Need to Stain Your Deck? These Are the Top 4 Wood Stain Colors of the Year

Looking to refresh your outdoor space with a touch of timeless charm or bold new style? A fresh coat of wood stain can completely transform your yard’s tired, old wood features without a costly upgrade. While interior colors of the year get a lot of attention, wood stain brands also release their own color of the year picks to help you choose the perfect wood stain for your next outdoor project.

Whether you’re revamping a deck, fence, or patio furniture, these four wood stain colors promise style and durability.

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Cedar by Behr

Behr’s 2025 stain Color of the Year is Cedar, a warm and earthy light golden brown color. It was unveiled alongside Behr’s second annual Curb Appeal Collection, a curated collection of 45 on-trend exterior paint colors designed to help homeowners take the guesswork out of the painting journey.

Each hue in the Curb Appeal Collection pairs seamlessly with Cedar for a stylish, straightforward outdoor makeover.

“Cedar is a warm and earthy light golden-brown,“ said Erika Woelfel, Vice President of Color and Creative Services at BEHR Paint Company, in an official press release. „It holds a richness and depth that enhances the natural beauty of wood for an elevated experience. Its tonality complements a variety of architectural styles, from minimalist modern to casual craftsman.“

Available in solid and semi-transparent finishes, you truly can’t go wrong with this one.

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Burnt Hickory by Cabot 

If you’re after a deeper, earthier hue, Cabot’s 2025 color of the year, Burnt Hickory, may be for you. This classic shade was chosen for its rich tone, enhancing wood’s natural grain and texture for a relaxed yet sophisticated finish. 

“Burnt Hickory isn’t just a color, it’s a testament to timeless style,“ said Sue Kim, Director of Color Marketing for Cabot, in a press release. „The deep shade of this color celebrates the beauty of aged wood and provides an intimate, calming setting perfect for relaxation or entertaining guests. With a shade that’s rooted in nature, its rich premium finish ensures lasting beauty and is ideal for decks, siding, fences, and outdoor furniture,”

Depending on your project and desired finish, you can grab this timeless wood stain in one of three formulas: semi-transparent, semi-solid, or solid.

Oxford Brown by Pittsburgh Paints Co.

The Pittsburgh Paints Company and its woodcare brands, OLYMPIC® Stains, Pittsburgh Paints & Stains™ coatings, and Flood® wood finishes, have picked Oxford Brown as their 2025 exterior stain color of the year. This earthy hue offers subtle amber undertones and a timeless rustic appeal. 

“For years, minimalist blacks and subtle white oaks have dominated the stain space,” said Pittsburgh Paints Co. global color expert Ashley McCollum in a press release. “We opted for a warmer, more invigorating direction with Oxford Brown that transcends design styles. Whether you’re in your modern, minimalist era or are wanting to embrace earthy, rustic tones, Oxford Brown is a timeless treasure that complements any space.”

The brand’s woodcare experts recommend Oxford Brown in Olympic Maximum® Semi-Transparent stain and sealant, Pittsburgh Paints & Stains Paramount™ Exterior stain and sealant in one, and Flood Pro Series Semi-Transparent stain and sealant.

Oxford Brown can also be purchased in a solid color formula for more weathered wood, where a deeper stain and long-lasting protection is desired.  

Violet by Minwax

If you’re looking for something whimsical and out of the box, Minwax’s 2025 Color of the Year may be for you. The popular wood stain and finish brand elected Violet, a bold blue-toned purple shade, as their top pick for 2025. 

“Violet represents a perfect pick for those who want to showcase their individuality and go bold at home,“ said Lisbeth Parada, Color Marketing Manager for Minwax, in a press release. „Derived from the trusted color family of blue, violet is both mystical and cosmic, giving a nod to the future with a red undertone that helps create spaces that are both whimsical and nostalgic,”

This colorful wood stain is ideal for those looking to add a pop of color to their outdoor space. While Minwax is primarily recommended for indoor use, the correct top coat can help protect it in outdoor settings.

With that in mind, Minwax suggests that Violet is best used in transitional spaces such as covered porches, sun rooms, or three-season rooms where it can be protected from the elements for optimal longevity. Consider using this vibrant shade to breathe life into old furniture pieces, create visual accents, or make unique patterns.