This post was updated on April 8, 2026
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 2026? 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 2026 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? (Quick Answer)
Most new decks should be allowed to weather for 3–12 months before staining, depending on the stain brand, type of wood, and exposure. However, some kiln-dried or rough-sawn cut wood can be stained sooner after proper prep and moisture testing.
👉 Always ensure:
- Wood moisture content is below ~15%
- Mill glaze and oxidation is removed with cleaning/brightening
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 and the stain brand.
Pro Tip: Always follow the stain manufacturer’s directions when staining new wood, as they can vary drastically.
✅ When to Stain Based on Wood Type
- Pressure-Treated Pine:
Wait 3–12 months, depending on exposure and dryness - Kiln-dried (KDAT) wood: Needs one to two months before staining.
- Cedar & Redwood:
Wait 3–12 months, depending on exposure and dryness - Hardwoods (Ipe, Mahogany):
Wait 3–12 months, depending on exposure and dryness - Rough-sawn wood: Can be stained immediately if clean and dry.
Expert Tip: The biggest mistake homeowners make is staining too soon. Even if the wood looks dry, it may still contain excess moisture.
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.
✅ How to Know When Your Deck Is Ready to Stain
- Sprinkle water on the wood after the waiting period:
- If it soaks in quickly, it’s ready
- If it beads up, it needs more time
- Check moisture level:
- Ideally below 12–15%
- Look for:
- Faded or slightly rough wood surface
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.
✅ Quick Tips – How to Prep a New Deck Before Staining
- Allow the wood to weather based on wood type and stain brand being used
- Clean the wood to remove dirt, oxidation, and mill glaze
- Apply a wood brightener
- Allow proper drying time
- Test moisture content
- Apply stain evenly
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.
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.
Pro Insight: Proper prep is just as important as timing—cleaning and brightening can make or break your results.
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.
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.
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
| Image | Title | Price | Add to cart | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $51.99 | |||
 | Price range: $239.99 through $257.99 |
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.
CUTEK Extreme Wood Oil
CUTEK® Extreme is a high-performance penetrating wood oil and stabilizer designed to protect exterior wood from the inside out while enhancing its natural beauty.
- Months to Weather New Wood Before Using: 1-2 months
- Number of Coats Needed for New Wood: One to two coats
- Consumer Star Rating:
- DeckStainHelp.com Rating: 8.63/10
| Image | Title | Price | Add to cart | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Price range: $114.99 through $669.89 | |||
 | $10.00 |
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: $58.99 *Free Shipping |
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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.
✅ Problems with Staining a New Deck Too Soon
- Poor stain penetration
- Blotchy or uneven finish
- Premature failure or peeling
- Reduced lifespan of the coating
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!
FAQ – New Deck Staining
Can you stain a new deck right away?
In most cases, no. The wood needs time to dry and weather unless it is kiln-dried.
What happens if you stain the wood too soon?
The stain may not absorb properly, leading to premature failure.
How do you speed up new deck drying?
Proper cleaning and exposure to sun can help, but time is still required.
Should you clean a new deck before staining?
Yes, to remove mill glaze, oxidation, and improve stain penetration.
Can You Stain a New Deck Without Waiting?
Some newer products claim to work on fresh wood, but results can vary. Proper drying and prep are still recommended for best long-term performance.
New redwood deck installed two weeks ago, live in the SF Bay area- areas where screws were inserted is rough , and could hurt a bare foot. Also some paper stains of blue from the lumber yard . How long to wait til it gets a light sand ? and stain ? Bookmarked your site for when the time is ready
Do not sand for prep and the rest is explained in the above article as far as weathering and prep before staining.
I’m not sure how long to wait to stain this pressure treated wood? I live in Florida. It was done being built jan 7. So I wait a few months or can I do it now?
As the article explains, you need to wait, prep, and then stain. How long to wait depends on the brand you end up choosing.
Will be staining deck railing made of rough western red cedar. Really just want to protect and enhance the natural wood tone/color/grain, not really interested in changing the color. Contractor recommended SW Woodscapes but I’m reading about TWP on your site. Recommendation? If TWP, which one??? The oil based cedar tone?
You must add color if you want UV protection from graying. Try the TWP 100 or 1500 Series. They are both oil-based.
Hi Scott, love this site and SO glad I found it. I bought 100-12foot long 5/4 cedar (maybe red cedar) from a local sawmill here in North AL. I planed down one side of the cedar to remove the saw marks and roughness with my Dewalt planer – hopefully that was not a mistake. I plan to leave the sides and bottom rough. I have not installed the boards on the deck yet. Should I treat the cedar bottom/sides before installing it? Did I screw up by planing the boards? They look gorgeous (PINK!) and would like to preserve some of that color. I sent my wife last night to the Big Box Store and got 5 gallons of Thompsons – I will be returning and getting the stains you recommend instead. Do I need to wait a few months (as in your comments here) to coat the bottom/sides. What about the top? I would like to router the edges and will be using Camo fastening system to hold it down… not sure whether to put screws on both sides of each board or just one… Thanks for a fantastic site!!! Adrian
No need to stain the undersides. Weather and prep the exposed wood before staining as the article indicates.
You have made some excellent suggestions to help me with my deck questions. The top 3 solid color stains are not available in any retail store in my area. That said, if I choose to purchase the best local solid color latex stain, can you please recommend one generally found in the big box stores ? I’m afraid that the freight charge I would incur by ordering 4-5 gallons of the best from your company, would be outrageous. Thanks in advance for any asst you can offer .
David
Flood or Defy would be the best option for a local solid stain. Nothing of any good will be found in a big box store.
Gallons do ship free though for the RAD solid stain: https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain/restore-a-deck-solid-stain.html
It is the last days of october and I just finished my cedar deck. Wearher is now cold and wet. Shoild I wait until spring to seal or stain my deck. No warm days to come.
Spring.
I’m told that some clear stains have a yellow look after staining. I definitely do not want that. Your thoughts? Thanks
Some clear coatings are actually tinted for UV protection. A true clear will not provide any UV protection from graying. It has to be tinted.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/will-a-clear-sealer-prevent-graying-on-deck/
I have an Amish built shed that just got built this summer. I placed my order in may and it was completed sometime in early September. The shed was delivered September 21. I believe they said it’s made with hemlock wood and it’s definitely rough cut. They also mill their own wood so I’m assuming it’s very freshly milled wood. I live in PA and I wasn’t sure if I should stain the shed now before winter hits or if it’s best to wait till Spring? I don’t want the shed to turn a darker color from being too weathered but I’m not sure how long something like that even takes.
Thanks in advance! I appreciate your input!
You can do it now since it is rough cut.
I live in MD and just had all of my deck wood replaced (Oct 2022) should I wait until spring before staining the new wood ?
Yes.
My deck was just built Sept 15,2022 . Pressure treated wood.When should I have it stained. Iam allowed transparent color
Hello, follow the directions in the above article for new wood. Next spring would be best tp prep and stain.
We replaced our pool deck in March, we stained with ready seal two coats it in April. We live in Florida; the deck is so faded now some places don’t even look like it was stained. We are ready to stain again but want to use the right product. What do we have to do for pre work and what stain would you recommend?
Typical of Ready Seal to not last: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ready-seal-wood-and-deck-stain-review/
Strip and brighten for prep. Stain with TWP 100 Series or Restore A Deck Stains.
We are replacing old cedar deck with new cedar deck boards and aluminum railing. Live in Minneapolis area. Can I use a deck wash to prepare the new cedar for stain or do I need to let it weather over the winter and apply stain next spring? Would like to get done this fall, but the weather may be an issue.
You will need to wait until Spring.
Our deck was installed in mid July, so mid October is just barely 3 months after installing. Also we are not sure what kind of wood we have…the paperwork just says “treated lumber.”
What kind of wood are we dealing with?
Would it be better to wait until spring to stain in warmer weather? Would the wood be ok over winter in Ohio?
We are thinking of staining the horizontals (deck boards, steps) and painting the verticals (railings, stair backs) white with exterior paint. Any tips or advice on that combo?
Thank you for any help you can provide.
Do it in the Spring. See here for two toned tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/why-have-a-two-toned-deck/
We just replaced the deck boards with clear heart redwood. The boards have been outside for about a month or so. Since we are at the beginning of October, I’m afraid to trust the weather to hold. Do we wait until next spring/summer to stain or get it done? We are in the Sierra foothills.
Next Spring is correct.
Hi,
I have some lumber that I bought JUL 2021, intending to build a project before winter and stain in fall. The wood has been sitting in my garage on a flat bed trailer (off of the ground away from moisture) since then. I’m building the wood planters and the fencing around them to block off an area from dog use.
1) Is it just that the wood needs to dry of moisture for aging or does it need sunlight as well?
2) How can I tell if it is ready for stain?
I would prefer to build and stain quickly because I have dogs and they’ll pee all over the wood, so I would think it’s better to get stain on it before they start doing all that.
1. It has to weather outside.
2. It’s not ready.
The pee will cause the stain to prematurely fail.
Hi. We live in Pennsylvania and had a new deck built with pressure treated wood in May. How long do we need to wait to stain it? Is it too long to wait until next May? Thanks. Kathie
You can do it now or in spring.
Thanks so much
Hi Scott –
I’m building a new deck in the Seattle area. I’ll be decking with Yellow Balau, and was thinking of using Ipe oil to treat it.
I’m not sure how long the wood had been sitting in the warehouse before I picked it up. Would it make the most sense to install the decking and allow it to weather until Spring for the first coat? Or should I do that before the rains come? Does your advice above apply to hardwoods like Yellow Balau as well?
Thanks!
It has to weather outside. Storing in a warehouse does not count. Spring would be best to prep and stain.
thanks Scott!
New kiln dried cedar wood decks at my Midwest house as of today. I appreciate the natural color but want to protect my investment the best way possible. What if any should be the waiting period before treatment and what treatment/product/procedure do you recommend? 30 day waiting period may work but after that possibly the weather may not cooperate. Is it best to wait till spring or try and treat the wood soon?
See some tips here: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-kdat-deck/
Thank you for that information. if we did a light sanding now will that takeoff the mill glaze? And what product do you recommend oil based or water based? I’m still a little confused if “stain” allows for wood to be natural. Or we are to use just a sealer or a product that is both or another option, just oil like linseed? Is Marine grade a good idea or not?
Thanks for your help.
No, do not sand, That makes it less absorbent. Try Restore A Deck Stains or TWP Stains. Both highlight the wood grain based on the color you choose. Do not use a Marine finish.
We are staining/sealing a new cedar deck. It was built 1 year ago. We live in Northeast MN so get plenty of snow. We cleaned the deck with a cleaner (also power washed) and got some fuzzies so I lightly sanded using 80 grit sandpaper with an orbital sander. This was before I read on your site not to sand newer decks. Do we need to wait to stain now–which for us would put it off until the spring? What would be your advice.
No, you can stain after sanding. Final prep with a wood brightener and light pressure wash to open the wood pores and then apply one coat of the stain.
Some stains / sealants claim they last 5 years, 7 years, 25 years or even lifetime. Do they really?
No, of course not. Basically lying. Read this: https://www.twpstain.com/stain-samples
So here is my issue….I had to sand off semi solid old stain to get ready for the new semi transparent. I have a huge deck and this project has taken me all summer. Due to the elements, my oldest sanded planks are now darker than the fresh. Can I just stain it all? Do I have to sand again?power wash? Not sure what to do
Clean and brighten all to even it out after the sanding.
We used doig fir decking and treated wood.for.the frame…it rook about 3 wks to build bc we are slow…how.long do we wait.to seal it qith thompsons? Also can we ise our deck while waiting? Ie deck furniturr, gazebo…etc?
Thompsons is useless, do not use it. As for answering your question about when to stain/seal, that is in the article above. Yes, you can use your deck while waiting to prep and stain.
This is my first time building a new deck an fence using the Sienna Brown pressure treated lumber. I live in Toronto, the fence has been up for two months an I’m just installing the deck floor this weekend, should I wait until next year to apply transparent water proofing with stain, I don’t want the wood to turn grey. What’s the best sealant stain you recommend. My parents used Behr on their new fences 10 yrs ago with recoating every two yrs an they still look great. I heard a lot of complains about Behr??? Thks
Yes, wait until next Spring. It is okay if it grays some as that is why you have to prep with a clear and wood brightener. Behr is a very poor stain. Try Armstrong Clark or TWP 200 Series.
Just used Restore a deck cleaner and brightener, deck is clean and looks great. Have 5 gallons of Armstrong-Clark stain. Minnesota humidity is 90 degrees overnight and early morning and 55 to 65 degrees by noon. Is it OK to stain in the afternoon with the overnight humidity so high?
Yes.
I have rough-sawn oak I am using to build a deck. There is some mildew on a few of the boards from being stacked. What’s the best way to get it off? I’ve tried Borax and water with no luck. Is there a stain you recommend for this type of wood? Thank you!
Clean and brighten the wood to prep and remove the mildew. Stain with TWP 1500 Series or Armstrong Clark Stains.
Scott, we moved into our new home May 2022. Home was a spec home so not sure how long back deck had been built. We have not stained yet. Have been out of town working. Returned home and deck looks like it might be mildewing. I have never had a deck so this before. Deck gets morning sun, afternoon and evening. Suggestions??
Just prep and stain this fall. Try the Restore A Deck prep and stain.
Thanks for the article, Scott. We sanded our cedar deck almost 2 months ago but the weather was pretty uncooperative. On and off rain, then us being away for a time. We’ve used the deck as normal in its natural state. I know we have some work to clean it up, but is 2 months too long to wait without resanding?
No, and sanding, in general, is not suggested as it limits the stain’s ability to soak in. Just clean and brighten for prep and then stain.
Before seeing your website I washed my 8 month old cedar deck with a mixture of bleach, TSP, and water in preparation for staining. This left varying degrees of white stain marks all over my deck (especially around wood knots) that are very difficult to remove. If I stain over will it show through? Should I sand it off? What is this caused from? At this stage wishing I just left the deck alone to naturally weather……comments?
The cleaning mixture I used also was fairly aggressive on the wood fiber creating quite a bit of pulp slurry that stuck to everything. The ratio of bleach, TSP, and water seemed pretty typical (average) of all my research.
Post pictures.
See attached photos.
That is oxidation that was not removed in your first attempt. You should go over it again with a quality deck cleaner (while pressure washing) and then a wood brightener. You may want to buff the floor after to remove any fuzzies and splinters.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/wood-fuzzies-furring-on-deck
Hello,
We just built a new deck with pressure treated lumber and the boards have many chips and splinters sticking up in areas that I want to sand smooth. Some pieces might require wood filler due to the size of the gouges. Is this ok to do and should I spot stain those areas until I can stain the whole deck? Thank you.
Lightly hand sand if needed. Never use a wood filler on a deck if using a semi-transparent stain. See here.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/wood-filler-for-decks/
HI – I’m fed up with Behr semi transparent deck stain. It’s actually more of a solid stain and looks as lousy and exactly like the pictures on your review page. Peeling and ugly. The deck is cedar 5/4 x 6 and also 2 x6 on the upper part. Total area close to 1500 sq ft. I’m currently sanding it and using pretty rough sandpaper – like 20 grit – with an orbital sander. I tried less griity sandpaper but it was taking too long and going through a lot more paper. The 20 grit bites better but it’s still slow going. I’m about halfway through sanding and it’s taken about 12 hours of sanding so far. The deck went up about 10 years ago and some parts have been replaced. My question is do I need to apply any other agents or conditioners before staining ? The wood is well aged. I understand the wood needs to be dry as well. Thanks
Cleaner and brightener after sanding to help open up the wood grain. Use one of these stains after: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Just installed a new, western red cedar dock at our cottage in southern Ontario, Canada. Western exposure… so it gets sun from about noon on.
When the cedar gets wet, there is no beading etc and it looks just like the pics in your video of “ready to stain”… but then I read that we should wait and have to use a brightener etc. so I’m confused.
We want a clear stain as we like the weathered gray.
1) can we stain now? Without having to weather it?
2) what is the best penetrating oil based product to use?
No, you cannot stain now. See the article above.
TWP 200 Series or Armstrong Clark for Ontario.
thanks Scott! I really appreciate your help!
Here’s the picture of the new redwood fence. Rough hewn?
It is rough sawn. You can stain it now. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Hi, I just put in two days ago a new redwood fence, looks roughhewn to me, picture attached. Would like to stay in right away if possible. Want to prevent any and all UV fading, hate that gray brown color. Any advice for top two or three semi transparent single application redwood stains?
PS thought I posted this comment/question somewhere else but I can’t find it now so apologies if this is duplicated
We had a wood deck built last May 2021. We haven’t stained it yet. How long is too long to wait to do it? Thank you!
Prep and stain now, not too late: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Hello. We had our large deck by the Delaware shore replaced this week with#1pressure treated wood by a reputable contractor. We want to use a solid or semi solid stain using one of the top rated stains you recommend. The three month mark for us would then be the end of October or we would have to wait through the winter and do the staining in the spring. Do you see a downside to going through a Delaware winter? Would the cleaning process be more intense?
See tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Next Spring is okay.
Hi
New cedar fence being installed this week.
When can I stain with Armstrong semi trans stain ?
And do I need to prep ?
After 3 months and then clean and brighen for prep.
North facing deck in lower Michigan. 21 yrs old. Treated 1×6.
Original stain likely solid as peels and flakes every year. No absorption. Olympic Max solid last @10 years to spot or restain all yearly.
Currently replacing about half rotted or cracked boards. Can I strip remaining old solid stained boards? Sand ? So match new. Recoat all with brightener and semi trans ?
You cannot strip a solid stain fully so you will have to sand it all off if you want to go semi-transparent.
Thank You. Looks like I’ll replace most boards (about half replaced as of today) and try stripping and sanding the rest (were olympic max solid stain), then brightener and semi trans with “restore a deck” you recommend. A lot of my 21 year old boards peel every year, are soft and rot at ends where there is a trim piece that covers the cut ends and I think traps water. Replaced several last year which not peeling yet. 3 Pics attached. Given condition, any thoughts vs. just power wash, brighten and do another solid? appreciate your site and expertise.
Try to get all the solid off the flooring by power sanding. Do a two-toned deck: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/why-have-a-two-toned-deck/
Thx. At this point after 21 yrs I’ll keep replacing until I run out of energy, then sand the @ 10 that replaced and solid stained last year. Wait 60 days. Brighten all and semi stain.
From my pics and your articles, sounds like I didn’t wait long enough and prep well originally even if I did start with semi t, and solid recoating was bad choice over the years for Michigan flooring.
If you can see routed spindles in pics, any local Oakland County sources you like that might have them?
No idea on the spindles. They stopped doing those years ago.
Thx. Thinking I can sand many of 21 yr old boards rather than replace, or is that about the time to replace in michigan? Also, if I read correctly you recommend not using solid stains for flooring in michigan…too likely to peel after just couple years?
Penetrating semi-transparent stains are better for MI and will be easy to maintain down the road.
I see a lot of articles and questions about how soon after cleaning and brightening you can start staining. My question is what is the longest you can wait between the cleaning/brightening/sanding stage and staining? I ask because I’m having a hard time buying my stain and I already did the prep work. I didn’t realize my existing container of stain was old.
Daytime temps are between 85 and 93 right now. The porch is on the northern side of the house. It’s been fairly cool at night. Covered porch, two stories, has previously been stained using a semi-transparent stain. Thanks!
Try to stain within 2 weeks of prep. If longer, lightly reclean again.
Thank you so much.
Would this same advice apply if I had to wait up to 2 months? It’s doubtful it will take that long to get the product. But just in case.
Full redo of prep if 2 months.
We have an old (installed around 1950-1960) covered deck. It is north facing and the wood is like an interior wood floor. This is in the front range of Colorado. Someone once said they thought it was redwood but I’m not so sure. It is currently painted with a couple of layers. We intend on sanding it down to bare wood again and re-finishing it. We had hoped to whitewash it but all the products to do that seem to be interior based. Should we treat it like any other deck and sand it down, wait 3 months and then stain it?
Sand it all off with 60-80 grit, clean and brighten after, apply one coat of penetrating stain: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
I have a redwood deck with a small bridge over a pond with fish. Is there a safe way to stain it?
Thank you,
Lori
If you want to keep the stain out of the water then get some floats/tubes and put a tarp on them to catch the stain drips. Be careful of wind, etc.
Can you wait a couple of months before staining a power washed deck
You will need to redo the prep before you stain.
Hi Scott, Folow up question for pine wood on balcony.
Wish I would have found your site before staining my balcony. So we sanded the pre-stain pine wood and removed the semi transparent stain superdeck by sherwin williams and we will wait 3 months for weathering. My question is that the pine is bleeding from the knots. What should we do specifically about it? I plan to stain again but should apply a product on the knots before staining? Thank you. Marc
There is nothing you can do to prevent or stop sap from leaching out of knots.
We are planning to install new boards on our deck this week and will wait until at least mid fall to stain but can we use the new deck as normal until then? For example can I store a covered grill on the deck until it is stained? We currently move it off the deck to us but store covered on the deck when not in use.
Yes, you can still use your deck.
I hung new Redwood T&G on my house above the stucco band and below the roof overhang. Sanded 150/180/220. Less than 4 months ago. For TWP 1500, I see that you do not recommend the ‘wet on wet’ method or more than one coat unless the redwood weathers at least 4mos. Am I reading that correctly? Can I let a 1st coat dry and then apply a 2nd coat? I’ve done that with Behr for better semi-transparent color and life. I haven’t used TWP, but I’d like to.
Just one coat with TWP and the wood has to be older than 4 months and has to be prepped as well. You cannot apply two coats with TWP to new wood. after one year you can apply the TWP wet-on-wet method for two coats.
I am about to stain my previously unstained deck following your advice. After reading all the Q & A I have the following question: Next year when I go to put on the next coat, I understand I will need to prep. Is there a difference between the prep required prior to recoating a water based product (RAD) vs recoating an oil based product (TWP)?
Prep is the same when both stains are penetrating semi-transparent stains like the RAD and TWP. Base does not matter in this scenario.
Great site. thanks for all your answers. New deck boards – pressure treated. Yesterday applied Flood CWF-UV penatrating wood finish, Cedar, with a brush. Though it looked good applying, we now have visible overlap marks. See pictures. Is the only way stripping it and starting over?
Yes, you will have to remove it to fix this.
I have one month old rough milled cedar that is currently stickered that I am about to use for my deck. I read on your sight that rough sawn can be treated without weathering first. Do you recommend treating it before building the deck or after and what product?
After. Use one of these top brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Hi there! Is there any way to stain during wet season – perhaps under cover or using some heater?
I’m in New Zealand where we’ve just started winter. Deck was installed summer (late Dec). I really want to stain it ASAP but our winter is currently very wet and very unpredictable. It’s a south facing deck so no direct sun to dry fast so will need at least 2 days for it to dry which will be months before we get that
No, it has to be exposed when you stain.
We live in Minnesota and have snowy winters and our deck gets shoveled often. Our old deck never took stain well. Over the years, we started with redwood semi transparent stains, then went to a solid stain and that has worn off. We decided to remove the deck boards, flip them over, ran the bottom side through a planer and sanded the old stain and mildew off the edges in order to start over with fresh wood. Our railings are still a solid redwood color, as I believe they would be difficult to strip.
Do I need to do any prep before I stain the new side of the boards or can I put an oil based stain directly on it? They are clean. After reading reviews of several stains, I am hesitant to use any of them in fear of this happening again. I am considering leaving it natural but am wondering what clear product I can use to help it from turning gray or is it just a bad idea to use clear? What is your opinion of the Penofin penetrating oil finish product for this application?
Don’t use the Penofin, it has issues with tuning black on people. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/penofin-wood-deck-stain-photos/
See this for two-toned decks as this is what you will have when done: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/why-have-a-two-toned-deck/
Your wood should weather and be prepped at this point. Do it all in the Fall.
I assumed the old wood would be weathered already after all these years and hate to see it turn gray by fall. Is it just to fresh to stain right away? It seems damp and takes on moisture easily now that it’s been planed and takes a while to dry after it rains since it is on the north side of the house. Do you recommend the water based RAD stain instead of oil based stain on this deck? Anything I could use that would keep this natural look? Thank you.
It looks good to stain in the pics. Try the RAD Stain in Natural but it is lightly tinted. You must have a tint if you want to prevent UV graying.
I guess I don’t want graying, so will probably choose a TWP 100 pro series semi transparent oil base stain. To prep this bare wood, should I use both the RAD cleaner and brightener kit or do I only need to brighten it since it was run through a planer? Thank you for your quick replies to my questions.
Use both cleaner and brightener.
In New York, is it ok to install new pressure treated decking in the summer or fall and then wait until spring, after the winter, to stain? Will this cause any undesirable issues? Thank you!
That is fine.