The best type of stain for a wood fence depends on the kind of wood and personal preference. Water-based stains tend to be less expensive, dry more quickly, and offer more color options than oil ...

Stain wood when it hasn’t rained for three days and when the forecast calls for at least two days of dry weather (or two and a half days if you need to apply two coats of stain) with ...

For house and deck stains, CR Best Buys for solid stains are Behr Solid Color Deck, Fence and Siding Wood Stain (Home Depot), $28, and Sears Weatherbeater Deck, Fence and Siding Solid, $21.

Shopping for interior or exterior paint? Consumer Reports' expert strategies—from picking a color to choosing a finish—can help you make an informed choice.