The Hottest Stain Colors for Your Deck in 2023

Deep, rich brown stain colors are splashing across back decks, porches, and even front doors this year.

The paint firm Behr announced its first-ever Stain Color of the Year: Cordovan Brown. It’s a classic, dark brown shade that still allows the wood grain to pop through. The deeper stain color can ground space and pairs best with softer, lighter, natural colors for furnishings or accents, designers note. You might pair Cordovan Brown with Blank Canvas—a soft, warm white—which Behr chose as its 2023 Color of the Year for interiors.

The paint firm PPG also chose a deep brown stain as its 2023 Stain Color of the Year: Chestnut Brown.

The rich brown tones may be part of the resurgence of 1970s design styles. The deep browns can help create a comforting, retro feel.