2024 Behr Deck Stains Expert Reviewed: Are They Good? (2024)

This post was updated on May 1, 2024

Best Behr Deck Stains in 2024: Reviewed by an Expert

2024 Behr Deck Stains Expert Reviewed: Are They Good? (1)2024 Behr Deck Stains Expert Reviewed: Are They Good? (2)We would love to hear from you if you have used theBehr Deck Stain on your wood or deck. Please post a rating in the Consumer Star Ratings below. Behr Deck Stain Stains consumer reviews below have shown issues with the application, drying unevenly, and peeling. We encourage you to read all the comment reviews below.

If you have any pictures of your experience with Behr Deck Stain, you can add them in the comment area with a detailed description.

Note: See here if you need to remove the Behr Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain.

Behr Stain Opacity Issues Recently: Behr essentially lies about the opacity of its stains. Their “semi-transparent” colors do not show wood grain properly and look more like semi-solid or even fully opaque colors. This makes the wood look more like solid paint and makes removing of the stain, when it peels, extremely difficult.

See the pics below that show these opacity issues.

BEHR’s Premium semi-transparent wood stain offers a 100% acrylic formula that penetrates into thewood to deliver complete protection from the elements on decks, fences, and siding. The silicone-fortified formula protects from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Behr’s Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain is available in 83 custom colors allowing the natural wood grain to show through.

Behr Wood Deck Stain Rating (1-10)

Appearance After Initial Stain Application: 2

– Behr’s Premium Deck Stain is a 100% acrylic stain which means it is a water-based product. We found that the stain does not penetrate into the wood as promised in its description. The product had the look of a semi-solid stain, not a semi-transparent stain. 80-90% of the wood grain was masked by the heavy pigment. A good way to describe the finished appearance is to compare Behr Deck Stain to a watered-down paint. The Cedar color we choose was much darker/redder than other brands.

Preventing UV Graying at 2 Year Mark: 7

– Behr Deck Stain performed well in the areas where the stain was still on the surface of the deck after the 2 years of testing.

Wear/Tear and Peeling: 3

– One of the worst stains that we have ever tested! The Behr Deck Stain had peeled on 80% of the decking surface. This stain seemed to offer little to no protection on the flooring after the 2 years. The railings did hold up much better.

Cost Per Square Foot: 5

– Behr Premium Deck Stain costs $39 per gallon. The manufacturer stated 250-350 square feet per gallon when actual coverage was less than 150 feet per gallon. We used 20 gallons for the 1200 square foot deck translating to a per square foot price of $.67 per foot.

Preventing Mold/Mildew/Algae: 8

– As expected with a water-based stain, Behr had no mold or mildew on top or growing in the stain. Small amounts of algae were present along the perimeter of the home.

Ease of Application: 1

– Nothing positive to say here. We tried applying for manufacturer directions with horrible results. Behr suggests applying with a pump sprayer and back brushing with a pad applicator. The problem is the stain does not apply evenly or at all with a sprayer. We switched to a pad applicator but still had horrendous results with ease of application. It was next to impossible to achieve an even finished appearance with the Behr Stain.

Color Shifting(darkening) after 2 Years: 7

– Behr Deck Stain retained close to 90% of its original color after 2 years. No noticeable darkening and the railings looked like they had not changed at all in appearance.

Difficulty of Reapplication: 4

– The Behr Deck Stain would be difficult to fix. Since the stain failed so badly we would suggest a professional cleaning with a stain stripper and possibly sanding of the entire surface.

Overall Score Behr Premium Wood Stain at 2 Year Period: 4.625

– Behr Premium Deck Stain gets our lowest score to date of all deck stains tested. The initial appearance, application, and peeling making Behr Decking Stain a poor choice for any exterior wood restoration project.

Buyer Beware!

Product Information:

Behr Deck Stain Home Depot

Where To Buy: Home Depot
Cost: $42.99 per Gallon, $214.99 per 5 Gallon Pail
Stain Type: Premium Semi-Transparent – Water Based
Available Colors: 83 mixed colors
Application Temperature: 40-90 F
Coats Required: 2 Coats
Coverage Per Gallon: 125-150 sq. ft in field tests
Application Tools: Sprayer, Pad, Brush, Roller
Dry Time: 24-48 Hours
Cleanup: Soap and Water
VOC Compliant: 250 Compliant in all States
More Info: Product Data
Manufacturer: Behr

Test Deck Stats:

Deck Wood Type: Pressure Treated Pine
Deck Square Footage: 1200 Square Feet
UV Exposure: Partial Sun
How Many Years Tested: 2 Years
Stain Color Used:
Cedar

BEHR Semi-Transparent Deck Stain Photos

2024 Behr Deck Stains Expert Reviewed: Are They Good? (3)
2024 Behr Deck Stains Expert Reviewed: Are They Good? (4)
2024 Behr Deck Stains Expert Reviewed: Are They Good? (5)
2024 Behr Deck Stains Expert Reviewed: Are They Good? (6)
2024 Behr Deck Stains Expert Reviewed: Are They Good? (7)
2024 Behr Deck Stains Expert Reviewed: Are They Good? (8)
2024 Behr Deck Stains Expert Reviewed: Are They Good? (9)

*All products tested and results are from our hands-on experience. We offer no guarantee of similar results. Take into consideration that results may differ widely due to different wood types, exposure to UV radiation, and natural weathering.

BEHR Semi-Transparent Deck Stain

2024 Behr Deck Stains Expert Reviewed: Are They Good? (10)

Please Rate This. You may also post comments or ask questions below.

2024 Behr Deck Stains Expert Reviewed: Are They Good? (11)

Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993Owner

As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior wood and deck restoration. Scott and his Deck Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 decks in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the deck restoration industry and has contributed to numerous wood restoration forums and informative sites. All the products he suggests through this site are sold through online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them.

See Full Bio

2024 Behr Deck Stains Expert Reviewed: Are They Good? (12)2024 Behr Deck Stains Expert Reviewed: Are They Good? (13)2024 Behr Deck Stains Expert Reviewed: Are They Good? (14)

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2024 Behr Deck Stains Expert Reviewed: Are They Good? (2024)

FAQs

Is BEHR or Sherwin Williams deck stain better? ›

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.

How long does BEHR deck stain last? ›

Protect and beautify with BEHR PREMIUM Solid Color Waterproofing All-In-One Wood Stain & Sealer. This 100% acrylic formula seals out the elements, and the sun's harmful UV rays, for up to 10 yrs. on decks and up to 25 yrs. on fences and siding.

Why is my BEHR deck stain peeling? ›

Deck stains will generally peel for two basic reasons: over application and poor adhesion. This is simple — too much stain on the surface of the wood. With deck stains, specifically with semi-transparent finishes, more is not better. You only want to apply as much product as the wood can easily absorb.

Does Behr stain require two coats? ›

Apply product end-to-end or to board lengths to prevent lap marks. Over application of stain will lead to surface failure including peeling and cracking. AVOID APPLYING STAIN TOO HEAVILY. TWO THIN COATS REQUIRED.

Is it better to stain a deck light or dark? ›

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.

Is oil or water-based deck stain better? ›

Penetrate Deeply

As a result, wood stains that contain oil have been proven to be longer-lasting and possess higher durability than those consisting of only water.

What deck stain will not peel? ›

The benefits of transparent stains are: The natural beauty of the wood can shine through. It soaks into the wood, so it's not as slippery as a solid stain. Transparent stains won't crack or peel, so the deck won't show wear easily.

Can you put too much stain on a deck? ›

Over-applying stains to your deck can lead to a sticky or tacky surface. Caked-up stains can cause many issues, including poor adhesion, bubbling, and peeling. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper application techniques and coverage rates to avoid these issues.

Is Behr stain water or oil based? ›

Durable Oil-Based and Water-Based Wood Stains | Behr.

How many coats of stain should you put on a deck? ›

Apply solid stains in thin coats and semi-transparent stains or clear sealers in even thinner coats. This prevents puddles that don't soak into the wood and cause the stain to flake off when dry. Whatever type of stain you use, apply two coats to ensure there are no missed spots and to get a more uniform finish.

Do I need to remove old stains before restaining a deck? ›

While stripping your deck before restaining is often recommended for optimal results, there are situations where you may be able to skip this step without compromising the quality of your deck restoration project.

Why does my wood deck always look dirty? ›

For mild stains and dirt use a mild dish detergent diluted in a bucket of water. Mop a small area of the deck surface with the detergent and then use a stiff bristle brush to work the dirt free from the surface. Rinse the solution with a garden hose and re-clean areas as needed.

How do I know if my deck is clean enough to stain? ›

Another way of checking if your wood is ready for stain is to pour a little water on the wood. If the water beads up, the lumber still too wet to be stained or painted. If the water is absorbed into the wood easily, it's ready to be sealed or stained.

Is Behr or Sherwin-Williams better? ›

Sherwin-Williams outperforms Behr in terms of coverage. Since both are thicker paints, a gallon does not cover as many square feet as some thinner brands. However, a can of Behr may only cover 250 square feet, but most Sherwin-Williams products would cover at least 300.

Is Sherwin-Williams deck stain any good? ›

I'm so happy with the end result. It looks beautiful and it really makes the space feel like a resort vacation destination. If you are considering taking on a deck staining project I definitely recommend Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck products.

What brand of wood stain is best? ›

6 Best Wood Stain Options For Interior
  • Varathane Premium Wood Stain. This stain is reliable, performs well, and lasts forever. ...
  • Minwax Penetrating Stain Wood Finish. ...
  • Saman – One Step Wood Stain and Varnish. ...
  • General Finishes Wood Stain. ...
  • Varathane Premium “Fast Dry” Wood Stain. ...
  • Minwax Wood Finishing Cloths.
Dec 11, 2023

Why do contractors prefer Sherwin-Williams paint? ›

Contractors are often requested to use low- or zero-VOC paints, and this is something they can get from Sherwin-Williams in a variety of their paint lines. Sherwin-Williams paint is thick because it uses more solids, which makes it easier to work with and will cover more surface area.

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