The Best Paint for Outdoor Wood Decks

Painting or staining your deck does so much more than just make it more beautiful, it gives the wood an extra layer of protection. You want your paint to work as hard as you do when you paint it on. So what’s the best paint choice for your project? Our pros weigh in on the best paint for outdoor wood decks.

Best Overall: KILZ Interior/Exterior Enamel Porch & Patio Latex Floor Paint

When you are looking for easy maintenance and durability, choose this paint. It’s latex paint that has a low-luster finish. It will adapt perfectly to a porch, patio, or deck. There are only two colors: slate and silver. What it lacks in colors, it makes up for with mildew resistance and long-lasting color. One gallon will cover 200-300 rough square feet. Most reviewers love the finish and say the colors are more appealing in person. Reviews also say that the stain sealing is top-notch.

Best for Old Wood: Behr Premium Advanced Deckover

If your deck is past its prime but still has a little life, repaint it with this paint. The color will give your deck a new lease on life and provide a protective coat to extend its life. Pros say it will help fill cracks and splinters to give you the best possible outcome and longest use of your older deck. You get a choice of smooth or textured. Each will cover a surface of about 75 square feet.

Best for Slippery decks: In the Swim Patio and Deck Paint

If your deck is also a pool deck or area that is regularly covered in water, you’ll need a deck covering that keeps feet planted. This deck paint is designed specifically for watery use. A gallon can cover up to 125 square feet with one coat. As an added benefit, it’s good for use on other floorings including concrete and pavers. If you’re painting on wooden surfaces, plan to put an oil-based primer down first for best results.

Best for Cedar: Olympic Deck, Fence and Siding Stain, and Sealant

Cedar is a special project when it comes to painting. When your wood is the star of the deck, choose stains and seals, rather than wood. The stain will penetrate the wood and seal it with protection without adding color to it. This brand offers semi-solid, transparent, and semi-transparent options.

Best Stain: Sherwin-Williams Super Deck Exterior Deck Stain

This deck stain offers the opportunity to show off the beauty of your wooden deck while adding a tint. Choose the color carefully since stains are really permanent. Test colors in inconspicuous places on your deck where you can truly see the color. If you begin staining and decide you don’t like it, you may be stuck with it, feeling buyer’s remorse.

Best for Treated Wood: Defy Extreme Wood Stain

If your deck is already treated, it’s easy to get complacent with the weather that is constantly assaulting it. Sturdy decks can succumb to the elements without regular repair. Cracks and splinters are the first sign it’s time to take action. This semi-transparent water-based stain is formulated to protect the wood from the sun and precipitation. It will help the wood resins keep from fading and add shine to dull wood.

Best Texture: RTG Deck, Porch, Patio Anti-Slip Paint

Texturing can be done for a number of reasons like aesthetics or tactile need. Use this anti-slip paint to keep from falling over the hot summer. Reviewers say this one-coat textured paint dries quickly and holds up to loads of foot traffic.

Best Primer: Benjamin Moore Fresh Start Exterior Wood Primer

For the most banged-up decks, choosing a good primer can solve a multitude of problems. This wood primer is made to fill dents and splinters with a layer of primer. The surface it creates is smooth and gives the paint you choose a good adhesion. The creamy white primer covers any issues in the wood, including stains and cracks, dries quickly, and has low VOC.

Need help with your project? Let our professionals give you a hand. We offer many services including both power washing and deck painting and staining. Schedule a free estimate online today!