Qualities of Solid Deck Stains

Colors

• Unlike semi-transparent stains, which are primarily available only in natural wood tones, solid deck stain can be mixed in a wide range of colors just like paint. If you want a more daring color than cedar, tan or redwood, have the paint store tint the deck stain to a cool blue or sunny orange.

Peeling

• Since solid color deck stain coats the surface of the deck instead of penetrating it like a semi-transparent stain, it will eventually peel and wear away. This means that every three to five years you'll have to strip the deck in order to apply a fresh coat of stain. Solid color stain is not formulated to be recoated multiple times like paint, so maintaining a deck finished with solid stain takes a commitment to keeping your deck protected and looking good.

Sheen Levels

• Solid deck stain is available in flat and satin finishes, which can give a glossy, sophisticated appearance to your deck in addition to being easy to clean. To slip-proof a deck that gets wet, such as around a pool, add some fine sand to the stain for a slightly more abrasive surface.

Hiding Blemishes

• Solid deck stain may be a good choice if your current deck is very discolored or stained beyond cleaning. Because it hides the decking, it will transform a blotchy, ugly old deck into one with a uniform surface.