(BPT) - Exterior wood requires regular upkeep to prevent weather damage and preserve its longevity. Coming off a long winter of snow and rain, it's important that homeowners tend to their decks and outdoor furniture to maximize the lifespan of their wood.

Spring marks the ideal time for homeowners to prepare their outdoor spaces for the warmer months ahead. With BBQs, summer holidays and dinner parties just around the corner, homeowners are looking to level up their exteriors with a new stain.

"In addition to its functionality, wood stain can noticeably transform an outdoor space," said Ashley McCollum, color expert. "Whether you're updating your deck, furniture or fence, a new finish can significantly enhance your curb appeal."

Before embarking on a stain project, it's important to select the color and level of transparency that will achieve the desired finish, specific to each wood type.

According to the color experts for popular woodcare brands Olympic Stains, Pittsburgh Paints & Stains and Flood wood finishes, this year, homeowners are searching for fail-proof stain colors that empower them to design their spaces with ease. While modest blacks and subtle white oaks previously dominated the color space, homeowners appear more drawn toward warmer stains that complement their modern, minimalist eras while adding depth and character to their spaces.

"There's been a notable shift over the years from light, muted colors toward richer, deeper hues that exude warmth and comfort," said McCollum. "Like in their homes, people are trying to add bolder colors to personalize their spaces."

A popular choice that is most known for transcending design styles, Oxford Brown, was revealed as the top trending stain color for 2025. As a warm, earthy hue that evokes a rustic vintage charm, Oxford Brown is ideal for wood that has lost its luster over time. Its design versatility makes it well suited for exterior spaces that are both future-inspired and classic designs.

"Oxford Brown can adapt to both a modern, rustic look or an aged, historic style," said McCollum. "Its timeless and adaptable properties harmonize with all environments, making it a truly versatile choice for anyone looking to level up their exterior."

After selecting a color, there is an option of transparency type. Oxford Brown is available as a semi-transparent and solid stain, so homeowners and DIYers can select the option best suited for their project.

For a rich finish that enhances the wood grain, woodcare experts recommend Oxford Brown in a semi-transparent stain and sealant, such as Olympic Maximum, Pittsburgh Paints & Stains Paramount or Flood Wood Finishes Pro. For a deeper, alternative look better suited for weathered wood, homeowners can opt for Oxford Brown in a solid ready-mix stain.

Homeowners and DIYers can consider updating their outdoor spaces with one of the following stain projects:

• Beautify your deck and furniture. Choosing the right stain color and transparency can enhance the natural beauty of the wood. A semi-transparent stain adds a subtle color and enriches the deck's natural grain, while a solid stain provides maximum protection to aging wood surfaces.
• Protect your pergola against the elements. While rain can warp and crack wood, leaving residues of mold and mildew, the harsh sun can be just as damaging for your pergola. Intense heat can dry and discolor the wood, causing it to split and turn gray. It's recommended to stain and seal your pergola every one to three years to protect it against these harsh conditions and preserve its natural beauty.
• Revive your fence from years of weathering. Fences can easily detract from a house if the wood looks faded and unkept. A semi-transparent or solid stain can add major curb appeal, reviving wood that has lost its luster over time in three steps (See www.olympic.com/advice/how-to-stain-a-fence).

This year's stain color of choice for homeowners and DIYers, Oxford Brown, is available at The Home Depot, Menards, PPG Paints stores and independent retailers.