A deck using gray stain with chairs on it

Gray Wood Stain Colors

A guide to selecting the best gray wood stain for your project

A deck using gray stain with chairs on it

Gray Wood Stain Colors

Choosing the right shade of gray from a selection of wood stains can be a difficult task. Of course you want your deck to be protected from the elements, but you also need it to be the right shade to best complement your home, personal style, usage, and landscaping.

When seeking a neutral gray to stain your deck there are multiple factors to consider other than color. This guide of four gray stain colors seeks to help you whittle down the endless list of shades so that you might choose what's right for you and your home.

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Cape Cod Gray - Gray Wood Stain Colors
Cape Cod Gray - Gray Wood Stain Colors
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Aerial view of deck with bench

Cape Cod Gray

Gray Wood Stain Colors

A homeowner who decides to use gray wood stain colors for their deck is likely seeking a neutral to both enhance the deck itself as well as complement the color of their home's siding. Cape Cod Gray is the most basic of gray stains. Neither darkening nor lightening to the wood, it also allows the natural grain of the lumber to shine through. This gray wood stain is a safe color option for any deck, no matter the home's style or surroundings.

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Charcoal - Gray Wood Stain Colors
Charcoal - Gray Wood Stain Colors
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Sample of deep charcoal stain on wood

Charcoal

Gray Wood Stain Colors

Deep Charcoal is an excellent choice for anyone looking to make a bold statement with gray wood stain colors. This deep, textured stain inspires thoughts of strength and resilience, like turning your wooden deck into a wrought iron walkway through the magic of color. If your home's exterior involves lighter and brighter pieces--like pale siding, bright flowers, or cheerful seating cushions--this darker variation of gray stain colors can help to balance them through contrast and really bring those colors to life.

(Note: Darker shades of gray wood stain colors may not be the best choice for homes in areas with frequently overcast or dreary weather, as the darker color will get lost in the absence of sunshine.)

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Gray Jade - Gray Wood Stain Colors
Gray Jade - Gray Wood Stain Colors
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Gray jade stain used on a fence

Fence Stained in: Gray Jade

Gray Jade

Gray Wood Stain Colors

Gray Jade leans toward the greener side of gray, but it remains an excellent neutral choice for anyone searching through the selection of gray wood stain colors. The slightly green tint of this stain offers some respite from the artificial black and brown hues of typical urban living. Green is also known to invoke feelings of happiness and optimism, so if your deck is set to be a strong focal point of your social gatherings, this stain color may be the best option for you so you can help your guests feel comfortable and at ease.

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Cumulus - Gray Wood Stain Colors
Cumulus - Gray Wood Stain Colors
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Cumulus gray stain used on wood section

Stain Color: Cumulus

Cumulus

Gray Wood Stain Colors

Not quite gray but not quite white, this variation on gray wood stain colors is a happy medium and an excellent highlight to any dreary exterior. A great accent on homes with darker siding, Cumulus is a color that will provide a bright space to congregate and enjoy while also providing the protection your deck needs from the harsh elements. A bright stain like this may also provide a great backdrop that helps bold landscaping really stand out, acting similarly to how a white canvas enhances the strokes of the artist's brush.

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Match Your Home and Personality - Gray Wood Stain Colors
Match Your Home and Personality - Gray Wood Stain Colors
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A deck stained in a dark gray stain with table and chairs

Match Your Home and Personality

Gray Wood Stain Colors

Because a house's decking is such a critical part of its architecture, it's important to choose the right color to stain it. Though staining wood decking is, in general, a fairly easy process, once a color is chosen and applied its quite difficult to change your mind! Choosing from a palette of neutral gray wood stain colors--even in slightly tinged shades or blue or green--is a safe and easy route, and will always ensure your deck matches your home (and your personality) in color, shade, and style. 

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