Finishes, Sealers & Stains
Six deck staining products compared on published coverage, size and formula type, with a clear winner, a 5-gallon alternative for big decks, and honest notes on what two of these picks are not.
Finishes, Sealers & Stains
Six semi-transparent stains lined up by size, coat count, and finish. The winner is a water-based gallon that goes on damp wood, plus the 5-gallon picks worth buying when the deck is big.
Finishes, Sealers & Stains
Seven deck stains ranked for homes with white siding, from a 1-gallon solid white sealer combo to a 1-quart pickling wash. What each finish does, who it suits, and where it falls short.
Finishes, Sealers & Stains
A ranked comparison of six exterior wood stains suitable for cedar decking, with the deciding criterion named early and the trade-offs spelled out.
Finishes, Sealers & Stains
A clear-eyed comparison of six clear deck sealers, ranked by what actually keeps a deck dry, unfaded and easy to recoat next spring.
Finishes, Sealers & Stains
Five wood deck stains compared by coverage, drytime and body, with a clear winner for weathered boards and a runner-up when you want water cleanup.
Finishes, Sealers & Stains
Six solid and semi-transparent deck stains compared by color, coverage and finish. Which shade holds up, which hides age, and where the money actually goes.
Finishes, Sealers & Stains
Five exterior wood stains compared by coverage, dry time and finish. One gallon for a deck, a half pint for a railing, and the pick that flips between them.
Finishes, Sealers & Stains
A ranked shortlist of six deck stain and seal products, matched to real decks, real timber, and real weather. The winner covers a full weekend project in one pail.