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!
Scott,
I should have asked….do I use the deck cleaner AND the brightner process again in getting the deck prepped for this next coat of stain?
Appreciate your help, it has been great.
Mark
Yes, correct.
Hi Scott,
I followed your guidance and tips last September) on staining my reconstructed deck (new boards, sanded old, etc.). So I put on 1 coat of the new semi-transparent stain. What cleaning prep should I follow before I apply the second coat now? Thanks Mark
Same prep and one coat of stain. When using the cleaner, use it at half strength.
Scott, I failed to also ask if there are any other products that I need to order in addition the deck stain, such as any prep product that can also be applied with a garden sprayer?
Use this for prep.
Apply with a garden sprayer and then lightly pressure wash off.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/product/restore-a-deck-package-300/
Thank you for your help
Thank you for your help.
Scott, I have a new psi treated pine deck that was built the first week of February 25. I am thinking about the TWP or the Armstrong Clark wood stain but would like to use a garden pump sprayer to apply. Your suggestions would be a great help.
Even if you use a garden sprayer to apply, you will still have to backbrush to even it out. Better to apply with stain pads and brushes.
FYI, AC stains do not spray very well.
Application tools: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/product-category/brushes-stain-pads-sprayers-and-tools/
Hi Scott, great, informative site. My question is, when I should seal my pressure-treated pine deck that butts up against my salt-water (3500ppm) above-ground pool? Deck installed 3 months ago. I’m ready to start using the pool (April, North-Central Florida). I planned to wait till the fall, but I’m worried that the salt-water splashed around the pool edge might discolor the wood so that after staining in the fall the wood nearest the pool will look different than the rest. If that is the case should I use a semi-solid stain? I have been looking at TWP stains. Thanks
TWP wants 4 or more months of weathering, a Gemini Restore Kit for prep, and then one coat of stain. You should be able to do this next month. Semi-transparent or semi-solid will be fin if you do it next month or in the Fall.
Thanks Scott. Just one more thing. Do I need to worry about the pool salt and chlorine discoloring the wood near the pool edge if we use the pool before sealing? Thanks again
No matter what, the chlorine will eventually degrade or damage the stain over time. No coating will be immune to it. Pretty much means you will be recoating more often.
So, OK to use the pool now with the deck unsealed?
Yes, when you prep later on, it will help to even it all our before staining.
Great, thank you Scott
We are putting in a new wood deck and were wondering if we should stain the ends of the boards as we cut them before nailing them in place? Would that help the rot? Seems that our old deck started rotting first at the ends of the boards.
No need and not it will not help to prevent rot.
Hello Scott, We had a new wood deck installed just about one year ago; it’s not yet been stained. Unfortunately, while we waited for sufficient time to pass and for better weather we left a covered fire pit table sitting on the deck. Having now removed it, we find a neatly defined circle of un-weathered deck wood where the table stood. Seems inevitable that this area will absorb stain differently than the rest of the deck and end up looking ridiculous. Is there any product or method to treat this area that might bring its appearance closer to the weathered remainder of the deck.
Thank you.
The only way would be to let it weather some more for a few months or longer with the fire pit removed. Let me ask you this: Does it matter? You will not see the difference if you put it back in the same spot. In addition, wherever it ends up next, it will always weather differently than the exposed wood. Meaning it will continue to happen.
Hi Scott: We are just finishing up installing new Ipe surfaces outside in coastal Southern California (San Diego), including 2 decks and several vertical surfaces (fencing, shower enclosures, benches). I want to protect and seal the wood from water, mildew and UV (we have a lot of marine layer). My contractor wants me to seal soon as we already have some water marks on the bottom of the vertical planks from rain.
Thank you Scott!!
Hi Scott,
We’ve been trying to do some research before doing anything to our new deck but have found ourselves a bit boggled by the variety of products and info we’ve run across and would love your help with the following:
We’re retirees and this will be the first time we’ve done this so ease of application and maintenance are considerations for us. We’d really appreciate your recommendations and advice.
Thanks a million!
Hi,
No, it is not possible to retain the current colors and have UV protection from graying. To protect from graying, your stain must be tinted, which means you will enhance the color of your wood.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/will-a-clear-sealer-prevent-graying-on-deck/
You can use a sprayer to apply to the lattice and stain pads for the railings. Application can vary based on the coating brand you end up choosing.
Hello, my deck was built a little over a month ago and the builder is telling me I need to stain right away. Do you agree? I’m not sure what kind of wood this is, the quote say “#2 prime pressure treated lumber”. Best stain to use? Thanks!
He’s wrong but ultimately, you should always follow the new wood stain advice for the stain brand you end up choosing. Most will want weathering of 3 months or longer and you have to prep.
Hi Scott,
Thank you for your article. My brother and I recently (August 2024) built a 14×30
front deck on my home with preassure treated white pine here in Middle Tennesee. I
purchased the lumber from a local lumber company thinking the quality would be
better. The floor boards are fine but the uprights are rough, splintery, and some
splitting. I have a couple of questions:
Thank you,
Melissa
-Wait until Spring.
-Depends on the stain brand but in general, 50-90 F.
-If needed, lightly sand with 60-80 grit before the cleaner and brightener prep.
-Any of the stain brands we suggest in this new wood article would work great. Make sure to do the prep.
Hi Scott!
We just replaced all our deck boards with new untreated cedar deck boards. The deck is on the southeast side of the house and gets a lot of sun. We’re in the upper Midwest so we’re coming up on a long cold snowy winter. If we don’t stain and seal now (late Oct.), it will be at least April or May before we can do anything. That’s 6+ months of harsh weathering. The boards are untreated but not rough sawn. We got them from a big-box store, and they told us the boards are “ready to stain.” A friend who’s a professional builder checked the boards and put some water on them and it soaked right in. He said although they’re smooth, they are porous enough to go ahead and stain right away, with no further prep. He didn’t mention mill glaze. Another builder friend said don’t let cedar go through our rough winter unprotected. BUT… we have also seen several articles that say let it weather for 3 to 6 months. Does that still hold true for a very harsh snowy winter? And because of spring rains, it could end up being 8 or 9 months.
Also… we plan to use a semi-transparent all-in-one stain & sealant. And with kids and pets, we’re concerned about toxins and VOC off-gassing, so we want stain that’s water-based or a real low VOC (100 or less) oil-based or hybrid stain/sealer. Most oil-based just say an unspecified “low VOC” or “<250 VOC.” But there’s a huge difference in health risk between 49 and 249 VOCs. So we are in need of your expert guidance, please:
1) Mill Glaze… Since our cedar boards are not pressure treated, do they even have a mill glaze on them? If so, will that help protect them through a winter?
2) Timing… of applying stain/sealant
3) Type (and brand)… we are leaning toward Restore-a-Deck semi-transparent stain… but we don’t see anything about it also having a sealant component, it just says “stain.” Will we need to apply a separate sealant over it?
Sorry for the long post, but we are so confused by conflicting advice. And weather and time might be a big factor for us.
Thanks so much for your help. Your site and advice are great!
TD
-You are fine until Spring. Prep and stain then.
-All deck stains are sealers as well.
-All new smooth wood as mill glaze.
-RAD is a great stain.
Have a deck at camper that has been covered for years. It is uncovered and i cleaned it with deck cleaner and pressure washer. I can not decide on product in a semi-transparent color to put on this deck. Was suggested Cabot cordiva brown, but that is to dark and looks horrible.
Photos here of some options: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/semi-transparent-deck-stain-photos/
There are also photo galleries on the top stain brand websites:
https://www.twpstain.com/topics/twp-1500-series-stain-colors-and-photo-albums
https://www.armstrongclarkstain.com/armstrong-clark-photo-album
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-wood-and-deck-stain-photo-album
I had a new deck installed last year and was told to wait a year before staining.. time got away from me this year as fall is setting in and I’m pressed for time. Can this be done next spring or should I definitely try to do it this year?
You can wait until spring.
Hi Scott – apologies if you’ve answered this before, but I’m wondering if I need to let my deck weather before staining. I installed a redwood deck almost 15 years ago, it’s been through several stripping and staining cycles. Was looking rough so decided to sand down (36/60/100) to bare wood. Would this be considered like “new” wood and should weather, and for how long, or can I stain right away? Clean and brighten or brighten only sufficient? Deck is in California, considering TWP 1500 stain.
We would wait a month since you sanded a little to fine. Then clean and brighten for final prep and apply one coat of the TWP 1500.
Thanks!
You are welcome!
Hi Scott,
I just had a mahogany deck installed in southern Maine. It’s part of a covered porch open on 3 sides and faces northerly.. The first third of the deck has direct weather access. When is the right time to stain this deck? I wanted to use an oil based preservative but don’t want to reapply every year. Was wondering if you are aware of a product that can be used every 2-3 years. Thank you for all your helpful information!
Not for mahogany wood. Unfortunately, your wood type typically requires annual upkeep. See here for tips:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/hardwood-deck-stains/
Wait until Spring to prep and stain.
Scott,
Thanks for a speedy response. Much appreciated.
Bill
You are welcome!
Hi Scott.
We live in Braselton just northeast of Atlanta and have a twenty-year-old cedar pagoda with cedar swing that I built twenty years ago. Have just replaced numerous pieces that had deteriorated with new cedar. I know you recommend letting new cedar age for 6 months or more. However, I am inclined to go ahead and stain the structure with a semi-solid stain in a cedar or cedar-tone color. I guess I don’t want the pagoda sitting there half gray and half new cedar for six months and prefer that it look nearly all the same color. I am getting ready to stain and hope to have 7-10 dry days before we stain. While this may go against some of your recommendations, what am I doing to myself and our pagoda swing if I proceed? Thanks in advance for your insight.
Art Finley
It will prematurely fail most likely and you may end up stripping and redoing next year.
After reading your response, I was making plans to delay staining our swing and will do that if necessary. However, I reread some of your comments where you said that if one is using rough sawn wood, it is okay to stain right after installation as the rough sawn will allow the stain to soak in. Our swing is 100% rough sawn timbers, old and new. The few new 1″ by 8″ boards covering the pressure treated posts have the smooth side against the post and the rough sawn side outward. The couple of new replacement 4″ by 6″ beams and a couple 2″ by 6″ decorative timbers are all one hundred percent rough sawn. The older wood has been pressure washed. Would the lack of this knowledge in any way change your response? The swing was completely dry for about 5 days while the repairs were being made. Then some light rain came in for 3 or 4 days. Before the rain, we wrapped painter’s plastic around the swing and then covered the top with blue plastic which kept it pretty dry through the wind and rain. Hoping to have 5 or 6 dry days over this weekend and were to begin staining middle of next week. We are still ready to pull the plug and wait, Does this additional information alter your advice? Sorry to write so much but I value your insight.
Thanks, Art . . .
Sounds like 99% of this is rough sawn. Go ahead and stain now.
Hi, Scott – your website is very helpful! We had a new deck installed in early June and ready to stain it. We live in the Dallas, Texas area and are not do it yourself people. Do you have a list or recommendations for painters in our are experienced with using RAD products?
Sorry, but we do not have a list of contractors in your area.
Hi Scott, I have a 3 month old cedar deck. My preference is to let it turn naturally silver gray, but I also know that I need to apply some kind of protectant to maintain my investment. What do you recommend to achieve the natural gray color but still protect the wood? Do I look for a clear or transparent product and should it be water or oil based? Any other advice for achieving the look I want is greatly appreciated!
Yes, you would want a clear (no tint) sealer so it will gray naturally. Look at Defy Extreme Clear or TWP 1500 Series in Clear.
Thanks for the quick response! Do you recommend oil or water based .. or does it matter?
As long as it is a penetrating sealer, it does not matter. Both Defy and TWP are.
Cedar deck finished on July 3rd. Coming up on three months. It still looks really good, but lots of muddy foot and paw prints. We are in Seattle, so won’t get a lot of snow in the winter. Bang out the staining next month or wait until spring? What do you think? Thanks for the great website!
Either is okay. If the weather cooperates, you could do it now and then lightly clean and apply a second coat in the spring.
Thanks for the prompt response!
You are welcome!
Your article reads to only drain exposed deck boards – on a pergola- is that the top (exposed- that we can’t see) or the exposed sides/bottom that would match rest of decking? Also, we did the large deck in 3 phases and oldest part is 2 yrs- 3 mo ago. Is there a better stain so it will look a bit more consistent in color?
On a pergola, all sides of the wood are exposed so stain all. Semi-solids colors will blend better:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-solid-wood-and-deck-stain-reviews/
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.
Many thanks!
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.
Thanks Paul. Much appreciated. Photos attached.
Clean and brighten all for prep. Look at the Restore A Deck Kits. Stain with Restore A Deck Stains or TWP 1500 Series.
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.