Paint vs Stain: Which Makes Sense for Your Wood?

Paint sits on top of the wood and gives a solid, opaque color. It hides the grain. When it fails, it peels and must be scraped before repainting. Paint lasts longer between coats but the re-coat is more work.

Stain soaks into the wood and protects from within. Transparent and semi-transparent stains show the grain. When stain fails it fades rather than peels, so re-coating is simpler — clean and reapply, no scraping.

Siding, trim, and doors usually suit paint — a durable, opaque finish with long intervals. Decks and fences usually suit stain — a natural look that re-coats easily. We recommend based on the surface, not a default.