Behr's Exterior Stain Color Of The Year Is A Warm Take On Timeless Wood You May Want To Try

Choosing the right stain color for your deck and other wood surfaces can transform your outdoor space into a stylish oasis. Indeed, an exterior stain can totally change the aesthetics of your deck, fence, or even furniture. What's more, it'll help protect the wood from moisture, mold, and UV damage.

While there are plenty of hues to choose from, Behr has unveiled its 2025 Exterior Stain Color of the Year, and it's the ultimate versatile shade. This year, the company has chosen to spotlight Cedar, which it describes as being warm, earthy, and reminiscent of real cedar. As Erika Woelfel, Behr's vice president of color and creative services, shared in an article on Martha Stewart, Cedar was chosen because of its timelessness and ability to make any space feel cozy. "This color choice aligns with the desire for spaces that feel open and welcoming, brightening exteriors and enhancing outdoor living areas," Woelfel enthused.

Available in two finishes — solid and semi-transparent — Cedar looks great on fences, stairs, decks, ceilings, and even garage doors. While the solid option offers full coverage, the semi-transparent version allows the wood's natural grain to shine through. In both instances, the result is a warm, natural-looking finish which can be paired with every design style, from a neutral palette full of whites to the trendiest space filled with big pops of color.

Staining your wooden deck like a professional requires just a few simple steps, many of which are the same when staining a fence. Before you get started, though, make sure you don't make the most common staining mistake and avoid doing this DIY in the middle of summer when sunlight and humidity levels are high and likely to wreak havoc on your results. Instead, opt for late spring or early fall to complete this project.

Start by cleaning the surface, first wetting it with a garden hose, then brushing it with a specialty wood cleaner to remove stains and grime. While it may be tempting to use household bleach, this should be avoided as it can actually erode and damage the wood.

After rinsing and drying, apply the stain to your deck with a paint pad in a thin coat, moving methodically from one end to the other. For a fence, consider using a brush instead, and work from top to bottom. Whatever surface you're working on, the key is to ensure you remove any excess stain immediately before it has the chance to dry in unsightly (and permanent) spots. Once fully dry, apply a second coat to achieve a deeper, richer hue, then coat the whole thing with a clear sealer for added longevity.