How do I know How To Pick The Best Stain

Wood finishes vary a great deal in terms of longevity and appearance.  The ingredients that go into producing a quality stain cost more, so the stain product itself will cost more.  It is most likely that the cheapest stains will not turn out to be the cheapest in the long term. An example is that less expensive stains will result in the home needing to be redone more frequently.  Also, as the cheaper stains usually come as colored products, it will cost more to maintain the home in the long run, and will cause the home to get darker and darker.  Once the home is much darker than the color originally chosen, stripping it off and starting again is the only option to return to the original look of the home.

 
                   Photo courtesy of Zirnhelt Timber Frames