Top off your decking with our pick of the best wooden outdoor furniture
- Why not treat that just-stained decking to a new gas BBQ just in time for summer?