View Full Version : New construction deck, how long do you wait before stain?
brunes
Jul 6th, 2012, 09:26 PM
Just got a new deck built from pressure treated lumber.
I was told it is best to wait for the lumber to dry out before applying stain. How long should I allow for that? It's been a bit over a week so far.
Mars2012
Jul 6th, 2012, 09:47 PM
One whole season if you can...the wood will take the stain better.
Pete_Coach
Jul 7th, 2012, 08:18 AM
Traditionally the answer is to wait a year but, that was just a conservative guesstimate and to prevent people form applying stain and it not "taking" to newly pressure treated lumber. it has more to do whether the wood is wet or dry.
The real answer is to make sure the wood is good and dry, then you can apply the stain. Here is one of the best explanations I have read.
http://www.merchantcircle.com/blogs/Michael.B.Martin.781-856-2001/2009/5/How-long-should-I-wait-before-I-stain-my-pressure-treated-deck/241629
hondanation09
Jul 7th, 2012, 08:46 AM
Just got a new deck built from pressure treated lumber.
I was told it is best to wait for the lumber to dry out before applying stain. How long should I allow for that? It's been a bit over a week so far.
There is a mill glaze on pressure treated wood. This will where over 1 season and you can stain. I did not want to wait and bought a remover for this and stained a month later when all dry.
azn_dan
Jul 7th, 2012, 08:52 AM
what is everyone's opinion on wood conditioner? cash grab or does it really work?
Pete_Coach
Jul 7th, 2012, 11:54 AM
what is everyone's opinion on wood conditioner? cash grab or does it really work?
If you research the MSDS (material safety data sheets) of these conditioners you will find that they are all a combinations of solvents. The solvents are to clean any oily or dirty spots off the wood surface and to some degree sub-surface.
Do they work or money grab? Staining a clean surface is always better than staining a dirty surface.
balou911
Jul 7th, 2012, 02:55 PM
installed my desk last year, ready to stain this year.
everything ive read advises to wait a year before staining.
brunes
Jul 9th, 2012, 12:26 PM
Hrm.... according to linked site, 1 month should be OK. I will go by that as when we got our other deck done I definitely did not wait a whole year and the deck turned out fine.
I do not like the look of a heavy stain, I use a very light stain, so maybe that is why (does not lock in all the moisture)