Ah, that's a fantastic question! Getting that new garden bench to blend seamlessly with your existing deck is all about technique and a little patience. First, don't rely on the stain name alone. Colors look different on various wood types and ages. Your best move is to take a small, discreet sample piece of your deck's wood (like a leftover scrap or a piece from an unseen area) to the store. Test your chosen stain on that sample first. If you don't have a sample, test potential stains on the underside of your new bench or a hidden leg.
Preparation is key. Just like your deck was, your new bench needs to be clean, dry, and sanded. If it's pressure-treated wood, let it weather for a few months until fully dry. Apply the stain with the same method you used on the deck—whether brushing, rolling, or wiping—for a consistent texture.
Here's a pro tip: if an exact match proves tricky, consider a complementary approach. Sometimes, using a slightly darker or lighter shade from the same color family can create a beautiful, intentional contrast that still looks cohesive. The goal is harmony, not necessarily invisibility. With careful testing and application, your bench will look like it was always meant to be there.