Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website. Water takes a toll on a wood deck’s finish, whether it’s pounding rain or piles of snow. You can tell whether your deck stain ...

Stain wood when it hasn’t rained for three days and when the forecast calls for at least two days of dry weather (or two and a half days if you need to apply two coats of stain) with temperatures ...

A wood deck increases your home’s value and adds a living space, but only if it is aesthetically appealing. If left untreated ...

Next time you've got a painting project, give gel stains some consideration. Like traditional wood stains, it's oil-based and will absorb into unfinished wood, but gel stains won't put the grain on ...

You can get at least two types of deck stain or sealer. One type is a penetrating finish that is designed to soak into dry wood. Other deck stains are formulated to perform much like varnishes or ...

Most stores stock wood stain in every shade of brown despite a manufacturer’s spectrum that includes vivid reds, deep blues, and even bright whites. Picking colors is definitely the fun part. But ...

You might think to switch out light fixtures or upgrade your entryway when you’re planning home improvements, but another way to update your deck, railings, and ...