Top-Notch Fence Stain Brands You Should Consider

Choosing the right fence stain can significantly enhance the durability and appearance of your wooden fence, making it a valuable investment for your property's aesthetics. In this guide, we have compiled a list of some of the best fence stain brands that excel in quality, longevity, and ease of application. From renowned brands known for their high-performance wood protection to those offering eco-friendly options, there's something for every homeowner’s needs. To uncover the top brands in fence stains and what sets them apart, read on below.

Illustration of fence stain

Best brands of fence stain in 2025

Behr

Behr is renowned as one of the best producers of fence stain, offering a wide range of high-quality products that ensure long-lasting protection and vibrant color. With over 75 years of experience, Behr has established itself as a trusted brand, providing stains that are resistant to fading and cracking, and are available in over 200 different colors. Their Premium Deck, Fence & Siding Weatherproofing Wood Finish, for example, is a top choice, offering up to 100% UV protection and a 100% acrylic formula for durability. In 2020, Behr was recognized as the number one choice for exterior paints and stains by the J.D. Power Paint Satisfaction Study. Their products are widely available at Home Depot and other major retailers.

Cabot

Cabot is renowned as one of the best producers of fence stain, offering a wide range of products that provide superior protection and aesthetic appeal. Their Semi-Transparent Stain + Sealer, available in 100 colors, highlights the wood grain while offering long-lasting protection that resists fading. The Cabot Wood Toned Stain & Sealer is specially formulated for bare wood, providing a natural finish that weathers over time. These products are suitable for various exterior wood applications, including decks, siding, fences, and trim. With advanced waterproofing formulas and UV protection, Cabot's stains ensure a durable and mold- & mildew-resistant finish.

Valspar

Valspar is a leading brand in the paint and coatings market, particularly renowned for its high-quality fence stains. With a market share of 8% in unit sales and 11% in brand consideration, Valspar stands out as a trusted choice for exterior wood stains and sealers. Their products, such as the Valspar(r) One-Coat Solid Stain & Sealer, offer maximum sunblocking protection, all-weather defense, and UV defense against fading, making them ideal for fences, decks, and siding. Valspar's products are known for their ease of application and maintenance, with features like ready-mix formulas and fast-acting cleaners. This brand continues to be a significant player in the paint market, with a strong presence in retail outlets.

Olympic

Olympic is renowned as one of the best producers for fence stain, offering high-quality products like the Olympic Elite stain, which provides excellent protection against moisture and UV rays, and is formulated to enhance the natural look of wood with a lifetime guarantee. This semi-transparent oil-based stain offers rich, durable color and is effective against mold, mildew, and algae. It is suitable for all wood types, including exotic hardwoods, and is part of a market that is expected to grow at a 7.5% CAGR from 2024 to 2034. The wood stain industry, in which Olympic is a key player, is forecasted to create an absolute dollar opportunity of US$ 2.6 billion from 2024 to 2034. With its advanced 4 Season Protection package, Olympic Elite ensures the wood remains protected and beautiful through all seasons.

Thompson's WaterSeal

Thompson's WaterSeal is a renowned brand in the wood stain and waterproofing industry, known for its high-quality products that provide excellent protection and aesthetic appeal for fences and other outdoor wood structures. The company has been a leader in deck treatments for over two decades, with its products widely available at major retailers such as Home Depot, Lowe's, and Walmart. Thompson's WaterSeal offers a range of products, including oil, latex, and clear waterproofing finishes, as well as the Signature Series, which features highly specialized formulas for one-step wood care solutions. This brand has earned a reputation for identifying trends and emerging technologies, ensuring powerful protection against water damage. With its extensive product line, Thompson's WaterSeal helps homeowners protect and beautify their outdoor living spaces effectively. For more details on wood stains, you can check the buying guide at Consumer Reports.

Ready Seal

Ready Seal is renowned as one of the best producers of fence stain, offering a professional-grade semi-transparent wood stain and sealer that excels in ease of application, maintenance, and finish. It requires no primer, can be applied via spray, roll, or brush, and does not leave runs, laps, or streaks. With a wide range of color options and a penetration rate that enhances the natural grain of the wood, Ready Seal has garnered praise from both contractors and homeowners. The product is part of a wood stain market projected to grow at a 7.5% CAGR from 2024 to 2034, reaching $4.9 billion by the end of the forecast period. Ready Seal's user-friendly application and durable protection make it a top choice for exterior wood projects.

Sikkens

Sikkens is renowned as one of the best producers of fence stain, offering high-performance products like the Sikkens Proluxe Cetol Log and Siding Stain, which provides optimal protection and a premium finish with its alkyd high solids formulation. This stain is designed to protect wood from weathering and maintains vibrant, fade-resistant color due to its microporous technology. It is available in a range of natural wood tones and is suitable for various wood surfaces, including logs, siding, and trim. The Sikkens Proluxe Cetol SRD Semi-Transparent Stain, another popular option, offers a one-coat finish and added UV protection, making it ideal for decks, fences, and outdoor furniture. With its commitment to superior quality, Sikkens continues to be a trusted choice for homeowners and professionals alike.

DEFY

DEFY is a leading brand in the wood stain industry, renowned for its high-quality, eco-friendly products that offer superior protection and durability. Their Extreme Wood Stain, formulated with Nano-Technology, provides excellent UV protection and water resistance, making it ideal for fences, decks, and other exterior wood surfaces. This stain is available in six beautiful colors and a clear option, ensuring a semi-transparent finish that highlights the natural wood grain. With a VOC-compliant formula, DEFY Extreme Wood Stain is not only effective but also environmentally friendly. It covers approximately 100-150 square feet per gallon and dries within 2-4 hours, making it a convenient choice for various wood staining projects.

Penofin

Penofin is renowned as one of the best producers of fence stain due to its high-performance, low-solid, non-film coating formula that deeply penetrates wood fibers, providing excellent protection against moisture, mildew, and UV damage. The use of Brazilian Rosewood Oil, sustainably harvested from seeds, ensures flexibility and water resistance. Penofin's Ultra Premium Red Label stain offers 99% ultraviolet protection and is available in ten transparent tones. It covers 150-200 square feet per gallon on rough surfaces and 250-300 square feet on smooth surfaces. With a forecasted market growth of 7.5% CAGR in the wood stain industry from 2024 to 2034, Penofin remains a top choice for discerning consumers and professionals.

Rust-Oleum

Rust-Oleum is a leading brand in the wood stain market, particularly renowned for its high-quality fence stains. Their Wolman exterior wood stains, available in water-based and oil-based formulas, offer superior water repellency, UV resistance, and lasting protection, making them ideal for decks, fences, and outdoor furniture. With a wide range of clear, semi-transparent, and solid premixed tints, Rust-Oleum's products cater to various needs and preferences. The wood stain market, which includes Rust-Oleum's products, is projected to grow at a 7.5% CAGR from 2024 to 2034, indicating strong demand for such products. Rust-Oleum's extensive distribution network ensures their products are widely available across the country. For more information on Wolman exterior wood stains, visit their website.