Behr Just Announced Its 2026 Exterior Stain Color of the Year—See the Versatile Hue

Meet Taupe.

A modern outdoor deck with seating glass railings and forest views — Credit:
Courtesy of Behr Paint Company

Spring will be here before you know it, which means it's time to start thinking about preparing your backyard for more time spent in the garden, dining al fresco, and poolside happy hours. If your deck or outdoor furniture needs a refresh, Behr Paint Company is here to help.

Today, the brand revealed Taupe as its 2026 Exterior Stain Color of the Year, a soft brown with gentle gray undertones that brings balance and harmony to your home's exterior. With the understated character of weathered driftwood, this versatile hue delivers a contemporary look with timeless appeal.

"Visually, it reads as muted and balanced rather than distinctly warm or cool," says Kayla Kratz, senior director of color and design strategy. "The overall effect is calm, grounded, and relaxed, which is what makes it feel so natural on an exterior."

How to Use Taupe

Outdoor porch with chairs and a table overlooking a grassy field and trees — Courtesy of Behr Paint Company

Taupe is a dynamic color that can be used with warm colors for added depth or cooler accents for a tailored look. While its applications are endless, Kratz says her three favorite ways to use this stain are on the main deck, the front porch, and fencing—three elements that define the exterior of the home.

Main Deck

Since the main deck marks the intersection between the home and landscape, homeowners need a stain that feels natural in both settings. "Taupe does that beautifully," says Kratz. "It has an earthy quality that complements wood, stone, and greenery without ever feeling too dark or too visually heavy." Taupe creates a versatile backdrop that complements outdoor furniture and the surrounding landscape.

Front Porch

Your front porch sets the tone for your entire home, so it's important to create a space that is polished yet inviting. "The porch should feel welcoming, considered, and connected to the broader exterior palette," Kratz says. "Taupe brings a grounded softness to that transition. It feels warm without being heavy, which makes it especially effective at the entry."

Fencing

Taupe takes on a more architectural role when used on fencing, allowing it to frame your property without drawing too much attention to itself. "A fence often acts as the visual frame for the property, so I like a stain color that recedes slightly while still contributing to the overall design," says Kratz. "Taupe interacts beautifully with landscaping and gardens, offering contrast where needed but never competing for attention."

Colors and Materials to Pair With Taupe

An outdoor wooden deck with two chairs and a small table surrounded by open railings and overlooking a yard with trees — Courtesy of Behr Paint Company

Because it was designed for outdoor use, taupe pairs especially well with colors and materials the define home exteriors.

Materials

Depending on your desired look, Taupe works well with various materials, including natural wood, stone, brick, and metal accents. "With wood, it feels tonal and organic, allowing the grain to remain central. With stone and brick, it softens transitions and brings out texture without competing with it," she says. "Alongside painted siding and trim, it adds depth and warmth while still feeling restrained."

Paint Colors

As for complementary paint colors, Behr has already thought ahead. In addition to Taupe, the brand launched its Outdoor Accent Color Collection, which makes building a harmonious exterior palette easier. It features a curated selection of 18 exterior paint colors designed to enhance and personalize outdoor spaces.

"Taupe works as the grounding element: it brings warmth and balance then allows the surrounding colors to add contrast and personality," says Kratz.

One color combination she especially likes is Muted Sage on the home exterior, Baronial Brown on the windows, Ocean Abyss on the front door, Ultra Pure White on the trim, and Taupe on the porch ceiling. "Together, the palette feels layered, thoughtful, and enduring," she says.

Another smart pairing is Taupe and Cedar, which creates a warm, layered look. "Cedar brings a golden-brown warmth that sits naturally alongside Taupe, and using the two together—on a deck and ceiling, for example—adds depth while preserving the natural character of the wood. The effect feels layered and natural," Kratz says.