Wood stains shape both the look and longevity of outdoor surfaces while highlighting the natural character of the material. For the 2026 Exterior Stain Color of the Year, Taupe introduces a balanced neutral that blends soft brown and gentle gray undertones for a refined, versatile finish perfect for your clients’ outdoor spaces.
House body: Spanish Sand, wood deck: Taupe (solid wood stain), roof trim: Baronial Brown, fence: Taupe (semi-transparent wood stain)
The balanced blend of muted tones brings subtle color to exterior surfaces, allowing the natural wood grain to show through for a timeless finish. The versatility of Taupe helps to create cohesive residential or commercial outdoor environments across a wide range of exterior applications, making it easy to carry a consistent look across different project types.
Taupe Featured in Solid Color (SC-153) & Semi-Transparent (SC-153) Stain
Both solid and semi-transparent finishes offer a polished look on decks, fences, porches, patio ceilings, railings and more.
House body: Taupe, wood deck: Taupe, ceiling: Chocolate (Semi-transparent Wood Stain), railing: BLACK (Spray Paint)
Apply Taupe in a semi-transparent finish to highlight the natural character of the wood while adding contrast and dimension across the surface.
Or choose Taupe in a solid finish for outdoor structures to create a strong architectural feature that anchors the surrounding space.
House body: Boreal, trim: ULTRA PURE WHITE®, deck: Cordovan Brown, railings & pergola: Taupe (Solid Wood Stain)
Outdoor Accent Color Collection
This year’s Exterior Stain Color of the Year launches alongside the Outdoor Accent Color Collection, a curated palette of 18 exterior paint colors designed to complement Taupe and personalize outdoor spaces whether it’s a residential or commercial location, making it easier to tailor each job to your client’s style.
Taupe acts as a grounding neutral for larger exterior wood surfaces such as decks, fencing, siding, and pergolas. While Outdoor Accent Color Collection introduces intentional pops of color for doors, shutters, trim, and outdoor décor, creating a cohesive, customized look across each project.
House body: Boreal, trim: ULTRA PURE WHITE®, deck: Cordovan Brown, railings & pergola: Taupe (Solid Wood Stain)
To support quick updates on the job, select colors from the collection are also available in spray paint, offering a convenient way to introduce coordinated accents and refresh patio furniture, planters, and outdoor accessories.
House body: Muted Sage, floor: Taupe SC-153, trim: ULTRA PURE WHITE®, swing: Park Picnic
The 2026 Exterior Stain Color of the Year and Outdoor Accent Color Collection is available exclusively at The Home Depot. Consumers can find Taupe in a variety of BEHR® products, including the #1 rated exterior stain, according to a leading independent consumer publication, BEHR PREMIUM® Solid Color Waterproofing Stain & Sealer. The color is also available in BEHR PREMIUM® Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Stain & Sealer, BEHR® DECKplus Waterproofing Wood Stain, BEHR® Solid Color House & Fence Wood Stain, and BEHR PREMIUM® ADVANCED DECKOVER®.
To explore the 2026 Exterior Stain Color of the Year and the Outdoor Accent Color Collection, visit behr.com/2026staincoty.
2026 Exterior Stain Color of the Year: Taupe
