This post was updated on February 25, 2024
Best Wood Stain for New Pressure Treated Pine
We appreciate you visiting Deckstainhelp.com as we continue to be your go-to source for the latest in deck restoration news and trending topics through 2024. Below, we talk about the Best Stain for New Pressure Treated Pine. Feel free to leave a comment below with any pictures you may have.
Best New Wood Deck Stain Water-Based | Best Applying New Wood Deck Stain | Best New Wood Deck Stain Oil-Based |
Months to Weather New Wood: 3 months for both semi-transparent and solid stain colors. | Months to Weather New Wood: 2-3 months for transparent and semi-transparent colors. 12 months for semi-solid. | Months to Weather New Wood: 4 - 12 months for all TWP Series and Colors. |
Whether you have had an old deck replaced or simply had a new deck added on, there are certainly a lot of benefits. Wood decks increase a home’s curb appeal and value. They add extra outdoor living space and are the witness of many come to family gatherings and get-togethers. A new deck’s strength and sheer durability make you feel like it will last forever. But as some homeowners soon find out, that newness can wear off and that once beautiful deck becomes a neglected eyesore.
But there is hope and to keep your new deck looking new and lasting for many years to come, you merely have to take care of it. Weather and elements like moisture and fading UV rays are a new deck’s biggest enemy. So the goal of keeping a deck looking good is to provide it with some protection.
Best Stain for Pressure Treated Wood
Some deck owners are under the false impression that “pressure-treated” means the wood has already been treated from the weather. The truth is that the chemical treatment added to pine is to deter bugs and insects from eating the wood. There is no water repellency or sun blocking treatment in the wood whatsoever. So let’s be clear, new pressure treated decks still need to be treated with a water-repellant wood stain.
Staining a new deck is much different than staining an old deck. Older wood is drier and very porous. It will absorb almost any type of wood stain and be adequately protected. New pressure-treated pine, on the other hand, has higher moisture content and therefore is much denser making deck stain penetration more difficult.
You want to allow a newer deck to age because initially, the moisture content is entirely too high. Trapping moisture in the wood by staining it too soon is not good. Once the deck has dried for 3-6 months and has a moisture content of 12% or less, it is ready for stain.
Even new decks need to be cleaned. During the aging process, some dirt and contaminants will embed into the wood. There may also be some mill glaze present that could keep a new deck stain from penetrating. Wash the new pinewood deck with a good deck cleaner and allow it to dry.
When looking for the best stain on new pressure-treated decks choose a formula that is specifically designed to penetrate the dense surface such as Armstrong Clark Stains. The new pressure treated deck stain needs to penetrate well to be effective. A stain that lacks in performance will remain on the surface and will be prone to peeling.
New wood can stay looking new with little care and regular maintenance. Clean the wood as needed and apply a quality pressure treated deck stain that can penetrate the new dense wood. This will guarantee increased effectiveness and outstanding protection for your new deck.
Staining a New Deck Tips Video – DeckStainHelp.com
Post a Question Below
Hello Scott,
I have hand rail that was installed about 2 weeks ago.
This is treated pine 4×4 ground contact general use wood and other types I do not know since my contractor bought it at home depot. So whatever is at home depot. I have. Probably treated wood.
I am at the mercy of the contractor for finishing the job, which includes staining or painting.
He said to wait a few weeks to allow the wood to dry more. (this is all new to me)
He also filled in some holes with stainable woodfiller in some areas, because he was rough with the driver and over sank and splintered a lot of different segments.
So I have woodfiller on top that needs to be sanded in several spots
He is supposed to come back this week to apply my chosen stain or paint and if I don’t get this person to finish now, I probably won’t be able to get this finished at all as he won’t come back.
What is the best way to deal with this at this stage so that I don’t shoot myself on the foot and make this worse?
I am sure he will want to come and sand down the woodfiller with a power sander, clean dust with a rag and then stain or paint one coat and be done and gone.
I already paid him. I have attached a picture.
Need to know what to have him do so this project is finished the best way possible with what I am having to deal with.
Thank you for your comments.
You need to wait a few months, not weeks. Prep before staining.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
thank you for replying Scott.
Should I ask him to just sand down the wood filler or remove it completely maybe?
What about the split wood and splintered wood from driving the screws, is there a way to fix these? Maybe smooth down the poking splintered areas by sanding or using a scalpel?
Thing is this contractor will never come back after this, so I might as well get him to do something so that I can later prep more easily and stain.
I would really appreciate a few words on what to tell him to sand and how or how to try to make the rail look better for when he comes.
They are always in a hurry and do as they please. :( have a great day
Remove the filler as it will not “stain” to blend. No issues with split wood, that is normal. Just leave it as is.
I stained my deck with cider mill stain.
Applied it with a foam pad. All crevices were covered. It looked great until it rained on it.
Not it is blotchy and sticky. It is a water based stain. Where water ponded on deck has left spots….it’s as though the rain diluted the stain.
The tackiness of deck also revealed itself after the rain.
The deck looked great prior to rain.
What to do ?
Most likley you will need to remove and start over with a better stain that fully cures without issues. Post some pics and what brand did you use?
Should I have sealed deck after staining it ?
You cannot apply a sealer over a deck stain. It will peel.
We have a new, screened Trex deck with pressure treated pine columns and knotty pine ceiling. Will be gathering our prep materials and stain over the next few months while allowing wood to dry out. Advice on application tools and techniques (especially for ceiling) will be greatly appreciated. Also, since ceiling pieces are so much thinner than columns (they’re 6×6) should we stain them sooner? Thank you!
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Cover the Trex well when staining. Use stain pads or brushes when applying.
Hi
I am wondering is a oil base stain better for longevity ? Also what do you think compares to sikkens stain ?
Thanks Brenda
Sikkens is not made anymore in the US and PPG ProLux the replacement is not very good.
Hello…added a new deck to an older deck that is covered already. long story short to be able to make the two decks the same color we used Behr deck over and we regret it. We waited almost 6 months for deck to weather and applied the product. well we have dry rot in places, black streaks, and peeling of the deck over product. We plan to sand the entire deck, new and old to remove this horrible product. what is your suggestion to use after we sand the deck. we want a solid color, like a deep mahogany. Any suggestions would be great appreciative since we are upset in having to completely start over just after 18 months of applying the deck over.
See here for the best solid stains: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
I have a pressure treated deck, three years old. I did clean it once last year, and have not applied any stain or sealer. The deck is in good shape. Is there anything I need to be aware of as it pertains to this situation. Leaning towards Armstrong Clark or TWP. Thanks BTW deck is located in WV, 3000 ft elevation, zone 5.
Just prep again before staining with a deck cleaner and a wood brightener.
Been replacing michigan deck boards with severe weather boards from lowes. 90% new. Old have solid color cedar from last year. Plan to sand all to remove old solid stain on remaining boards and even out color. Sounds like brightener after sand is good for absorption?
Stain…semi transparent ( no more peeling solid@) cedar tone . looking at defy extreme or ready seal. Defy good reviews but others like oil / ready seal for treated wood. Concerned that need to complete before winter cold and snow but want to be sure wood dry. Thoughts on brightener? Stain choice? Timing?
Thx!!!
Clean and brighen after sanding for best results. See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Defy is a better stain than Ready Seal.
Thx Paul. Still replacing more flooring this week…pressure treated. In michigan. Can I stain into winter temperatures to give time to dry (maybe late October) and/or is it OK to leave it all winter and brighten and stain in spring.
Do it in Spring, it will be fine.
Hi, New pressure treated wood deck put on last August. Seasonite put on 2 months later. Is it best to use a water base transparent stain or an oil base transparent stain on the deck. (Water base is more convenient). Thank you.
Either would be fine as long as it is a good brand: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Make sure to prep correctly.
How do I identify what type of wood my deck is? Our home is a new construction finished in February and we’re wanting to stain and seal it.
Pressure Treated Pine that is also KDAT:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-kdat-deck/
I built a pergola with a privacy fence using above ground pressure treated southern yellow pine. I live in Indianapolis, IN. What is the best finish to apply and should I wait until Spring? It’s, Nov 7.
Thank you.
Spring. Try TWP 1500 Series.
I live in Central Kentucky. We just had a new pressure treated pine deck built last week of August 2021. The deck has no roof and gets much sun exposure and full exposure to the elements, wind, rain and again sun. I know recommended time to wait to stain is at least 3 months. But because winter is it better to stain deck now or wait until Spring? It is first week of October 2021 and I did sprinkle test water absorbed within 10 minutes.
Spring.
I built a small deck, more like a stoop, over my crumbling concrete steps. The framing is green treated lumber, the platform, railing and steps are cedar. I’m considering using Restore a Deck Stain or Defy. My concern is problems with mildew, mainly because the old concrete steps are still in place and there is minimal air circulation. I was planning on placing the stain on both sides of the platform boards to deter mildew. Will this work? I live in Minnesota.
You should not prestain and no need to stain the undersides. See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Any reviews or comments on YellaWood Protector semi-transparent stain? Thank you, Jackie.
Sorry but never used it.
Great video/help! We are building a deck with BROWN pressure treated lumber, but the top decking will be Trex and the railing is all black metal.
The lumber seems to already allow water flicked on it absorb, but I know what with the run on lumber lately, these boards can not be that “old”, so I would guess we still wait?
Also, do we really even need to stain/seal the vertical posts/beams/joists under the Trex?? Is that “roof” of Trex enough to protect it all?
And if we DO, would using anything with a hint of color (cedar-ish) even show up on the newer dark brown PT lumber?
THANKS! :)
(We are in Payson, AZ- 5500 ft, dry alpine eco system.)
There is no need to satin the frame and posts under the deck.
Hi, I just installed a new deck and I’m waiting the minimum four months before staining. My question is, Is a water sealer or spar recommended after the staining process? If so what do you recommend?
You can never apply a sealer or coating over top of a deck stain, it will peel.
how long to wait before I can put oil stain on anew treat pine deck, or I can putting it straight on with out waiting
Did you read the article above? It does answer that question. See here for more info: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
One year old deck, had some mildew in the framing and used a 3-1 bleach water that that left some bleached marks on the joists. Probably dried quicker than expected before it was rinsed. Pressure treated pine framing. Is there a recommendation to treat or will staining be fine at this point. Any stain recommendations?
Post pictures of prep. As for the stain, use one of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Here are some pics.
Here are the photos
Go ahead and stain.
I just replaced my deck with new pressure treated 5/4″ lumber. Most advice seems to wait 3-6 months before staining or sealing. (two different treatments). after 3 -6 months,which application should be applied first and how long before the second procedure? Location North New Jersey, spring 2020. full sun.
Clean and brighten for prep and then stain with one coat: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Hello, I just had a new deck built with pressure treated premium wood. After reading all the articles I’m afraid to have it stained due to moisture content in new pressure treated wood. The contractor says, it’s okay to go ahead and stain, because the wood has been dried to remove the moisture. The deck has been up 2 weeks now.
Should I wait or let them stain now? They are not pressuring me, they will do whatever I want.
Please advise.
Also advise on best stain for my deck.
Deck Location State: North Carolina
Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Full Sun
Wood Type: Pressure Treated Premium Pine
Mold or Mildew Issues: No. New Deck
Reason for Previous Stain Failure: New Deck
Previous Stain Brand and Type of stain: n/a
Wait: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
I have a 2-year old brown pressure treated deck that was never sealed or stained. It is starting to fade in spots looking a bit more grey than brown. What do I need to do get it sealed and looking brown again?
Your advice here is much appreciated!
Tom
I should also state that I am in Canada. Thanks!
Clean and brighten wood for prep and then try one of these stains: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
I want to neutralise/minimise the yellow green colour of the treated timber.Is there anything that can be done about it?
You would need to stain it. Try a brown-tinted color. See here for the best brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Hi! We just terraced part of the hill behind our house with pressure-treated wood. It looks quite orange and we’d like to give it a weathered gray look. Could you please tell us what product to use to achieve that look. Thank you!
See here about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
After the wait and prep, ty Restore A Deck Wood Stain in Cottage Gray or Armstrong Clark in Driftwood Gray.
Quick note: our project does not involve a deck, it’s basically a bunch a railroad ties stacked up on top of one another to create a succession of small 36″ high garden walls that retain dirt from top to bottom of our hill, but do you think we can use the same stain as we would for a deck..? Thanks a lot!!
Yes, you can after wait and prep.
Thanks!
It’s October, my deck boards were replaced 3 weeks ago. We have had some moderate rain. I wish to stain my deck, but it’s too late in the season. What can I apply to stabilize my new deck boards to make it through the first New Hampshire winter?
No need to do anything. Just leave as is and prep and stain in the Spring.
What is the best stain to use on a new pressure treated pine wood fence?
Try Restore A Deck Semi-Transparent Stains or TWP Wood Stains.
Living in Ohio does it matter what series to use TWP 100 or 1500 series on my new pressure treated pine fence?
You will need the TWP 1500 for Ohio.
We just completed a pressure treated deck. It doesn’t have a top over it has been in hot sun. I noticed small cracks in some of the boards what do I need to do.
As the article says, wait 3-4 months, prep, and then stain. You cannot do it now, too early. Use one of these stain brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/