This post was updated on March 5, 2024
Working with rough-sawn lumber is a little bit different from staining and preserving smooth wood, but in either case, it’s important to follow the proper steps to get a long-lasting finish. At DeckStainHelp.com, we’re experts at wood deck restoration, and we’re always glad to help homeowners with their exterior wood projects. Read our tips for staining rough-sawn wood and you should have no trouble with the task! But if you have any questions, feel free to leave us a comment and let us help you.
What Is Rough-Cut Lumber?
Rough-textured wood, also known as rough-sawn lumber, is wood that is used as originally cut: It has not been smoothed out or sanded like most lumber is. It’s becoming a more popular type of wood for homeowners and is commonly used for exterior wood fences, decking trim, and house trim. Typical wood types used are cedar and pine.
Can You Stain Rough-Sawn Wood?
Yes! Rough-sawn lumber is a bit more difficult to stain than smooth-textured wood, but it does not have to be an overwhelming task. Just make sure to choose a wood stain that is designed specifically for porous woods: Stay away from hardwood stains and film-forming-type stains.
How Do You Finish and Protect Rough-Sawn Wood?
A penetrating semi-transparent deck finish is the best choice for rough-sawn wood because it will soak into the wood better, penetrating and sealing its pores.
What’s the Best Way to Stain Rough-Cut Lumber? Application Tips
- When dealing with rough-sawn cedar or pine, it’s important to prepare the wood prior to staining. If the wood is new, you can skip this step. Otherwise, start by using a wood cleaner to break loose any dirt, grime, and gray fibers. Then, wash the wood surface with a stiff brush or pressure washer. Be careful not to use excessive pressure that could damage the wood surface. After using a wood cleaner, a wood brightener should be applied to neutralize the pH level and brighten the wood back to its original appearance. Note: If the wood is new, no prepping is needed and staining can be done right away.
- Once the wood dries following the cleaning, it’s time to stain. Check your local weather forecast and make sure that it’s not supposed to rain for the next 12 to 24 hours. It’s also best to apply wood stain when temperatures are between 60 and 80 degrees. It should not drop below 32 degrees within 8 hours of staining. And try not to stain in direct sunlight.
- To stain rough-cut lumber, you can use a brush and/or roller. A brush is good at getting into corners and cutting in along edges. If you use a roller, a ¾” nap is best for pushing stain into the rough surface. Mask off any areas you do not want stained, and stain one board or section at a time to eliminate lap marks. If the wood seems really thirsty, you can apply two “wet on wet” coats if the stain you are using allows it.
- You can also apply stain to rough-sawn wood using a pump or airless sprayer. Spraying the stain can allow it to get into the rough texture of the surface with less effort than brushing or rolling. Just be sure to mask any windows, siding, concrete, and other surfaces in the area.
- Our favorite method for staining rough-cut cedar or pine is to use both approaches. First, lightly spray on the first coat with a pump sprayer. This will absorb deeply, giving a nice base coat. We then follow up with a stain pad or brush to apply a second coat right away. This will ensure nice, even coverage.
- Always follow the instructions on the label of the stain you are using.
- Wear proper personal protection.
- Depending on the brand of stain you use, use mineral spirits or soapy water to clean up all of your equipment and tools after staining.
Rough Sawn Wood Stain Colors
Have a Question on Staining Rough Sawn Wood? Ask Below!
Deck Stain Help & Questions
- Do You Have to Put a Clear Coat Over Stain
- Best Oil Stain For Decks
- Deck Stain Drying Time
- How Long Does Stain Need to Dry Before Rain
- Behr Composite Deck Stain Colors
- Can You Stain Pressure Treated Wood Right Away
- How to Stain Rough Cedar
- Wood Deck Sealer
- Olympic Stain Lowes
- Waterproof Deck Stain
- Power Wash Deck Before Staining
- Two Tone Deck Stain
I have cedar ceiling and some walls on all of the interior of home. Some old with an oil stain from 45 years. Now some new replaced from damage/storm. Also have some water marks need cleaning, wish to keep the ruff look. What do you recommend to stain over this ruff cedar?
Sorry Jacky, but we work with exterior coatings, not interior. Not sure what would be best for you here.
any idea how can you remove paint from stained raw cedar? thanks
Typically you sand off paint or you can try this.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/rad-paintstrip-paint-solid-stain-stripping-gel-review/
Hello Scott, I have rough sawn pine boards that i will be installing over drywall in the living area of my carriage house. Any suggestions on how, and what to treat the boards with?
Try Restore-A-Deck in a semi-transparent color.
I am staining a rough sawn pine fireplace mantel. Any suggestions on stain…oil or water based? After rolling or brushing on the stain, do I try to rub it off with a rag? Any other tips? Thank you.
Application is based on the brand you go with so just follow their directions once picked out. As for oil ot water-based, it does not matter.
What stain did you use to get the “dark oak on rough cut lumber” picture above? Thanks!
It was TWP in 100 or 1500 Series.
Thanks!
I’m using two oil based stains (Chestnut then Gray) to stain rough sawn pine board and would like to apply a sealer. The board will be used as exterior trim. Any recommendations on the type of sealer that can be used. I’m hesitant to use tung oil due to the drying time and number of coats. I’d like to complete this before temps in NJ drop below freezing, a few weeks at best. Considered water based spar urethane but I’m concerned about the effectiveness of sanding rough sawn wood between coats. Thanks!
You cannot apply a sealer over an exterior wood or deck stain. It will peel if you do.
Scott, thanks for the reply. Are you aware of any finish I can apply to oil based stained pine boards that are being used as exterior trim. I’m using Varathane oil based penetrating wood stain. I’m trying to improve their water resistance and longevity. Thanks
You are using the wrong type of stain. You cannot use interior stain for exterior wood. What you are using will not provide any UV resistance from graying and water repellency. It will also attract mildew.
I have a piece of pine that is at least 50 years old, never used. Dried in a barn attic with some sun bleach areas that I don’t care for but I love the rough saw marks on it and want to use it for a fireplace mantle. How can I stain it if it’s rough? Wiping off stain on a rough surface and should I condition it first?
Not hard, just stain it. No need to condition.
I want to protective my new-last-Fall rough-cut cedar raised planter beds and fencing with clear stain. I’ve heard conflicting statements about whether the wood needs sanding before staining. Your opinion?
Do not sand. Clean and brighten for prep.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-cleaner-system-review/
You must have a tint if you want UV protection from graying:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/will-a-clear-sealer-prevent-graying-on-deck/
We have the typical red cabin with green roof and trim. Even the Anderson window trim is green. I’m tired of this look.
can the red be stained a different color without sanding the entire cabin? It is rough sawed siding with knots.
We would need to see some pics to answer this properly.
I have a tall cathedral ceiling that is covered in rough cedar and over the years I just got sick of the orange look and I want to have it painted. Can this be spray painted by a professional?
Yes, but do not use a paint. Use a solid color deck stain. See here for the best options:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
Wilson
Hi! I want to install natural wood, put stain and two coats of oil-based in my house.
My question is! Can I do it for interior floors or not?
Thanks.
Hi, we only work with exterior stains and coatings. Interior is much different.
Hi I’ve built a barn out of old hand hune beams, I would like to stain my new rough sawn pine boards with a grey stain that has the look of weathered grey , having a hard time finding a product that has the right tone , question I I stain with a light grey ,either oil or preferably water based will the pine weather or darken with time? I t+ g all the boards so would like to stain them before installing
Thanks Dave
No, they should not darken over time. Try the TWP semi-solid for more color options:
https://www.twpstain.com/twp-semi-solid-pro-series
How do you suggest removing water stains on interior cedar tongue and groove ceiling boards? my roof leaked and now I have water marks. I would prefer to keep the would its natural cedar color vs staining it to cover up the water marks. Any suggestions? I realize you have been discussing decks, but thought I would ask.
Thank you.
You can try a wood brightener but in many cases, the water stains are throughout the entire board. This means it cannot be removed fully.
Help! We stained are rough cut pine beams with SW oil based semi transparent in 2017 with the color Yankee Barn. We like the red color then but want a more dark walnut or espresso look to it and get rid of the red color. We have over 3,000 sq of decking around the whole house and really dont want to have to sand but don’t like the look of solid stain either. Can we use a darker oil based stain in maybe a semi solid? SW only had water based semi solid, would that matter? Please help!
Whenever you switch brands or bases of semi-transparent stains, you need to remove the old coating first. You will need to strip and brighten for prep. Try the Restore a Deck Stripper/Brightener kit with both additives: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
Once prepped, use any top stain brand that you like: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Wanting to stain bandsawn pine beams Have tested a few water based stains but it’s coming out way to dark and looks like paint. Wanting a light color of grayish brown. Any ideas?
You want a semi-transparent stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Try Armstrong Clark or TWP stains.
Is it acceptable to sand rough sawn barn board just a little to get rid of the loose fibers which give a rougher look than I would like and make it difficult to brush on stain. I will be installing Board and Batten to my whole house.
Hand sanding lightly to remove splinters and loose fibers is okay.
Hi,
I am having a shed built and am looking for the proper stain product for the door. The door is made from T1-11 and is rough plywood. I need a deep, rich chocolate brown color. I live in Colorado at 7300 feet so need it to protect from sun, wind and snow. I have looked at all kinds of products and just can’t make a decision because there seems to be no consensus. TWP got good reviews I think, but you can’t buy it in a store and I don’t want to take a chance buying it online. Cabot, Penofin, Messmers, Ready Seal are all products I’ve come across. I can’t get the workers in the stores to be of real help either. They don’t seem to really know. I bought Old Masters from a paint store because the guy said it was great for my needs. Got home and read the label….it’s a interior stain. Ugh!! I appreciate any help!
The best options would be the TWP 1500 series in Dark Oak or Armstrong Clark in Espresso. We would not use any of the other brands you suggested.
Says best to stain rough lumber (cypress & pine) 60-80°. It won’t be that for couple months. What temp can I do it and still get good results?
That would vary based on the brand of stain you are using and what they suggest for temp range. They are not all the same.
Hi Scott- what a great resource!
I am planning to rebuild a mantle area in home in Colorado and lust looking at my DIY options. I found some pretty affordable true 2″ by 12″ rough sawn cedar beams but they are sort of dirty and I am not sure if I can get them into good shape… from reading other responses here, I’m thinking I could pressure wash them and then use the restore A deck products to clean and brighten them up?
Yes, that would work fine. Post some pics when installed.
I have rough sawn pine mantle and fireplace sides. We put Minwax semi-transparent oil based stain on. It’s been 4 days and there are still spots that look damp/tacky. We had fans on it trying to get it to dry, but still the same issue. Is there any way to speed up the process?
Sorry but no idea. We only work with exterior stains. Minwax is interior use only.
building a rough-cut hardwood log beam cabin, (ash & oak) looking for a stain and preservative product.
Try TWP Stains or Restore A Deck Stains.
spoke with TWP tech support, they said to age the cabin 4 months before applying, seems like a long time with no protection. How does woodrich timber oil compare to TWP
3-4 months is normal for all new wood to weather and then be prepped if the wood is smooth. Rough sawn cut can be stained right away if clean and dry.
TWP and new wood: https://twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/
I just had a 4 season room installed on the. Ack of my house. They wrapped the beam with rough sawn cedar. Do I need to seal it or can I just leave it? Being it won’t be in weather will it turn gray or black over time?
Can you upload a picture of it?
We bought a house with cedar siding on parts of the exterior… we don’t know what kind of stain, seal or conditioner has been applied. We just finished using a cleaner and pressure washing it, which removed a lot of dirt. It looks dry and old still, what can we do to freshen it up and give it a healthier look?
Post some pics.
My house has rough sawn cedar siding and the stain has gone in the sunny spots, can you help me find the right process and product to restore it where it is sun damaged?
Strip and brighten all with Restore A Deck Products. Stain with TWP Stains or Restore A Deck Stains.
Help! Part of our home is rough sawn cedar which was painted with a semi transparent acrylic stain by previous owner (our best guess – we do not have the can). A contractor power washed it to remove the stain with limited success. About 50% of the stain is gone; some of the remaining stain is peeling in thin ribbons. My husband says if you sand the rough sawn cedar it will destroy its character. However, he would like to coat this with a semi transparent Oil base stain for easier maintenance going forward. Everything we’ve read said you have to completely remove the old stain first. How can we successfully remove the old stain before coating the rough sawn cedar with a semi transparent oil base stain?
Post pictures.
Here’s a photo
Try the RAD Striper with both additives: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-stain-stripper-booster-thickening-gel-review/
Apply stripper and wet for an hour making sure it does not dry out by misting if needed. Pressure wash off. Repeat if needed. Brighten all when done.
Great advice! The RAD stripper works well. However, after stripping the railings around the deck, we realize this is a labor-intensive, expensive job. But we have roughly 500 ft.² of the cedar siding to go. Can I lightly sand the loose stain and apply a solid, water-based stain over this to avoid stripping it all?
Yes: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/