Quick answer: Stain soaks into wood and shows the grain. Paint sits on the surface and hides the grain. Stain suits wood you want to keep looking like wood, such as decks and many stairs. Paint suits trim, doors and any wood where a solid colour is wanted. Either one only lasts when the wood is clean, dry and properly sanded.
Stain shows the grainSemi-transparent stain keeps the wood visible.
Solid stain coversSolid stain hides grain, like paint, but still soaks in.
Paint seals and hidesPaint forms a film on top. Chips and peels show.
Prep decides itClean, dry, sanded wood takes stain or paint evenly.
Sanding and cleaning come before any stain or paint.
Sanding and cleaning come before any stain or paint.

Stain or paint for each wood

Wood Stain or paint Why
Deck boards Semi-transparent or solid stain Keeps the wood look, protects against weather
Fence and exterior siding Solid stain or exterior paint Covers colour variation; more protection
Stair treads Stain with a durable topcoat, or hard enamel Stairs take heavy wear
Interior stairs and railings Hard enamel or a durable stain-and-topcoat system Scrubbable and tough on handrails
Doors and trim Paint (satin or semi-gloss) A clean, uniform colour and easy cleaning
Is your wood ready for stain or paint?

Any of the first two? Strip or sand to sound wood first. Damp or cracked? Fix the moisture and repair before finish. New wood? Sand, clean, and test a patch.

Prep for a stain or paint job that lasts

1
Clean

Remove dirt, grease and old finish with a wood-safe cleaner.
2
Sand

Sand to a consistent grit so the finish takes evenly.
3
Repair

Fill gaps, replace damaged boards, and caulk where needed.
4
Test

Try the stain or paint on an offcut or an inconspicuous spot.
5
Finish in dry weather

Apply in the product temperature range, and let it cure before traffic.

Stairs: the wear you cannot ignore

Treads and nosings

Stair treads take the most wear. A durable topcoat or hard enamel holds up better than a basic stain.

Slip resistance

Choose a textured or slip-resistant finish on treads, and keep it visible to the eye.

Handrails

Handrails are touched constantly. A hard, washable finish holds up, and it should be sanded smooth between coats.

Frequently asked questions

Can I paint over stained wood?

Yes, with proper prep. The stain must be sanded or stripped and a stain-blocking primer used, or the stain will bleed through the paint.

Can I stain over painted wood?

Not well. Paint sits on the surface and stain needs to soak in. Paint must be removed first.

How often should a deck be stained?

It depends on exposure and the product. Check the product label and inspect the deck each year. Re-staining is usually needed on a regular cycle, and cleaning first extends the life.

Related searches: staining vs painting wood, deck stain vs paint, stain stairs or paint, semi-transparent vs solid stain, painting wood doors

Related: Painting services, including staining and stairs.

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