Behr Paint reveals its 2024 Exterior Color of the Year – the perfect shade to get your backyard summer ready

Refreshing the paint of your outdoor space can do wonders in making it feel welcoming in anticipation of summer, and Behr Paint Company has just revealed the perfect shade to do so with. 

Named Tugboat, Behr's Exterior Stain Color of the Year for 2024 is a brown wood stain with gray tones, which forms part of the brand's new Curb Appeal Collection: a selection of on-trend paints and strains for home exterior projects. 

A versatile exterior paint, Tugboat reflects a nautical quality that takes reference from weathered ships at sea and is designed to complement a wide range of home exterior styles. The stain can be used across exterior surfaces, enhancing the appearance of wood grain while adding protection to give your outdoor paint ideas longevity. 

'Our 2024 Exterior Stain Color of the Year provides a new perspective on color for exterior wood stains, adding character and freshness to projects,' says Erika Woelfel, Vice President of Color and Creative Services at Behr. 'With a timeless finish, Tugboat’s versatile brownish gray color provides organic beauty to make any outdoor space feel like a safe harbor.'

Concluding from a recent Behr Paint Company survey that over half of American homeowners find the paint selection process for exterior spaces stressful, Behr is seeking to address this apparent difficulty with its Curb Appeal Collection.

A first of its kind, the collection includes 30 exterior paint and stain colors that have been carefully curated to complement one another, with Tugboat acting as the grounding hue.

'We recognized the challenge consumers are constantly facing when it comes to the color selection process – especially for exterior projects,' says Andy Lopez, Head of Marketing at Behr. 'By offering a collection of curated colors in a diverse product offering, we aim to provide consumers with the confidence they need to select a color and complete their exterior projects with ease.'

Available in solid and semi-transparent finishes, Tugboat works in outdoor spaces as a dark neutral and can be used in large or small amounts – from front door color ideas to deck color ideas.

'Tugboat is a versatile stain that pairs well with all wood types, building materials, and architectural styles,' explains Erika. 'The semi-transparent finish brings out the wood's natural texture for a perfectly weathered look, while the solid finish offers a polished, striking look that blends seamlessly with natural surroundings.'

Erika continues to share some of the best ways to use Tugboat in exterior spaces as well as the best color pairings from the Curb Appeal Collection to complete the look: 'Create stunning color combinations like Tugboat on the fence, Cracked Pepper on the roof trim, Adirondack Blue on the house body, and a pop of Red Pepper on the front door for a vibrant touch.'

'For a deck adjacent to your home, consider Tugboat paired with Jungle Camouflage on the house body and Ultra Pure White for the trim, or opt for a complementary Cedar stain to enhance your deck's allure.'

You can shop Tugboat in a range of Behr's stain finishes to best suit your outdoor space exclusively at The Home Depot. To find out more about the full Curb Appeal Collection, head to Behr.com.