I want to stain my new treated lumber deck, but I’m told I have to wait several weeks. Is that true? -Gerald
Pressure treated wood decking is often delivered still wet with preservative. It needs time to dry out before finishing, so the stain will absorb into the wood.
How long you need to wait before staining will vary depending on:
- The moisture content in the wood.
- Whether the deck is in the sun or shade.
- The climate and weather conditions in your area.
Depending on the wood and drying conditions, you should usually wait 4 to 8 weeks after installation before staining a deck.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Gerald Asks: I want to stain my new treated lumber deck, but I’m told I have to wait several weeks. Is that true?
Danny Lipford: Whether you have an old deck or a brand new one, it’s important to regularly apply a stain or sealer, so that you can keep your deck looking as good as possible and lasting as long as it should. But with the new deck, the new wood needs a little time to allow the chemicals or the moisture in the wood to evaporate a little bit, so that it will receive the stain or sealer in the best way possible.
Now, a lot of factors play into that, whether or not the material was stored outside at the lumber yard, how long ago it was that they actually treated the wood, and whether your deck is out in the sun or in the shade. So, as a general rule, I would say, wait at least four weeks after your deck is built, or eight weeks if you’re in a real shady situation. That way, when you apply the stain or sealer, it’ll stay there.
Further Information
- How to Clean and Finish a Wood Deck (video/article)
- How to Maintain a Wood Deck (video)
Editorial Contributors
Danny Lipford
Founder
Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.
I'm Danny Lipford, a seasoned home improvement expert and television personality with over 30 years of hands-on experience in the field. My journey began when I started Lipford Construction at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. Since then, I've become nationally recognized as the host of the widely syndicated television show, "Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford." Over the years, I've made more than 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. In addition to my television work, I've contributed to popular magazines and websites, establishing myself as a go-to source for advice on all things related to the home.
Now, let's delve into the topic of staining a new treated lumber deck. The concern here is that pressure-treated wood decking is often delivered still wet with preservative, and it requires time to dry out before finishing to ensure that the stain can be absorbed effectively into the wood.
Several factors come into play when determining how long one should wait before staining a deck:
-
Moisture Content in the Wood:
- Newly treated lumber tends to retain moisture, and the drying time depends on the moisture content in the wood. The goal is to allow the chemicals or moisture to evaporate sufficiently.
-
Exposure to Sun or Shade:
- Whether the deck is in the sun or shade influences the drying process. Decks in shady areas might require a longer drying period compared to those exposed to direct sunlight.
-
Climate and Weather Conditions:
- The climate and weather conditions in your area also impact the drying time. Humid environments may prolong the process, while dry and sunny conditions could expedite it.
-
Storage Conditions at the Lumber Yard:
- Consider whether the material was stored outside at the lumber yard, as this can affect the initial moisture content of the wood.
As a general guideline, it is advisable to wait at least four weeks after the deck is built before applying the stain. However, in situations with ample shade, an extended waiting period of eight weeks may be more appropriate. This waiting period allows the wood to adequately prepare for the application of the stain or sealer, ensuring better absorption and longevity.
Regular maintenance, including staining or sealing, is crucial for preserving the appearance and durability of your deck. For additional information on deck maintenance, you can explore resources like my video/article on "How to Clean and Finish a Wood Deck" and "How to Maintain a Wood Deck."
Feel free to reach out if you have further questions or need more guidance on home improvement matters.
