This post was updated on April 11, 2025
Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in new deck staining and prep. My new wood stain reviews and help tips are based on my history as a wood and deck restoration contractor and actual hands-on testing, all designed to present you with the top product choices. See here for more info about me.
Want to Stain a New Deck in 2025? Read This First!
Every spring, I get hundreds of questions about when to stain a new deck, wood fence, or exterior wood home. This is one of the most frequently asked topics on DeckStainHelp.com. To make it easier for you, I’ve put together this comprehensive 2025 guide to staining a new deck, including the best stains to use and key steps for ensuring long-lasting protection. If you still have questions, drop a comment below, and I’ll be happy to help!
How Long Should you Wait to Stain a New Deck
My Pro Steps to Understanding New Deck Staining
1. Should I Stain the New Decking?
Yes! Staining a deck helps protect the wood from water damage, UV graying, and general wear and tear. However, it’s crucial to stain at the right time so the wood absorbs the stain properly and ensures long-term durability.
2. How Long Should You Wait Before You Stain a New Deck?
The waiting period depends on the type of wood used:
- Smooth wood: Wait at least three months before staining.
- Rough-sawn wood: Can be stained immediately if clean and dry.
- Kiln-dried (KDAT) wood: Needs one to two months before staining.
If you’re unsure what type of wood you have, post a picture in the comments section, and I’ll help you figure it out.
3. Weathering and Your New Wood Deck: Why Wait to Stain a Deck?
Most new wood needs time to weather before applying a deck stain. Many people assume this is solely to reduce moisture, but the main reason is wood porosity. Freshly cut wood has a smooth, dense surface that prevents stain from soaking in properly. Weathering breaks down this surface, allowing better absorption and preventing premature stain failure.
Exception: Rough-sawn wood does not need weathering since it is naturally porous and absorbs stain well.
New Rough Sawn Wood
There is no need to weather or prep new-bought sawn wood. It is very absorbent and will not have a mill glaze. Just make sure it is clean, and you can go ahead and apply your wood and deck stain.
4. What Happens if You Stain a Deck Too Soon?
Staining too early leads to poor adhesion, meaning the stain will sit on top of the wood rather than penetrate it. This can cause blotchy results, fading from sun exposure, and peeling due to rain. The wood needs to be porous so that the stain can soak in and reflect your chosen color. If the stain doesn’t take, the color will fade in the sun and wash out in the rain.
5. How to Stain a New Deck: A Step by Step Guid
My new deck staining tips apply to all wooden exteriors, including decks, cedar-framed homes, log cabins, wood fences, and other structures.
Step 1: Allow for Proper Weathering
- Follow the stain manufacturer’s guidelines. Recommendations vary between 1 to 12 months depending on the stain’s thickness and transparency.
- Thinner stains (transparent & semi-transparent) can be applied sooner.
- Thicker stains (semi-solid & solid) require a longer weathering period.
Step 2: Prep New Wood for Staining
Once the deck has weathered, follow these steps to ensure proper absorption:
- Clean the wood: Use a high-quality wood cleaner to remove dirt, mildew, and oxidation.
- Brighten the wood: Applying a wood brightener restores the pH balance and opens the pores for better stain absorption.
- Let the wood dry: Wait at least 48 hours after cleaning before staining.
I recommend the Restore-A-Deck Cleaner/Brightener Kit for the best preparation results.
Step 3: Sand the New Wood?
Sanding is not necessary unless you notice wood fuzzies or slivers after cleaning. If needed:
- Sand lightly with 60-80 grit sandpaper.
- Always follow up with a wood brightener after sanding.
Rinse well with a pressure washer when done.
Step 4: Apply the Stain
- Use a single coat for new wood to prevent over-application.
- Avoid staining in direct sunlight or if rain is expected within 24 hours.
Step 5: Follow Up With Another Coat after 1 Year
Be prepared to apply a maintenance coat in 12-18 months. The first coat on new wood won’t last as long as subsequent applications, so reapplying will enhance protection and color longevity.
6. My Recommended Wood Stain Brands for New Decks
Here are my top recommended wood stains for new decks:
Armstrong-Clark Wood Stains
Armstrong-Clark deck stains can be used on new wood and deck materials such as pressure-treated pine, cedar, fir, IPE, and exotic hardwoods.
- Months to Weather New Wood Before Using: Two to three months for transparent and semi-transparent colors. 12 months for semi-solid colors
- Number of Coats Needed for New Wood: One coat
- Consumer Star Rating:
- DeckStainHelp.com Rating: 8.5/10
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stains
Restore-A-Deck wood stain can be applied to dry or damp wood. It can be used on new wood and deck materials such as pressure-treated pine, cedar, fir, IPE, and exotic hardwoods.
- Months to Weather New Wood Before Using: Three months for both semi-transparent and solid stain colors
- Number of Coats Needed for New Wood: One coat
- Consumer Star Rating:
- DeckStainHelp.com Rating: 8.625/10
TWP 100 Pro Series Stains
TWP 100 Pro Series stains are only allowed in 35 states; use TWP 1500 stain if you’re in a low-VOC state. TWP 100 Pro Series stain can be used on new wood and deck materials, including pressure-treated pine and cedar.
- Months to Weather New Wood Before Using: Four to 12 months
- Number of Coats Needed for New Wood: One coat
- Consumer Star Rating:
- DeckStainHelp.com Rating: 8.69/10
✅ Tip: If you live in a low-VOC state, use TWP 1500 Series instead.
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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From: $47.99 *Free Shipping | From: $65.99 *Free Shipping | From: $41.99 *Plus Shipping |
My Video on Staining a New Wood Deck, Step-by-Step
7. New Wood Deck Staining Common Questions
What Happens if You Stain Pressure-Treated Wood Too Soon?
Like other types of wood, you can’t stain pressure-treated wood too soon. If you do, you will lose the stain, and your deck won’t be the color you hoped for. Even if the stain doesn’t wash off, it can dry on blotchy, and you won’t be happy with the result. The same applies to Cedar and Redwood Decks.
When Should You Avoid Staining a Deck?
- If the wood is wet or damp.
- Immediately after installation.
- When rain is forecasted within 24 hours.
Can You Pre-Stain New Wood?
- Smooth wood: Not recommended. Pre-staining will lead to adhesion issues.
- Rough-sawn wood: Yes, pre-staining is acceptable.
Should You Stain All Sides of a Deck Board?
No. Sealing all sides traps moisture, leading to wood rot. Only stain the exposed surfaces after installation. Many people assume or ask if they should stain all sides of the decking boards. This is not a good idea, as it can 100% seal the wood, resulting in dry rot as the wood cannot “breathe.” You want to stain only the exposed wood after it is installed.
8. Questions on New Deck Staining
Still unsure about when or how to stain your new deck? Have questions about the best stain brands? Drop a comment below, and I’ll be happy to help!
Hi I’m having pressure treated deck built as I speak seen some videos on using motor oil or synthetic to stain preserve decks what is your opinion on this thanks
No, that’s a terrible idea.
Hi Scott, I just finished building a new deck using Construction Common Redwood 2X6 Deck boards. I live near a ski area in Colorado and we get a lot of snow. Today is November 1st and we will be under snow for the winter starting around Thanksgiving or the 1st week in December. My question is: Should I stain this deck now before the snow flies? Or do I let it weather under snow and ice for the winter and stain next summer? Thanks
Wait until spring to prep and stain.
Hi Scott , My pressure treated deck is 2 years old and has never been stained or sealed. It is around my above ground pool in full sun. I’m looking for your opinion on what to use for stain. I’m thinking oil-based semi-transparent, thanks
Look at TWP 1500 Series or the Armstrong Clark Stains. Makes sure to prep well first with a deck cleaner and a wood brightener.
I’m going to stain a new deck of PT wood with Armstrong-Clark semi-transparent stain. Not sure where you got your information on how long to weather the wood (2-4 months) but the Armstrong-Clark label on the can says 6 months.
3 months for AC stains unless semi-solid, then is is 12 months:
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/new-decking-and-armstrong-clark-stain
Hi Scott
I am decking a dock with new cedar removal panels, the panels are 4’x4′ There will be 1 x 4’s on the bottom side to hold the panels together and the cedar boards will have a 1/2″ gap between them.
The area is northern Wisconsin, so the dock comes out for the winter. The panels come off and get stacked up on shore.
How long do I need to let the cedar boards dry before staining/sealing them?
I plan on buying the cedar boards now, and cutting them to length. I don’t want the cedar to start turning gray, but realize they need drying time. And with winter coming, it limits the time I have for letting them dry. I can put the boards in my workshop for the winter but I do not keep it heated all winter.
What stain or sealer would you recommend?
The customer wants the boards to keep a natural color as if they are wet.
How often should the boards be restained/resealed?
the first time I will stain/seal the boards before I make them into panels so they get covered 100%.
Would I only need to restain/reseal the tops?
Yes, you need to weather and prep. Keep them outside fully exposed over the winter. Prep in the spring. Try Restore A Deck Stain in Natural or Armstrong Clark in Amber. Prep and redo every couple of years is normal. Only stain the exposed side, not all sides first time, and when you redo them
Hi Scott. I am replacing my old deck boards with new cedar boards and will wrap up in the next couple weeks. Per your advice if I use RAD I should wait 3 months which puts me into January. I live in the PNW so realistically I will not get to staining until April or May at the earliest due to weather conditions.
Should I be concerned at all with the boards being left untreated for 6-9 months in the rainy, damp PNW?
No issues, and that is normal to wait until Spring.
Some water staining on a freshly stained stairs. Used Cabot Timber Oil. One coat brushed on. New boards. Professional install top notch cedar boards. What may have caused the staining?
It did rain a bit about 30 hours after application. Had most of it covered however. Some say a second coat should be applied. I don’t agree.
Did you weather and prep the new wood?
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Thank you, Scott.
Have you compared DEFY Ultra semi-transparent strain to DEFY Extreme? Do you recommend DEFY Ultra for a new Cedar deck in south east Michigan?
We are not fans of filming stains like the Ultra. Defy Extreme would be better in our opinion.
I’d like to send a deck picture to you to pick a color, but, I don’t know how.
You can add them in the comments.
Hi Scott – we just had a new cedar deck built in our backyard. Your article says to wait at least 3 months before staining to allow weathering to take place. However, the deck guys sanded the entire deck surface and stairs. Does the sanding act like weathering; allowing us to stain sooner? Or, should we still wait 3 months? Thanks in advance for the advice!
Sanding does not “skip” the natural weathering and, in fact, hinders the stain’s ability to penetrate. You need to weather and then prep. As for how long, it varies based on the stain brand you choose.
understood – thanks for the response.
Hi Scott
I had a new 16×20 pressure treated deck installed Oct of 2024. It is now entering Sept of 2025. I’ve been reading many different opinions on staining and came across info that suggested cleaning for mill glaze and sanding to smooth things out. All of the screw holes were splintered as well as many rough knot holes. Made sense to me and I did sand with 80 grit. I came across your site and you indicate to NOT sand. I now have beading water on the boards. Any help on how to proceed would be appreciated. I’m looking to eventually stain with an oil based semi transparent. Should I continue to wait untill next spring and then what?
Mike in South Ohio
Wait until Spring. Clean and brighten for prep with our Restore A Deck Kit, then use the TWP 1500 Series stain or Armstrong Clark stains..
Thank you
I’ve gone through the stripping and brightening steps on a previously stained deck. I have wood fuzzies now and am going to lightly sand with an 80 or 60 grit as you recommend. You’ve said to reapply brightener after this? Is this necessary? I spent 8+ hours stripping and brightening yesterday lol.
If you sand, yes.
Built a new cedar deck the end of June. I’d like for it to have the “wet cedar” look after I’m done sealing it. What’s the best method to achieving this look? And when should I do it? SW Michigan.
Try Restore A Deck in Natural color or Armstrong Clark in Amber. Prep with RAD Deck Cleaner/Brightener Kits 3 months after it was installed.
There are several different types of wood used in the construction of my covered deck. Some is pressure treated, some is not. Some is cedar, some is not. I would like to know how long to wait for the wood to dry before applying a semi-transparent stain. stain. Thanks.
This will vary based on the stain brand you are using and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Have you decided yet on a stain?
Hi! I’m so glad that I found your website. So helpful because I get conflicting opinions from contractors and lumber sales people.
We’re replacing our current deck and in doubt between Parr Lumber’s tight knot red cedar (vertical boards on shelf) or their own branded Parr cedar (boards horizontal on shelf). Price difference is $0.90/linear feet.
My questions:
Many thanks for your response!
Semi-transparent stains will not hide knots. Only solid opaque stains will.
You have to weather and prep as the article above explains.
Hi. I have a newer pressure treated wood deck in Illinois nearby St. Louis that is about 6 months old. Never been sealed or stained. I want to use a clear oil based or excellent penetrating water based sealant with some UV protection if possible. Do you have a recommendation. Wife wants the clear and I want some uv protection. DYI project. Never sealed a deck before. Thank you!
Clear = zero UV protection:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/will-a-clear-sealer-prevent-graying-on-deck/
It must be tinted. Best to use a semi-transparent stain such as the three above in the article.
Thanks. So DEFY Extreme Crystal Clear Outdoor with the zinc oxide would not be a good option. I thought with the zinc oxide in it that would offer decent protection. Thanks.
It will gray in 9-12 months, as a tinted stain will last 2-3 years.
we have splintring around new (dried x 8 monrhs) pressure treated deck boards where screws were sunk maybe too deeply, My guy cn use a drill bit and lightly hit each screw and it helps- he wants to presure wash then apply cleaner, brightner and semitransparent stain- should he presure wash?
Pressure wash after applying the cleaner.
You mention that rough cut timbers do not need to wait to apply stain (a deck-mounted pergola made of hemlock), what if I use a belt sander on the rough cut timbers to create “moderate” smoothness, does that change your answer?
If you do that, then you should wait for a few months and then prep.
I am a commercial deck staining contractor and some of our customer do not want to wait to stain a new deck. In that case can i not just sand the surface and then stain as the cost to clean and brighten later would be added cost? Just curious. Also, lately due to bad quality wood the warping starts pretty soon unless we seal is right away. Any insights into this?
No, you must follow the directions of the stain manufacturer you are using for new wood. You cannot speed up the process. More info:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
We built a deck using 5/4 x 6 pressure treated lumber from Lowe’s. Does that fit the “smooth wood” definition?
Yes. 😀
I am staining my new deck that has weathered for over 12 months and I plan on using Restore-a-Deck solid stain on the deck. It is a high deck that I can walk under and was wondering if I could stain the underside of the deck also?
Yes, you can if you want to but it is not needed.