Staining a coffee table you found at a thrift shop or the outdated dresser you’ve had for years may seem like a simple weekend project, but the process can be a bit more involved than one might think.

Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site. Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site. Water takes a toll on a wood deck’s finish, ...

Many less-expensive cabinets, bookcases, TV stands, shelves and other pieces of furniture are made largely of particleboard (panels made of compressed wood particles). The particleboard is finished ...

Next time you've got a painting project, give gel stains some consideration. Like traditional wood stains, it's oil-based and will absorb into unfinished wood, but gel stains won't put the grain on ...

You might think to switch out light fixtures or upgrade your entryway when you’re planning home improvements, but another way to update your deck, railings, and ...

Most stores stock wood stain in every shade of brown despite a manufacturer’s spectrum that includes vivid reds, deep blues, and even bright whites. Picking colors is definitely the fun part. But ...

Wood stain adds a layer of beauty and protection to decks, fences, and exterior doors. And staining wood is a perfectly doable DIY project. But just because you can take on the task yourself doesn’t ...

Have you ever used a stain to change the appearance of a piece of bare wood in your home? Did the job turn out like the finish you see on high-end stained cabinets or other furniture? My guess is that ...

Gel stains tend to cost a little more than traditional wood finishes. So whether you're a seasoned woodworker or a DIY enthusiast it's worth it to make sure that you're following application ...