When to Stain a New Deck: Stain Now… Or Wait? 5/5 (76)

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

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: 4.4/5 (62)
• DeckStainHelp.com Rating: 8.5/10

Armstrong Clark Stain 1 Gallon

$69.95 – $79.95

5out of 5

Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Armstrong Clark Stain 5 Gallon

$269.95 – $328.95

Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Armstrong Clark Stain 5 Gallon and Cleaner/Brightener Kit

$320.00 – $379.00

Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Armstrong Clark Stain 5 Gallon and Stripper/Brightener Kit

$335.00 – $389.00

Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

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: 4.6/5 (51)
• DeckStainHelp.com Rating: 8.625/10

Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain 1 Gallon

$47.99

5.00out of 5

Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Wood Stain 5 Gallons

$219.99 – $237.99

5.00out of 5

Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

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: 4.5/5 (41)
• DeckStainHelp.com Rating: 8.69/10

✅ Tip: If you live in a low-VOC state, use TWP 1500 Series instead.

TWP 100 Series Wood and Deck Stain 1 Gallon

$56.99 – $66.99

5.00out of 5

Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

TWP 100 Series Wood and Deck Stain 5 Gallon

$209.95 – $235.95

5.00out of 5

Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

TWP 100 Series 5 Gallon and Gemini Cleaner/Brightener Kit

$260.00 – $286.00

5.00out of 5

Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

TWP 100 Series 5 Gallon and R-A-D Stripper/Brightener Kit

$275.00 – $301.00

5.00out of 5

Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

Best Water-Based Deck Stain  for New Wood	The Easiest Applying Deck Stain for New Wood	Best Oil-Based Deck Stain for New Wood
My Restore-A-Deck Semi Review	My Armstrong-Clark Stain Review	My TWP 100 Pro Series Review
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.
From: $47.99 *Free Shipping	From: $65.99 *Free Shipping	From: $41.99 *Plus Shipping
4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5
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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!

Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 Owner

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.

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