Best Deck Stains for Canada
Over the years decks have become popular for Canadian homeowners looking to add some extra outdoor living space. A deck can add curb appeal and value to any property. It’s one of the best home improvements you can make outside the home.
Deck maintenance is essential to the life of a deck. Nowhere is this more important than in Canada where the winters can be harsh. No doubt Canadians love using their decks during the warm season but winters can take their toll on exterior wood. When a wood deck is not protected with a deck stain, water can seep into the wood. Freeze/thaw damage is very common on Canadian decks that are not protected with a quality deck stain.
The best Canadian deck sta, ns are the ones that penetrate deeply into the wood for maximum protection against rain, snow, and ice. But not all deck stains are compliant in Canada so finding the right one can be tricky.
There are however, a few deck stains that are compliant and have excellent penetration properties. These deck stains will not only enhance the beauty of your deck but will prolong the wood’s life even in harsh winter conditions.
Two popular brands of deck stains compliant in Canada are Defy Stains and Armstrong Clark Wood Stain. Both are high on our list of best stains and are VOC compliant in most states and Canada. They come in a wide range of opacities and colors to fit the needs of most deck owners.
For the best results, a wood deck should be cleaned and stained every couple of years or as needed. This will ensure protection against weather damage. Clean the wood with a quality wood cleaner. After cleaning the wood will appear darker, this is normal. Use a deck brightener to lighten and restore the wood’s original color. Once the wood dries coat the surface with a quality Canadian deck stain.
Keeping a deck protected with a good wood stain is a great way to protect your investment. Do not let harsh winter conditions ruin your deck prematurely and cost you expensive repairs. Protect all your exterior wood surfaces with one of the best Canadian deck stains to ensure lasting beauty for many years.
If you have any questions as to which stain is best for your deck in Canada, please ask below.
I have a brand new red cedar deck in Haida Gwaii, BC. We get an awful lot of rain. What should I use that is transparent to preserve the deck and allow the beautiful colour to remain “as-is”?
Unfortunately, that is not possible. Clear sealers have zero UV protection from graying and will turn gray from oxidation within months. To prevent the graying you needed a tinted stain and that means the color of your wood will change or be enhanced based on the tint you choose.
I see. That is very useful information. Can you suggest a stain with minimal tint that will help preserve the wood? Or perhaps there are samples or a colour swatch I could peruse?
Try the Armstrong Clark stains in Natural tint.
I had a new pressure treated porch put in, they finished in December. What can I put on the deck to protect it from the upcoming winter? My wife would like to use a solid white stain on the railings and I was thinking of transparent for the porch deck. What kind of prep would I need to do for a new pressure treated deck before staining? Thanks!!
See this link and what brand to use for a two toned deck:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/two-toned-decks-with-restore-a-deck-wood-stains
Hi I have a pressure treated wood deck around my above ground pool that was installed in July 6 of this year. Can I stain it now , Sept.? Or best to wait til spring? If I wait til spring I’ll probably have to wash it. Don’t want to as is really hard on my back. Want to protect deck soon as I need to put a cover on the pool that goes across the deck. What do you recommend that would protect the wood for longer than a year? Thanks.
You need 3-4 months of weathering after install and no matter what, you have to prep by cleaning and brightening. Just wait until Spring at this point.
I was looking at using Armstrong-Clark Semi Transparent stain on my new fence (6 months old) I read their specks and they state not to use semi-transparent stain on a fence unless it is a year old. Is there another stain you would recommend?
Thanks!
That is only for the semi-solid colors, not the semi-transparent color.
Your right! Awesome. You know your stuff for sure!
Thanks Scott
I live in southern Ontario and just put in a new cedar fence 4 months ago. Looking at protecting it now. I would like the natural colour, or close to it. I have found that the top 3 products are Defy, Armstrong-Clark and Restore a Deck. What would you recommend?
Thanks!
Look at the Armstrong Clark stain in Natural color for this:
https://www.opwdecks.com/armstrong-clark-stain-5-gallon.htm
Awesome. Thanks!
I’ve had the semi solid grey on for two years now. Seem to have to restain each year. Just cleaning the beck gently lifts the stain. Can I put a new and different a solid stain over a cleaned semisolid grey. (I’m thinking one of the solid browns)
Prep to remove any loose or peeling stain and then you can cover the intact stain with a solid stain.
Hi I have a 3 year old cedar deck. Stained immediately after build with oil penetrating stain (sharkskin I think) (I see it’s best to weather first) I get lots of mould build up on horizontal surfaces because we have wet winters. I have just cleaned deck with wood cleaner and pressure washed it at 50% pressure and it’s bright and natural looking again. I want to stain it with something that will be mould resistant through winter. Should I use TWP 200 and then use wet and forget on top? Do u recommend wet and forget?
Use the TWP 200 Series and then use this after:
https://www.opwdecks.com/rad-guard-mildew-cleaner-preventer-1-gallon.htm
I used Thomson water seal last year for our frack. To our surprise it did not last one winter. There was no traffick on the deck during the winter and it nearly all pealed off. On the fence boards it worked great however on the flat surface the deck stain was NFG
Hi, did you have a question?
I have a deck with solid Arborcoat on it. I applied it in 2020 and now it is peeling. What do you recommend I do now? Will the semi-transparent TWP 200 work over a solid stain?
You cannot apply anything over it. You have to fully remove it first. Sand it all off and then clean and brighten for final prep.
Hi, I’ve a very large south facing red cedar deck that i’ve tried Ready Seal on a few times with no success I.e lasts only a year. I live in Montreal. Your recommendations pls? Thx, Art
TWP 200 Series: https://www.opwdecks.com/twp-200-series.htm
I have a large south facing deck in Nova Scotia Canada. Harsh winters lots of direct sunlight in summers. We recently bought the house so I don’t know what the wood is but suspect pressure treated pine. I don’t believe it has ever been stained. What would you recommend?
The TWP 200 Series: https://www.opwdecks.com/twp-200-series.htm
I have had little luck getting a durable stain on my deck. About 15 or more years old. Have power washed and sanded prior to stain. Fades and scratches uf you look at it
You have a build-up of stains that need to be removed fully. Use this to strip it all down. https://www.opwdecks.com/rad-paint-concrete-paver-sealer-stripper.htm
Once removed, try the Armstrong Clark Stains:
https://www.opwdecks.com/armstrong-clark-stain.htm
Where in Barrie ontario can I buy this product
Online only from or website.
Hi. I have a 2 year old deck, pressure treated yellowish colour, cleaned once never stained yet. Prone to mildew in some shaded areas. I’m interested in a solid colour, or close to solid. Live in the Niagara region of Canada. Best stain? (Oil or acrylic?). Any recommendations helpful. Thanks.
Use a semi-solid penetrating stain. Much better. Try Armstrong Clark: https://www.opwdecks.com/armstrong-clark-stain.htm
Live in northern Ontario, built a new pressure treated deck in May 2021. How long do I wait before sealing it?Do I use a clear sealer or a tinted one? (I don’t like the weathered grey look)What product do you recommend?
You can prep and stain now. You must have a tinted stain. Use TWP 200 Series: https://www.opwdecks.com/twp-200-series.htm
We have a new cedar fence installed on July 8, 2021 in Vancouver, Canada. What kind of stain do you recommend, oil based or water based? Which brand do you recommend? The less maintenance, re-staining the better for us.
Behr brands water based will last 6-8 years but it is water based. Is oil based better than water based? Is the TWP or AC better?
Look at using the TWP 200 Series or the AC for the fence. Both are excellent penetrating oil-based stains that are allowed for Canada. Much better than the Behr.
I live just a little south of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Could you recommend a stain for my 9 year old cedar deck please. I would like it close to the same color if possible. I have used Woodrich oil based stain in the past. I last painted it 2 years ago.
Armstrong Clark in Cedar Semi-transparent.
https://www.opwdecks.com/armstrong-clark-stain.htm
Will this stain prevent mould?
No deck stain on the market prevents mildew. You can apply this after you stain to help prevent mildew: https://www.opwdecks.com/rad-guard-mildew-cleaner-preventer-1-gallon.htm
Our large deck was built last June (2020) with treated spruce. We live in Alberta, Canada and are subjected to pretty harsh, snowy winters. We need to know: 1. if now, a year later, it would be cured and ready to stain? and 2. what is the best deck stain to use on treated spruce in our area? We’re looking for quality and longevity.
Val
This is the best stain for Canada: https://www.opwdecks.com/twp-200-series.htm
Make sure to clean and brighten for prep.
Hello,I am installing a new cedar fence using smooth deck boards. See picture.I would like to use a transparent or semi-transparent that does not peel and last as long as possible before grey starts to show. Also a product that can be easily re-applied. I live on the west coast in Vancouver Canada.
You cannot stain new wood yet. Weather for 3+ months and then clean and brighten for prep. Try the TWP 200 Series or Armstrong Clark for Canada.
Hello. We have a new pressure treated fence. what is the best stain to use?
Try the Armstrong Clark Stains: https://www.opwdecks.com/armstrong-clark-stain.htm
Hi. I have 2 related and separate projects and would appreciate your suggestions. I have an exisiting cedar deck, built and stained 3 years ago with Behr ( I dont like it!). Its quite weathered now and I need to restain. I can remove boards and replane if needed but would rather restore and restain with a semitransparent to accentuate the cedar grain. ? should I use the Armstong restoradeck kit and stain or better to replane and stain. I think Armstong is my preferred brand due to oil penetatrating characteristics. What are the downsides of Armstrong
2nd project is a new extension, do I need to allow this new cedar to weather prior to staining. if so it will be completed in September, is it ok to weather unprotected over the winter and stain in Spring?
Thanks
Post a picture of the deck with the Behr. For the new wood, you need 3+ months of weathering. Spring would be okay.
Hello,
I am in southern ontario, I used Defy Extreme wood stain (clear) April 2019 to a deck that has a lot of sun exposure and worked very well but seems like it needs another coat again now (July 2020). Is this normal or should I wait another yer before applying another coat? As well I assume you are still shipping to Canada?
Yes, we still ship there and the Clear is best to applying annually.
Hi im in NB Canada. my deck was build in deferents times since 2 years agos. Some place as a bit of grayish done by the sun. I have the sun all day. Never been stain yet. What is your recommandation I love the look of new presser treated wood. Its all pressure treated brown wood. Which steps should I take? Do I still need to clean and which products for cleaning and staining?
Clean and brighten the wood for prep and stain with TWP 200 Series:
https://www.opwdecks.com/twp-200-series.htm
https://www.opwdecks.com/best-selling-cleaner.htm
Thank you for you fast response. Is this the package I should get?
Correct.
Is all these products only sold on line?
Yes, we are an online company only.
Do you ship in Canada in this time?
Yes, next week.
Is this products you recommend me is oil base or water base? How much dute fee i have to pay? How long it would take to get my order with our situation?
Oil. No duty. About a week.
Last question before I buy. Is butternut Color is close to céder tone color but just darker? Because I might have to paint my posts darker like dark charcoal just want to know which color to order. Thank you so much for you recommendation.
Butternut is a darker brown.
What about Messmer’s natural Wood Finishes
Messmers makes decent stains but the TWP 200 Series and Armstrong Clark are more popular.
Hi, two yrs ago applied Behr stain to my deck, (I think over a Rona ) this spring wash it with 30 second, and it peeled. Behr has compensated me, said to washed with their deck cleaner (done) And sand and reapply. I’ve sanded, I have bare areas (others down to “Rona stain), should I now apply Behr ( read -shouldn’t apply Behr over another type), or go to Armstrong. I live in Vancouver area.
The only way to fix this is to remove 100% of the old stain. Did you do this?
No, sanded, #80, then smoothed with 120, I was going to stain (I have the Behr, that’s what Behr said, now you say strip. If I applied the Behr would it peel again, can I just go over what’s there with Thompson. Thanks.
You will need to remove it all when you are switching and Behr peels. Horrible product and reviews online.
This is over treated pine after weathering for a year and being cleaned with a deck cleaner.
Armstrong Clark semi transparent stain in Natural Cedar color. Location is Alberta Canada.
How big is the deck and how many gallons did you need for 1 coat?
In October 2016 we built a new cedar deck in Edmonton Alberta. In June 2017 we cleaned the deck with Restore-A-Deck cleaner and then brightened with Restore-A-Deck Brightener. We then stained the deck with Armstrong Clark. All steps were carried out as per manufacturer’s instructions. Although initially the results of the AC looked great, over the course of the summer the deck mildewed extremely – by September of 2017 the deck was quite black. It appears that the AC is not well suited to our northern Alberta climate. I am planning on stripping the deck this spring with Restore-a-Deck Stripper, brightening with RAD and trying Defy Extreme. Given that the AC is oil-based and the Defy is water-based, will I have a problem with the Defy properly penetrating the deck? Also, have you heard of this type of stain failure with the AC before?
Thanks. Alan
If you strip, you are good to use any brand or type of stain that you like. No issues with penetration.
No on the AC. It is most likley not related to just the AC but yur environment itself.
[quote name=”Barry Kobryn”]Your web site describes numerous advantages of Defy Extreme stains, but in your replies to comments on your “Best Canadian Deck Stain” page you seem to recommend Armstrong Clark more often. Is there any reason for this? I want to re-stain a western red cedar fence which was previously stained 3 year ago with a single coat of a semi-transparent oil-based stain, but has been freshly sanded down to the wood and cleaned with a sodium percarbonate solution. I understand I’ll need to maintain the fence every couple of years, but like to avoid the sanding again :-). (Resending this because not sure if it worked the first attempt.)[/quote]
Both are quality products for Canada and would work well. The AC will penetrate a little better so less chance of ever having to sand. Just clean and reapply.
Your web site describes numerous advantages of Defy Extreme stains, but in your replies to comments on your “Best Canadian Deck Stain” page you seem to recommend Armstrong Clark more often. Is there any reason for this? I want to re-stain a western red cedar fence which was previously stained 3 year ago with a single coat of a semi-transparent oil-based stain, but has been freshly sanded down to the wood and cleaned with a sodium percarbonate solution. I understand I’ll need to maintain the fence every couple of years, but like to avoid the sanding again :-). (Resending this because not sure if it worked the first attempt.)
[quote name=”Bob Richardson”]Where can I buy Defy extreme wood stain in the Sault Ste Marie, Ontario area or in the state of Michigan?[/quote]
There are not dealers in Canada. We are located in Bloomfield Hils, MI. We can ship this to you as well.
Where can I buy Defy extreme wood stain in the Sault Ste Marie, Ontario area or in the state of Michigan?
[quote name=”Janet Popel”]We have a deck that is a year old, made of pressure treated pine and has not been treated with anything yet. What would you recommend we use to seal? We would like it to be as simple as possible. Thanks.[/quote]
Try the Armstrong Clark:
https://www.opwdecks.com/armstrong-clark-stain.htm
We have a deck that is a year old, made of pressure treated pine and has not been treated with anything yet. What would you recommend we use to seal? We would like it to be as simple as possible. Thanks.
[quote name=”Ed Calhoun”]Thompson stain sealer was used on deck it is now wearing what is the best product to redo my deck and the procedure to use. thank you[/quote]
Prep to remove the Thompsons with a stain stripper and pressure wash. If needed, sand any stubborn areas after the stripping. Use a wood brightener after to neutralize. Stain with Armstrong Clark or TWP 200 Series.
Thompson stain sealer was used on deck it is now wearing what is the best product to redo my deck and the procedure to use. thank you
[quote name=”Carrie-Anne”]Live near Toronto going to be in Buffalo this weekend where can I but your stain for my deck. Sick of staining it every year.
Thanks for your help[/quote]
We only ship from our website. We can ship to Buffalo if you would like to pick it up there.
Live near Toronto going to be in Buffalo this weekend where can I but your stain for my deck. Sick of staining it every year.
Thanks for your help
[quote name=”ray broughton”]what solid colours are available with defy extreme wood stains[/quote]
Defy only comes in a semi-transparent.
what solid colours are available with defy extreme wood stains
[quote name=”Tudor ON”]What would you recomand to use for a brand new )uninstall yet) pergola made of Red Western Cedar. I like to preserve the beauty of the wood grain.[/quote]
See this please: https://www.opwdecks.com/when-to-stain-a-new-deck.htm
What would you recomand to use for a brand new )uninstall yet) pergola made of Red Western Cedar. I like to preserve the beauty of the wood grain.
[quote name=”Bob Deane”]It is for the wood siding of my cottage. It is a mid dark honey Color that needs cleaning then brightening up. Possibly a clear stain ? Also I am building a small extension, siding about 500 sq. ft., and would try and get a close Color match to the rest of the cottage.
The original stain is about 20 years old and was very much a oil product.
I live in Grafton, Ontario .
I have been reading aboutTWP 200 series and Armstong Clark , those seem to have maintained the oil level in their products but you may have other suggestions.
Thank you, Bob Deane[/quote]
Either the TWP 200 or the AC would work. You do have to remove the previous coating to use these though.
It is for the wood siding of my cottage. It is a mid dark honey Color that needs cleaning then brightening up. Possibly a clear stain ? Also I am building a small extension, siding about 500 sq. ft., and would try and get a close Color match to the rest of the cottage.
The original stain is about 20 years old and was very much a oil product.
I live in Grafton, Ontario .
I have been reading aboutTWP 200 series and Armstong Clark , those seem to have maintained the oil level in their products but you may have other suggestions.
Thank you, Bob Deane
[quote name=”william Price”]can you buy defy deck satin n New brunswick canada[/quote]
Only online from our sites.
can you buy defy deck satin n New brunswick canada
[quote name=”Greg Sumner”]I am driving down to Bellingham Wash from Vancouver. Is there a retailer in Bellingham I can buy your product from and am I able to transport the 100 or 1500 series back over the border? Somewhere I saw that only the 200 series is legal in Canada – what limitations does the 200 series have vs the 100 for refinishing my 5 yr old exterior household fir trim?[/quote]
We do not have dealers there. It is against Canada’ VOC laws to use the TWP 100 or 1500 there. Best to use the TWP 200 Series. No limitations at all.
I am driving down to Bellingham Wash from Vancouver. Is there a retailer in Bellingham I can buy your product from and am I able to transport the 100 or 1500 series back over the border? Somewhere I saw that only the 200 series is legal in Canada – what limitations does the 200 series have vs the 100 for refinishing my 5 yr old exterior household fir trim?
[quote name=”Anthony2″]Hi, I had a deck built 10 months ago in Picton Ontario,with MCQ pressure treated wood. I would like to use Defy Extreme semi transparent stain and keep a dark brown colour on the deck. Should I use the Rustic brown stain? Any suggestions would help.[/quote]
Defy does not come in a Rustic Brown color. The darkest brown in the Defy would be the Butternut color. This is more of a medium brown color.
Hi, I had a deck built 10 months ago in Picton Ontario,with MCQ pressure treated wood. I would like to use Defy Extreme semi transparent stain and keep a dark brown colour on the deck. Should I use the Rustic brown stain? Any suggestions would help.
Pa, use the Armstrong Clark stain for this:
http://www.opwdecks.com/armstrong-clark-stain.htm