Top 10 Best fence stain in 2026

Last Updated - 6/23/2026

🏆Best Choice

Ready Seal

Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood

9.8

ChoiceComparer.com Score

9.8

/ 10

Outstanding

Main highlights

•Requires no primer. Ready Seal is darkest when first applied. It reaches its true color in approximately 14 days. Do not apply Ready Seal over painted or newly stained surfaces. Sealed surfaces inhibit penetration.
•May be applied using sprayer, roller or brush onto the woods surface.
•Requires no back brushing and will nerver leave runs, laps, or streaks.
•Requires no wet-line application, the product will blend itself and can be applied in any temperature range for proper application.
•Requires no diluting or thinning prior to spray applications.
•"Goof Proof" application
•No laps, runs or streaks
•No back brushing
•Apply in any temperature
•Subject to or will include a PaintCare recycling fee in the following states: CA, OR, CT, VT

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$183.81

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Thompson's Water Seal

Thompson’s WaterSeal Multi-Surface Waterproofer Stain, Clear, 1 Gallon

9.7

ChoiceComparer.com Score

9.7

/ 10

Outstanding

Main highlights

•WATERPROOFING STAIN – Bring out the beauty of your outdoors with Thompson’s WaterSeal Clear Multi-Purpose Waterproof Stain. Proven to waterproof concrete, brick, exterior wood and other exterior surfaces.
•CLEAR STAIN – This outdoor wood stain and sealer provides a clear finish. It will hide the grain, but still allow the texture to show. It provides complete protection while adding enhancing the natural color.
•FADE RESISTANT FINISH – The advanced polymers in this outdoor wood and deck stain deliver fade-resistant color so it stays looking great year-round. The coating resists UV damage, so you can apply with confidence.
•EASY TO USE – Whether you’re refinishing an existing fence or putting the finishing touches on a new patio, this concrete, brick, wood sealer is easy to apply. Clean the surface thoroughly prior to use for best results.
•THOMPSON’S – Protecting & maintaining all your exterior surfaces, can easily be simplified if you know where to start. Thompson’s WaterSeal is here to take the edge off, thanks to our one-coat products, informative how-to guides & decades of expertise.

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$17.97

$19.99

-10%

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OLYMPIC

Olympic WaterGuard 1 gal. Woodland Cedar Semi-Transparent Wood Stain and Sealer

9.5

ChoiceComparer.com Score

9.5

/ 10

Outstanding

Main highlights

•Ready mix, ready to use semi-transparent wood stain and sealant all-in-one
•Waterproofing deck and fence protection, dries in 24 hours
•Durable water based sealant that provides waterproofing protection with resistant coating
•SUNBLOCK UV defense
•Exclusive SCUFF GUARD Technology
•Protects up to 3 years on decks and 4 years on fences and siding
•Use on exterior wood surfaces including decks, fences, siding, railings, outdoor furniture and other wood or previously coated wood with a weathered clear sealant or semi-transparent stain
•Water based stain cleans up with just soap and water
•Coverage approximately 250-350 sq. ft. per gallon depending on wood texture

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$31.98

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SaverSystems

SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Outdoor Wood Stain and Sealer in One - Water Based Wood Stain for Decks, Fences, & Siding - 1 Gallon (Light Walnut)

9.4

ChoiceComparer.com Score

9.4

/ 10

Excellent

Main highlights

•SEMI TRANSPARENT EXTERIOR WOOD STAIN: Our outdoor wood stain and sealer allows the natural wood grain to show through, highlighting the beauty of your decks, fences and sidings and preserving its natural look.
•ULTIMATE UV PROTECTION DECK SEALER: Shields wood from damaging UV rays, preventing fading & graying. Lasts longer than deck paint for wood decks, siding or fences & is better for the planet because it's water based with less than 50 g/l VOC content.
•WOOD DECK STAIN AND SEALER IN ONE: This outdoor wood protector serves a dual purpose as both a stain and sealer. It adds color to your wood and seals it, designed to penetrate deep into wood pores for maximum protection and longevity.
•BEAUTIFUL WOOD STAIN COLORS: Our semi-transparent wood deck stain comes in stunning colors that dry to a flat and natural-looking finish. Enhance the beauty of your exterior wood with our natural, cedar, light walnut, gray, and dark walnut colors.
•EFFECTIVE ON DAMP WOOD FOR FASTER APPLICATION: Our wood stain sealer works on damp wood, cutting down wait times between cleaning and staining. Once your wood deck is visibly dry, it's ready for staining, speeding up your project.

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$35.99

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Thompson's Water Seal

Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Natural Cedar, 1 Gallon

9.2

ChoiceComparer.com Score

9.2

/ 10

Excellent

Main highlights

•WATERPROOFING STAIN – Bring out the beauty of your outdoor wood with Thompson’s WaterSeal Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain. Along with adding smooth color, it’s a deck sealer that prevents water damage to help you maintain your outdoor living spaces.
•TRANSPARENT WOOD STAIN – This outdoor wood stain provides a transparent finish. It will hide the wood grain, but still allow the wood texture to show. It provides complete protection while adding boldly tinted color.
•FADE RESISTANT FINISH – The advanced polymers in this outdoor wood and deck stain deliver fade-resistant color so it stays looking great year-round. The coating resists UV damage, so you can apply with confidence.
•EASY TO USE – Whether you’re refinishing an existing fence or putting the finishing touches on a new deck, this waterproofing wood stain is easy to apply. It can be applied to damp or dry wood. Clean the surface thoroughly prior to use for best results.
•EXCEEDS INDUSTRY STANDARDS – Thompson’s Waterproofing Exterior Wood Stain exceeds Industry Standard ASTM D-4446 for waterproofing wood.

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$22.48

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Thompson's Water Seal

Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain and Sealer, Chestnut Brown, 1 Gallon

9.1

ChoiceComparer.com Score

9.1

/ 10

Excellent

Main highlights

•WATERPROOFING STAIN – Bring out the beauty of your outdoor wood with Thompson’s WaterSeal Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Wood Stain. Along with adding lightly tinted color, it’s a deck sealer that prevents water damage to help you maintain your outdoor living spaces.
•SEMI-TRANSPARENT WOOD STAIN – This outdoor wood stain provides a semi-transparent finish. It will hide the wood grain, but still allow the wood texture to show. It provides complete protection while adding lightly tinted color.
•FADE RESISTANT FINISH – The advanced polymers in this outdoor wood and deck stain deliver fade-resistant color so it stays looking great year-round. The coating resists UV damage, so you can apply with confidence.
•EASY TO USE – Whether you’re refinishing an existing fence or putting the finishing touches on a new deck, this waterproofing wood stain is easy to apply. It can be applied to damp or dry wood. Clean the surface thoroughly prior to use for best results.
•EXCEEDS INDUSTRY STANDARDS – Thompson’s Waterproofing Exterior Wood Stain exceeds Industry Standard ASTM D-4446 for waterproofing wood.

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$30.76

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EVOLVE

Evolve Wood Stain: Semi-Transparent, UV Protection, for All Wood Surfaces (Honey Gold, 5 Gallon)

8.9

ChoiceComparer.com Score

8.9

/ 10

Great

Main highlights

•Semi-transparent Quality: This New Cedar Wood Stain offers a lightly pigmented appearance, showcasing the natural wood grain and texture.
•Versatile Application: Ideal for use on wood decks, fences, siding, and trims, enhancing both the beauty and longevity of wood surfaces.
•UV Stable Formulation: Engineered with a UV stable formula, ensuring the color stays true and vibrant under sunlight exposure.
•Superior Adhesion: Boasts excellent adhesion properties, providing a strong, durable bond to all wood types.
•Water Repellency: Features advanced water repellency, protecting wood surfaces from moisture and water damage.
•All-weather Durability: Formulated as an all-weather product, offering consistent protection throughout various climates.
•Color & Sizes: Available in 9 colors and 2 sizes

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$112.49

$149.99

-25%

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SaverSystems

SaverSystems #1 Deck Premium Wood Fence Stain - Semi-Transparent Sealer (1 Gallon, Dark Walnut)

8.8

ChoiceComparer.com Score

8.8

/ 10

Great

Main highlights

•PROTECTS AGAINST COLOR FADE AND PREVENTS GRAYING - #1 Deck Protects Wood From Damage Caused By Exposure to the Elements. Can Be Used On Pressure Treated Pine, Cedar, Fir, Redwood, or Most Other Softwoods. Hardwoods Will Require More Frequent Maintenance Coats
•BOTH A DECK STAIN & DECK SEALANT IN ONE - #1 Deck Stain Is a Dual-Purpose Stain & Sealer. It Adds Color to Your Wood and Seals it, Preventing Damage Caused by Water Penetration
•ALLOWS THE WOOD GRAIN TO SHOW THROUGH - Available in 5 Beautiful, Semi-Transparent Deck Stain Colors That Dry to Flat, Natural Looking Finishes That Will Enhance the Beauty of Your Exterior Wood
•BETTER FOR THE PLANET, EASY SOAP & WATER CLEANUP - With Less Than 50 g/L VOC Content, #1 Deck Sealer Is a Better Choice For Our Planet. Clean Up is Super Easy - Just Use Soap and Water
•WORKS ON DAMP WOOD, MINIMIZING THE WAIT TIME BETWEEN CLEANING AND STAINING - Once Your Wood Deck Is Visibly Dry, It's Ready to Stain

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$35.99

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Flood

Flood 1 gal. Honey Gold Transparent CWF-UV Exterior Wood Stain

8.6

ChoiceComparer.com Score

8.6

/ 10

Good

Main highlights

•Alkyd/oil resin provides the deep penetration of natural oils to enhance wood grain while delivering lasting protection
•Fortified with Penetrol additive to drive protection below the surface; Coverage up to 250 sq. ft. per gallon
•Provides a resistant finish to stop unsightly, harmful spots that are common with under-protected wood surfaces
•May be used on new wood, pressure-treated wood, weathered wood and wood with a weathered solvent-based clear or semi-transparent stain
•Transparent wood stain enhances the appearance of wood while delivering protection

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$31.77

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Wood Defender

Wood Defender - Transparent Fence Stain - Clear Glow - 1 Gallon

8.5

ChoiceComparer.com Score

8.5

/ 10

Good

Main highlights

•UTILIZES ULTRA-FINE TRANS-OXIDE PIGMENTS:to highlight the wood’s grain and other positive characteristics, and increase resistance to UV rays.
•COVERAGE RATE: on unsealed wood is 100-150 sq. ft per gallon.
•APPLICATION: Goes on easy in just one coat with no runs, drips, or back-brushing.
•SURFACE TYPES: Often used on new cedar or redwood fences that have a lot of naturla beauty to amplify, as well as for pre-stain facilities that choose to stain outdoor builing materials prior to installation.
•STATE RESTRICTIONS: Undeliverable to CA

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$61.99

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