Outdoor wood furniture can really enhance your patio, deck, or backyard. However, because it’s exposed to the elements, outdoor wood is prone to weathering, rotting, cracking, and fading. Using a stain helps protect it from damage while also enhancing its beauty. But with so many stain options on the market, how do you choose the right one? The type of wood stain you use depends on several factors like the type of wood, whether you want a transparent or opaque finish, the amount of UV protection needed, and your desired maintenance level. Read on as we outline the different types of outdoor wood stains and things to consider when choosing one.
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Types of Outdoor Wood Stains
There are three main categories of exterior wood stains:
- Oil-based stains – These penetrate into the wood and don’t peel or crack. They provide good UV protection. Oil-based stains include penetrating oils, toners, and varnishes.
- Water-based stains – These are made with water-soluble dyes and/or pigments and resins. They provide good UV protection but less moisture resistance. Water-based stains include acrylic latex and water-based opaque stains.
- Solid color stains – These contain higher pigment levels so they obscure the wood grain and provide an opaque, painted look. They include opaque stains and solid color deck paints.
Here’s an overview of the most common types of outdoor wood stain:
Penetrating Oils
Penetrating oils are transparent finishes that soak into the wood. They highlight the natural wood grain while providing light water repellency and UV protection. Common types are tung oil and linseed oil. The downside is they require frequent reapplication, every year or two.
Toners
Toners contain pigments but don’t obscure the wood grain. The translucent coloring enhances the natural beauty of the wood. Toners need reapplying every 2-4 years.
Clear Varnishes
These oil-based varnishes form a protective film on the wood’s surface. They provide excellent UV protection and water resistance while maintaining a transparent, natural look. Varnishes last 2-5 years before needing a recoat.
Semi-transparent Stains
Semi-transparent stains contain pigment but let some of the wood grain show through. They last longer than clear finishes, needing reapplication every 3-6 years.
Semitransparent Deck Stains
These water-based stains use latex or acrylic binders. They provide UV protection and mold/mildew resistance while allowing some wood grain to show through. They typically last 2-4 years before recoating.
Opaque Oil Stains
Opaque stains contain a lot of pigment which obscures most of the wood grain. The provide excellent UV protection and water resistance. They last 4-6 years before needing to be reapplied.
Solid Color Deck Stains
These water-based acrylic-latex paints provide complete opaque coverage that mimics a painted look. They hold up well to foot traffic and last 6-8 years before needing to be redone.
Choosing the Best Stain for Your Project
Now that you know the main differences between outdoor wood stain types, here are some factors to help you choose the best one for your particular project:
Type of Wood
Soft or porous woods like pine, fir, and cedar absorb stain well so transparent finishes work great. For dense hardwoods like teak that don’t absorb stain, a film-forming opaque stain is a better choice.
Desired Look
Do you want to showcase the wood grain or cover it up? Transparent stains like penetrating oils and varnishes enhance the natural beauty of the wood. Opaque stains and solid color paints conceal the grain to create a painted look.
Weather Exposure
Will the furniture be in full sun or partial shade? Stains with high UV protection are critical for full sun exposure. Water-based stains are more prone to fading from UV rays than oil-based ones.
Durability Needed
The longer you want to go between restaining, the more durable stain you need. Oil-based opaque stains and deck paints last the longest – up to 6-8 years before needing to be redone.
Ease of Application
Oil-based stains require more prep sanding and take longer to dry. Water-based options are easier for beginners to apply uniformly.
Desired Maintenance
Some people don’t mind frequent stain touch-ups while others want a “set it and forget it” option. Penetrating oils and varnishes require reapplying every 1-2 years where solid color deck paints can last 6-8 years before needing to be redone.
Special Considerations
If staining a deck, look for stains labeled as slip-resistant. For outdoor furniture that will get human contact, avoid any stains with high VOCs.
Prepping and Applying Outdoor Wood Stain
Proper prep and application are just as important as choosing the right stain. Here are some tips to ensure your stain job lasts:
- Prep the wood by sanding thoroughly with 80-120 grit sandpaper to remove any existing finish, grayed wood fibers, or mildew. Smooth planks will absorb stain more evenly.
- Make sure wood is completely dry before applying stain. Use a moisture meter to check – should be below 15% moisture content.
- Apply an outdoor wood conditioner or primer if recommended by the stain manufacturer. This helps the stain absorb evenly, especially on soft woods prone to blotchiness.
- Test stain on an inconspicuous area before doing the whole project. Make sure you’re happy with the color and opacity.
- Stir stain thoroughly before and during application. Maintain a wet edge to prevent lap marks.
- Apply in the direction of the wood grain with a high quality natural bristle brush. On fences or siding, stain board by board rather than across joints.
- Allow proper drying time before adding additional coats. Oil-based stains may take up to 24 hrs to dry where water-based ones dry faster.
- Apply at least 2-3 coats of varnish, semi-transparent, or opaque stains for best protection and coverage.
- Re-apply finish coats every 1-6 years depending on type of stain.
Applying stain may seem daunting for beginners but just take your time and follow the product directions. Thorough prep work and maintaining a wet edge as you work makes for the most professional looking results.
Maintenance Tips for Outdoor Wood Furniture
To keep your outdoor wood furniture looking its best for as long as possible:
- Inspect furniture regularly for any cracks, peeling, mold, or mildew. Address these issues right away before they spread.
- Clean wood with a soft bristle brush and mild detergent twice a year. This prevents buildup of dirt, pollen, and environmental pollutants.
- Sand down any splinters, raised wood grains, or rough areas, then re-stain these spots to protect the wood.
- Apply a maintenance coat of the same stain you originally used every 1-2 years for penetrating oils and varnishes. Water-based stains may just need cleaning and spot treatments.
- Consider applying a water repellent sealant like mineral oil for additional water protection, especially on horizontal surfaces.
- In harsh climates, apply oil-based stains early in the season so furniture has time to cure before being exposed to heavy snow or rain.
- Cover furniture with securely fastened waterproof covers when not in use to protect it from UV rays and prevent water pooling.
With the right preparation, application, and maintenance, you can keep your outdoor wood furniture looking beautiful for decades. Taking time to clean and re-coat it before the damage gets too severe will save you from having to replace it down the road.
Conclusion
Choosing an outdoor wood stain may seem complicated but just take your time and consider what type of look, durability, and maintenance level you want. Penetrating oils beautifully showcase the wood grain but require frequent reapplication. Opaque stains and deck paints provide long-lasting color but obscure the natural beauty of the wood. For most furniture, a semi-transparent or clear varnish offers a good balance of showcasing the wood while providing adequate UV protection. No matter what stain you choose, proper prep work and application is key to getting an enduring, professional-looking finish. With regular maintenance and re-coating as needed, you can keep your outdoor wood furniture looking like new for many years to come.
