EXCLUSIVE: Behr’s ‘Timeless’ 2026 Stain Color of the Year Will Maximize Curb Appeal With Affordable DIY Projects

Spring is just around the corner, and homeowners will start the exciting task of sprucing up their outdoor spaces to make full use of the warmer days. 

Part of that process usually involves giving everything from your deck to your outdoor furniture a much needed refresh, especially if you live somewhere where they’ve battled the elements all winter long. 

If you’re preparing to paint in the coming weeks, Behr has shared exclusively with Realtor.com® its 2026 Exterior Stain Color of the Year just in time to give your home a new look, one that you’ll surely find to be as stylish as it is inviting. 

The 2026 Exterior Stain Color of the Year

Behr has named Taupe as the 2026 Exterior Stain Color of the Year.

In speaking with Kayla Kratz, Behr’s senior director of Color & Design Strategy, ahead of the announcement, she explained what makes Taupe such a “special color” trend for the coming year. 

“The trends we've been seeing shift away from those cool grays, stark whites in exteriors,” she said. “That's what makes Taupe such a unique and perfect color for that transition. It's versatile, something that can bring multiple colors to life as an anchor, but doesn't lock you into any colors on the home. You can still go with a full range, as it really brings to light the exterior and supports that as a grounding neutral.”

Taupe is a departure from last year’s color of the year, Cedar, which leaned heavily into a wood grain color. This was intentional, given the increased trend of homeowners spending more time outside. 

“Homeowners see their exterior as kind of an extension of the interior of their home, and they want that same kind of intentionality and thoughtful use of color,” she said. 

“So it's kind of a continuation of the Cedar movement toward that warming hue, but a little more on the versatile side for homeowners to use.”

Best ways to use Taupe stain  

Traditionally, stain is used in outdoor wood home features such as doors, furniture, and decks.

Speaking of the latter, Taupe very much mimics the trendy color palette found with most wood-alternative composite decking that has become popular in recent years due to its durability and minimal maintenance.

But as Kratz rightfully pointed out, this is a “more affordable way to basically get the same style.

“A solid stain is a great way to still use the material that you have, but bring new life to it,” she added. “I see Taupe as a 100% timeless neutral. A can't-go-wrong, foolproof color. It makes a statement, but it makes a subtle statement that will stay true for a long time.” 

Creating perfect color combinations

Alongside the 2026 Exterior Stain Color of the Year, Behr is unveiling its first-ever Outdoor Accent Color Collection. 

It is a curated selection of 18 exterior paint colors designed to enhance and personalize outdoor spaces. While you’ll likely use the Taupe stain for your larger features, like porches and decks, these colors offer effortless complements to your other wooden features

“The idea here is that to enhance the aesthetics of your home, you don't necessarily need to redo the whole home," she said. “You can take small projects like an Adirondack chair, window shutters, front door, and really enhance the aesthetic of your space, especially paired with the Taupe stain.”

If you’re in need of inspiration, Kratz suggested a refresh of your front door, which is always a good idea, especially if you’re looking to sell this spring.

Painting your front door is an easy and affordable way to increase curb appeal, and Kratz recommended a color in the new palette called Ocean Abyss. 

It is a “deep, luxe nautical teal” that would pair perfectly with an accent color, Baronial Brown, on the window trim and the Taupe stain on the patio ceiling or on the patio floor, she said.

This would be a perfect pairing for any midcentury modern home, Craftsman, or even a modern farmhouse. 

As for what colors to avoid?

“The only colors that I would discourage are maybe really bright saturated colors,” Kratz added. “So I'm thinking more Colonial. Maybe you'd want to go more of a natural wood tone.”