This post was updated on May 9, 2025
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 2025. 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 Water-Based Deck Stain for New Wood | The Easiest Applying Deck Stain for New Wood | Best Oil-Based Deck Stain for New Wood |
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. |
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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
Hi, thanks for this site… lots of great stuff here.
I did a PT pine deck last July and want to stain in the next month. Would you recommend TWP or Armstrong Clark?
I’m in New England with snowy winters and hot summers, and the deck gets full afternoon sunlight year round. I’ll clean and prep the wood ahead of staining with either brand’s recommended method.
Anything else I should be thinking about?
Thanks
Actually, either would work very well for you now and when it is time to redo. Your plan sounds good.
I live in Central Florida, and I just built one mont ago a Southern Pine 30 by 14 deck out of DSS pressure-treated lumber. After 2 weeks the lumber seems to be completely dry, and the supplier said to seal the deck immediately, and he is going to replace 20% of the boards. My question is, should I go ahead and treat the entire deck and seal it, then have the replacement boards put in after that sealant dries? Then I can go over and restain just the boards that are new once they are dry? Or is there a possibility the old stained and sealed boards will react with the new still drying treated boards that are alongside of them?
Your supplier is wrong about staining right away. Always follow the directions of the stain brand you are using when it comes to new wood and applying their stain. Waiting 3-4 months of natural weathering is normal and prepping with a cleaner is required after the wait.
Best to replace the wood now, wait the required time, prep, and then stain.
I built a pressure treated pine deck about 1 1/2 years ago. I never stained it or treated it. I have now added onto it and would like to stain the whole thing. I am assuming I need to let the new one age and dry before I stain but how long? When I go to stain both, will they look the same? The older one has already grayed.
Age for 3-4 months, clean and brighten all after, stain with a TWP or Armstrong Clark.
Colors betwen the wood will be close.
I’m in Raleigh, NC and have a treated pine deck about 9 months old that I did not have a chance to stain before now. What should my next steps be? And what is the best transparent/semi-transparent stain?
Prep with a deck cleaner and a wood brightener. Look at the Restore A Deck Kits. Stain with one of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Maybe TWP 100 or Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain for this deck in NC.
I am going to stain a new PTP deck that I built 9 months ago. I read your tip on not sanding, but I am going to use a floor sander to level out the boards. This deck is covered and will be screened in after staining. Since I am sanding, will I need to wait longer before staining? I am going to use TWP 100.
After sanding, wait a month and then lightly clean and brighten for prep.
Make sure to not sand with a grit finer than 60-80 grit.
I am from Western PA with a new deck 9 months ago. I do not want to let the beck turn grey, however I want to be able to see the natural grain while still protecting the deck from the UV and weather. What would you suggest?
Hi Dave,
Any of these 6 Stains will work for you:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Installed new Pressure Treated Pine deck in Sept 2017. Deck is in Western PA, full sun and weather exposure. I am looking for a product to waterproof, yet allow the material to develop a natural grey. Suggestions?
Defy Extreme Clear or TWP 1500 Clear. Will seal and protect but gray naturally.
We live in South Florida and we are installing a new Pt Fence horizontal using deck boards for slats. How long fo we have to wait? (we are coming into rainy searson in a few months). What would be the best stain? Also the other side we will not be able to stain once it is up, can we stain with restore a deck before in our garage, since the deck boards will still be slightly wet and then side them in. Our side of the fence we can wait. We are looking for a dark walnut color. Thanks
Wait about 3 months after install and then stain. Look at Armstrong Clark or Restore-A-Deck Stain. You cannot prestain brand new wood. Will not soak in correctly and will fail on smooth decking boards.
My Wife and I are having a fence put in with #2 yellow pine treated,
what stain would you suggest using? We also would like something that could give it some color.
After the wait and prep, try the Armstrong Clark or the Restore-A-Deck Stains.
I just put down treated pine deck with a stain already in it what clear decking oil do u recommend thanks
Peter, you cannot apply a clear deck sealer/oil over top of a stain.
I have a new pressure-treated pine deck (installed ~9 mos ago) and pergola (installed ~4 mos ago). We are located in Upstate South Carolina. Gets full afternoon sun. What prep and stain would you recommend?
Prep with a deck cleaner and wood brightener. Use the Restore A Deck Kits. For the stain, try TWP 100 Series or the Defy Extreme.
The deck is in North Georgia. I’ve stained a pressure treated pine deck and stairs about 2.5 years ago with TWP. It is weathered worn and grey appearing. The handrails are warping, nails popping. (I didn’t know to stain it until 2.0 yrs after it was installed.) In it’s present state; is it salvageable?
—should I use stripper and brightener or cleaner and brightener?
-How often should I restain? Thanks (picture included)
Yes you can salvage this. Prep with the Gemini Restore Kit and restain with the TWP.
Live in farmingdale, Long Island, ny. Just had a 16 x 20 ft deck pretreated wood built in July. Have had lots of rain and the water is sitting on top of wood. When do you suggest we should stain and what is the best to use. Thinking of a cedar tone. Thank you for your help
Try Armstrong Clark.
I Live in Guelph Ont , 50 miles north of Toronto, lots of sun and lots of snow , what is the best stain to use on a 10 year pressure treated wood deck, and is ONE TIME deck stain a good product
Try Defy Extreme or Armstrong Clark stains. One Time as issues as you will see from our review and comments from consumers: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/one-time-wood-deck-stain-review/
I live in Colorado Springs and just built a pressure treated pine deck its getting into the colder months and I’m cautious on sealing my new deck too soon…any advice? FYI water does not bead on the deck boards so I’m assuming its ready to accept a stain/seal. Also, we get extreme temperature variations daily throughout the winter months. My worry is with snow coming in for the next 4-5 months. If I wait, will the wood be destroyed? On the other hand, is patience a virtue?
We would wait. Prep in Spring and stai then.
1. New pressure treated SYP fence. Installed 4 months ago. Western South Carolina – humid weather just ended about a week ago. Reckon it’s dry enough to stain? If not, when do you think?
2. Carefully, with wide fan and distance from fence, I plan to pressure wash. Will spot check first to see I’m not hurting the wood. Are there specific cleaners you recommend, to mix in the pressure washer?
3. Assuming no rain after I clean the fence, how long should I wait from when I finish washing to start staining?
4. Plan to use Sherwin Williams waterborne solid stain. Lots of pigment to sit in the wood, and product improvements to get stain to penetrate. In fact, this stuff penetrates so well, SW told me they plan to phase out their oil based stains. Do you recommend two coats? SW did, but I didn’t ask them about 2nd coat timing. If so, how long should I wait between coats? I read somewhere to wait 12 months, so that the 2nd coat has a place to go other than just sitting on the surface.
1. Should be good to go.
2. Deck cleaners will not mix into pressure washers. Use the Restore A Deck producst for the prep.
3. 2-3 days.
4. I would do what they suggest for the coats.
Thank you.
1. Do I even need Restore A Deck since the fence is fairly new and I’ll pressure wash?
2. Is there any other cleaner that you would recommend, or is RAD clearly the best?
Since it has been 4 months the wood has most likely started to oxidize and that should be removed first. You can use other cleaners but make sure they are not bleach based and you brighten after.
Why not bleach based?
BTW, I’ve decided to go with an Armstrong Clark semi-transparent. You think 1 coat will do? Their site says 2 coats if 1st is absorbed w/in 30 minutes.
Bleach harms the wood and destroys the lignin. Bad for wood.
Hard to say if you will need 1 or 2 coats. Plan on 2 to be safe.
What is the best water proof sealer Thomasville or Behr
Neither.
Behr Review: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/behr-deck-stain-review/
Thompsons: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/thompsons-waterseal-finish-review/
I have a pressure treated deck built approximately 9 months ago. Will the “deck make over” paint products stick
Most fail and peel. See this: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/tag/deck-resurfacer-stains/
The Deck Revive by Gulf does seem to work correctly.
I have a pressure treated deck (50×12) that it about a year old. Can i treat it with any of the “deck over” products? I really don’t want to retreat it every couple years.
I used sikkens cedar stain on pine siding and let it go too long before redcoats. The wood got sun damaged ,is there anything I can do to make it look nice again?
Strip and brighen for the prep. Stain with TWP 1500 Series or Armstrong Clark.
I want to use a solid color on a new pine deck because other wooden areas have this color. When can this be done and what prep is needed?
Depends on the brand but normally after a few months. Cleaner and wood brightener for the prep.
I stained my new deck with TWP Cedar Tone after waiting three months for drying time. I have a 4×12 ft area that is lighter than the rest of the deck. It’s been three weeks since application. Can I re-apply stain in order to darken this section?
It will most likely not take now. It would be better to leave as is until next Spring. Lightly wash and apply another coat of the same color.
I have a treated pine deck and some of the wood has a yellow and teal green color going through it I was wondering what color stain will counter the hint of yellow and teal that’s in the treated deck boards. Plus there is a roof system on the deck with pieces of plexiglass on the roof but the roof system is built out of regular pine boards, do you have any idea what I could get that would match the treated boards?
You cannot really counter colors that are internal. The stains typically enhance the natural grain. I would suggest trying a few stain samples to see what works for you on this.
Are you an independent reviewing organization or is this web site affiliated with the company that manufactures TWP Stains and Armstrong Clark?
TWP and AC are made by different companies and they are not affiliated.
See this about Who We Are: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/who-are-we/
Does treated pine wood turn grey?
And if so, how long doors it take?
All exterior wood oxidizes and grays from the sun. How long depends on your UV exposure.
Hello,
I have two questions that hopefully you can help me with. I had a deck built that is less than a year old. The deck is pressure treated pine, I allowed it to dry out and I stained/sealed it with Thompsons. This sealer must be the worst sealer in the history of sealers. What is the best way to remove the previous sealer and recoat? What seal do you recommend? The deck is currently a semi transparent Acorn Brown color. Any color similar would be perfect! I live in West Central Florida. The humidity is high, it rains nearly everyday in the summer, and when it’s not raining it is extremely hot!
My second question is regarding a fence that I recently had installed. Pressure treated pine, board on board. The fence was $5,000 so I am looking for best weatherproofing sealer I can put on. We like the look of the natural pine so a transparent sealer would be ideal or any sealers that bring out the colors to be more vibrant are also okay. Thank you kindly for your assistance.
Remove with the Restore A Deck Stripper/Brightener kit and pressure washing. Not sure on that color but look at Armstrong Clark stains for both the fence and the deck.
have a pine deck (atleast 7 years old) in South Carolina. getting ready to stain and or seal. have most of the paint off now, and still working on some areas. have power washed and now using a sander. We had a very heavy rain , the wood looked beautiful when wet. how do I get that look with stain or sealer
TWP 115 Honeytone or Armstrong Clark in Natural.
I have a cottage in which I just built a large wrap around deck. I’m located in New Brunswick, Canada, and directly on the ocean. The salt, high humidity, and temperature extremes convern me. I’m wanting to protect the deck so it lasts, but the appearance is somewhat secondary as I don’t mind it graying.
I was going to do a Thompson water seal, but the reviews here have made me second guess this. Can you recommend a product?
If you want it to gray naturally, try the Defy Extreme Clear. If you want a semi-transparent stain, try Armstrong Clark.
I just has a treated pine deck with 2*6 boards installed. What would be the best stain to use to keep the grain and have the redwood or mahogany look in Houston, TX. Hot and Humid climate.
New wood? https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Yes new treated pine.
Western PA here. I’ve used Restore Deck StainX2 the past 2 yrs. We’re not pleased with this product. It needs done every year. I’ve power washed, scrapped, and sanded the bad areas. Is there anything out there that will cover or go over the Restore. 1500 sq. ft. deck that I don’t want to strip the whole thing. Thanks.
Nope. Needs to come off :sad:
I have a 20 year old, 2,000+ SQ ft. pressure treated lumber deck in Central Oklahoma that we have been treating with Cabot Semi-Solid (New Redwood) every 3-5 years. I have just ordered the RAD stripper/brightener to attempt removing the old, worn, Cabot stain. I keep reading unfavorable reviews about Cabot’s new formulas, so I was planning to use TWP 100 on it after reading many of your articles and comments, but want advice as to whether another brand/series would be better considering the age of the deck and climate. The deck runs along the the east side of our house and is exposed to sun most of the day. We have hot summers with high humidity and can have a lot of rain in the spring/fall with occasional snow/ice and lots of wind in winter. You had recommended the Armstrong Clark or Defy Extreme to a question from south Texas. What would be your stain product recommendations for a the longest lasting, best protection, and simplest maintenance?
Corey, you may need to strip and sand some to remove all. I think you would be fine with the TWP 100 Series for this. You will need two coats applied wet on wet. The other option would be the Armstrong Clark in a semi-solid color. Little longer UV protection. Sequoia color by AC would be similar to the New Redwood.
I live in Indiana and I have a 10 deck with treated lumber. I’ve cleaned it extensively and am ready to stain. What would recommend? I’ve heard too many horror stories regarding deck restore products. I want something that will last and easy to maintain over the next few years.
Look at the TWP 1500 or the Armstrong Clark stains.
I am in South Texas with extreme heat and humidity, I have a wood deck that is approx. 7 years of age that has never been stained but it is treated pine wood, what is the best stain to use, I want it to keep the grain showing in the wood but I want it to look a brownish color.
Look at Armstrong Clark in Natural Oak or Defy Extreme in Butternut. Clean and brighten for the prep.
Hi,
What is the best product to put on a new deck?
Also,it must be coloured
Try Timber Oil Brand: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/timberoil-brand-stain-review/
I built a wood deck at 1 end of my pool, used PT, thinking it would be better to seal and protect the wood as I went (NEVER ever built a deck before) started back in July of 2016 finished in Oct. Anyway here it is 8 months later and the deck with the stain (I used Thompson’s WaterSeal Timber Oil Teak) I applied it to both sides. The decking looks like it’s dried out and the wood is ready for another coat, how bad did I do by applying the stain when the PT wood was wet and not allowed to dry out?
Don’t know why a couple of the pics loaded sideways, they are not like that on my PC.
I had to remove the pics because it was going out/posting!
Thanks in advance!
Hard to answer this question as there are no pictures. Prematurely applying stain typically means it will fail faster than normal.
Yes, For some reason your site would NOT let my post, post UNTIL I removed the pics that I attached to my post
Not sure why this would happen. Might be the picture files were too large. Maybe post one at a time or reduce the file size of the pictures.
We are installing a 3 or 4 rail, split-rail fence at a farm. We will most likely go with a pressure treated pine and would like the end result to be a white fence. This is a restoration of an historic farm and the photographs show a white, 4-rail split rail fence.
What would you recommend in terms of a stain for this? What is the typical life span of a stain on this kind of fence? How often do you think we will have to re-stain? The farm is located in SE Michigan, so we get all 4 seasons here. We appreciate your help!
Use a solid stain if you want a white color. Flood SWF. A few years before reapplying will be needed.
I am adding on to a 6’x 24′, 20 year old deck and replacing the entire existing railing with pressure treated pine. The existing 2″x 6″ deck planks are weathered redwood. if I keep the redwood planks, can I resurface them to match new redwood planks? If so, what type of stain will keep the redwood looking natural? Should I just replace all the 2″x 6″ planks with treated pine and stain that?
Thank you,
Mike
It is very hard to match new wood to old wood. It is mostly about the prep. Once all is prepped, try a semi-transparent stain to blend.
Which product do you recommend for a new pine deck on the bayou in Louisiana!
Armstrong Clark or Defy Extreme once it is weathered and prepped.
What should I use on a 1 year old treated lumber deck
TWP 1500 or Armstrong Clark.
What to use to keep natural wood deck same color what to use
It is not possible to maintain the color with a clear sealer. The tint/color in a stain is what prevents UV graying. The amount of color/tint is realted to how much UV protection you will have. For example a darker semi-transaprent color will last longer than a lighter semi-transparent color.
I have a new deck that is about a year old I want to keep the color of the wood I don’t want to stain it so what is the best product to use to keep the color of the natural wood
Our builder suggested we only stain our pressure treated lumber posts on three sides. He said that staining on all four sides would cause peeling. We would appreciate your comments about this. The pressure treated lumber posts have had 9 months to dry. The builder suggested we don't put any finish on the posts. i haven't read any recommendations not to . I also get conflicting opinions about whether to prime and paint or to stain. I also get conflicting views about a water base semi transparent or an oil base stain. We would sure appreciate clarifications about what finish to have applied to our 6×6 pressure treated posts.
See this about staining all sides: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/stain-all-sides-of-d…
You do not prime and paint a deck, you use a stain. See this about water vs oil:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/deck-stains/
I have a 2 yr old pt deck that i used cabot mahogany flame timber oil on . Do i need to strip it to refinish it ? What do u recommend? Showing a lot of weir and tier in the heavily travelled areas.
Yes you should strip if switching brands. Use the Restore a Deck products. Try Armstrong Clark or TWP stains.
I am looking for a deck stain for the following. In North Carolina (central), new pressure treated pine wood, full sun (afternoon – very intense) and an upper deck (15 ft off ground). I have tried to do research on a good quality stain and have become overwhelm on the choices. This is a new deck that replaced a rotten, sun dried out, peeling deck!
Thank you!
Please see this about new decks: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Look at Armstrong Clark stains.
What is the best procedure to remove the ink stampings from a brand-new pressure treated deck prior to the sealing/staining procedure?
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-remove-the-in…
The pressure treated wood posts I ordered for my deck has white spots all over. These posts make up part of the railing for the deck so they will seen. Will a deck cleaner and power wash remove these white spots. If so, is there a peticular brand of cleaner I should use. Thanks
Without knowing what the white spots are exactly, there is no way to say for sure. It would be best to try a cleaner and then brightener to see if it works. If it does not, you may need to sand. Try the Restore A Deck Kits.
I have a fence made of pressure treated southern yellow pine – picket and post. It was installed a year ago and has not been stained. I am looking to clean it with wood cleaner and brightener but wanted to know whether the TWP 100 series or Armstrong Clark is the best choice for such wood? Any recommendations?
Both are excellent products and would give very good results.
We are having our deck surface boards, railing tops and stair treads and risers replaced. We would like to stain and/or cover with a deck stain/resurfacing product immediately. We would also like to cover the surfaces that we are not replacing. Please give some recommendations on how to accomplish these goals.
You want a penetrating semi-transparent stain or a deck resurface coating?
From what I've read, the resurfacing products are not very good. The superstructure of the deck is ten years old, and we will be in the house for a few more years, so we are replacing all off the surface material. I dont want to have something that will be hard to remove or resurface again so I guess we are leaning toward stain. We would prefer a more solid pigment stain so we can match existing colors – white, grey and a darker grey .
Look at Flood solid color deck stains.
We have a saltwater poo and so far nothing has held up on our deck. We were wondering if Benjamin moore arborcoat stain would?
Not according to all the reviews. It peels.
Hello,
We're having a pressure treated pine deck installed, approx. 730 sqft., in the Long Island, NY area. We were told to use Cabot stain and do not seal afterwards. What is the reason for not sealing?
Then we came across the TWP 1500 series and this looks to be a superior product. Any thoughts as to why we should not seal the deck after using this product either?
After a little researching, we think we're going to wait 4 months before applying anything, then use gemini restore deck kit along with TWP 1500 series stain. Again, to seal or not to seal after?
It will not work. No deck stain can be sealed over nor would there be any reason to as deck stains will seal as well.