Best stain colors for cedar decks

Cedar is one of the better-looking woods for outdoor decks, so a lot of homeowners choose a stain that lets the natural grain come through rather than hiding it. The most common picks fall into three groups.

Natural and clear-toned stains let the cedar look like cedar, just protected. The reddish-brown undertones of fresh cedar come through. Best for decks where the wood is in good shape and you want it to read as wood.

Warm browns and chestnuts deepen the natural cedar color and add richness. Best for decks where you want a warmer, more elegant feel without abandoning the wood look entirely.

Gray and weathered tones mimic naturally weathered wood while still protecting against further damage. Best for decks where you want a modern, refined look that complements gray or stone exteriors.

We bring samples to the estimate visit so you can see the actual colors on actual wood before deciding.