Best Deck Sealer And Stain Reviews In 2021 | Top 10 Picks!

| Last Updated: April 12, 2021

best deck sealer and stain reviewsAre you looking for a new wood sealer to renovate your deck and bring back its freshness?

If you are, then this article can be of great help to you.

In this best deck sealer review, we’re going to introduce you to the top deck stain and sealer brands and their best offerings.

We’ll review them and present their advantages and caveats so that it gets easier for you to choose the perfect deck sealer for you.

So, without further ado, let’s get the show on the road.

Best Deck Sealer: Editor Pick

ToughTimber - Waterproof Deck Sealer, Wood Sealer, Cedar Roof Sealer

ToughTimber – Waterproof Deck Sealer, Wood Sealer, Cedar Roof Sealer

This one is the best option out there when it comes to deck sealers. This one excels in every department, whether it’s longevity, looks, protection, or price.

When you take every aspect into consideration, there’s only one name that comes to the fore; and it’s this deck sealer.

So, if you want to make a purchase in short time, I’d suggest that you buy this one.

Best Deck Stain And Sealer: Editor Pick

Marine Seal Wood Dock Stain & Sealer

Marine Seal Wood Dock Stain & Sealer, Semi-Transparent Stain for Marinas, Boat Docks, Piers, Cedar Tone – 5 gal

When it comes to working both as a stain and sealer, there’s no product that can rival this one.

It’s a great stain and sealer to breathe new life into your old deck. After applying this one to your deck, it will seem like you just made a new deck.

Best Deck Sealer And Stain Reviews

To make your task easier, we have done the legwork for you. Here are our recommendations for the ideal deck sealer for you.

1. ToughTimber – Waterproof Deck Sealer, Wood Sealer, Cedar Roof Sealer

Highlighted Features

  • Has the ability to penetrate deep into the wood
  • Will protect your deck against mold and mildew
  • Able to bead off rainwater easily
  • The price will be within the budget

Wood SealerThere are numerous reasons which make this our top choice and our first recommendation. Firstly, it comes from a renowned brand which is known to produce deck sealers that are top-notch and long-lasting. In accordance with their custom, this one is of great quality as well.

What I like most about this deck sealer is that it can penetrate deep, real deep. It won’t just remain around the surface area; instead, it’ll go all the way in to ensure maximum protection for your wood.

And if you are worried about mildew and mold, don’t. With this one, you are highly secured from mildew and mold. In addition, it’s resistant to accidental oil slips and similar materials. That means if you sometimes spill something on the surface by mistake, it won’t cause damage to the deck.

But is it waterproof? Obviously, it is. This one is 100% waterproof and will protect you against moisture perfectly. So, if you live somewhere where rain is a regular occurrence, give this one a chance as it might be the perfect solution for you.

What about the looks? Well, that’s one of the best things about this sealer. Your years-old deck will look as good as new after applying this one. In addition, the application is very easy and instinctive. So, you won’t have to spend long hours applying the deck sealer.

You’ll have to mix the sealer with water. You can mix up to 4 gallons of water depending upon your needs. But I wouldn’t suggest more than 2 gallons of water unless you want something really light.


2. DeckWise Ipe Oil Hardwood Deck Semi-Transparent 250 VOC Natural Finish (1-Gallon)

Highlighted Features

  • Protects the wood surface against the UV rays
  • Won’t get affected by rain or snow
  • Able to enhance the natural beauty of the wood
  • Durability is good

Hardwood Deck Semi-Transparent 250 VOC Natural FinishDeckWise is another brand of deck sealer I am highly fond of. Their products specialize in protecting outer hardwood. That’s because their deck sealers are perfectly able to protect you against the UV ray so that the wood doesn’t get damaged from the exposure to the sun. For this reason, many call it the best stain for outdoor wood furniture.

In addition, it also acts as a great protector against rain and snow and makes sure that the surface remains as it is. So, if you have a fence or your kid’s new cedar swing set to give a finish to, then this one can come in handy to make them safe.

I like the fact that it enhances the natural beauty of the wood. However, you would do well to keep in mind that the stains are pretty dark. So, if you aren’t a fan of heavy stains, you would be wise to go for another option.

Another thing that you need to keep in mind is that you have to make sure the surface is dried properly before you begin the application. If it has rained in the last two days, do not apply the deck sealer as it won’t turn out well.

Regarding the durability, with one application only, it will last about one year. After that, you see it losing some of its shine. But one year with one application is good enough.

You’ll see that the container contains one gallon of the deck sealer. You have the option to buy up to 6 containers depending on your needs.


3. Timber Oil Deep Penetrating Stain for Wood Decks, Wood Fences, Wood Siding, and Log Cabins

Highlighted Features

  • Features Oxide Pigments (clear) in it
  • Gives the wood a natural look
  • Can apply the wood sealer with a spray
  • Really easy to apply

Timber Oil Deep Penetrating StainWoodrich brand has been in this business for quite a long time. And with their struggles, they have mastered the art of producing quality deck sealer at a reasonable price for their consumers.

Now, this product has got its place on this list due to its ability to improve new wood remarkably. So, if you’ve got a new deck for you, then it can be a really good choice for you. This one is fully capable of penetrating deep and protect the deck against dirt.

There are people who find it difficult to apply oil deck sealer on the wood. As most of the time they mess up badly, they usually avoid applications by themselves. But with this one, this won’t be the case. It’s incredibly easy to apply and won’t take much time of yours. In addition, it won’t overlap even if you make a mistake while applying it to the wood.

Moreover, you can use a sprayer to apply this thing. That way, you’ll be able to save yourself some precious time as well.

This deck sealer has Oxide Pigments (clear) in it. The makers have added this ingredient to keep the look of the wood surface more natural. And what’s more, this one is quite durable as well and would last a long time.


4. Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain for Decks, Fences, Wood Siding (1 Gallon, Cedar)

Highlighted Features

  • Ideal for giving old decks their original look back
  • Works as a great water repellant
  • Provides deep penetration of the wood
  • Offers protection against the UV rays

Restore-A-Deck Wood StainI think the name of the product has been apt for this. This one is a really good choice for restoring your old deck. If it happens that your deck hasn’t been worked on for years after years, then this deck sealer can bring your deck to its former glory.

Now, this one is available in 4 colors. Though all of them are gorgeous, my personal favorite is Dark walnut. It goes best with the old decks, according to me. However, if you don’t like dark stains, there’s a light walnut option as well.

The deep penetration of this deck sealer will make sure that the surface is resistant against tear and mold. You’ll also love how easy it is to apply this thing. However, keep in mind that it’s a bit thin coat, so you gotta be careful while applying so as to avoid unevenness.

This one is fully capable of protecting the deck against the UV rays of the sun. Even if it is exposed to the sun continuously, there won’t be any effect on the surface.

As a water-repellant, its performance is quite good as well. Rain will bounce off the wood surface without damaging it. You’ll be glad to learn that only eco-friendly elements have been used to manufacture this wood sealer. So, if you care about the environment, you are gonna like this product.

And when it comes to durability, this one excels as well. You can expect it to last for a long duration, so you’ll get your money’s worth out of it.


5. Ready Seal 512 Pail Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 5-Gallo

Highlighted Features

  • Penetrated deep and provides protection against tear
  • Easy to apply
  • Leaves no streaks behind
  • Available in a wide range of colors

Ready Seal 512 Pail Exterior Wood Stain and SealerReady Seal is a very reputed brand and has earned a lot of goodwill in the market. Its consumer has a great level of trust in the brand. And the trust is justified since they always maintain the quality of their products no matter what.

It goes without saying that just like their other products, this one is of amazing quality as well. As it has been intended to penetrate rather than just for coating, it’s a bit thicker than water. So, you will have to use either a roller, spray or a brush to apply this thing.

But spray would be the best option for you as it allows for an easier application. That said, make sure the tip of the spray is small as it would facilitate the application of the deck sealer.

Some deck sealers tend to leave streaks behind, which can be really frustrating for some people. But that won’t be the case with this one as it leaves no streaks behind.

I must tell you that it’s a bit more expensive than other options. However, if budget isn’t an issue for you, then you should give this a shot.

The deck sealer comes in a 5-gallon container and is available in a wide range of colors. All the colors are amazing and would be able to bring the shine back to the deck.


6. Ready Seal 125 Can Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer, Dark Walnut, 1-Gallon

Highlighted Features

  • Will make your deck look decidedly better
  • Won’t be any streaks
  • Ideal for professional purpose
  • Comes in a variety of good-looking colors

Ready Seal 125 Can Exterior Wood Stain and SealerAnother product from Ready Seal. The fact that it has two of its products in our list speaks volumes of the fact that how much trusted this brand is.

Now, regarding the product, I’m very pleased when it comes to its performance. And I can say that you will be pleased with its performance as well. This one will not only give your deck a fresh leap of life in terms of look but will also protect it against destructive entities like mold and mildews.

In addition, this water repellent will also work as a shield against any kind of moisture and make sure the deck sealer remains intact. You’ll also like the fact that you won’t have to mix any water to use this thing. You can apply this directly onto the wooden surface.

Just like its predecessor, this one will also leave no streak behind so as to allow your deck to have an even finish. This one has an easy application which would enable you to do the entire task without any mistakes.

Many professional contractors use this for professional purpose; such is its demand and reliability. So, needless to say, you can put your trust and invest your money in without worrying.

As there are various colors available, you can choose one according to your preference. If you ask me, among the colors, my favorite is Mahogany. However, it’s important to state that all the colors are good-looking.


7. Marine Seal Wood Dock Stain & Sealer, Semi-Transparent Stain for Marinas, Boat Docks, Piers, Cedar Tone - 5 gal

Highlighted Features

  • Features Sunblocking Technology
  • Prevents damage from exposure to the sun
  • Semi-transparent
  • Is highly durable
  • The VOC’s has been kept below 250 g/L

Marine Seal Wood Dock Stain & SealerDefy is another great brand that churns out good quality deck sealers constantly. So, yes, you can expect some amazing features from this one. And I’m going to details those amazing features below for you which will help you to understand why this one is regarded as the best deck stain and sealer.

The first thing that grabbed my attention is the Sunblocking Technology the makers have used in the deck sealer. It will ensure that no damage takes place on your wooden surface from the UV rays. So, if you have a boat that gets a lot of sun exposure, this one can be a good choice.

Keep in mind that it’s semi-transparent. So, if you are on the market for fully transparent, or deep stains, then you would do well to avoid this one.

The marinas will be pleased to know that the VOCs have been kept under 250 g/L. So, that’s a huge plus for this thing. Another feature you will enjoy is that it takes very little time to dry. So, you won’t have to patiently wait days for the sealer to get dry.

One of the most important factors while buying a deck sealer is the durability of the product. And this one passes with flying marks in this department. The stain will remain as it is even after months.

Also, keep in mind that the container contains no less than 5 gallons of it. So, you need to decide if you need that much amount of deck sealer for your project.


8. Star Brite Premium Golden Teak Oil

Highlighted Features

  • Will ensure maximum protection to the wood surface
  • Features no strong odor
  • Dries in a short period
  • No tackiness

Star Brite Premium Golden Teak OilIf I list my favorite brands for deck sealer, one brand that will always have a place is the Star Brite. Their products are of A1 standard and will surprise you in a nice way. And as it’s a tung oil sealer, it will give optimum protection to woods.

Now, many people complain about teak oils that they come with a strong odor. And their complaints aren’t baseless. Most of the teak oils come with a bad odor that can put off many individuals. However, this one is different and has no such smell. So, odor won’t be an issue with this deck sealer.

Another thing I like that it dries in no time. So, the waiting period is relatively short, which is a great convenience for people that are short in time.

One aspect you have to keep in mind is that sanding must be really good before you apply the oil. First, use an 80-grit, then 120-grit, and then use the 200-grit on the surface. Only after that proceed to apply the oil on your deck.

I can assure you that there will be no tackiness with this one, unlike other cheap teak oil products. Also, there won’t also be occasional shiny patches.

Overall, if you are ok with the prep work, then this one can be the ideal deck sealer for you.


9. SEAL-ONCE MARINE - 1 Gallon Penetrating Wood Sealer, Waterproofer & Stain. Water-Based, Ultra-low VOC formula

Highlighted Features

  • Features Nanotechnology
  • Saltwater has no effect on it
  • Allows use of spray
  • Non-toxic and safe
  • Can reach cellular levels of the wood

SEAL-ONCE MARINEOur penultimate choice is from Seal-once. I’m sure you have heard the name before since they have grown a lot popularity-wise lately. It’s one of their best products and often claimed as the best wood water sealer by many individuals.

Now, Nanotechnology has been employed so that the material can seep into the cellular level and ensure your wood is safeguarded against mold and mildew. In addition, it also provides adequate protection against moisture.

I should warn you that the final outcome will be milky color. So, unless you desire exactly that, you may want to move on to our next recommendation. Also, it’s a water-based sealer instead of oil.

If you have pets or kids and worry about their safety, then you may give this one a chance. It has been kept free of toxic materials so that it’s safe for kids and pets. And what’s more, it’s quite low in VOC, so marinas will love it.

If you are going to run your boat into the ocean, then you will come into contact with saltwater. So, it’s important your deck is salt-water resistant. And luckily, this one is and has been specially designed to withstand the effects of saltwater.

This one is available in both one gallon or a 5-gallon container. You can buy according to your needs. The application of this water-based deck sealer is super easy. You may use a spray to apply this to save time and effort.


10. Rain Guard Water Sealers SP-1103 High Gloss Hybrid Sealer for All Wood and Masonry Surfaces.

Highlighted Features

  • Water-based formula and safe for kids
  • Glossy and will give the surface a wet look
  • Easy and quick application

Rain Guard Water Sealers SP-1103 High Gloss Hybrid SealerRain guard is not a very well-known name in the industry. But people who know about it know well that this one is worth the money. We’ll find out below why.

If you are someone who prefers, gloss, then this one is the perfect option for you. It’s a high-gloss sealer and will change the entire outlook of your deck. Also, it will look like it’s always wet, which is really cool.

Another amazing feature of this is its longevity. This one is bound to serve you for years. That means you won’t have to go to the market for deck sealer anytime soon.

Since it’s a water-based formula, it has been kept toxic-free. So, it’s perfectly safe to use as it won’t be harmful to your kids. Also, the odor is minimum. Not that it isn’t there, but the odor won’t bother you much. So, it’s not a deal-breaker for me.

Application is a breeze and shouldn’t require an expert’s help. If you follow the usual procedures, you should come across no problem. Moreover, the price is good as well and shouldn’t be outside your budget.


Buying Guide for Deck Sealer

Even after all the reviews, you still need some guidance to make the ideal pick. So, here we are with the proper guidance for you. Below, we’ll introduce the features you need to take into account to find the ideal deck sealer.

  • Color

The most important aspect is the color of the deck sealer. If you don't like the outlook of the deck after application, then it would be a lot of hassle to change it afterward.

So, it's imperative that you think hard about the color you are going with. You can also test this on a small scale to see if it goes well with your deck or not.

If the test result turns out well, then continue, or else pick another color that you are comfortable with.

  • Protection

Another factor that’s equally important as the color. If the deck sealer is unable to provide adequate protection to the wooden surface, then there’s no point in buying that.

So, make sure that the sealer has the ability to penetrate deep and protect it from mold and mildew. Also, it's important to find out if the deck sealer is UV-resistant. Otherwise, after a few months in the sun, it'll begin to fade and will send you into the market for a new sealer.

  • Waterproof

Obviously, a deck sealer must be waterproof. But you have to ensure that it's 100% waterproof. And on top of that, if it provides protection against saltwater, that would be amazing.

  • Odor

Some of the deck sealers can come with odor. If you can't stand up the odor, you can always buy one that has minimal or no odor.

  • Durability

You are not buying a deck sealer for it to last just a few months. It must last long; otherwise, the investment wouldn't be worth it. So before you pour your money into the purchase, make sure the sealer is durable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Deck Sealer

Here we’ll answer the most searched questions on the internet regarding the deck sealer.

1. Is it better to stain or water seal a deck?

Either would suffice, but the stain would add more color. It would be better if you used a seal and stain product.

2. How often should you water seal a deck?

That depends on the quality of the sealer. But it should usually be between 1-3 years.

3. Is Thompson Water Seal any good?

It’s an inexpensive option. But when it comes to quality, it fails spectacularly. I’d suggest that you stay away from that.

4. Do you need to seal a deck?

Yes, it’s very important for the longevity and the protection of the deck.

5. What happens if you don't seal your deck?

If you do not seal the deck, the dirt will set inside the deck, and mold and mildews will grow. It'll also be susceptible to stains.

Final Words

Now that you have read the reviews and the buying guide, it should be a cakewalk for you to find the best deck sealer for you.

Let us know in the comments which one you have decided to go with.

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