You know you want a brown deck. The next choice is how much contrast you want against the house. Maple Shade Brown is a medium brown. Moorestown Brown is a dark brown. Both are penetrating, water-based exterior wood stains, so you can make this decision based on how you want the deck to look.
Maple Shade Brown: A medium brown that’s easy to pair
Maple Shade Brown is a good first sample if you want a noticeable brown without going too dark. It’s worth trying on a covered porch or a shaded deck, where you may prefer a midtone. If you’re keeping existing wood railings or lattice, hold the sample next to them to see how the colors work together.
Moorestown Brown: A deeper brown with more contrast
Moorestown Brown is the one to sample first if you want the deck boards to stand out against white railings or light siding. You can see that pairing on finished decks and stairs in our Moorestown Brown project gallery. If you’re staining both the floor and the railings, compare a sample on a horizontal board and a vertical one. The light hits them differently.
Compare both on the wood you’re actually staining
Look at both colors side by side on the same type of prepared wood. Check them in direct sun and again in shade. If you’ve replaced some boards, try both colors on an older board and a replacement board so you can see how each takes the stain. Wood type, texture, and the starting color can all affect the finished look.
Still deciding between the two? Order a Deck & Wood Stain Sample Kit and compare Moorestown Brown and Maple Shade Brown on your own deck before buying gallons.
