Spring is finally here, and with the change of season, a desire for renewal and refreshing our homes comes with it. And, let’s not forget that the best week to sell is just around the corner for home sellers.
First impressions always matter when house selling, and experts agree that focusing on a property’s curb appeal is important, as it can greatly affect potential buyers. In addition to landscaping, this can also include revamping outdoor fixtures, such as the door, garage, window shutters, and walkways.
A new coat of paint—or stain — is an easy way to achieve this, and it can also yield a significant return on investment.
Enter Behr Paint’s Stain Exterior Color of the Year: Cedar, part of the company’s second Curb Appeal Collection.
This palette aims at helping “homeowners simplify the color selection process and amplify the exterior aesthetics of their homes,” according to a press release.
Nick Smith, interior designer and founder of the online furniture store Smithers, says Cedar is “a game changer for curb appeal.”
“Cedar is more than just a beautiful stain color; it provides a perfect blend of warmth, elegance, and timelessness that enhances exterior wood surfaces,” Smith says. “Whether your home follows a modern, rustic, Craftsman, or coastal design, this shade works harmoniously across a range of styles.”
Behr Paint reveals its 2025 Stain Color of the Year
Cedar, Behr’s Stain Color of the Year, boasts “warm, earthy hue inspired by the natural tones of cedarwood,” Behr said in the release.
“As the spring season turns consumer attention to outdoor projects, Cedar is the perfect choice for homeowners looking to apply an inviting shade to exterior wood surfaces,” Andy Lopez, senior vice president, head of marketing at Behr Paint Company, said in the release. “Cedar not only reflects the current consumer desire for natural, earthy tones, but it also combines classic characteristics with durable performance that will stand the test of time.”
Behr’s second annual Curb Appeal Collection includes 45 exterior paint colors to “take the guesswork out of the painting journey.”
Cedar specifically can work with a “variety of architectural styles, from minimalist modern to casual craftsman, and pairs perfectly with our latest Curb Appeal Collection,” Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at Behr Paint, said in the release.
The Curb Appeal Collection includes four subpalettes:
- Classic Haven: “Blends soft neutrals like whites and beiges with bold hues like deep greys, blues, and reds,” according to the release.
- Modern Escape: “Features bold, lively hues like yellow, teal, and orange, paired with subtle whites and greys,” according to the release.
- Casual Oasis: “Offers a laid-back, tranquil atmosphere with soft greys, creamy whites, and gentle blues,” it further explains.
- Artisan Retreat: This “showcases earthy neutrals, warm browns, and subtle greys, accented by vibrant oranges and reds.”
Areas to stain on the exterior of your home
There are several areas you can stain to enhance your property’s curb appeal.
The front door
This is “prime real estate,” according to Hassan Morcel, CEO and founder of short-term rentals company Keys Please Holiday Homes Dubai.
Staining a solid wood front door in Cedar can create a warm and inviting focal point and add an immediate touch of natural elegance, says Morcel.
“For upkeep, emphasize to sellers the importance of a sealant to protect against the elements, suggesting a quick annual check and touch-up can keep it looking fantastic for years—reassuring buyers about maintenance,” he adds.
Garage doors and window shutters
This will help “frame the view,” says Morcel.
If these elements are wood or can be stained to mimic wood, using Cedar here helps to frame the house beautifully and ties everything together, he says.
“It creates a harmonious look that suggests thoughtful design,” he adds.
Morcel recommends that proper cleaning and light sanding beforehand are key to a smooth finish when staining.
“A consistent stain across these features makes the home feel more polished and put together, subtly increasing its perceived value,” he says.
Decks, porches, and railings
Staining these spaces with Cedar not only revitalizes their appearance but also provides a durable finish that withstands various weather conditions, according to Smith.
“Regular maintenance—cleaning and reapplying stain as needed—ensures longevity and continued aesthetic appeal,” he adds.
This color also visually expands the living area and suggests an inviting outdoor space, adds Morcel, which is a huge selling point.
Fences
A fence stained in Cedar offers a cohesive look that frames the property beautifully, adds Smith.
“Proper preparation, such as cleaning and sanding, is crucial before application to achieve an even finish,” he says.
Pergolas and gazebos
Applying Cedar stain to these structures enhances their visual appeal and integrates them seamlessly into the overall landscape design, says Smith.
ROI of a Cedar stain upgrade
From an ROI perspective, experts say that upgrading these key exterior elements with Cedar stain is often a relatively affordable investment that can yield significant returns.
“It’s not just about the cost of the stain; it’s about the perception it creates,” says Morcel.
He further explains that a freshly stained exterior signals to buyers that the home has been diligently maintained, reducing their worry about immediate upkeep costs and potentially leading to quicker offers and even a slightly higher selling price.
To paint or to stain?
Deciding to paint or stain an element of your house is a personal choice, as both methods have unique advantages and drawbacks.
Staining
Smith says staining penetrates wood, highlighting its natural grain and providing protection against moisture and UV rays. Another benefit is that stains typically require less maintenance than paint and are less likely to peel or chip.
And for curb appeal, particularly on wood features like doors, shutters, and decks, a stain often offers a richer, more sophisticated look that many buyers appreciate, according to Morcel.
“Paint can sometimes look flat on these surfaces, while stain adds depth and character, aligning with the current trend toward natural and textured elements,” says Morcel.
Painting
Meanwhile, paint generally offers a broader color palette and creates a uniform appearance.
“However, paint sits on the surface and can mask the wood’s natural texture. It may also require more frequent maintenance due to peeling or cracking over time,” says Smith.
Morcel also notes that paint typically offers a broader range of colors and can provide more opaque coverage, which is excellent for hiding imperfections.
“However, stains, especially a color like Cedar, are designed to enhance the natural beauty of the wood grain,” he adds.
Though paint might offer longer-lasting protection, modern stains, especially high-quality options like Behr Premium, “offer excellent durability when properly applied and maintained, making stain a compelling choice for boosting that all-important first impression,” says Morcel.