No matter how well you maintain and care for your deck, there comes a point when it needs a refresh, or even a replacement. If your deck boards are structurally sound, but weathered, faded, or uneven in color, solid deck stain might be exactly what your outdoor space needs. Unlike transparent stains that highlight every bit of wood grain, or semi-transparent stains that offer a hint of tint, solid deck stain provides rich, opaque color while still soaking into the wood fibers, giving you the coverage and durability of paint with the breathability and longevity of a stain. In this blog post, we’ll break down what makes solid deck stain unique, when it’s the best choice, and which solid deck stain colors Raleigh homeowners are loving right now.
In This Post
What Is Solid Deck Stain?
A solid deck stain is a highly pigmented stain that completely covers the natural grain of your wood deck boards. It penetrates the wood (unlike paint, which forms a film on top) but provides rich, uniform color.
This makes it especially popular for older, weathered decks with surface imperfections, since it masks fading, discoloration, and patchy boards while extending the life of your wood. Solid staining a deck is the best way to provide maximum coverage and protection to your wood from UV rays, rain, and wear and tear.
At Oak City Coatings, we see many decks that are weathered or that need extra protection from the harsh sun and frequent rain. We use solid deck stains frequently to help our customers increase the lifespan of their deck, while decreasing the upkeep needed to keep it looking great.
To learn more about the different types of deck stains, check out this blog post.
Why Solid Staining a Deck is a Great Choice
Many homeowners, especially in the Raleigh area, turn to solid deck stain for its blend of style, durability, and practicality.
Here’s a few reasons why solid staining a deck is a great choice:
- Superior UV protection: Solid stain acts like sunscreen for your wood, protecting it from sun damage and harsh UV rays, which is especially important in the Raleigh area.
- Conceals imperfections: Older decks with cracks, stains, fading, or mismatched boards benefit from the even coverage of a solid stain, as it makes everything look uniform.
- Longer-lasting results: High-quality solid deck stains can last 5–7 years with proper prep, application, and maintenance.
- Breathable finish: Unlike paint, solid stain allows wood to expand and contract naturally with the changing temperatures without peeling.
- Cost-effective: Instead of replacing entire deck boards, solid deck stain gives your deck new life for a fraction of the cost.
If you’ve been debating between deck paint and stain, solid deck stain is often the smarter, longer-lasting solution that gives you the best of both worlds.
Transparent vs. Semi-Transparent vs. Solid Deck Stain
Not sure which stain type is best for your deck? Here’s a quick side-by-side look:
| Stain Type | Appearance | Best For | Longevity | Coverage |
| Transparent | Shows full wood grain | New decks with beautiful wood | 1-2years | Minimal color tint |
| Semi-Transparent | Soft tint, grain still visible | Slightly aged decks, UV protection | 2-4 years | Enhances color tone |
| Solid | Opaque, full color coverage | Older/weathered decks, imperfections | 5–7 years | Hides flaws, bold color |
Popular Solid Deck Stain Colors in 2025
Choosing the right solid deck stain color makes a huge difference in the look and feel of your outdoor space.
These solid deck stain colors are trending with Raleigh homeowners in 2025:
- Warm Browns: Classic, natural, and blends seamlessly with wood tones.
- Slate Gray: Sleek, modern, and pairs beautifully with black or white trim.
- Rustic Reds: Rich tones that complement brick homes, cabins, or homes with warm siding.
- Cool Neutrals: Soft beige, greige, or taupe for a subtle, polished look.
Not sure which color works best for your home’s outdoor space? At Oak City Coatings, we help clients test solid deck stain colors against their siding, trim, and landscaping to find the perfect match for their exterior and style.
What to Expect Before Solid Staining a Deck
Solid staining a deck is more than just a one-day task of brushing on color. For the best results that last for years, proper prep is key.
Here’s how we prep for solid deck stain as professionals:
- Clean: Pressure wash to remove dirt, mildew, and previous stain.
- Sand: Smooth out rough patches and create an even surface for adhesion.
- Repair: Replace cracked, rotted, or damaged boards.
- Dry: Let the wood fully dry before applying any stain.
- Stain: Apply two coats of stain evenly, allowing drying time between
In Raleigh’s hot, humid climate, choosing the right product and applying it in the right conditions ensures the best results. That’s why working with professionals like us is a great investment, as we know the best products and techniques for our climate and area.
What Is the Highest Rated Solid Deck Stain?
With so many deck stain products on the market, it can be confusing and overwhelming for homeowners to choose the best one for their specific climate, deck, and style. We pride ourselves on using the highest rated solid deck stain products that offer the best durability and performance. We use only professional-grade products designed to withstand North Carolina’s intense sun, humidity, and rain.
Some of the top solid deck stain brands we recommend include:
- Benjamin Moore Arborcoat: Excellent color retention and durability.
- Behr Premium Solid Stain: Widely available, great coverage.
- Cabot Solid Color Stain: Long-standing brand with fade resistance and strong protection.
When you partner with us, we recommend the best solid stain option for your deck’s age, condition, and exposure to the outdoor elements.
Is Solid Deck Stain Right for Your Deck?
Solid deck stain is a great fit for your home if:
- Your deck has visible imperfections, fading, or weathering.
- You want a bold, uniform color that lasts for years.
- You want better UV protection than transparent or semi-transparent stains offer.
- You prefer a finish that’s durable but still breathable (unlike paint).
If your deck is brand new and you want to showcase the natural grain, you might prefer a transparent or semi-transparent stain. However, for older, lived-in decks that have seen better days, solid deck stain is often the smartest, most cost-effective choice.
Refresh Your Outdoor Space with Solid Deck Stain
If your deck looks tired but is still structurally sound, solid deck stain is one of the most affordable and effective ways to transform your outdoor space, improve your curb appeal, and protect your outdoor investment.
At Oak City Coatings, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across the Raleigh, Cary, and Apex areas upgrade their outdoor spaces with solid deck stain that stands the test of time.
Our services include:
- Detailed surface prep (the most important part!).
- Color consulting.
- Professional application with expert technique.
- Full cleanup and maintenance instructions.
Ready to refresh your deck with solid deck stain?
Visit our contact page for a free estimate and let’s talk colors, prep, and making your outdoor space an oasis again!
