We have invested countless hours into analyzing various stains to determine the best stain for cedar. Cedar is a popular choice for outdoor structures such as decks, fences, and pergolas due to its natural resistance to rot and decay. However, without proper maintenance, cedar can quickly degrade, losing its attractive appearance.
After applying and testing several stains, we found that the best stain for cedar is one that not only enhances the natural beauty of the wood but also provides long-lasting protection. The ideal cedar stain should be easy to apply, offer UV protection, and be weather-resistant.
In our testing, we used a variety of cedar stains and evaluated them based on their ease of application, color retention, and durability. After carefully analyzing the results, we found that the top-performing cedar stain exceeded our expectations and provided exceptional protection against the elements.
We understand that choosing the right stain for your cedar project can be overwhelming, but rest assured that our extensive testing has resulted in a clear winner. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional contractor, our research will help you make an informed decision and achieve a stunning and long-lasting cedar finish.
Best Stain for Cedar
After extensive testing and research, we have identified the best stain for cedar. Our top pick not only enhances the natural beauty of cedar but also provides long-lasting protection against the elements. Read on to discover our top choice and why we believe it is the perfect solution for your cedar staining needs.
#1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain for Decks, Fences, & Siding – 1 Gallon (Cedar)
If you’re looking for a deck stain that provides excellent protection and a beautiful finish, then the #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain is worth considering.
Pros
- Provides excellent protection against weather and fading
- Enhances the natural beauty of the wood
- Easy to apply and clean up
Cons
- Requires a lot of product for a large deck
- Can take a long time to dry
- May not be suitable for all types of wood
This deck stain is perfect for those who want to maintain the natural beauty of their wood while providing excellent protection against the elements. It is suitable for use on decks, fences, and siding, and is available in a range of colors to suit your needs.
One of the best things about this deck stain is its ability to provide excellent protection against weather and fading. It contains advanced UV defense that resists fading and discoloration, ensuring that your wood stays looking beautiful for longer. Additionally, it contains a waterproofing resin that penetrates deeply into the wood fibers to provide excellent water repellency.
Another great feature of this deck stain is its ability to enhance the natural beauty of the wood. It contains a tint that penetrates deeply into the wood fibers to bring out the natural beauty of the wood. This means that you can enjoy the beauty of your wood without the need for a lot of maintenance.
Applying this deck stain is easy and hassle-free. It is easy to spread and clean up, making it a great choice for those who want to do the job themselves. Additionally, it dries to the touch in just 2-4 hours, meaning that you can get back to enjoying your deck or fence sooner.
However, it is worth noting that this deck stain requires a lot of product for a large deck. This means that you may need to purchase multiple gallons to cover a larger area. Additionally, it can take a long time to dry, which means that you may need to wait several hours before walking on the surface. Finally, it may not be suitable for all types of wood, so it is important to do your research before purchasing.
Overall, if you’re looking for a deck stain that provides excellent protection and a beautiful finish, then the #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain is definitely worth considering.
Tried & True Stain + Finish – Golden Oak – Pint – Natural Stain & Oil Finish for Wood, Pigmented Danish Oil, Food Safe, Solvent Free, VOC Free, Dye Free Wood Stain, Linseed Oil & Pigment
If you’re looking for a natural wood stain that is safe for food contact surfaces, Tried & True Stain + Finish in Golden Oak is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The pigmented Danish oil finish is easy to apply and provides excellent protection to the wood.
- The product is solvent-free, VOC-free, and dye-free, making it safe for the environment and your health.
- The stain is suitable for use on a variety of wood types, including oak, maple, cherry, and walnut.
Cons
- The product is a bit pricey compared to other wood stains on the market.
- The color may appear differently depending on the type of wood you are staining.
- The stain may require multiple coats to achieve the desired color and protection.
We’ve used Tried & True Stain + Finish on our butcher block countertop, and the results have been impressive. The pigmented Danish oil finish provides a beautiful, natural-looking color that enhances the beauty of the wood. The finish is also food-safe, which is essential for our butcher block.
The application process was straightforward, and we were able to achieve a professional-looking finish with minimal effort. The product is easy to work with, and it dries quickly, which means you can use your wood surface again in no time.
One of the things we love about Tried & True Stain + Finish is that it is environmentally friendly. The product is solvent-free, VOC-free, and dye-free, which means it is safe for the environment and your health. We also appreciate that the product is suitable for use on a variety of wood types, including oak, maple, cherry, and walnut.
However, the product is a bit pricey compared to other wood stains on the market. Additionally, the color may appear differently depending on the type of wood you are staining, so it’s essential to test the product on a small area before applying it to the entire surface. Finally, the stain may require multiple coats to achieve the desired color and protection.
Overall, we highly recommend Tried & True Stain + Finish in Golden Oak for anyone looking for a natural wood stain that is safe for food contact surfaces. The product is easy to apply, provides excellent protection to the wood, and enhances the beauty of the wood.
Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood
If you’re looking for a water-based wood stain that’s easy to apply and provides excellent protection for your outdoor wood surfaces, then the Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The Ready Seal stain is ultra-penetrating, which means it soaks into the wood rather than just sitting on top of it. This provides superior protection against the elements, and also helps to bring out the natural beauty of the wood.
- This product is VOC-free, which means it’s safe to use and doesn’t emit any harmful fumes. It’s also safe for children and pets once dry, which is a big plus if you have a family.
- The Ready Seal stain is easy to apply, and can be used with a sprayer, roller, or brush. It also cleans up with soap and water, which makes it easy to work with.
Cons
- The Ready Seal stain only comes in one color (natural cedar), which may not be suitable for all types of wood. If you have a different type of wood, you may need to experiment with different stains to find the right color.
- While the Ready Seal stain is easy to apply, it does require a second coat for best results. This means you’ll need to set aside some time to apply the stain properly.
- The Ready Seal stain is a bit pricey compared to other water-based wood stains on the market. However, the quality of the product justifies the price.
Overall, we highly recommend the Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood. It’s a high-quality product that provides excellent protection for your outdoor wood surfaces, and it’s easy to apply. If you’re looking for a water-based wood stain that will help your wood look and perform its best, then this product is definitely worth considering.
Wood Defender Transparent Fence Stain Cedar Tone 5-Gallon
If you’re looking for a fence stain that will protect your wood fence from weather and UV damage, Wood Defender Transparent Fence Stain Cedar Tone 5-Gallon is a great option.
Pros
- Provides a natural look that enhances the beauty of your wood fence
- Protects your wood fence from weather and UV damage
- Easy to apply
Cons
- May require multiple coats for a more even finish
- May not be suitable for all types of wood
- Some users may find the price to be a bit high
We’ve used Wood Defender Transparent Fence Stain Cedar Tone 5-Gallon on our cedar fence, and we’re impressed with the results. The stain provides a natural look that enhances the beauty of our wood fence, and it protects the wood from weather and UV damage. The application process is easy, and the stain dries quickly, which means you can finish the job in no time.
One thing to keep in mind is that you may need to apply multiple coats to achieve a more even finish. Additionally, this stain may not be suitable for all types of wood, so be sure to check the compatibility before purchasing.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality fence stain that will protect your wood fence and enhance its natural beauty, Wood Defender Transparent Fence Stain Cedar Tone 5-Gallon is definitely worth considering.
DEFY Extreme 1 Gallon Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain, Cedar Tone
If you’re looking for a high-quality wood stain that will protect and enhance the appearance of your outdoor wood, then the DEFY Extreme 1 Gallon Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain, Cedar Tone is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Provides excellent weather protection for your wood
- Enhances the natural beauty of your wood
- Easy to apply with a roller or brush
Cons
- Requires a lot of coats to get a solid color
- May not be suitable for very porous wood
- Some users have reported that the stain turned their wood blue
We’ve used this product on our deck and have been very pleased with the results. The stain has provided excellent weather protection, and the cedar tone has enhanced the natural beauty of the wood. The application was easy, and we were able to achieve a smooth, even finish with a roller.
One thing to keep in mind is that it does take a lot of coats to get a solid color. We ended up applying the stain in three thin coats, allowing each coat to dry for 24 hours before applying the next. This process took a bit of time, but the end result was well worth it.
Overall, we would highly recommend the DEFY Extreme 1 Gallon Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain, Cedar Tone to anyone looking for a high-quality wood stain that will protect and enhance the appearance of their outdoor wood.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best stain for cedar, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various stains to identify the ones that provide the best results. In this section, we will discuss the key factors to keep in mind when making your purchase.
Type of Stain
The type of stain you choose will have a significant impact on the final result. There are two main types of stains: transparent and opaque. Transparent stains allow the natural beauty of the cedar to show through, while opaque stains provide more coverage and hide imperfections. Consider the look you are trying to achieve and choose a stain that will help you achieve it.
Durability
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a stain for cedar is durability. You want a stain that will protect your cedar from the elements and last for several years. Look for stains that are specifically designed for exterior use and have a high level of UV protection.
Ease of Application
Another important factor to consider is the ease of application. You want a stain that is easy to apply and does not require a lot of preparation. Look for stains that are self-priming and do not require a separate primer.
Color Options
Finally, consider the color options available. While you want a stain that will protect your cedar, you also want one that will enhance its natural beauty. Look for stains that offer a range of colors to choose from, so you can find the perfect match for your project.
In summary, when choosing the best stain for cedar, consider the type of stain, durability, ease of application, and color options. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a stain that will protect and enhance the natural beauty of your cedar.
