Choosing the Best Paint for Your Deck: A Complete Guide to Deck Paints

A forlorn deck can be a major eyesore, but a good coat of paint can transform even the most faded structure into the perfect summer hangout spot. This guide makes buying materials easy, so you can sit back and watch the paint dry on your good-as-new deck. 

Unlike exterior paint, deck paint is designed to handle high-traffic, horizontal surfaces and withstand exposure to outdoor elements. Consider hiring a local deck painter to ensure it's applied correctly.

Types of Deck Paint

The most common deck paint types include oil-based, acrylic, latex, and epoxy paint. Each has unique characteristics that set it apart, so below is a quick dive into each type of deck paint. 

1. Oil-Based Paint

Oil-based paint is a tried and true paint for decks, costing $40 to $150 per gallon. This paint is highly durable and absorbs into the wood, protecting the interiors from scratches and water. However, its absorbent mechanisms can cause water to become trapped inside the wood, leading to a bubbly, unattractive appearance and mold and mildew. Oil-based paint is also more difficult to remove from your deck, contains more volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and comes with a higher price tag than the other options.

2. Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is a water-based paint that contains acrylic resin. Though acrylic deck paint isn’t as long-lasting as oil-based paint, it tends to cost less at $40 to $60 per gallon. This paint option is best for humid climates, as it’s mildew-resistant. However, acrylic paint can grow brittle in temperatures below 40 degrees, so this deck paint might be unsuitable if you live in a cold climate.  

3. Latex Paint

Latex deck paint is another water-based paint made from a combination of acrylic and synthetic binders. This paint is one of the most affordable types of deck paint at $40 to $90 per gallon, but it’s not as durable as oil-based or epoxy paint. If you’re after a unique paint color, you’ll likely find various color options in latex paint, but this paint is more challenging to apply without leaving streaks and brush marks, depending on the surface material.

4. Epoxy Paint

Epoxy deck paint is a more durable alternative to acrylic latex paint. Though nearly the same, epoxy paint is essentially acrylic latex with a little bit of epoxy mixed in to boost its strength and provide you with the best of both worlds. The downside is that epoxy paint costs $85 to $150 per gallon, is limited in colors, and is slippery if wet—not the best feature for a deck.

Pros and Cons of Deck Paint Types

With four solid options, knowing which deck paint is right for your project can feel like a big decision. Here’s how each stacks up to help you decide.

7 Factors to Consider When Shopping for Deck Paint

Even with an idea of what deck paint you might want, shopping at a home improvement store can be an overwhelming experience due to the sheer number of options. Here are a few factors to help you narrow down your choices. 

Types

There are four main types of paint for decks: oil-based, acrylic, latex, and epoxy. You’ll need to factor in your climate zone, how much maintenance you’re willing to invest, and your budget when deciding on a type of paint. Water-based paints are great for their affordability but not longevity, while oil-based and epoxy paints cost more upfront but may last longer.

Durability 

Oil-based and epoxy paints are some of the most durable types of deck paint on the market. Though more affordable, water-based paints are more likely to crack and chip over time than these two paints. 

Installation

The easiest paint to apply is an acrylic-based or water-based paint. These paints can easily go on your deck, and their dry time is faster than oil-based paint, which can take much longer to dry. Epoxy dries quickly, making applying it more challenging, as you have less time to paint a smooth coat. 

Maintenance

The best paint for a low-maintenance deck is water-based paints like acrylic or latex. These deck paints coat the surface of your deck so that deck maintenance tasks like sweeping and cleaning your deck are simple. Oil-based paints can be harder to clean, as they’re easier to stain.

Safety

Any paint with a non-skid finish adds safety to a deck. Epoxy paint can get slippery when wet, so if your deck isn’t already texturized, ensure you choose a non-skid paint to protect against falls.

Temperature Range

Avoid choosing water-based paint in cold climates, as these paints can crack in harsh weather. Acrylic does well in warm, humid regions, while oil is susceptible to heat, making it a poor option for hot regions.

Eco-Friendliness

Some deck paints contain more volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than others. VOCs are chemicals that the paint releases into the air as it evaporates. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these chemicals can pose environmental and health problems, including respiratory issues, eye irritation, and more. 

Top 5 Brands to Consider When Buying a Deck Paint

When looking for the best paint for your deck, many factors come into play, including customer reviews, home improvement ratings, quality, pricing, popularity, and more. Choosing the right paint can enhance your deck's aesthetic appeal and extend the life of your outdoor space.  Whether you need the best paint for old decks or new, these are the most common and highest-rated brands on the market:

• BEHR® Premium Advanced DeckOver: This coating, which comes in two colors, is a great choice for weathered wood and concrete. One gallon covers approximately 75 square feet in two coats.

• Valspar® Solid Color Concrete Stain: This stain is ideal for concrete pool decks, patios, and sidewalks, as its durable finish helps keep peeling and flaking at bay. Unlike similar products, Valspar’s stain comes in an array of colors ranging from Red Sandstone to Concrete Gray.

• KILZ® Waterproofing Semi-Transparent Stain: Sometimes, a beautiful wood deck deserves enhancement, not paint. This semi-transparent stain brings out the wood’s natural beauty while offering UV protection.

• FixALL® Anti-Slip Skid Grip Coating: A slip-resistant texture makes this coating a perfect addition to any concrete pool deck. Plus, it’s so durable that it exceeds ADA standards for anti-slip surfaces. 

• Cabot® Australian Timber Oil: Preserve wood decks with this rich formula that offers UV protection and resistance to mold and mildew. Use any leftover product on wood outdoor furniture. 

How to Choose the Right Amount of Deck Paint

Knowing how many paint cans you need requires a bit of geometry, a tape measure, and a calculator. So, get out your tools and get ready to use those high school math skills by following these steps:

1. Measure the length and width of your deck with a tape measure.

2. Multiply those two measurements together to get the square footage.

3. For a multi-level deck or stairs, you’ll need to repeat steps one and two and then add the two square footage totals together.

4. Divide the total square footage by the paint coverage per gallon. One gallon of paint covers between 125 and 400 square feet. A bare deck needs less paint than one that’s being repainted.

5. Double the number of gallons to accommodate two coats of paint.

6. Always round up to ensure you have enough paint.  

Additional Features to Consider

On top of the different types of paints, there are other features worth considering as you plan your project. From color schemes to non-skid features, here are some top features to keep in mind when deciding on deck paint.

• Paint and primer combo: Save time on priming your deck by using a paint that has primer in it. Plus, you avoid buying more materials.

• Paint colors: Choosing a paint color for your deck can be a fun part of the process, and there are tons of color schemes to choose from. While brown and gray can make for a natural or neutral style, you can also add a pop of color like red, green, or blue to your deck.

• Non-skid finish: Add slip resistance to your deck with a granulated, non-skid paint. These paints have a special formula containing coarse ingredients like sand or gypsum for extra texture.

Average Deck Paint Cost 

The average cost for deck paint ranges from $40 to $150 per gallon, depending on the type of deck paint you choose. Acrylic deck paint comes in toward the lower end of the price range, epoxy falls in the middle, and oil paint comes in toward the higher end of the price range. If your paint doesn’t come with primer, you’ll also need to budget around $15 to $30 per gallon of primer.

Most decks will need two coats of paint, especially if it’s your first time painting the deck. One gallon of paint covers anywhere from 125 to 300 square feet. Since the average deck size is anywhere from 300 to 400 square feet, your total cost could be between $80 and $480.

Staci Parks, Alison Kasch, and Allie Ogletree contributed to this piece.