How to Choose the Best Deck Finish

A wood deck is only as good as its finish. The right sealant protects your deck from moisture, UV rays, and fading while also bringing out the wood’s natural beauty. Here are some of the best pool decking options for your backyard. And even then, your deck will likely need to be refinished every three to five years. So, with an entire aisle devoted to deck finishing products at the home center, how do you decide which is best? We’re sharing advice on how to choose between oil or water-based deck coating and how to make it last as long as possible.

How to Decide the Best Finish to Put on a Deck

The steps involved with using oil based vs. water-based wood deck finishes, and the maintenance required, will help drive your decision. Manufacturers’ claims about how long a finish lasts should be taken with a grain of salt; the life span of even the best deck finish on wood that’s exposed to the elements is unpredictable. As you choose a deck finish, keep these facts in mind:

Oil-based deck finish

According to deck stain expert Scott Paul, applying oil-based finishes requires more skill, but the results might be worth the effort. “Oil-based products are difficult to use for the majority of DIYers today. Even so, they can effectively enhance the natural appearance of wood, protect against moisture, and prevent mold and mildew growth,” says Paul.

• Slower drying time.
• Penetrates the wood and doesn’t form a film.
• The wide temperature parameters for application let you apply it earlier or later in the season than water-based wood deck finishes.
• Doesn’t crack or peel.
• You can refinish just a small area.
• Regular cleaning is recommended.

Water-based deck finish

Unlike oil-based finishes, water-based products don’t contain any volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—making them safer for you and the environment. “Water-based stains are easier for novices to use, eco-friendly, and easy to clean with soap and water,” says Paul, “Unlike oil-based stains that often take 4 to 12 hours to dry, many water-based options dry in only 2 hours.”

• Dries fast.
• Forms a protective film.
• Might crack and peel over time.
• Must be completely removed before refinishing.

No finish

• Use pressure-treated lumber or a rot-resistant species such as cedar or redwood.
• No refinishing or the accompanying prep work required.
• Requires periodic cleaning as needed.
• Boards will weather to a silver/gray patina.
• With good airflow, the deck will last for decades.

If you’ve had a deck for more than a couple years, chances are it’ll need some work. After all, it spends 365 days a year exposed to the elements. Check out these tips for repairing, updating and maximizing your deck.

Deck finish prep work is everything

“Properly preparing your deck is essential for achieving a durable and professional-looking stain application,” says Paul. When it’s time to refinish, the first step is cleaning. Pressure washing can loosen the wood fibers and hasten the breakdown of the wood, so don’t do it unless you’re experienced with the proper pressure and angles for cleaning wood. Deck cleaners and scrub brushes are a much safer option.

After a thorough cleaning, you might need to apply a deck stripper to remove the old finish. “Deck stain strippers are designed to remove old coatings like clear sealers, transparent stains, and some semi-transparent stains. They are ineffective against solid stains, paints, or varnish coatings,” says Paul. For those, you’ll need a paint stripper.

If you’re lucky, you might be able to apply new finish without removing the old coating. You can apply an oil deck finish over an old oil finish with minimal prep and expect good results. But if the old deck finish is water-based and you haven’t thoroughly removed it before applying an oil-based finish, the penetration of the oil-based finish will be blotchy.

Deciding Deck Refinishing: Water or Oil-Based

If you don’t know whether the old deck finish is water- or oil-based, here’s how to tell:

• If the old finish absorbs water and isn’t peeling or cracking, it’s most likely oil-based. In this case, use a deck cleaner with a scrub brush to clean the surface. Apply your new finish according to the directions on the can.
• If the old deck finish is cracking or peeling and/or doesn’t absorb water, it’s likely water-based. To remove water-based wood deck finishes, you’ll need to use paint stripper as well as a fair degree of sanding before applying your new finish.
• For a new deck that’s never been finished, wait a year before applying even the best deck finish. During the waiting period, clean with a deck cleaner and a scrub brush at three to six months, and then again right before finishing.

About the Expert

Scott Paul has over 30 years of experience in the field of pressure washing and deck maintenance. He operates numerous deck stain ecommerce sites, including DeckStainHelp.com. Over the years, Scott has used and sold enough decking and wood stain to cover over 100 million square feet. In the past 10 years alone he has helped over 30,000 contributors on his sites with their wood restoration questions and concerns.