8 Deck Stain Colors That Will Make Your Deck Pop!

Deck stain offers more than just color; it protects and transforms your deck into a designer space. With a fresh stain, you can revitalize your yard, adding valuable outdoor living space for various activities. Stain protects wood from moisture, mildew, and weather, extending the life of your deck. Unlike paint, stain preserves the natural texture of the wood and is more cost-effective in the long run.

Choose deck stain colors to enhance your future decorating choices on wood walkways and decks. Check out these products for color ideas, decorating tips, and design tricks!

1. Woodland Cedar

Of all the deck stain colors, cedar stains absolutely glow in the sunlight.

• Thompson’s Woodland Cedar Waterseal Waterproofing Stain offers striking colors with weather protection.
• It’s so vibrant that it pops against the colors of the railings.

Imagine sun-drenched brunches on this deck. If you have a small backyard, this stain activates dull wood, drawing you outdoors for three-season enjoyment. For sizeable spaces, break up the vibrancy with planters filled with rich greenery.

Exterior stain colors like Woodland Cedar are for people who make the outdoors home during the summer months. It’s perfect for tanning, water fights, and grilling with the family.

By using this type of vibrant color, you create a focal point for activity in your yard.

2. Honey Teak 

If you want bright, warm stain colors that provide exterior protection for your deck surfaces’ natural texture, consider Cabot’s Australian Timber Oil in Honey Teak.

• It’s so vivid that the surrounding greenery looks even more lush.
• This is the color for homeowners with birthday parties, baby showers, and brunch get-togethers every weekend.
• It’s so vibrant and striking that you need bright, bold furniture and flowers that won’t get washed out or fade into the background.

Use this color if you have plastic Adirondack chairs in every color of the rainbow, and a crayon box of pots for all your outdoor plants. Honey Teak stains are perfect for decks with color splashed around by balloons, streamers, and wild decor.

3. Canyon Brown

Looking for decompression, relaxation, and evening meditations? Consider Canyon Brown Olympic Exterior Stain and Sealant, a soft earth tone perfect for blending deck surfaces with nature.

• Pair with muted hues and overflowing planters to design your own oasis.
• In the fall, add a raised fire pit and lanterns for a cozy place perfect for sipping hot apple cider and enjoying cool autumn evenings.

While they’ve used rattan furniture and subdued area rugs, you can always drop in a few bold splashes of color to invigorate the stain colors. Outdoor furniture now comes in a variety of materials, allowing you to transform an earth-tone oasis into a stylish contemporary space.

4. Rustic Tobacco

Rustic chic colors bring country style outdoors. Treat your deck with Behr’s Rustic Tobacco DeckPlus Waterproofing Wood Stain for superior weather protection and a hardwood floor feel underfoot. This deck stain color r adds contemporary style to wood decks and patios.

• Finish with dark wood stains for a polished look.
• Consider lining the deck with small lanterns for a well-lit and inviting space.
• Choose outdoor furniture with light cushions, bright colors, or vibrant prints to complement the stain.
• Rustic Tobacco provides freedom for daring choices with your outdoor decor.

5. Seaside Grey

Seaside Grey Preserva Exterior Wood Stain is a bold choice in a world of brown and neutral stains. Grey deck stain colors set the stage for a high-design space, with lavish outdoor furniture perfect for relaxing with a glass of wine or ice-cold beer.

• High-end outdoor furniture, while a stylish investment, requires more care, especially during off-seasons.
• Grey highlights outdoor decor and flower beds, complementing bold exterior colors, striking siding, or masonry work.

6. Chocolate

Behr’s Chocolate Premium Waterproofing Stain and Sealer offers subtle luxury that complements both bold and neutral exterior house colors.

• Ideal for family grill outs or garden parties, it highlights landscaping and transforms poolside areas.
• This gentle chocolate stain adds elegance to outdoor spaces, inviting creativity with furniture, outdoor rugs, and bold potted plants.

7. Butternut

Defy Extreme Exterior Wood Stain in Butternut offers a dark and moody tone, perfect for yards with evergreen trees and lush ground cover.

• Ideal for those who prefer an organic aesthetic, it pairs well with teak, natural grasses, and playful outdoor furniture and planters.
• This dark wood stain complements light-colored exteriors, adding understated elegance to outdoor walkways and decks.

Driftwood Grey

DEFY Essential Wood Stain in Driftwood Grey offers a bright, beach-inspired grey tone that complements various outdoor palettes.

• Create a seaside mood with earthy shades of sand, sky blue, and ocean grey, or add depth and drama with rich colors.
• Grey stains like Driftwood Grey offer flexibility and protection, making them ideal for families with changing needs or homeowners planning to sell.