Composite vs Aluminum Decking: Which Is Better?
Sam Wood Worker
Composite decking is the better choice for most homeowners because it costs less, looks more like wood, and offers more colors and styles. Aluminum decking is better when maximum durability,…
Reviews & Comparisons
Behr Deck Stain Review: Pros, Cons and Results
Quick Answer Behr deck stain is one of the most popular big-box options out there, mostly because it’s affordable, easy to find at any Home Depot, and comes in a…
Sherwin-Williams SuperDeck Review: Is It Really Worth It ?
Quick Answer SuperDeck is one of the biggest names in deck stain, and it comes in both water-based and oil-based versions, across four opacity levels — clear, transparent, semi-transparent, and…
Thompson’s WaterSeal Review 2026: Does It Actually Work ?
Quick Answer: Thompson’s WaterSeal is cheap, easy to slap on, and it does repel water — for a while. But a lot of long-term users and pros say it fades,…
Sikkens Cetol Decking Oil Review 2026: Pros & Cons
If you’ve been staring at a can of Sikkens Cetol trying to decide whether it’s worth the extra cash, here’s the short version: it looks fantastic when you do the…
Cabot vs Ready Seal vs Defy
Choosing a deck stain can be confusing. Cabot, Ready Seal, and DEFY are all popular choices, but they work in different ways. Cabot offers several exterior wood stains. For this…
Defy Deck Stain Review: Pros, Cons & Is It Worth It?
If you want a deck stain that keeps the wood grain visible, DEFY Extreme is easy to notice. It is water-based. It cleans up with soap and water. It also…
Ready Seal Review: Pros, Cons & How to Apply
Ready Seal is often described as a “goof-proof” wood stain. That is a big promise. It suggests you can open the can, apply the stain, and get a good-looking deck…
5 Best Deck Cleaners for Wood and Composite Decks
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you buy through one of these links, The Wood Carpenter may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As…
Hardwood vs Softwood Decking: What Most Buyers Miss
The first surprise is in the name. Hardwood is not always hard. Softwood is not always soft. The words describe the type of tree, not the performance of a deck…