Make Cedar Shine: Our Favorite Wood Stains

Cedar wood stain helps protect and enhance one of the most beautiful and durable building materials around. To see which products perform best, we hands-on tested seven different stains across cedar siding, fencing, and decking. The goal: to find a stain that brings out the natural beauty of cedar while offering reliable long-term protection against the elements.

When it comes to staining cedar wood, shoppers should care about more than just color. The right stain preserves cedar’s natural oils, protects against UV rays, and resists moisture—all while keeping maintenance manageable. A poor choice can lead to premature fading, peeling, or uneven coverage, especially if you’re tackling a large project like a stained cedar fence or deck.

Our top recommendation is the Behr Naturaltone Penetrating Wood Stain because it combines excellent weather resistance, a natural cedar finish, and user-friendly application. Whether you’re refreshing a deck, applying a stain for cedar wood siding, or looking for a natural cedar stain to keep your outdoor furniture protected, this product stood out as the most reliable choice in our testing.

Keep reading to learn more about our top picks, all of which were hands-on tested to ensure they performed as promised. 

1. BEST OVERALL: Behr Naturaltone Penetrating Wood Stain
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:Ready Seal 512 Natural Cedar Exterior Stain
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3. BEST COLOR SELECTION: Minwax PolyShades Polyurethane Wood Stain
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4. BEST FOR DEEP PENETRATION:Cabot Australian Timber Oil Wood Stain and Protector
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5. BEST FOR FURNITURE: Furniture Clinic Wood Stain
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6. BEST LOW MAINTENANCE: Olympic Elite Mountain Cedar Stain and Sealant
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7. BEST WATER-BASED FORMULA: Defy Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain
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Stains for Cedar Comparison

Our Top Picks

There is a lot to know about choosing the best stain for cedar. To help make the shopping process go as easily as possible, check out the following list of popular choices. It’s a compilation of some of the best wood stains for cedar fences, outdoor furniture, and more.

Our Ratings

The Behr Naturaltone Penetrating Wood Stain is a semi-transparent, oil-based formula that penetrates deeply into cedar, highlighting the wood’s natural character while shielding it from the elements. Ideal for decks, siding, and fences, it also resists mildew and dirt, providing both beauty and durability. With its ability to withstand rain just 4 hours after application, it’s a convenient option for outdoor projects where the weather is unpredictable.

During testing, this stain proved easy to apply with a brush, roller, or sprayer, and it delivered even coverage across rough and smooth cedar surfaces. If you’re tackling projects like a stained cedar fence, you’ll appreciate its versatility and its ability to enhance the warm tones of stained cedar wood. While we loved the natural look, we did notice a very slight yellowish tint after drying. We also thought the 400 square feet coverage to be a little optimistic—this is going to vary greatly with any product, depending on the wood surface and condition. Still, the overall results were impressive, leaving cedar surfaces looking refreshed and well-protected against UV rays and water.

What our tester says: “I liked how easy this stain was to apply, and it really brought out the natural warmth of cedar.”—Paul Rankin, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Behr stain for cedar at The Home Depot. 

Our Ratings

Those looking to stretch their cedar-staining budget may want to check out Ready Seal’s 512 Natural Cedar Exterior Stain. Sold in larger buckets, it offers a lower cost per gallon than many comparable stains, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious shoppers. This oil-based formula penetrates deeply to protect from within, with added UV blockers and mildew resistance for long-lasting performance. Available in eight shades—including a natural cedar color—it’s versatile enough for fences, siding, and decks.

In testing, we found Ready Seal straightforward to apply, especially with a sprayer. It soaked evenly into the wood and provided consistent coverage, leaving behind a smooth, professional-looking finish. This was one of the darkest stains we tried, with a rich reddish-brown tone that looked great on cedar. While “Natural Cedar” can vary quite a bit between brands, Ready Seal’s version created a warm, bold finish that worked well for those wanting a deeper color. Cleanup does require mineral spirits, but the overall application process was simple and effective.

What our tester says: “This stain sprayed on beautifully and left a rich, even finish—it gave our cedar a bold, refreshed look.”—Paul Rankin, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Ready Seal stain for cedar at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Our Ratings

Finding the right cedar stain color can be a challenge, but Minwax PolyShades offers one of the widest selections available, with 28 shades in either satin or gloss finishes. This brush-on, oil-based formula does double duty, staining the wood while also sealing it with a protective layer of polyurethane. It can be applied directly to bare wood or over an existing finish with just light sanding, eliminating the need for stripping. Two coats are recommended, with a 6-hour dry time between each.

In our testing, Minwax PolyShades provided strong coverage and left our test wood with a refreshed, polished look. The glossy polyurethane layer added significant protection and made surfaces look brand new. However, we found the finish to be glossier than expected for a semi-transparent stain, which some users may not prefer. The color options are broad, and the one we tested (classic oak) looked rich and even. It really seemed to accentuate the nice parts of natural cedar, without going crazy with a different color tone. Dry time was also on the longer side compared with other stains we tested, even in warm Florida weather. Still, for shoppers who want extensive color variety and lasting protection, this product is a solid option.

Get the Minwax stain for cedar at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Ace Hardware.

Our Ratings

Cabot’s Australian Timber Oil is designed for staining cedar siding, decks, railings, and outdoor furniture that need long-lasting protection and a refined finish. This oil-based stain combines linseed and tung oils to penetrate deeply into the wood, while iron oxide pigments provide reliable UV resistance. The formula protects against both moisture and sun damage, and it’s available in four colors, including a natural option that enhances the warm tones of weathered cedar. For those with sensitivities, Cabot also offers low-VOC variants.

In testing, this stain gave us a natural, professional-quality look. It applied smoothly and dried to a clean, non-sticky surface, making the process straightforward. We noted excellent water resistance—beads formed quickly on the test board—and strong durability under simulated harsh weather conditions. Unlike some competitors, the color balance wasn’t overly yellow or orange; instead, it accentuated cedar’s natural beauty without drastically altering it. Between its ease of application, attractive finish, and reliable protection, this is a strong choice for homeowners who want both performance and aesthetics.

Get the Cabot stain for cedar at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Ace Hardware.

Our Ratings

Furniture Clinic’s wood stain stands out as an excellent choice for cedar furniture thanks to its ease of use and natural-looking results. This water-based formula is eco-friendly, low odor, and nontoxic, making it suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Available in 12 color options, it dries in as little as 10 minutes and can be applied with a foam pad for a smooth, streak-free finish. For maximum protection, the manufacturer recommends pairing it with wax, varnish, or wood oil, all available from the same brand.

In our testing, this stain applied differently from most others—it’s brushed or padded on, then wiped off with a rag after a few minutes. The process left our test boards with a subtle, refined appearance rather than a heavy, saturated look. Cleanup was a breeze with water, and the finish dried quickly, leaving no stickiness behind. Of all the stains we tested, this one left cedar looking the most natural—almost identical to bare cedar, just more polished. We loved the soft, neutral tones that avoided the dated orange hue many stains can give. For cedar furniture, this product is a standout for those who want a fresh look without dramatically changing the wood’s natural character.

Get the Furniture Clinic stain for cedar at Amazon or Walmart.

Our Ratings

Olympic’s Woodland Oil Stain and Sealer is designed to protect cedar siding, fences, decks, and other outdoor projects while delivering a smooth, natural-looking finish. The formula combines penetrating oil with advanced waterproofing technology to help repel water and resist damage from the elements. It’s available in several color options, including the “Mountain Cedar” shade we tested—a rich, dark brown that brought a bold look to the cedar.

Application was simple, much like the other stains we tested. The stain spread evenly and absorbed well into the wood, leaving behind a transparent finish that still showed the cedar’s grain. While it didn’t appear to form a heavy protective coating, water beaded up beautifully during testing, proving its resistance to moisture. The dark tone created by Mountain Cedar added noticeable depth and character, though it may highlight scratches or wear more than lighter stains. Still, for homeowners who want a darker finish that enhances rather than masks the wood, this is an appealing option.

Get the Olympic stain for cedar at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Our Ratings

Defy’s Extreme Semi-Transparent Exterior Wood Stain is a water-based formula designed to protect cedar decks, fences, siding, and outdoor furniture while maintaining the natural beauty of the wood. Available in six finishes—including Natural Cedar, the one we tested—it adds subtle color without completely hiding the grain. The stain features zinc particles for UV protection, similar to sunscreen, and contains low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it a more eco-conscious choice. It can be applied with a brush, roller, or sprayer, and cleanup is simple with soap and water.

In our testing, Defy stood out for its ease of application and solid performance under sun exposure. After leaving our cedar test boards outdoors for several weeks in Florida heat, the stain still looked fresh and showed no signs of fading. The semi-shiny finish made surfaces appear rejuvenated, almost like new. While the Natural Cedar color leaned more orange than we preferred, Defy offers a range of other tones to suit different tastes. Water resistance was good, though not quite as strong as oil-based alternatives—it repelled water without allowing it to penetrate, but didn’t bead as effectively. Overall, this stain is a great pick for those seeking low-VOC protection, long-lasting UV resistance, and easy cleanup.

Get the Defy stain for cedar at Amazon or Walmart.

How We Tested the Best Stain for Cedar

To find the best cedar stains, we started by researching more than a dozen top-rated products from leading brands, narrowing the list to seven finalists based on reputation, price, availability, color range, and formula type (oil- or water-based). 

Each product was then tested side by side on new cedar boards, using brushes, rollers, and sprayers to evaluate application ease, coverage, and consistency. After application, we measured drying time, assessed the richness and evenness of color, and compared how well each stain enhanced cedar’s natural grain. To evaluate durability, we left the test boards outdoors for several weeks in Florida sun and rain, then observed water resistance by spraying each surface and noting beading, absorption, and staining. Finally, we weighed the overall look, finish, and performance of each stain, scoring them on application, protection, and appearance to determine our top recommendations.

What to Consider When Choosing a Stain for Cedar

Whether the goal is to enhance cedar with a fresh color or to simply protect your investment, there is a stain that’s up to the task. When selecting a wood stain, it’s worth keeping in mind a few details, including the type, finished look, and existing coating. The following sections include these helpful details to make selecting the best stain easier.

Intended Use

Cedar is one of the most flexible and versatile woods available. It does as well outdoors in the elements as it does as a blanket chest or closet lining. As each application encounters different environmental factors, there are different approaches to staining cedar fences, siding, furniture, and more.

For interior projects like hope and blanket chests or dressers, any quality interior stain can do the trick. But for the interiors of those chests, dressers, or closets, it’s best to leave the surface untreated. Cedar is naturally bug-repellent, so an unsealed surface will help safeguard blankets and garments stored inside.

When it comes to wood that’s used outdoors for decks, fences, siding, and furniture, it’s important to use an appropriate outdoor cedar stain. Exterior wood stains contain sealers and will protect the wood from decay caused by moisture, UV rays, and fungi. 

Base

The best stains for cedar come in a few varieties: water-based, oil-based, and hybrid. These names refer to the liquid base that the stain manufacturer uses for its recipe of pigments and protective particles. It’s important to understand what they are and how they work.

• Water-based stains use good old-fashioned water as the liquid base. These stains are easy to apply and easy to clean up, requiring just a bit of soap and water. They’re also low-VOC (volatile organic compounds), so they’re less likely to bother the user’s respiratory system during application. But they don’t penetrate very deeply, and they might not last as long.
• Oil-based stains, such as those that use paraffin-, synthetic-, and plant-based oils, soak into the wood deeply, rejuvenating the fibers and protecting the surface from the inside. They can really improve the grain’s visual “pop,” enhancing the look of the wood. But they have a much higher VOC content, so they can require the use of a respirator to avoid irritation, even outdoors. Also, cleanup requires mineral spirits.
• Hybrid stains combine a bit of both worlds. Generally, these stains use water as the main base but also contain penetrating oils to soak into the wood. They’re lower in VOCs than oil-based stains and generally clean up with mineral spirits. However, hybrid stains aren’t widely popular yet. 

Film-Forming vs. Penetrating Stain

Stain products will protect cedar siding, decks, fences, and furniture differently, depending on the type of stain. For instance, a water-based product might create a film or shell over the stain, while an oil-based product might soak into the grain to protect it from within.

• Penetrating stains work their way into the grain of woods like cedar. Below the surface, they rejuvenate the wood fibers and strengthen them. They allow moisture from within the wood to escape but keep rain, snow, and other elements from penetrating. They’re durable and may last around 5 years before restaining is necessary. However, they don’t do a great job of hiding damage, blemishes, or mismatched wood. 
• Film-forming stains will create a barrier over the exterior of the cedar, keeping water from passing through. Because they coat the surface of the wood, they can be an effective method for covering blemishes and mismatched grain, but they don’t last as long as penetrating stains.

Opacity

Depending on their amount of opacity or transparency, stains can hide blemishes, enhance grain, or simply protect without drawing attention to themselves. They come in varying levels of transparency.

• Transparent stains, or clear stains, won’t do much beyond strengthening the wood fibers and protecting the wood against the elements. Many DIYers find this level of transparency perfect for cedar if they want to let the natural silvery color of weathered cedar shine through.
• Semitransparent stains are mostly clear but often tinted with a pigment or color to enhance the overall look of the surface. These stains don’t hide blemishes or mismatched grain well, but they do offer protection and a bit of rejuvenation for cedar surfaces that are still in good condition.
• Semisolid stains are all about adding a new hue to the wood while offering protection. These stains also will hide the grain and character of a wood fence or deck, so they’re generally not preferred for cedar surfaces.
• Solid stains will hide a wood surface’s grain, blemishes, and knots. A solid deck stain help visually blend repaired boards and other imperfections completely, leaving behind a uniform surface. 

Existing Coating

If you’re staining a new deck, new siding, or a freshly erected fence, any exterior stain can be used. But when restaining or refinishing a cedar surface, it’s important to consider the previous coating when choosing a product.

If a previously finished cedar surface has an oil-based stain, there’s the choice of using oil-based or water-based stain on top. The oil will be able to penetrate the wood, and water-based stains will adhere to the surface.

But for surfaces already treated with water-based stains, another water-based product may be required. Previous water-based stains can prevent oil-based stains from penetrating, causing them to pool on the surface and offering very little protection. 

Added Protection

An exterior stain’s primary purpose is to keep moisture from penetrating wood surfaces and causing damage from swelling, buckling, warping, and more. But some of the best stains for cedar offer more protection.

Cedar is already fairly rot- and mildew-resistant, but using a stain that contains mildewcide will help ensure that cedar surfaces don’t succumb to the damage of fungi. 

And while many people enjoy using their cedar deck on bright, sunny days, the sun is not a deck’s best friend. To stain cedar fences and decks, it’s worth looking for a stain with extra UV protection, as these stains will protect cedar surfaces from the damage caused by intense UV rays.

Application

Applying the best stain for cedar is fairly straightforward, but a little prep work and knowledge can go a long way toward ensuring a quality outcome. Here are some tips to help the job go smoothly.

• Prepare the surface. Using an exterior wood cleaner and a scrub brush, give the surface a thorough cleaning. Quickly sand off any standing fibers after the deck dries. 
• Apply the stain. Using a roller and brushes, apply the stain to the entire surface. Work in small sections to avoid missing spots or dry edges. If using a sprayer, it’s possible to work in larger sections, but be sure to overlap the edges of each section.
• Keep a wet edge. As with any stain or paint project, be sure to maintain a wet edge to avoid lap marks or dry spots.
• Apply a second coat if necessary. Wait for the stain to dry before determining if it needs another coat. A sealer can be applied over the top of penetrating stains, but most exterior-grade products already contain sealers.

FAQs

Even with this extensive background on cedar stains and review of some of the top products, there might be some additional questions. The following section addresses some common issues with cedar treatment and wood stains. 

Meet the Tester

Paul Rankin is a product tester and writer with extensive experience reviewing home improvement, DIY, and outdoor products. He takes a hands-on, detailed approach to evaluating performance, ease of use, and long-term value so readers can choose the right product with confidence.

Additional research provided by Tom Scalisi and Bob Beacham.

 

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