Behr Wood Stain Color Chart: Semi-Transparent & Solid Colors (2026)

For the full picture, see our complete wood finishing guide.

Behr offers four types of wood stain — transparent, semi-transparent, semi-solid, and solid color — in over 60 standard exterior colors and 1,600+ custom solid tints available at Home Depot. Whether you’re staining a deck, fence, or furniture, the right opacity level matters as much as the color.

This guide covers the complete Behr wood stain color chart by type, including semi-transparent and solid stain color names and codes, deck stain colors, and fence stain options — so you can pick the right shade without guessing.

Behr Wood Stain Types: A Quick Overview

Behr organizes its exterior wood stains by opacity level. Each type suits different wood conditions:

Stain Type	Opacity	Best For	Colors Available
Transparent	Clear / None	New, clean, smooth wood	3 colors
Semi-Transparent	Light tint — shows grain	Weathered or lightly aged wood	60 colors
Semi-Solid	Medium — slight grain show	Moderately worn or old wood	Custom tints available
Solid Color	Full opaque coverage	Old, rough, heavily worn wood	1,600+ custom colors

For 2026, Behr named Taupe (#153) its Exterior Stain Color of the Year — available in both semi-transparent and solid finishes, offering a versatile brown-gray neutral.

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Wood Stain Color Chart: How to Read and Choose a Shade

A wood stain color chart organizes shades by transparency level and undertone family so you can predict how the finished surface will look. Colors on any chart are tested on bare, sanded wood — results vary on weathered, oiled, or previously stained surfaces. Always test on a hidden area before staining the full project.

Transparency Levels Explained

• Clear / Natural — UV protection only, no color change. Best for new high-quality wood.
• Semi-Transparent — adds color while letting grain show. 1–3 years protection. Good for smooth or lightly weathered wood.
• Semi-Solid / Solid — hides grain for a painted look. 3–5 years protection. Best for rough or heavily weathered surfaces.

Matching Stain Color to Wood Type

Wood Type	Natural Tone	Recommended Stain Family	Transparency Level
Pine / Spruce	Pale yellow	Warm cedar, honey, teak	Semi-transparent
Cedar / Redwood	Reddish-brown	Natural cedar, red mahogany	Semi-transparent
Pressure-treated deck	Greenish-gray	Neutral gray, dark walnut	Solid or semi-solid
Oak / Ash	Golden tan	Light oak, golden pecan	Semi-transparent
Weathered / gray wood	Silver-gray	Any — prep required first	Solid recommended

Behr Semi-Transparent Stain Color Chart

Semi-transparent stains are the most popular Behr type — they add rich color while letting the wood grain show through. Behr offers 60 semi-transparent stain colors (prefix: ST). Here are the most popular:

Color Code	Color Name	Tone	Best Application
ST-101	Natural	Warm honey/amber	Cedar, pine, new wood
ST-105	Padre Brown	Medium warm brown	Decks, fences, furniture
ST-108	Cedar Naturaltone	Reddish cedar	Cedar siding, decks
ST-109	Russet	Deep reddish brown	Hardwood decks, railings
ST-112	Medium Oak	Warm golden brown	Oak flooring, furniture
ST-113	Cordovan Brown	Rich dark brown	Aged wood, decks
ST-116	Country Gray	Cool gray	Weathered wood, driftwood look
ST-120	Sierra Redwood	Redwood red	Redwood and cedar siding
ST-122	Natural Oak	Light golden oak	Light wood, interior projects
ST-123	Cedar	True cedar tone	Cedar decks and fencing
ST-126	Light Oak	Pale warm oak	Blonde wood, subtle finish
ST-133	Yellow Cream	Light cream yellow	Interior wood, accents

For a different brand comparison, see our Sherwin-Williams wood stain color chart.

Credit: www.behr.com

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Behr Solid Stain Color Chart

Behr solid stains fully cover the wood grain — ideal for old, rough, or heavily worn surfaces. The BEHR PREMIUM Solid Color Waterproofing Stain & Sealer line (prefix: SC) has these core standard colors:

Color Code	Color Name	Tone	Best Application
SC-101	Atlantic	Dark grayish blue	Decks, fences, siding
SC-102	Slate	Dark gray-brown	Modern decks, fences
SC-103	Coffee	Dark rich brown	Fences, pergolas, furniture
SC-105	Padre Brown	Warm medium brown	Decks, wood siding
SC-108	Cedar Tone	Warm cedar	Cedar siding, fences
SC-113	Colony Blue	Muted blue-gray	Accents, feature walls
#153	Taupe (2026 COTY)	Brown-gray neutral	Decks, fences — versatile

Solid stains deliver up to 10 years of protection on decks and 25 years on fences. Before applying, ensure wood is fully dry — see our guide on how long wood needs to dry before staining.

Behr Deck Stain Colors

For decks, Behr offers three product lines depending on wood condition and desired finish:

• BEHR PREMIUM Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Stain & Sealer — best for newer decks where you want the grain to show. Popular deck colors: Russet (ST-109), Country Gray (ST-116), Padre Brown (ST-105), Cedar (ST-123).
• BEHR PREMIUM Solid Color Waterproofing Stain & Sealer — best for older, worn decks. Popular: Atlantic (SC-101), Slate (SC-102), Coffee (SC-103).
• BEHR Advanced DeckOver — fills cracks up to ¼ inch. Available in 1,600+ colors. Best for rough or cracked deck boards.

Cool grays (Country Gray ST-116, Slate SC-102) pair well with white or gray siding. Warm browns (Padre Brown ST-105, Russet ST-109) complement brick or tan exteriors. Before staining your deck, check our breakdown of the average cost of a wood deck to budget properly.

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Behr Fence Stain Color Chart

Behr recommends solid stains for fences for maximum longevity (up to 25 years). For newer fences, semi-transparent preserves the wood-grain look; for a full comparison of colorant types, see our wood dye vs stain guide.

Color Name	Code	Opacity	Look
Natural	ST-101	Semi-transparent	Light honey wood tone
Cedar	ST-123	Semi-transparent	Classic cedar fence color
Country Gray	ST-116	Semi-transparent	Modern weathered gray
Padre Brown	SC-105	Solid	Warm brown, full coverage
Coffee	SC-103	Solid	Dark rich brown, max durability
Slate	SC-102	Solid	Modern dark gray-brown
Taupe	#153	Both available	2026 neutral brown-gray

Apply 2 coats for best durability. Use a brush or roller for flat boards; a pad applicator for rough or textured surfaces. If using pressure-treated lumber, see our guide to the best pressure treated wood stains for long-lasting color.

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Choosing The Right Behr Stain Color

Wood stain colors interact with the wood species and surrounding light. Light stains (Natural ST-101, Light Oak ST-126) work well in bright areas or on cedar and pine. Dark stains (Russet ST-109, Coffee SC-103) add depth and are ideal for hardwoods. Different woods absorb stains differently. Hardwoods like oak show more grain and may need a wood conditioner before staining. Softwoods like pine absorb more color. Always test on a hidden area first — colors look different wet vs. dry, and natural lighting changes their appearance significantly. Sunlight affects the final look: stains appear lighter in bright, south-facing spaces and darker in shaded or north-facing areas. If your deck gets full afternoon sun, choose one shade lighter than your target.

Application Tips And Techniques

Preparing The Surface

Clean the wood surface thoroughly. Remove any old stains or paint. Sand the wood until smooth and wipe off dust with a damp cloth. Let the wood dry completely before staining — moisture trapped beneath the stain will cause peeling. Check for any cracks or holes and repair as needed.

Tools For Best Results

Use a brush or roller for even application. Choose a brush with soft bristles for detailed work. A roller covers large areas faster. Rags help with touch-ups. Tape off adjacent areas to avoid spills. Ensure all tools are clean before use.

Maintaining The Finish

Clean stained wood regularly with a soft cloth and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals that can break down the finish. Reapply stain every 2–4 years on horizontal surfaces (decks) or every 5–7 years on vertical surfaces (fences, siding). Touch up worn areas before they expose bare wood.

Care And Maintenance

Dust and debris can scratch stained wood. Clean weekly with a soft cloth. Use a mild soap and water for deeper cleaning — avoid bleach or harsh solvents. Regularly check for signs of wear, especially on deck surfaces that see foot traffic. When the stain starts fading or loses its water-beading ability, it’s time to reapply. Match the stain code from the original application if possible — Behr’s color numbering system makes this straightforward. Test the refresh coat in a small area first. For minor scratches, use a stain touch-up pen matched to the stain color. Rub gently over the scratch and wipe off excess with a cloth. Buff lightly to blend with the surrounding finish.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Behr Wood Stain Color Chart?

The Behr Wood Stain Color Chart organizes stain colors by opacity: transparent (3 colors), semi-transparent (60 colors, ST prefix), semi-solid, and solid (1,600+ custom colors, SC prefix). It covers options for decks, fences, furniture, and exterior siding — helping homeowners match color and durability to their specific wood and project.

How To Use The Behr Wood Stain Color Chart?

First, identify your wood condition — new wood suits transparent or semi-transparent stains; older or rougher wood needs semi-solid or solid. Then browse the colors in that opacity category by name and code. Always test 2–3 sample colors on a small hidden area and let them dry fully (24 hours) before making your final choice.

Are Behr Wood Stains Durable?

Yes. Behr PREMIUM solid stains last up to 10 years on decks and 25 years on fences. Semi-transparent stains typically last 2–4 years on horizontal surfaces (decks) and longer on vertical surfaces (fences, siding). Both lines include built-in UV resistance and waterproofing.

Where Can You Buy Behr Wood Stain Products?

Behr wood stains are sold exclusively at The Home Depot in stores and online. Custom solid colors (1,600+ options) are mixed in-store using Home Depot’s color matching system. Behr stains are also available through Amazon for convenient shipping.

 

Conclusion

Behr’s wood stain lineup covers everything from clear transparent finishes to fully opaque solid colors. For most deck projects, semi-transparent stains like Russet (ST-109) or Country Gray (ST-116) are the top picks. For older, worn wood that needs maximum coverage and durability, go with solid colors like Slate (SC-102) or Coffee (SC-103).

Always test your chosen color first, match the stain type to your wood condition, and factor in how sunlight and your home’s exterior palette will affect the final look. With the right Behr stain, your deck, fence, or furniture project will look great and stay protected for years to come.