When homeowners look to refresh the appearance of their houses, they may look to apply wood coatings on outdoor spaces, such as decks, fences and sidings, or indoors, with furniture and cabinetry. However, wood coatings bring more than appearance to homes; they also provide protection, whether it is added durability, weather resistance or other characteristics as well.

Whether the projects are undertaken by DIYers or Pros, using wood coatings is an increasingly popular choice.

Sarah Skinner, product marketing director – AkzoNobel Wood Finishes, reported that the global wood coatings market continued a broader trend of steady recovery in 2025, particularly where wood substrates are tied to renovation, remodeling and value-add interior applications such as cabinetry, furniture and flooring. 

“What became increasingly clear is that manufacturers were not delaying investment altogether, but instead prioritizing coatings and processes that could deliver efficiency, consistency and long-term compliance,” Skinner observed. “As a result, we saw sustained interest in technologies and product ranges that reduce complexity while meeting evolving regulatory and sustainability expectations. In particular, waterborne systems and advanced curing technologies such as UV and UV LED continue to gain momentum, as manufacturers look to increase throughput while reducing energy use, emissions and operational risk.

“Looking ahead into 2026, we’re optimistic that market momentum will start to strengthen as broader construction market indicators improve, and investment continues in premium interior finishes, manufacturing upgrades, and lower emission coatings solutions,” Skinner concluded.

Vageesh Bakhshi, senior product manager, Cabot, said that while overall exterior project activity reflected broader economic caution and shifting weather patterns across regions, homeowners and professionals continued to prioritize maintaining and protecting their outdoor spaces. 

“Interest in exterior wood protection remained resilient as consumers sought to extend the life and appearance of decks, siding and other exterior wood surfaces,” Bakhshi observed. “Premium exterior stains and high-performance protective finishes continued to resonate, with customers seeking long-lasting solutions that help reduce maintenance cycles and withstand shifting environmental conditions. This ongoing need for durability and dependable weather resistance helped sustain engagement across the category.”

Kayla Kratz, senior director of color and design strategy for Behr Paint, said that Behr Paint saw the market move away from temporary “quick fixes” toward more permanent, high-quality finishes. 

“After years of cooler grays and whites, there was a noticeable shift to warm tones such as cedar, terra cottas and browns,” Kratz said. “Consumers and designers alike leaned into wood coatings that didn’t just protect the surface but acted as a foundational design element, anchoring living spaces in the natural world through earthy tones.” 

Katherine Caringola, brand manager for Olympic Stains, a Pittsburgh Paints Company woodcare brand, reported that 2025 was a challenging year for the wood coatings market due to persistently low DIY activity. 

“We anticipate that this should rebound in 2026,” added Caringola. “Home sales remain suppressed but are poised for modest growth after consecutive years of poor performance. Long-lasting stain choices will be key in 2026. From color choices to product attributes, Pros and DIYers alike are looking for stain offerings that stand the test of time, weather and durability.” 

Key Growth Areas

Wood coatings leaders point to key growth areas within the coatings segment. Bakhshi says that in the exterior woodcare space, growth is strongest in high-performance semi-transparent and solid color stains, as well as advanced weather-resistant solutions. 

“Customers continue to seek products that protect wood from UV damage, moisture and mildew, helping extend the life of exterior surfaces while reducing the need for frequent maintenance,” said Bakhshi. “Restoration systems and long-lasting stains remain important areas of expansion, offering enhanced durability, color retention and reliable performance for decks, siding and other outdoor projects – even in challenging weather conditions. These trends reflect homeowners’ and professionals’ ongoing demands for finishes that combine lasting protection with dependable, easy-to-use performance.”

Kratz observed that the most significant growth is happening in outdoor living as an extension of the interior. 

“Wood stains are appearing on larger interior surfaces, walls, and floors, where they unify a space and let the natural grain become part of the design itself,” Kratz added. “We’re seeing a strong demand for finishes that treat decks, pergolas, and fences with the same level of sophistication as indoor furniture. People are choosing to refresh rather than replace, and versatile stains and decorative finishes are making it possible to transform a worn piece into something that feels entirely intentional.”

“We anticipate DIYers will begin to resume projects they put on hold and expect to see a top-end shift in the DIY market,” said Caringola. “The industry has an opportunity to invest in innovation for both the DIYer and Pro. Even in a cost-conscious market, we anticipate there is growth opportunity by reframing what ‘value’ means.”

Caringola pointed out that recent trends indicate that consumers are shopping around and comparing prices more than before, driving them to spend more time looking for the product that meets their needs and is at the best price point. 

“While they might wish to ‘save’ money on routine maintenance projects, they are more likely to trade up for larger-scale projects to ensure success,” Caringola added. “Consumers are looking to invest in their time and convenience. This means they are looking for stain products that aren’t reliant on perfect weather conditions, or that offer durability to keep their decks and fences looking great longer.” 

“This year, we expect growth in areas from industrial wood applications to come from cabinets, interior furniture, and wood flooring as renovation and refit cycles accelerate,” Skinner said. “These segments benefit from long-term secular trends, including aging housing stock, increased consumer focus on indoor living environments, and strong demand for high-performance finishes.

“Regional markets with ongoing housing and furniture production expansion, especially in North America and parts of Europe and Asia, remain foundational growth drivers,” added Skinner. “Growth is increasingly tied to technology rather than volume alone. For example, we expect increasing demand for complete coating systems that allow manufacturers and distributors to serve multiple applications with confidence.”

DIY and Pro Segments

Bakhshi notes that engagement across both DIY and professional segments remains active. 

“DIY interest continues to be supported by investment in outdoor living spaces and by products that simplify application and reduce effort,” said Bakhshi. “Professionals are seeing consistent demand for deck restoration, siding maintenance and exterior upgrades as homeowners seek durable, visually appealing solutions. In both segments, customers value products that combine ease of use with long-lasting performance.”

“As macro uncertainty persists, DIYers continue to be mindful of project costs and ease of project completion,” said Caringola. “Homeowners are eager to take on projects and are likely to revisit previously postponed plans. Smaller home-improvement SKUs are becoming the smart spend: stain is a modest ticket but protects a large asset and avoids costly re-work.

“In the Pro sector, it’s the right time to leverage quality products combined with Pros’ expertise to deliver high value to customers,” Caringola added. “Stain delivers big impact in improving a home’s appearance and value, providing Pros with an opportunity to help their customers transform outdoor spaces and enhance the beauty of a home.” 

“We are seeing robust growth in both, though the motivation differs,” Kratz said. “For DIYers, the increase is driven by a desire for personalization. In a world of mass production, people want their homes to feel curated. They are tackling cabinetry and deck refreshes to put a unique stamp on their environment. For Pros, the shift is toward high-efficiency, premium results. Pros are looking for products that allow them to deliver a designer look with fewer coats, meeting the rising demand for sophisticated dark and moody aesthetics in residential and commercial spaces.”

Latest Trends in Wood Coatings

There are some interesting trends in wood coatings, beginning with the desire for higher performance while maintaining ease of use.

Caringola observed that DIYers are seeking high-quality stain products that provide good value and excellent coverage. 

“Convenience is part of the overall value consumers seek in stain projects,” said Caringola. “They don’t just want to complete a project quickly. Instead, they want to do it right and they want the results to last. Pros are looking for stain products that allow them to work smarter, not harder on outdoor projects.”

“In exterior woodcare, the latest trends center on longer-lasting protection, greater weather resistance and improved application forgiveness,” said Bakhshi. “Customers want coatings that stand up to UV exposure, temperature swings and moisture while maintaining color richness. Many homeowners also want products that reduce maintenance cycles, meaning excellent adhesion, color retention and resistance to peeling are more important than ever. Ease-of-use innovations such as smoother brushability, improved penetration and faster recoat times are resonating strongly.” 

“Performance and efficiency are really top of mind right now because they are what preserve a design’s aesthetic over time,” Kratz said. “We’re seeing a high demand for coatings with superior moisture resistance and durability that extend maintenance cycles, keeping surfaces beautiful for longer. Ultimately, consumers want products that pull their weight – offering simpler prep and faster dry times to make achieving a high-end, professional look feel completely manageable.” 

Kayla DiNunzio, product manager at Minwax, reported that Minwax is seeing strong demand for low-VOC, low-odor and fast-drying formulas that help users complete projects more efficiently. 

“Enhanced scratch and stain resistance and long-term clarity remain central performance expectations,” DiNunzio said. “Advances in water-based technologies continue to narrow the gap with traditional oil-based products, offering easier cleanup and a smoother application experience while maintaining durability.

“Consumers are also gravitating toward finishes that simplify the finishing process and offer greater versatility across different project types – whether achieving layered color effects, soft-touch matte looks or natural-appearance protection,” added DiNunzio. “Overall, the trend is toward solutions that deliver reliable performance while making the finishing experience more intuitive and approachable.”

Skinner said that ease of use has become a strategic requirement rather than just a convenience. 

“Manufacturers are looking for systems that simplify operations,” said Skinner. “They want fewer process steps, reduced material consumption, consistent curing behavior and faster dry times. We know that for industrial customers using product ranges from AkzoNobel Wood Finishes, this level of process control directly impacts labor efficiency, throughput, and ultimately the overall cost per finished unit. At the same time, customers want guaranteed, repeatable results.”

Color Trends for Wood Coatings

Not surprisingly, natural colors are predominant choices for wood coatings. For example, Cabot recently named Acorn as its 2026 Color of the Year. 

“Acorn reflects wood in its most natural state. Its earthy brown tone offers a rich look in both sunlit and shaded outdoor settings. Homeowners are longing for meaningful, lasting surroundings that give them a sense of nostalgia while also providing modern functionality,” said Sue Kim, Cabot’s director of color marketing. “Acorn speaks to that desire for permanence – environments meant for gathering, sharing and making memories. In a fast-paced world, familiar tones and timeless materials help foster spaces of belonging, reflection and ease.”

“Natural, warm wood tones remain very popular – especially rich mid-tones and classic shades, including timeless favorites like Special Walnut, the 2026 Minwax Color of the Year,” said Lisbeth Parada, color marketing manager at Minwax. “At the same time, light, sun-washed wood tones are gaining momentum, highlighting wood grain and creating airy, modern spaces.”

“We’re seeing strong momentum toward warm, natural-looking exterior tones that elevate wood’s character while supporting more intentional, long-lasting outdoor design,” saidBakhshi. “Earthy, golden-brown hues are gaining interest, reflecting a growing desire for outdoor spaces that feel grounded, welcoming and connected to nature. These colors pair easily with materials like stone, rattan and textured textiles, making them versatile across decks, pergolas, fences and other outdoor structures. Overall, homeowners are gravitating toward finishes that deliver warmth, authenticity and a sense of permanence in their exterior spaces.”

“We’re seeing a strong move toward nature-inspired hues that bring intentional warmth to exterior spaces,” Kratz said. “It’s all about creating a sense of sanctuary through colors that feel both sophisticated and deeply connected to the outdoors. As we look toward 2026, there’s a growing confidence in deeper wood tones that highlight the natural grain and add richness without overpowering a space. These shades feel grounded, authentic, timeless, and layered – enhancing what’s already there rather than competing with it.” 

 Skinner said that for 2026, color trends in wood coatings are increasingly shaped by a desire for balance, connection and creative expression in interior spaces. 

“AkzoNobel’s Colors of the Year 2026 – Rhythm of Blues – reflects this shift, presenting a palette inspired by the many moods of blue – from soft and calming tones to deeper, more expressive shades,” added Skinner. “Alongside these trend-led blues, natural neutrals, warm earth tones and deeper accent colors continue to play an important role, particularly where customers want to enhance the character of wood.”