Best solid stain for posts, pergola, etc.

16 years ago

We're having a deck built. Decking is Timbertech (yes, I know a lot of people here do not like composite decking, but it's what we've chosen). We're doing cable railings. Not sure yet if the top handrail will be Ipe, another hardwood, cedar or what. The posts, risers and pergola that will be on it, will all be cedar (either wrapped in the case of the posts or solid) that we will finish with a solid stain (white). We're going to pre-finish all of those parts since A.) it's getting a little cold out to be staining and B.) so much easier to do that when it's not attached).

Can anyone recommend the best solid stain for this purpose and offer some suggestions as to the best application method? Our contractor mentioned something about priming, which seemed odd to me since I thought the point of stain was for it to soak into the wood a bit, but I've not done any exterior staining before.

Thank you in advance for your help. I looked through the old posts, but solid stain doesn't seem to be a very popular option here.

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Comments (4)

wi-sailorgirl
Original Author
16 years ago
So I just have to say, this is the most frustrating topic I've come across. I guess I can see why there have been no replies.

I've scoured this forum as well as many, many others online and it seems like there is absolutely no consensus on this. Well there does seem to be a consensus to stay away from Behr products, but beyond that, for every person who says their stain of choice and method of application is "best" there are two more who say it ruined their deck.
fnmroberts
16 years ago
I used Cabot semi-solid when I built ours 3 years ago. Cabot is oil based which penetrates. I too stained before assembly but mostly to make certain the joints were protected. Mine is cedar.

This season I applied another coat. We're in N. IL.

Here are some photos of ours being assembled. Later I skinned the posts with cedar. Good luck.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pergola/Assembly
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david1948
15 years ago
Ace Hdwr has a solid color stain,(oil based). I built a porch cover 4 yrs ago out of hem/fir or something close, covered with clear poly-carb panels. Also installed new windows 2 yrs ago and trimmed in blue pine.
Painted both with the Ace solid stain.
Temps here are -5 to 100+. 12" rain yr. Humidity goes from
20-90% on a given day, usually 20-50%.
The stain is still like new on the porch. I am surprised due to the heat under clear panels can hit 120*.
The paint on the pine looks new but 2 yrs is no real test.
Personally, I will use it again. Dave
john_hyatt
15 years ago
I tell you Mon Ace Harware has some good stuff!!

I have been suprised over again after I started shoping there. Never used the outdoor finish but the nut/bolt slection is Great !! Also they have a handle fiting for the rattle can that is most outstanding as well. The spray paint they sell goes on real nice, lasts, and sprays on smooth and costs less. Its a gearhead/Harley thing. J.