This post was updated on April 25, 2023
Best Wood Stain for New Pressure Treated Pine
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 2023. 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
Deck Stain Help & Questions
Stain Reviews & Comparisons
As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior wood and deck restoration. Scott and his Deck Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 decks in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the deck restoration industry and has contributed to numerous wood restoration forums and informative sites.
All the products he suggests through this site are sold through online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them.
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/
Just had a new deck put on and have some rust stains from the furniture. What’s the best way to remove them? Will they come off?
A wood brightener will help to remove the rust stains.
I have a 10 year old deck with PVC decking and pressure treated lumber structure. The supporting posts were wrapped with cedar to flush them out to be cosmetically attractive. This was a problem as water gets inside from the spacing of the deck boards above thus causing rot and ants. I am planning to wrap with PVC trim boards instead, but I am wondering if it would help to seal the posts before I enclose them with the PVC trim boards?
No need.
Here in the Pacific Northwest, pressure treated wood is made from Douglas fir. Does that wood require any different treatment than pine? I’m about to install a new deck using pressure treated doulas fir. Thanks
No difference in treatment.
My pressure treated wood deck was installed in 2005 with no stain or preservative put on at that time as we were told nothing more was needed. It was cleaned with a Behr product and looks pretty good but I now want to use your product after doing some research on stains. I am thinking the semi transparent stain, natural colour to make it look fairly natural not too orangy or red. My question is :
!. How long does this stain last
2. What prep do I need to know before I restain the deck
3. What is the shipping cost to Toronto, Canada
1. What stain brand are you inquiring about?
2. You will need to clean and brighten for the prep.
3. This site does not sell products but offers reviews and advice.
Hi, I would really like to find a suitable color semi transparent stain that would enhance my newly installed yelloiwsh pitch pine pressure treated wood. My ceilings are stained darkish oak and my walls are a light coral color. any suggestions on a color for the pitch pine deck flooring? It also has some skirting around it as well from the same wood.
A pic of the area
Make sure to weather and prep this wood. If you want to match the ceiling, try Armstrogn Clark in Rustic Brown or TWP in Dark Oak.
Help! I’m applying wood stain to my one year old pine fence. It is looking like white paint, not the mixed stain color, ‘Maritime White,’ from Benjamin Moore.
Waited 24 hours. Solid white. Ugh.
Semi-transparent. Arborcoat
Sorry but not much you can do about this to the area you have already painted. It cannot be stripped. You would have to sand it off.
BM Arborcoat makes poor products BTW.
Hi again! We have removed the stain with Benjamin Moore Remove, 20 hours of scrubbing later.
Instead of darkening the wood, it actually brightened it. Am concerned to apply their Brighten product. Any suggestions how to prep these sections of wood, along with the prior sections of wood?
And what semi-transparent stain would work best on all this? Thank you.
You still need to brighten the wood after stripping to neutralize the caustic of the stripper.
For stain, use Restore A Deck Wood Stains or Armstrong Clark.
Would you recommend an oil-based or water-based stain. I am not familiar with these brands. I researched Armstrong Clark and found “Amber” in the Hardwoods and Softwoods section. Would this stain provide a natural-looking wood finish? or do you have a better suggestion? Thanks
Water or oil-based is fine. Amber is a great color. Similar to a clean ‘wet” look.
Is there a trick to applying brighten to vertical surfaces? I used a garden sprayer and applied liberally from bottom to top via instructions after light cleaning. It left lighter looking “drip” marks all over the fence. I have not yet received my RAD brightener so I used Ben Moore product that was sitting in garage. Do they just have inferior products? I am not sure what do no now…will the AC stain appear as drip streaks. Should I reapply RAD brightener on area that I already brightened/ruined or leave it be and try to stain.
Post a picture.
Sorry, I posted this in the other forum- please disregard that as it fits in here I realize. We have a new pressure treated fence (wood is AC2 Pine from Menards…) What is the best thing to seal it with to help minimize leaching of the chemicals for small children? I don’t care about color etc. Thank you! The company that put it in said I could seal it in a week or two… They recommended Thomson’s but I am reading that might not be the best choice here.
Try TWP 1500 Series.
HI! We sanded, cleaned and repainted our deck surface last year with one of the paints you recommended– FLOOD Pro Series– and it’s been great thus far. However, during that process the railings all fell apart and we’ve had to replace them all.
We bought pretreated preassembled pine railings, and would like to paint them to match the deck taupe color and white window trims. Should we put the rails in place and let them dry for a few months? And then, should we use a PAINT or opaque STAIN on them for best absorption and lasting color? We didn’t really have to think about the pretreated thing with the deck surface bc it was so old anyway 😉
Many thanks,
Install, weather and the prep. Us the same solid stain as you used before.
I live in Chicago where it is cold and windy. I’m installing a new rooftop deck and am considering different pressurized woods AC2 (Menards)is one that was recommended. Then I spoke with a lumber yard that suggested a “grade A” version of pressurized you typically find at places like HomeDepot, due to it having fewer knots and being kiln dried AFTER treatment, which they say is better to prevent warping/movement. Is the grade A worth the additional cost? Is what Home Depot sells same as AC2 that Menards has?
Also, if you seal, will that prevent the toxin from the treated wood from looming outward into the air. Pesticides don’t sound good to me, but in tough weather, I think pressurized may be my best option outside of Ipe (too expensive).
Thoughts?
I am not sure on the wood type differences between those and we prefer cedar or redwood over any treated wood. I am sure there are other wood type rating and review articles out there. Our experience is on the maintenance side.
A sealer will not prevent any chemicals from leeching out of the wood.
Hi there. My new Cedartone deck was completed in January. I live in Minnesota and we just went through a very snowy winter and are experiencing a very cold and rainy spring. With all the snow and rain, how long should I wait to seal the deck? I had a privacy wall done at the same time with the same wood. I assume I should seal all of it. Which product is the best to use?
Thank you.
3-4 months so should be okay now. Lightly clean and brighten for prep. Just one coat of stain the first time applying. Try Armstrong Clark or TWP 100 Series.
My Decking got completed a few days ago & in 2 weeks time a new shed will go straight on it. Should I stain or just leave it as it is for the new large shed a obv it will cover the area anyways. I want to protect the wood underneath the shed as it won’t see the light of day of course for many a year once shed is on top. Some advice here would be good. Thanks.
Leave it as is. It does not need a coating under the shed.
OK thank you and good advice. I’ll leave it as it is then..
I have a new pressure treated deck installed August/2018. What is the best semi-transparent stain/cleaner for this deck. Also, do I need a brightener? I live in northern NJ. Thank you.
Clean and brighten with Restore A Deck Kits. Stain with Armstrong Clark or TWP 1500 Series.
On a deck that is a few years old do we use oil base stain or water base stain?
Either. Just make sure they are penetrating stains that do not dry on top of the wood. Look at one of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
What is the best sealer for a new pressure treated wood deck? We get sun all afternoon. A friend told me TWP is good but I’m so confused as there are so many on the market. I also want to keep it to the natural wood color. Suggestions?
After the wait of 4-12 months and prep, try the TWP stains. 100 or 1500 Series.
What is the best way to remove pine tar from a deck prior to treating it with a stain?
Sand it off.
Hi,
I had a new PTP deck installed approx. 7 months ago. Approx. one month ago two boards were sanded down level with the other boards bc they had warped/risen up higher than the other boards on deck. I live in the NC mountains and have lots of shade and rain. How long should I wait for those two boards to weather before I stain, and what stain do you recommend for my climate? Also, what deck cleaner/brightener set do you recommend, if any, to use?
One last question…what is the best method to get rid of those dang wood stamps?
Thank you so much, this is a very helpful site!
Patti
8/19/18
See this about the ink stamps and the rest of your questions will be answered as well: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-remove-the-ink-stamps-from-new-decking/
Thank you for your quick reply, but since I didn’t sand the stamps when first installed, do you think one month is long enough to wait before staining for 1st time (deck is @ 7 months old)?
Do you think TWP 100 (one coat) & restore a deck cleaner/brightener would be best for my deck in NC mtns (shade rain, mold? If not, any recommendations?
Thanks again!
Sand the stamps now and then wait a month before prep and stain. TWP and the RAD will work well.
Thank you so much!
I had a new large deck built a few weeks ago. The contractor used Weathershield pressure-treated boards which is advertised to have a factory applied water repellent coating that is supposed to last more than a year. Water beads on it like on a freshly waxed car. I want to apply a stain to darken the color. Will I have to wait for water to stop beading?
Yes and see this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
We just had a pine pressure-treated perimeter fence put up about a month ago. The installers said to wait about 2 weeks before staining. Reading some of these other comments though, should we wait another couple of months? It is a 3 board with goat panels between posts. Any recommendations on how to stain it, when to do it, and a good product to use? Thanks!!!
If rough sawn wood, do it now. If smooth wood, wait a few months, prep, then stain.
I just installed a pressure treated deck (hemlock). We live in WA. the deck is elevated and faces north. So it is hot in the summer and cold, wet and mossy in the winter. Our lumber folks recommended an oil based stain.
After the weathering and prep, try the Armstrong Clark wood stain.
We have just installed a new deck and handicap ramp. It was done last week in July and our weather has been nothing but rain for two weeks. With Fall coming up and if I have to wait 3 to 6 months for the wood to dry, it will be November before we can use Thompson’s stain on it. Will the wood be harmed if I wait that long?
Do not use Thompsons stain unless you want it to peel. You can wait until November or Spring of 2019. Use a better stain brand: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
I have a new deck that is pressure treated lumber bought new and it’s been installed now for around 6 months what is the best product to stain it with a water base or oil base I’ve been a commercial painter my whole career but I have never done a deck always commercial buildings and such please feel free to call or text me if you prefer 636-578-5034 my name is Jeff
Use the TWP 100 Series or the Restore A Deck Wood stains for this deck in MO.
Will semi-transparent water based stains penetrate pressure treated wood? Or should oil only be used on pressure treated wood? Have you heard of Thompsonized wood which has a water repellent embedded in it?
Yes a water based stain will work. Thompsonized I believe was used like 20 years ago. Similar to “wolmanized”
That is what I am worried about. What if you apply a water based stain to a pressure treated deck that is Thompsonized or Wolmanized etc.? Might not penetrate.
No, that is not an issue. Those are internal treatments to help with rot and decay. They have no effect on a stain’s ability to penetrate.
I just had a new fence put up and love the natural look of the wood. The installer said to wait 2 months but it looks like you say longer … I want to use clear. How do I prep and do I seal or just stain??
Clear = no UV protetion from graying. You need tint in the stain for this. Use one of these top products: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
You mention waiting 3-6 months for treated wood to dry. I am putting up a dock which is frequently under water. Building it and wait in for the wood to dry is not and option, what can I do?
I am sorry but you do not have a choice but to wait and prep.
For a new pressure treated pine deck 3 months minimum before staining even in the Texas summer heat? Also when staining the first time are 2 coats better than 1 coat? If so what are the substantial benefits of the 2nd coat?
Yes that is correct. Just one coat the first time staining.
Hi there,
I just put up a 6×6 pressure treated pine post as a support on the corner of my front porch. We live in central PA and the post gets sun in the morning/early afternoon. It is exposed to rain, snow, etc. How long should I wait to stain & seal? Also, what product would you receommend? Thanks in advance for the advice!!
Jeff from PA
Wait the 3 months and then prep. Stain with TWP 1500 or Restore A Deck Wood Stain.
Hi We’ve just put a new brown pressure treated deck on our house. My initial reaction was to get something on it right away but I am reading otherwise. Is the best thing to wait until next summer to do anything? There are green patches and some green goo on parts of the boards do you leave that for now? sand or wash it off? We also put a pergola type structure above it and the larger boards have perforations or little indents is it a bad idea to sand them or what do people do? Someone at the Benjamin Moore retailer recommended something called Pressure Plus and sanding before but now I am second guessing his advice. Thanks!!!
Wait about 3 months and then clean and brighten the wood for the prep. Just one coat of the stain. Try one of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/