Ready Seal vs Behr Stain: Which Is Best for Your Deck?
Choosing between Ready Seal vs Behr Stain can feel like a big decision when it comes to protecting and beautifying your deck. Both are popular products, but they each bring something different to the table.
Whether you’re looking for transparent wood stains, semi-transparent stains, or even solid stains, it’s important to understand what makes these options stand out. Let’s break it down so you can make the best choice for your wood deck.
What Is Ready Seal?
Ready Seal is a go-to choice for many homeowners who want a stain that’s easy to use and delivers beautiful results. It’s an oil-based stain and sealer in one, so it protects your deck while enhancing its appearance. The best part? You don’t need to be a pro to apply it.
Key Features of Ready Seal:
- No primer needed: It’s designed to penetrate the wood surface directly, saving you time.
- Easy application: You can use a brush, roller, or sprayer for spraying stain – no fancy techniques required.
- Self-leveling formula: Forget about lap marks or streaks. Ready Seal evens itself out as it dries.
- Enhances the natural grain: This wood stain highlights the beauty of your wood rather than covering it up.
- No peeling or cracking: It ages gracefully, so you won’t see the peeling often associated with other stains.
Ready Seal is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance, professional look for their deck.
What Is Behr Stain?
Behr Stain is another big name in the deck-staining world. It offers a wide range of finishes, from transparent wood stains to full-coverage solid stains. If variety is what you’re after, Behr has it in spades. Plus, it’s easy to find at any local paint store.
Key Features of Behr Stain:
- Wide finish options: Whether you prefer a light touch with semi-transparent stains or bold coverage with solid stains, Behr has you covered.
- Durable protection: Behr is built to last, standing up well to weather and wear.
- Acrylic and oil-based options: Choose what works best for your needs, whether it’s an oil-based formula or a water-based option.
- Color variety: Behr offers a rainbow of shades, making it easy to match your deck to your home’s style.
Comparing Ready Seal vs Behr Stain
Application
- Ready Seal: It’s a dream to apply. You don’t need a primer, and it doesn’t require back-brushing or fancy tools. Even beginners can achieve a professional finish.
- Behr Stain: While Behr offers great results, it can be a little more challenging to apply, especially if you’re using their solid stains. You may need to back-brush to avoid streaks.
Finish and Appearance
- Ready Seal: Known for enhancing the natural grain, Ready Seal delivers a warm, rich look. It’s great if you want the wood to shine through.
- Behr Stain: Behr offers more coverage options, including semi-solid and solid stains. If you want to cover imperfections or completely change the color of your deck, Behr is a good choice.
Durability
- Ready Seal: The oil-based formula penetrates deeply into the wood, making it resistant to peeling and cracking. It’s long-lasting and easy to maintain.
- Behr Stain: Behr’s durability depends on the finish you choose. Solid stains are especially tough but may require more prep for reapplication.
Maintenance
- Ready Seal: When it’s time to reapply, there’s no need to strip or sand. Just clean the surface and add a new coat.
- Behr Stain: Reapplication may require more effort, especially if you’re using their solid stains.
Cost
- Ready Seal: While it’s not the cheapest option, it offers excellent value for its ease of use and performance.
- Behr Stain: Behr is generally more affordable, especially their water-based products. If you’re on a budget, Behr might be the way to go.
Transparent, Semi-Transparent, and Solid Stains: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the different types of deck stains is key to choosing the right one for your project.
- Transparent Wood Stains: These stains provide minimal color and let the natural grain of the wood shine through. Perfect for newer decks in great condition.
- Semi-Transparent Stains: These add a bit more color while still showcasing the beauty of the wood. Ready Seal excels in this category, offering a wide range of semi-transparent options.
- Solid Stains: These offer full coverage, hiding imperfections and giving your deck a bold, uniform look. Behr Stain is a standout for solid finishes.
Why Choose an Oil-Based Stain?
Both Ready Seal and some Behr stains are oil-based, which comes with distinct advantages:
- Deep penetration: Oil-based stains soak into the wood, offering superior protection.
- Rich finish: They enhance the natural grain, giving your deck a beautiful, polished look.
- Durability: Oil-based stains are resistant to cracking and peeling.
If you’re looking for the best deck stain for long-lasting results, an oil-based option like Ready Seal is worth considering.
How to Choose the Best Deck Stain for Your Project
Here are some factors to keep in mind when deciding between Ready Seal and Behr Stain:
- Skill level: If you’re new to staining, Ready Seal’s user-friendly application might be the better choice.
- Desired finish: Want to highlight the wood? Go with Ready Seal. Need full coverage? Behr’s solid stains are your friend.
- Maintenance needs: Ready Seal is easier to touch up over time, while Behr may require more prep work.
- Budget: Behr offers a range of price points, making it a good option for those on a budget.
Where to Buy Deck Stains
Both Ready Seal and Behr Stain are widely available. You can find Ready Seal online or at select retailers, while Behr is stocked at most local paint stores.
Tips for Staining Your Deck
No matter which product you choose, follow these tips for the best results:
- Prep the deck: Clean the wood surface thoroughly and let it dry completely.
- Apply in the right weather: Choose a day with mild temperatures and no rain in the forecast.
- Use the right tools: For Ready Seal, you can use a brush, roller, or sprayer. For Behr, stick to a brush or roller.
- Work in small sections: This ensures even coverage and prevents lap marks.
FAQ About Deck Stains
No, Ready Seal works best on bare wood.
Ready Seal lasts about 2-3 years on horizontal surfaces. Behr’s durability varies based on the type of stain.
Transform Your Deck with Deck Bros
Looking for professional help to make your deck look amazing? At Deck Bros, we specialize in deck building and staining to keep your outdoor space in top shape. Whether you choose Ready Seal or Behr Stain, our team ensures flawless results every time.
Contact Deck Bros today at (402) 369-5724 for expert advice and services to transform your deck into a stunning, long-lasting feature of your home!