Cedar Stain Color Chart | Color Comparisons & Real Differences

A “cedar stain color chart” isn’t one standard — it’s multiple distinct colors from different brands, each named “Cedar” with unique undertones and opacity levels.

Picking a cedar stain gets confusing fast because every major manufacturer sells a color called “Cedar” — and none of them look the same. Sherwin-Williams SW 3034 Cedar is a medium brown with golden-orange undertones (LRV 23). Behr’s 2025 Exterior Stain Color of the Year “Cedar” is a warm, light golden-brown meant to enhance wood grain. PPG sells SOL-156 Cedar as a solid wood stain, while Olympic uses SC-1014 for theirs. Matching the right shade means knowing which brand’s “Cedar” you’re looking at and whether you need a solid, semi-transparent, or transparent finish. If you’re comparing products for your next project, see our roundup of the best cedar stain options tested for decks and siding.

Why There’s No Universal Cedar Stain Color

Paint and stain manufacturers develop their own color formulations independently. The name “Cedar” simply denotes a brown with warm, woody undertones — but each brand’s chemistry, pigment mix, and base produce a different final color. The same name from two brands can look drastically different once applied to wood.

This is why comparing physical samples or using official color codes (like Sherwin-Williams’ SW 3034) is critical before you buy.

What The Main Cedar Stain Codes Look Like

Sherwin-Williams’ SW 3034 Cedar is the most documented individual cedar stain color. Its RGB values (R-167 | G-123 | B-87) produce the hexadecimal code #A77B57 — a warm medium brown with subtle orange warmth. The LRV of 23 means it’s moderately dark; it absorbs more light than it reflects, giving a grounded, earthy appearance on siding or deck boards.

Behr’s Cedar — A Different Approach

Behr designated their “Cedar” as the 2025 Exterior Stain Color of the Year. Marketing materials describe it as a “warm and earthy light golden-brown.” Unlike Sherwin-Williams’ solid opaque offering, Behr’s Cedar tends toward a lighter, more golden appearance that lets wood grain come through. It is not a direct match to SW 3034.

What About Semi-Transparent And Transparent Options?

Opacity matters as much as color when you pick a cedar stain. A solid stain (like Sherwin-Williams SW 3034 Cedar or PPG SOL-156) covers wood grain completely and blocks UV light most effectively. A semi-transparent stain (like SW 3511 Cedar Bark) lets some grain show but provides less UV protection. Transparent stains (like HGTV HOME Pre-tinted Cedar) add a subtle tint while keeping the wood’s natural texture fully visible — ideal for new, high-quality wood you want to show off.

The common mistake is choosing a semi-transparent or transparent stain when the wood needs the UV-blocking power of a solid. On high-traffic decks or sun-exposed south-facing siding, solid cedar stains last longer and fade less.

How To Choose The Right Cedar Stain For Your Wood

Start by identifying the wood’s condition. New, bare wood looks great with semi-transparent or transparent cedar stains that highlight grain. Older, weathered, or previously painted wood needs a solid stain to hide imperfections and provide even coverage.

Match the finish to your surface. Decks and railings take heavy foot traffic and sun exposure — solid stain is the safer bet. Fences and siding can work with semi-transparent if the wood is in good condition. Always test the stain on a small hidden area before committing to the whole surface.

Applying Cedar Stain — The Right Way

Per official manufacturer guidelines, surface preparation decides how well the stain adheres and lasts. Clean the wood of dirt, mildew, and any loose previous coatings. Moisture content must be below 15% — damp wood causes blistering and poor adhesion.

Apply solid stains (like SW 3034 or PPG SOL-156) thickly enough to achieve full coverage and block UV light. Use a brush, roller, or sprayer. For semi-transparent or transparent stains, lighter application preserves grain visibility. Drying takes 24–48 hours depending on temperature and humidity. Always mix multiple containers together in a larger bucket before starting to ensure color consistency across the job.

If you are working over a previous semi-transparent stain and switching to a solid stain, stripping or priming is necessary for good adhesion. Do not apply solid stain directly over a semi-transparent finish — it will peel.

Common Cedar Stain Mistakes To Avoid

Mixing brands is the biggest trap. Assuming Behr’s Cedar matches Sherwin-Williams’ Cedar because of the name is a fast path to a splotchy deck. Each brand’s pigment blend is proprietary — they do not match.

Choosing the wrong opacity is the second. A transparent stain on wood that needs UV protection will fade rapidly and fail to protect the surface. A solid stain on beautiful new cedar hides the grain you paid for. Match the opacity to the wood’s condition and your goals.

Ignoring moisture is the third. Wood must be dry before staining. Damp wood traps moisture beneath the stain, causing peeling, blistering, and cracking within a season.

Quick-Reference Comparison

Finish With The Right Cedar Stain For Your Project

Start with the budget-friendly test: buy a quart of the cedar stain you’re considering and apply it to a scrap piece of the same wood you’ll be staining. Let it dry fully (24+ hours) and evaluate the color in natural morning and afternoon light. This simple step eliminates the guesswork and prevents a costly mismatch on your deck, fence, or siding.

Keep the can’s label with the batch number for future touch-ups. And if you need to match an existing cedar stain later, bring a wood sample to the paint store for a visual comparison — don’t rely on the name alone.