As a contractor, you know that the right deck finish can make or break a project. Choose wisely and you’ll enhance durability, minimize maintenance, and keep customers happy. Choose poorly and, well, you’ll be dealing with callbacks.

Jeff Brooks, ZAR’s coatings expert, shares his expertise on what you need to consider when selecting the best finish for a deck, from aesthetics to climate factors to long-term performance.

Here’s what you should keep in mind.

The Spectrum of Deck Finishes

Deck finishes range from clear and translucent stains to more opaque colors. Homeowners with new decks often want to highlight the natural wood grain with transparent or semi-transparent finishes. "Early on in the process, especially with newer wood, people want to maintain the integrity of the substrate that they have,” Brooks says. “They love the wood look.”

However, as wood ages, customers tend to shift toward more opaque finishes for better coverage and protection. Remember, any discoloration or staining to the wood will show through a translucent stain. The caveat here is that opaque finishes tend to create a film that can lead to peeling and chipping if not applied properly. “You have to be careful,” Brooks cautions. “A lot of those stains and products that have more of the opaque colors have a tendency to be thicker products, which actually can leave a film build, leading to susceptibility in terms of peeling, flaking, and chipping.”

Climate and Weather Considerations

For areas with high moisture levels, choosing a finish that resists water absorption is critical. Semi-transparent stains fade over time and are easier to maintain, whereas solid stains may peel if moisture gets trapped underneath. “You have to consider moisture getting underneath that film. If it happens, the mode of failure ends in flaking and chipping,” Brooks warns.

Freeze-thaw cycles are another factor. Find a product that expands and contracts with the wood for better durability.

For decks exposed to high sun exposure, opaque finishes provide superior UV resistance, while acrylic-based finishes offer long-term color stability.

Oil-Based vs. Water-Based Finishes

Deciding between oil-based and water-based finishes depends on ease of application and durability. “Oil-based finishes have a tendency to more readily penetrate into the substrate that it's being applied to,” Brooks says. “With an oil-based finish, there's not as much prep work involved, and it's a lot more forgiving than that of an acrylic.”

On the other hand, water-based finishes offer better UV protection and color retention. Acrylics generally maintain color retention better than that of oils, Brooks notes.

Factoring Decking Material

Of course, you’ll need to be certain that a finish is compatible with the material.

  • Pressure-Treated Wood: Because new pressure-treated wood often retains moisture, Brooks recommends waiting several months to allow it to dry before applying a stain. Without proper drying time, applying a finish too soon could lead to poor adhesion and premature failure. Semi-transparent oil-based stains are a preferred choice for this material, as they penetrate well and adapt to the wood’s characteristics.
  • Hardwoods (e.g., ipe, mahogany): These dense, oil-rich woods can be difficult to finish. “Those are a beast within themselves. Any of your exotic hardwoods are much denser and have innate oils already built into them,” Brooks says. “It makes it really difficult to coat those types of woods with any kind of product without some kind of maintenance.”
  • Composite Decking: Because composite materials lack porosity, oil-based stains don’t adhere well. “Generally, a semi oil would not perform as well on a composite deck as that of an acrylic, which is made to adhere to the substrate,” Brooks explains.
  • NOTE: It is important to recognize that a translucent stain will appear different on all types of wood. This is one of the biggest mistakes stain customers make. When looking at sample fan decks, be sure to note the material they are made of. It is important to test the stain in an inconspicuous spot on the actual decking to see the results you will achieve.

Durability and Maintenance: What to Expect

Different finishes offer varying levels of durability against foot traffic, furniture movement, and pet activity. “In terms of abrasion resistance, semi oils are going to be much more resistant because they penetrate the wood,” Brooks says. “Conversely, a solid color finish that lays on the surface has much more vulnerability to scratches, peeling, flaking, and chipping.”

Ultimately, choosing the right deck finish isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about protecting your customers’ decks from weather and wear-and-tear. Whether you’re applying a translucent stain to highlight the wood grain or a solid finish for durability, understanding the pros and cons will help you provide the best results for your clients. It is important to understand how your customers will use their deck and guide them toward the right product for the job.

“At the end of the day, it comes down to functionality and aesthetics," Brooks concludes. "And there’s always a trade-off between the two.”

For high-quality deck finishes that deliver durability and performance, explore ZAR’s range of professional-grade products.