Advantages of staining a deck versus painting?

Wood stain is usually used when the wood is of a quality that you want to enhance the look of the wood grain and the wood itself.

In these cases a good quality semi-transparent stain can add a decorative look and give the wood added or enhanced colour. It will also give the wood a bit of protection from sun and use, although a good quality finish or top coat is advised. The stain can also make a less expensive wood appear to be a more expensive product.

Solid stains are more often than not a less expensive exterior product used in place of a more expensive heavy bodied paint.