This post was updated on August 16, 2024
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 2024?
Every spring, I get hundreds of questions about when to stain a new deck, wood fence, or exterior of a wood home. This is the second most popular question on DeckStainHelp.com, so I created an updated and comprehensive guide to staining a new deck, including some of the best stain brands and types of deck stains to use on your new wood. But as always, I am here to help if you still have questions! Just post a comment below, and I’ll be glad to assist you.
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 your deck will help protect the wood from elements such as water and UV graying. However, it’s important to know when to stain a new deck to ensure that the stain absorbs properly and does not prematurely fail.
2. How Long Should You Wait Before You Stain a New Deck?
The best time to stain a deck depends on the type of wood used.
- If your deck was made with new, smooth wood, you’ll need to wait at least three months before staining your deck.
- Rough-sawn wood can be stained right away as long as it is clean and the wood is dry. If you are unsure if you have rough-sawn wood, post a picture in the comment area with some basic info about your project, and we’ll help you figure it out.
- Kiln-dried and KDAT wood will need one to two months before you can stain it.
3. Weathering and Your New Wood Deck: Why Wait to Stain a Deck?
Almost all new exterior wood must be weathered before applying deck stain. Many homeowners believe that you weather the wood to reduce the moisture content of the wood, but while this is important, it’s not the main reason you will need to weather the deck. The porosity of the wood is the main concern: Fresh wood needs time to become porous enough to allow the stain to soak into the wood. If the stain can’t soak in properly, it will dry on top of the wood, leading to premature failure of the stain.
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?
If you try to stain new wood too soon, you run the risk that the stain will not properly penetrate and adhere. 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
My new deck staining tips apply to all wooden exteriors, including decks, cedar-framed homes, log cabins, wood fences, and other structures.
Step 1: Weather the New Wood
It is important to follow the stain manufacturer’s directions on this as they vary. Most stain brands will suggest anywhere from 1 to 4 months after the deck or wood is installed. Why the difference? Not all stains are created equal or have the same opacity. Thinner stains can penetrate better, so they have a shorter weathering period compared to solid stains, which are much thicker in consistency.
Step 2: Prep New Wood for Staining
After the weathering process, you must prep the wood. When wood is left exposed to sunlight, UV radiation will turn it slightly gray or white. This oxidation of the wood will need to be removed. The new smooth wood may also have a mill glaze that must come off. A good deck cleaner removes the mill glaze, oxidation, and dirt. After this step, follow up with an exterior wood brightener. I like the Restore-A-Deck cleaner/brightener kits for this prep.
Step 3: Sand the New Wood?
I do not suggest sanding new wood unless you need to remove the “wood fuzzies” or some slivers. If the wood has raised fibers that make it look furry after prepping, sand with 60-to-80-grit paper, then use the brightener after the sanding to help open the wood’s pores. Rinse well with a pressure washer when done.
Step 4: Follow Up With Another Coat after 1 Year
Be prepared to apply a maintenance coat of your preferred product to your newly stained deck in 12 to 18 months. I have found that the first time staining new wood typically does not last as long as the second or subsequent coatings.
6. My Recommended Wood Stain Brands 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
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. |
 |  |  |
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 Not Stain a Deck?
Don’t stain a deck when it’s wet or damp or right after the wood has been installed. The best time to stain a deck is after it’s properly weathered and completely dry.
Can I Prestain New Wood Decks?
We do not suggest prestaining new smooth wood but you can prestain rough sawn wood. While it may be easier to pre-stain, it will be additional work when your coating ahs failed and you have to redo the steps.
Stain All Sides of the New Deck Board?
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
Are you still unsure of when to stain your new deck, how to stain your new deck, and what stain brand or type to use? Please ask below if you still have questions about when to stain a new deck and how to do it. I am glad to assist you.
Hi Scott, we installed our cedar deck wrapping around our new pool about 2 weeks ago. We’re having a birthday party this weekend and my husband is worried about deck being ruined but from what I’m reading – it’s way to early to stain brand new cedar? We should wait til Spring? We do live in the midwest so it will get snowed on this winter.
Wait until Spring to prep and stain. The Bday party will not harm the deck.
Hello Scott, I have a deck with both new and old wood. The new wood is untreated cedar. The old wood is pine. I stripped the old stain, sanded all of the wood with 80 grit sand paper, then cleaned and conditioned the wood.
Currently, the weather here in Ohio from 7 pm until 11 am is above 50% humidity. From midnight until 8 am the humidity is even as high as 92%.
The moisture content of the pine is currently 12% +/- 2%.
Do I need to wait before staining the wood with TWP semi-solid stain or can I stain now?
How old is the new wood? If just installed, you will need to wait until Spring and prep then.
Thanks for the prompt reply and great site! The new wood was installed 2 weeks ago. Will the old wood be ok until spring? Thanks again.
Yes, it will be fine until Spring.
Hi Scott. Our new pressure treated pine deck was finished at the end of July. The deck is approximately 12 ft x 50 ft. One quarter of the deck is enclosed in a screened-in porch. The remaining deck is open. The floors inside our home are clear maple. We would like a deck stain as close as possible to clear maple. We live in CT. We’d apreciate your advice: 1. Which stain and color would you recommend? 2. When would you recomend that we prep and stain the deck? Thanks for your help!
Probably should let this weather longer and do it in the Spring as coatings will not be able to penetrate this wood now. Look at the Restore A Deck Cleaner/Brightener Kits for prep and the Restore A Deck Natural color for the stain.
Thanks, Scott!
You are welcome!
Hello Scott, replacing worn deck boards on 25+ year deck. Using 2” thick pine boards from NW Wyoming. Most have been rough sawn and we sanded them.
Many thanks, great site!
1. We would prep and stain in Spring.
2. No need unless for appearance.
Hi There. I have just had a deck built and I am very unhappy with the way the stain looks. I believe the builder has stained it too soon? He has charged me such a large amount. I feel like crying. Why does it look like this?
It looks like dirty dusty foot prints? I would leave it as is for now and then in the Spring, remove it and start over.
FYI, he did stain it too soon.
It actually looks milky on closer inspection. Thanks for your feedback😊
Hey Scott, last fall I expanded a 20-year old deck by adding new pressurized lumber around the perimeter. So now I have both old, worn decking and new, pretty wood. It’s time to seal and stain. Any suggestions for how to end up with a nice, uniform look when it’s done? Thanks alot for your help!
Post some pics in the comments for prep help.
We stained our new deck after waiting 10 months, about 2 months ago with TWP 1500, 2 coats. White dots are appearing in the area of the knots. Is there something we can do to remove them? Why did this happen? Thankyou.
Most likley it is sap leaching out. Nothing to do with the TWP. Post some pics.
Here are pictures.
Also, I just wanted to say we are pleased with the product. Water beads up on the deck. Although we had a bit of a learning curve in using the product we are pleased with performance. I agree with posters who remarked about wiping away and suspected areas of pooling in application. That seems to be key in a good end product. We thought we brushed out the second coat well enough but hadn’t, causing some shiny, hard to dry areas. After a week it was much better.
Yep, it is sap leaching from the wood. Try Isopropyl alcohol. Pour a small amount of isopropyl alcohol onto a clean cloth and apply it directly to the sap. Let it sit for about 20 seconds, then wipe it off.
I stole that from AI. 😀
Hi Scott, enjoy your website. We installed a pressure treated wood deck on July 15. Within a week the floor boards were cracking, some all the way through. It was very hot and sunny after installation. We have been advised not to seal deck until spring to give time for wood to season. However, also understand that because there are cracks now, any new water introduced could cause further breakdown, Given the winter and snow will be upon us by possibly November, we are wondering if we should seal the deck now to prevent further damage as snow sits on the deck all winter. We await your recommendation. Thank you!
Cracks in deck boards are normal (not a big deal) and would have not been prevented if you would have sealed prior. You can prep and stain this Fall since it will be 3 months.
Thank you! Will a clear, water based sealer flake or peel? It is my understanding a semi transparent or solid stain will. Will clear, with no added color, keep the same color of the pretreated boards ( which is my goal).
Don’t use clear. It will not provide UV protection, and the wood will gray in months:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/will-a-clear-sealer-prevent-graying-on-deck/
Use a penetrating semi-transparent stain:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews/
I understand that pressure treated wood needs to be weathered for sometime before staining but my fence built Aug.15/2024 is cedar so does it need to be weathered or can I paint instead of staining it in Sep/2024
Does not matter the wood type, you still have to weather and prep.
I’ve read that a deep penetrating stain is best for a new pool deck, but how do you make it anti-slip?
You cannot use anti-slip grips in a penetrating stain and no need. Anti-slips grips only work for coatings that dry or film on top of the wood.
I’ve used TWP 101 Cedartone 4 times, usually every 3 years. I have a 10 year old well maintained cedar deck. I’m at a point where I’m hiring a painter now to do it, vs doing it myself. He wants to do it in the sun, to “help bake it on”, but I recall reading that it’s better to do it in the shade and not in direct sunlight. Is this critical or not? Thanks.
It is not critical. If he knows what he is doing, then it will be fine.
Thanks for the quick response. I’ll “stand down”. Looking forward to the finished product!
We just installed this composite deck last week. My husband power washed the wood support beams and stairs yesterday. Can I stain the wood today or should I wait?
Wait and prep.
I live in Alberta (harsh winters) and my deck is south west so gets hit with direct sun. I am a bit tired of regular maintenance of deck with peeling stains, removing stains and re applying every so often.
I want to now place composite tiles on my exposed to elements (sun, water, snow) wood deck.
Question- wondering how to prep the deck in terms of waterproofing before I put on the tiles. UV will not be an issue since tiles will protect the wood. My concern is more so about water between the tiles and deck (when it rains and snow melts) and how to protect deck wood from this water.
Any help would be very much appreciated. I m hoping this to be a lasting solution to my deck maintenance headache.
I am not sure if this is a good idea, as it sounds like it will lead to wood rot. There is no way to 100% seal the wood under the titles, and when it gets wet, it will have difficulty drying out since it is unexposed. You would be much better off removing the wood boards and putting composite decking down if you want to go that route.
Thanks Scott.
You are welcome!
Hi Paul
I had a look at your reviewed/recommended stain products.
Just wondering if you have any thoughts on Osmo oil based wood protection products and Behr Premium Transparent penetrating oil wood finish product for decks?
Behr stains are terrible. Stay away. We have never tried the Osmo.
Thank you… much appreciated 🙂
Reading your comments about waiting till Spring 2025 to stain decks built in Aug/24 gives me concern as I live in Vancouver,BC and winter here comes with torrential rains almost daily so will my exposed new pressure treated deck boards not get damaged badly? Should I also wait till Spring 2025 to stain my new cedar fence and how can I not stain both sides of the fence even though you say that it needs to breathe and not stain both sides?
No, you will be fine until Spring. Prep and stain then. You can stain both sides of a fence. It is vertical wood so no issues.
I’m getting ready to stain a new deck. It has weathered since last fall. I will be using Restore a Deck stripper and brightener. I have decided to use the light walnut stain. What would you suggest for applying the stain to a large deck?
You should be using the Cleaner, not the stripper if you have an unstained deck. Brightener after. For stain applicators, see this:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-applicators-for-deck-stains/
We just had a deck built in Doug for, not treated. I live in Hawaii and the deck is super exposed to sun. I have no knowledge of these sorts of things so not sure what you mean by smooth or rough wood. It’s just basic Doug fir you get at the lumber store. We were told to stain it right away
Decking wood is smooth wood and no, you cannot stain it right away. It has weather and be prepped.
My deck (16×16) was built August, 2022. Contractor never returned to finish staining. Flooring and steps are composite. Spindles are metal. Is it too late to use a semi-transparent stain on the railings, stair risers, post & beams? Don’t want to go thru another Chicago area winter without. Your recommendations please?
Not to late. Just clean and brighten for prep and then stain. Try Restore-A-Deck stains or Armstrong Clark Stains.
My new deck is redwood select with knots , how long should I wait to use a clear stain, I’m in Lake Tahoe
Please read the article above. It explains this in detail. FYI, you must use a tinted stain if you want to prevent UV graying:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/will-a-clear-sealer-prevent-graying-on-deck/
This is my new deck and fence both are new installed just 1 week gap week .
What should I stain and what color to use so they match. They installed in August 2024
Make sure you read the article about weathering and prepping the new wood. Once that is done, try one of our suggested stain brands in the article. Any color you like will work.
I read it. For this type of wood should I wait for three months. It will be winters in toronto by then.
And I have to wait for spring for do it . Someone advised me we can do it after 3 weeks. What is ur take on this
No, 3 weeks is too soon and best to always follow the advice of the stain brand manufacturer you will be using when it comes to new wood. Most will say 3 months or longer. Spring will be fine to prep and stain.
Thank you for this great information as it is very helpful.
Which stain is better… water based or oil based?
That varies by brands and you can have excellent oil and water-based stains. There is not one base that is going to better than the other.
Just installed a new redwood deck, 10×10 on my home in Montana. Shaded area, high traffic, and looking to maintain the natural look. Suggestions on stain and if I could only wait 2 months to apply vs 3. November application won’t be an option
You cannot skip the waiting time or prep. Since this varies based on the stain brand you choose, you should always follow their advice as to how long to weather the wood. Look at Restore A Deck stains or TWP 100 Series.
I’ll be going with the TWP 100 series. At this step in the game should I wait to stain till spring? Also I have a tongue and groove pine ceiling going up on a overhand deck. I’d imagine that too is a minimum 3 month wait. Will both these woods be fine left unfinished in a Montana winter?
Yes, Spring would be correct. The wood will be fine through the Winter.
Thank you!
Hi Scott, hoping you can help us figure out timing and clear stain recommendations for our new deck (built end of May). 🙂
We live in Nova Scotia. Wood is “pressure treated brown” according to the quote. I had thought if it was pressure treated, we had to wait a year before staining, but that seems to be incorrect? Also does it need to be sanded first or is that also incorrect? We really love the wood and grain, so prefer a clear stain (nothing orange!) that is long lasting (e.g. several years before it needs to be reapplied). Am I dreaming in technicolour or is this possible?!?
You are limited for Canada. Look at the Armstrong Clark stain colors after wait and prep.
Thanks, Scott! I will check Armstrong Clark out now… does that mean we DO need to wait until next Spring (one year) as originally thought? Just want to clarify because the contractor who built the deck is doing the staining too (with whatever product we choose) and is pushing us to do it now, but we thought we had to wait the year for pressure treated?
You can prep and stain in September or wait until Spring. with AC, it is 3 months after install, prep, and 1 coat of the stain. It has nothing to do with the wood type.
Sorry, I forgot to mention that I am in East Texas. Lots of humidity and heat. Also, my deck is covered but one side does get sun and rain. Thank you.
TWP 100 Series is allowed in TX.
Good morning, My deck is approximately 2-3 years old now. I am ready to stain it.
1) I think I need to start with the Restore-A-Deck Cleaner Brightener Kit and then stain. Is this correct?
2) I want to use a semi-transparent stain that will last. One side of my deck gets some sun, the other does not. I have always preferred oil based, however, reading all of your help reviews, I am not sure what to use…TWP 100 or Restore-A-Deck Semi-Transparent Stain.
3) Also, I need to remove paint from the post on the deck. Will the RAD Stripper remove paint?
Being a widow and having to do this myself, I appreciate any advice and steps to proceed that you can provide. Thanks so much.
Thank you so much for your help. I have learned so much following your posts and advice.
You are welcome!
I just got a new deck built last week. According to your advice, one should wait at least 3 months. That would put me into October here in Washington State. As many know, we are rainy, and the cold and rain will begin in October/November and continue through spring. Will the wood be okay if I wait until next spring to stain? Thank you!
Yes, you will be fine to wait until Spring.
Hello,
I had a deck installed at the end of May with rough sawn wood. It is located in NE Ohio, so it will see all weather elements. It also receives a ton of direct sunlight. I really like the look of a gray deck with white spindles. Both the railings and the deck floor are new. I am thinking because I want gray and white that I have to go with a semi-transparent water based stain? I am looking for a stain that will hold up and be easy to apply. I will be completing this project myself and therefore easy application and endurance of stain are very important to me. Thank you for any guidance you can offer!
Rough sawn? Are you sure? I have never seen a deck floor that was rough sawn.
As for a two toned deck, see this for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/advantages-to-having-a-two-toned-deck/
Use a solid stain in white for railings and a semi-transparent gray for floors.
Hi, we had a new deck installed in October of 2023 with pressure treated wood. The contractor did a fantastic job and now my wife would like to see it stained. We have a stained ceiling above it which is not real dark, and I think she would like to match or go a shade lighter, but we are concerned about the ink stamps on some of it showing through and would like some advice about proper prep. I know sanding it might cause some appearance issues, will it dissolve with cleaning?
See this for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-remove-the-ink-stamps-from-new-decking/
Installing fir T & G on a covered but open front porch floor. Would like your advice on what is the best product to preserve/protect this and when to apply. Thanks
Where are you located?
Michigan. It does get some rain and snow on it.
Michigan. It does get some rain and snow on the surface. Is slanted a bit so runs off fairly well.
Make sure to weather and prep. Try TWP 1500 or Restore A Deck Stains.
What would you recommend, sealing or staining. My deck was installed 9 months ago. I was waiting for it to weather. It’s a covered deck always in the shade except for the steps. It’s made of sienna coloured pressure treated pine. Also what would you recommend for preparing the deck before doing so. It is 40’X10′.
Clean and brighten the wood for prep. Try the Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain.