10 Best Cedar Fence Stains 2025 in the United States

The Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer is an oil-based stain designed for wood surfaces, particularly for exterior use. One of its standout features is that it requires no primer and self-blends, making it easy to apply with a sprayer, roller, or brush. This 'goof-proof' application ensures no laps, runs, or streaks, even without back brushing or wet-line application, which is a significant advantage for users looking for a hassle-free staining process. Additionally, it can be applied in any temperature range, adding to its versatility.

The stain offers UV resistance, protecting the wood from sun damage and prolonging its life, which is crucial for outdoor wooden structures like fences. It will look darkest when first applied and takes about 14 days to reach its true color, so users need to be patient to see the final result. The product also includes water resistance and mildew/mold resistance, making it suitable for high-quality exterior stains.

One limitation is that it cannot be applied over painted or newly stained surfaces, as sealed surfaces inhibit penetration. Weighing 1 pound and measuring 12 x 12 x 13.75 inches, this 5-gallon pail should be manageable for most users. With a strong customer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars and being ranked #24 in Household Stains, it is well-regarded by users. This product is a solid choice for anyone needing an easy-to-use, effective wood stain and sealer for exterior projects.

The DEFY Extreme Wood Stain and Sealer in Cedar Tone is a versatile, high-quality product designed for protecting various exterior wood surfaces, including cedar fences. One of its primary strengths is its advanced UV protection, thanks to zinc nano-particles, which help prevent sun damage and graying, thereby extending the wood's natural beauty. Additionally, its water resistance and moisture protection make it suitable for all weather conditions, ensuring the wood remains durable and less prone to damage from rain or humidity. The stain also offers mildew and mold resistance, which is beneficial in maintaining the aesthetics and integrity of the wood over time.

Applying the stain is straightforward, whether using a sprayer, brush, or roller, and any spills can be easily cleaned up with mild soap and water. The product dries relatively quickly, and coverage is efficient, with one gallon covering approximately 100-150 square feet, depending on the number of coats applied. As a semi-transparent stain, it may require more frequent reapplication compared to opaque stains for those seeking longer intervals between maintenance.

DEFY Extreme Wood Stain is a solid choice for anyone looking to protect and enhance their outdoor wood surfaces, particularly cedar fences, with a focus on UV and water resistance.

The Olympic Maximum Cedar Transparent Exterior Stain and Sealant in One is designed for those looking to protect and beautify their exterior wood surfaces, such as fences, decks, and outdoor furniture. As a transparent water-based stain, it adds color while allowing the natural wood grain to show through, which can be aesthetically pleasing for cedar wood lovers. It offers solid UV protection thanks to its SunBlock UV defense, which helps prevent the wood from graying in the sun.

The enhanced waterproofing protection and SCUFF GUARD technology are great for keeping your wood surfaces durable and less prone to damage from moisture and wear. Additionally, it provides mildew and mold resistance, which is crucial for outdoor wood maintenance. The stain is easy to apply, even in cooler temperatures down to 35°F, and it's rain-ready in just 8 hours, making it convenient for varying weather conditions.

However, it should be noted that the product is relatively heavy, weighing in at 45.4 pounds for the 5-gallon pail, which might make handling and applying a bit cumbersome. While it does dry relatively quickly, the full durability claims, like any stain, depend on proper application and maintenance over time. This stain is widely recommended for multiple types of exterior wood but may not be ideal for those looking for a completely hassle-free application due to its weight.