This post was updated on May 2, 2022
Stain a Wood Pergola Tips
We at Deckstainhelp.com offer tips for a plethora of projects besides deck staining. In this article, we offer our insight on how to best approach a pergola staining project when it comes to prep and stain application. We always appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below with pictures of your pergola stain projects.
A wood pergola can be a great way to reduce the amount of sunlight heating up your wood deck surface. It can offer shelter from the smoldering sun on extremely hot days without fully enclosing your deck. A pergola can also stand alone in a garden, over landscape features, over a hot tub, and more. Like any exterior wood surface, a pergola should be protected with a wood stain to increase its appearance and lifespan. Knowing how to stain a wood pergola is key.
To stain a wood pergola it should first be cleaned using a scrub brush or pressure washer. If the wood is only moderately dirty and grayed, a wood cleaner can be used to loosen any contaminants during washing. However, if an old existing wood stain is present, a deck stain stripper should be used. This will not only loosen natural contaminants like a wood cleaner but will soften and break down any old stain so it too can be washed from the wood surface. A clean wood surface is the key to a long-lasting refinish.
After the wood has been cleaned with either a wood cleaner or stripper, it should be coated with a wood brightener. This will neutralize the darkening effects the cleaner has on the wood and will help to enhance the wood’s natural beauty. Brightening also creates a more acidic surface and opens the wood pores for optimal stain absorption. After applying the brightener thoroughly rinse the surface with fresh water.
Allow the wood pergola to dry for a day or two. Prepare the area for staining by covering any surfaces you do not want to get the stain on such as concrete, landscaping, windows, etc. It is best to start at the highest point of the wood pergola and work your way down. Following the stain manufacturer’s recommendations for applying stain, coat each board using a stain pad, brush, roller, or sprayer.
Be sure not to over-apply the stain, which can lead to peeling and flaking problems. Apply as much stain as the wood will soak up and wipe away any excess after several minutes. To eliminate lap marks coat one board at a time from one end to the other before moving to the next board. This technique will give you more professional results. Continue until all the wood pergola is stained and allow it to cure for several days.
Using a quality wood stain will make application and maintenance much easier. The stain should last several years but once it is in need of attention you can simply perform a light wash and recoat with the same wood stain product.
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As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior wood and deck restoration. Scott and his Deck Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 decks in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the deck restoration industry and has contributed to numerous wood restoration forums and informative sites.
All the products he suggests through this site are sold through online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them.
I live in Phoenix AZ. The sun destroys the stain in my cedar pergola. It is gone in 6 months, any help?
Try a semi-solid stain for better UV protection. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-solid-wood-and-deck-stain-reviews/
What color is this stain an where can I get it?
Looks like Armstrong Clark in Mahogany on two different wood types. Decking is IPE wood and the pergola looks like cedar.
Hello – I’m in central Minnesota (frozen winter) and had a new deck and pergola installed this last August.
Thank you!
Mark
Yes, you should clean and brighten for prep. Try TWP 100 Series or Restore A Deck semi-transparent stain. One coat should work. Use a brush or stain pad.
Hello, I live in Houston,Tx. I am building a pergola with pressure treated pine. I want to coat and seal it to look like cedar. What steps do I need to take before I can stain it and what stain sealer do you recommend? Thanks in advance.
Randy
See here about new wood for prep and stain options: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Thank you! If I don’t want to wait 3 months to stain treated pine my only option is to get rough sawn?
Yes, that would be best.
I have a new cedar deck and pergola. The actual deck is made with Kiln-dried cedar. How long should I wait to stain? I know that the recommendation is 3+ months, but considering it’s kiln-dried, can I stain now? It’s been 2 months since the deck was installed.
Also, any thoughts on using small rollers to stain the pergola’s small boards?
Thanks in advance
Kiln-dried wood should wait 1-2 months and then prep and stain so you can do it now. Do not roll, use a stain pad or brush. Use one of these brands. Just one coat: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews-2020/
Thanks for your response. My 2nd option was to spray the TWP 1500 stain with a handheld paint sprayer like this one. Understand that it may not be the best option but the sprayer would do the job much faster than a pad or brush. Any thoughts?
Use the pad or brush.
Just had a cedar gazebo built one week ago. I would like it to be solid white and super durable. What product would you recommend. Thanks.
You cannot stain it until Spring: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
After wait and prep, use one of these solid stains: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/what-are-the-best-solid-color-deck-stains/
Thanks for the quick reply and links. I’m confused by this tip in the article however:
Staining a New Deck Tip #1: Rough sawn wood is already porous and can be stained right away as long as it is clean and the wood is dry.
If all the wood is rough sawn then you can stain now.
I purchased dried Redwood for a pergola project. Does it need to weather before sealing? I’m in Los Angeles.
Yes, see here: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Thanks. What are your thoughts on the brand Ready Seal?
We do not like it. It fades fast and is “oily” as it never cures. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/ready-seal-wood-and-deck-stain-review/
My pergola has now weathered for more than 3 months. Im getting ready to prep and stain. How long should I wait between the wood cleaner and the stain, and how long does it take for stain to dry. Planning to use RAD cleaner/brightener kit and Armstrong Clark stain. I’m in LA, Ca.
48 hours after prep and about 1-2 days to dry.
This article is most helpful. I now need to know which products to buy is the cleaner, brightner and stain and where they are available. I live in Edmonton Alberta Canada
Thank you
Try TWP 200 Series or Armstrong Clark for Canada.
So after it is stained, then do I need to seal it?
You cannot apply a sealer over a deck stain.
What kind of applicator do you recommend so that I don’t get stain running down my arm when working overhead?
No way to prevent this. Gravity. We do like stain pads better than brushes.
I just got a redwood pergola arbor installed. When should I stain. I live in San Jose Ca, and we may have a dry winter this year. I’m getting results on this questions. Some say now, others say wait. Help!!!!
See this for tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
I heard that you have to sand old cedar before sealing, is this true?
No, but you have to prep in some way.
Hello,
I just bought a pergola kit which was stained from the company but not sealed. It is a light cherry stain. We want to restain a darker color with a solid or semi transparent stain out of the box before assembly. The manufacturer states it is a Chinese cedar wood. Any do’s or dont’s before tackling this project? Any advice will help.
Thanks
Derrick L
You will need to sand or strip first to remove the current coating. Brighten the wood after.
Is it better to use oil based or water based semi transparent stain on my new rough cedar pergola?
As long as they are a true penetrating stain than it does not matter. Here is our top stains that we use: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
What color stain is this?
Looks like a Redwood color on cedar wood.
You said my rough sawn wood should have a moisture content of less than 15% to stain. How do I know what mine is and should it be up for a few months before staining.
You can use a moisture meter to test if you are concerned.
Can you stain immediately before installation or does rough sawn wood need to dry?
Rough sawn wood should have a moisture content of less than 15% when staining.
What's the best stain for a cedar pergola.
Defy Extreme or TWP.
I am putting in a pergola for a customer. They are going to be putting grapevines on it witch over time they will eat. I need to know what kind of oil or stain I can use that will not effect them eating the grapes
Try the Defy Extreme stain.
I'm planning to build an open patio( attached pergola), I got the redwood from home depot which it was not cheap ($6000),
And I want to make the wood look good and last as long as possible, I was thinking of staining and sealing it before building it, but I'm not sure if that is a good idea or not, how can I know if the wood is dry enough to be stained and sealed? And does it need to be cleaned with any kind of cleaner before staining or not? And also I'm having hard time choosing the brand to use, I'm in Las Vegas and uv protection is very needed here, please advise,
Thanks
Please read these articles: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/ https://www.deckstainhelp.com/pre-staining-new-woo…
Try Armstrong Clark
I am building a pergola using pressure treated wood that i believe to be wet, they have been sitting in sun and rain for over two weeks now but in the event that they are not cured yet which i am almost sure they are not, and i still want to stain it, what would be the best choice in that. The posts will be in a load bearing column, fiberglass i believe is the column material. I am staining essentially the lattice roof. It should be mentioned that i will be growing grape vines that will eventually cover the roof area. suggestions? should i also stain the posts that is being covered up by the column?
No need to stain if being covered. Try Defy Extreme Stain.