This post was updated on April 25, 2023
New Redwood Deck Staining Tips
DeckStainHelp.com has become the Internet’s go-to site for exotic wood deck staining tips. As with all different types of wood surfaces, we recommend you properly prep your redwood before staining in 2023. This involves allowing your redwood to weather for a few months prior to cleaning and brightening. Feel free to leave us a comment with pictures of your Redwood projects if you have them.
Best New Wood Deck Stain Water-Based | Best Applying New Wood Deck Stain | Best New Wood Deck Stain Oil-Based |
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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New Redwood Deck
New Redwood Deck Staining Help and Tips
The natural beauty of redwood can make for a gorgeous deck that any homeowner would be proud of. Redwood is not as readily available as other types of wood, which makes it more expensive. But the cost can be justified by the beauty and longevity of the wood. A redwood deck can last for many years.
Although redwood is naturally resistant to decay, it can still be damaged by wet and dry conditions, constant moisture, and freezing/thawing in colder climates. A redwood deck should be cleaned and protected with a weather-resistant stain every year or so.
For help with a new redwood deck, allow the wood to weather for a few months to let the oils dry out (rough sawn wood can be finished right after installation). Prepare the surface with a quality wood cleaner and wood brightener. A two-part cleaning system like Restore-A-Deck works well. Use the wood cleaner and a brush or pressure washer to remove any dirt and mill glaze from the surface. Use the wood brightener to further prepare the wood for new stain.
If necessary, you can sand the wood once it dries to remove any remaining mill glaze that may hinder stain penetration. On new smooth redwood, sanding will also help soften the surface for better stain absorption although this step is not necessary.
Use a deck stain recommended for redwood. A semi-transparent penetrating deck stain is ideal. This type of stain will enhance the redwood’s natural beauty and eliminate weathering. When staining redwood, it is important to only apply as much stain as the wood can handle. If the stain is not absorbed within 10-15 minutes, wipe the excess off the surface.
Apply stain to the entire length of each board before moving to the next to eliminate lap marks. Start with the deck railings, then the deck floor, and any steps lastly. Always follow the staining instructions on the label, as most stain brands will apply differently from each other.
These tips will help with a new redwood deck. Keep in mind that regular maintenance is the key to a long-lasting deck that your family can enjoy for many years.
Staining a New Deck Tips Video – DeckStainHelp.com
Ask Questions Below on Staining New Redwood Decking
Deck Stain Help & Questions
Stain Reviews & Comparisons
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.
Hi! I read through the comments, but I’m a little confused. We just installed a redwood fence today. We also have pressure-treated posts and rails pine… I think? I think the pickets are rough hewn, because they are DEFINITELY not smooth. However, when installing it, moisture was bleeding out of every screw-hole, so it is definitely wet. I also want to preserve the life of my fence, and I love deep red redwoods… but this wood is surprisingly light. 🙁 Can you recommend a drying time, product, and color? (It must be a stain. We aren’t allowed to paint in our HOA.) Also, easy application is important to me as my last staining project (a chair) was not uniform AT ALL and it really disappointed me. (So obviously I’m not great at this.) Please see attached picture. I live in the San Joaquin Valley, and spring is pretty much here!
Please send a closeup pic of the wood planks.
Oops
We have a new redwood deck, less than 300sf. My friend had recommended Penofin but I’ve seen your comments steering people away. Our deck is in southern California, but gets very little direct sunlight, being underneath a big tree and the north side of the house. Product recommendation that is VOC compliant in California?
TWP 1500 Series or Armstrong Clark Stains are much better than Penofin.
Is it okay to wait a week after sanding to stain redwood? Or is it best to stain very shortly after sanding?
Does not matter but you should clean and brighten the wood after sanding to open up the wood pores.
Hi Scott, I’m in Pacifica 1 mile from the ocean. Redwood deck installed 3 weeks ago, pergola being done now. Rain season starts in 4-6 weeks probably around end of October, and ends in April.
Can you advise, should I stain now, or wait until May? Thank you!
Wait. More info here as well: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
thank you!
few more questions:
1. Yes.
2. Try the AC website for additional photos: http://www.armstrongclarkstain.com
3. It has to be a tinted stain to protect it from UV graying. Best to test samples on your wood.
4. No, you cannot get redwood to look like IPE.
I would like to even out the colors of a. Redwood sided wall. The 2 or 3 lower planks were hit with water. Will just staining the lower portion only work?
You cannot spot-fix the bottom boards and have it all match. You would have to do the entire wall. Strip it all down and stain it all. This would be the only way to get it to match evenly.
What stain was used in the photo above in the article? I tested out Valspar Redwood semi-transparent and I’m losing all of the variations between the natural colors and want the more natural look shown. Thank you!
Valspar is a very poor stain, we would never use it: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/valspar-one-coat-stain-sealer-review/
The picture of the redwood above has no stain on it.
Can I achieve a glossy look on my redwood deck? I just finished cleaning and staining this week.
No, never do this. It will peel, blister, attract mildew, and will be a pain to fix.
My redwood deck is about 1 year old. We are in San Francisco, California and it gets full sun in mild temperatures most of the time, although we get fog in summer months. It was coated with Preserva clear penetrating oil and sealer and has turned gray. (See photos). I believe the sealer has worn off because water does not bead. The plan is to use a cleaner and power wash (hoping not to have to strip or sand), use a brightener and then reseal with a transparent redwood tinted sealer. I was planning on using Penofin Red Label but then read too many reviews about mildew and darkening. Do you agree we don’t have to strip and what products would you recommend for cleaning, brightening and sealing. Thanks!
You need to strip and brighten. Do not use Penofin. Try Restore A Deck Prep kits and their stain or Armstrong Clark Stains.
Unfortunately, the the cleaner i used contained bleach and was nearly two weeks ago. Is it to late to use a brightener and should I sand or buff the fuzzies before or after the brightener?
Post a picture of the prep so far.
Installed new redwood deck 1 year ago. Due to medical reasons had to wait until now to prep and stain. A local paint store that was recommended by a very respected painter gave me a wood cleaner in 21/2 gallon containers with what appears to be self labeled as FLD51/S2 Flood Wood Cleaner and has a manufacturers label on the back that says Premium Olympic Wood Cleaner. I followed the instructions by covering liberally with a pump sprayer,waiting 10 min. then using a pressure washer.The result is that the wood now has no natural color and ugly brown and. light to darker grey streaks and blotches with widespread fuzzies.I would like to stain now with a Armstrong Clark semi transparent stain but am afraid of what the result may be. Can you HELP?
Post some pics in the comments.
Posting pictures on behalf of Jim S
Try a wood brightener first before staining with the AC. See here if you want to remove the fuzzies: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/wood-fuzzies-furring-on-deck/
the pics below show what it looked like wet and then what it looked like (bleached out with various greys and brown streaks and blotches)when dry. pics sent by Eric s
We already replied yesterday.
Hello, we have just installed a new redwood deck December and will wait till Spring to finish. The support structure is pressurized wood.
Questions:
1. Do we finish both the redwood and pressurized woods by doing a one coat spray application of oil type semi-transparent? (we do need UV protection).
2. Do we spray both top and under the deck?
3. Have you tested or have knowledge of a product called Cutek? We are looking for a product that is great on initial application and easy maintenance in the years to follow.
Thank you
1. You do not have to do the support structure but if you want, then one coat.
2. No need to apply stain to the underside of the deck.
3. We are not fans of Cutek. Does not last that long.
Purchased a home that had a redwood deck installed in 2014, we don’t know how frequently it was maintained, but it’s in need of maintenance now. I’d like to pressure wash and reseal, but I’m not sure with what. Would you be able to provide a recommendation? We’re in New Mexico, and get a ton of Sun, so I think I may need something tinted to provide UV protection.
Thanks for the help!
Strip and brighen for prep with Restore A Deck Stripper Kits and both additives. Stain with TWP Stains or Restore a Deck Stains.
Just built a new redwood deck this September 2021, If I let it weather for three months as recommended it puts me in the winter rainy season. What should I do? Please Help!
Do in Spring.
Just built redwood vegetable planter boxes and want to maintain the look (color) of the redwood. Boxes have already been filled with soil. 3 main questions:
I live in California a few miles inland from the coast. Relatively mild weather without a ton of heat.
Thanks for your help!
1. No, must be tinted.
2. Restore A Deck Products.
3. It should not.
Hello I have a redwood pergola can I use a clear stain to maintain the current look?
Nope. Has to be tinted, not clear for UV protection from graying. Try Restore A Deck Stain in Natural. It is lightly tinted.
Doing a clear stain on new redwood. Do I need two coats?
One coat for new wood is normal.
Hi there, I just installed the new fences, may I ask for your opinion, do I need to stained for the Redwood
You will need to stain this after a few months of weathering and prep. Try TWP Stains or Armstrong Clark.
I just installed a new redwood deck in Colorado (lots of UV, temp changes all year). I’ll weather it the next couple months then I plan on cleaning with the RAD products. the mill I bought the wood from says the best choice for their redwood is “penetrating oil” but I’m unsure which products qualify under that category. Can you clarify?
I want to maintain the natural color variations (sapwood heartwood) and wood figure as much as possible. Thanks!
The best penetrating oil based stains for CO would be TWP 1500 Series or Armstrong Clark.
We have redwood siding on our home that has been there 30+ years. We have stained it every few years, sanded a couple times. It is uniformly brown/red. We’re now replacing sections after putting in new windows and doors, The only redwood we’ve been able to purchase has a lot of yellow in it, some really large areas and it doesn’t look good with the existing wood. Any suggestions on how to stain it so that it matches. Maybe staining the yellow section first allowing to dry, then staining the whole plank?
Thank you.l
No, that would not work. Best to remove all prior coatings and start over from scratch.
My wife does not want a “red” redwood deck. We are trying to match our redwood to to our house which is more of a walnut colour. Can you stain redwood to have a walnut colour and if so how would you do that and what product would you use to do so?
Thank you
You would need a dark brown stain to do this. Try Dark Walnut from Restore A Deck Stains:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-wood-stain-review/
or TWP 1500 Series in Dark Oak or Black Walnut:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/twp-1500-wood-and-deck-stain-review-2017/
Hi, I’m not sure about the redwood type and if I should stain it immediately or later (it was just installed yesterday). So attached a picture. If I have to stain it immediately, do I need to wash it with water before or put any other product before the stain? Thank you,
Wait for three months to weather and then prep as article above explains.
Located in NorCal Bay Area. Last year we had a redwood con heart deck and dock installed. To maintain its natural look the contractor used Penofin transparent penetrating oil finish to seal. He prepped the wood by acid washing and then repeating the process. Do we need to seal again this year or is a good acid wash sufficient. In places the wood is dirty, grimey, with a few dark areas. Can you recommend a good grade acid wash.
Thanks
You do not acid wash wood or deck. You clean and then brighten wood and you would only do that if you plan on reapplying a new coat of stain. Might want to stay away from the Penofin as it has issues with turning dark or black. Use the Restore A Deck Kits for prep: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-cleaner-system-review/
can a redwood exterior stain be used on a white oak park bench
Yes.
We were staining some beams with an iron sulphate fertilizer and some of the overspray hit our new unfinished redwood deck causing the stain to “spot” on the redwood. Is there anything that will lift the stained spots at least to a lighter tone?
Sorry but we have no idea on this one.
Thank you!
Have a 40ft deck redwood. 2 years old. I want to bring back the redwood to its natural color like the posts. Do I sand or just use a brighter and then stain.
Cleaner and brightener for prep is the correct way.
Just to confirm using a cleaner than a brighter will bring the natural redwood color. No sanding needed
Correct.
What happens if I paint my new sawn redwood while it is still damp
It will fail.
Hello, great information! We have a brand new redwood deck that we have let sit and weather for 4 months. We live in southern california. We have seen the tannins extracted and discoloring from the weather. I now want to seal with a natural look and tone. I was planning on sanding to work the tannins and grime away then seal. Would it be best to use a cleaner then brightener for new deck installation? Also, can you recommend any clear natural sealer for redwood? Thanks! Keith
Yes, clean and brighten for prep. Clear sealers will not work for UV. Must be tinted to prevent graying. Use one of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews-2020/
I had a majority of my deck replaced this summer. I used redwood and have to use solid color stain to match the part we did not replace because it has a covered roof. I read that if you are doing a semi solid or solid stain you should wait 12 mo this before staining. Is that correct?
No, that would vary based on the brand of stain you are using.
Does new redwood need a conditioner Before staining and preserving the wood
No.
We have a redwood rainbow swing set. What is the best stain to use on it!
One of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews-2020/
I have an insect question. Is it recommended to treat a new redwood deck with insecticide while waiting for it to dry out before sealing it? Im worried about termites and carpenter ants.
Thanks,
Abel
No need. Redwood is already naturally resistant to insects and termites. They will burrow into your house before they touch the deck.
Sounds good… .thanks alot! 🙂
Hello,
We are building a shaded area on our deck with redwood 4x4s. Our deck has ipe railing. Could you recommend a stain for the redwood to match the ipe color better?
Thank you
Sorry, but it is not possible for Redwood to match IPE wood. The Redwood will not be as rich as the IPE and redder in color.
Hi. We are currently rebuilding our deck and are using redwood posts (4X4 from Home Depot) that we would like to keep looking as natural as possible while at the same time protecting them from rain, sun and wind. Can we treat the wood as soon as we get if from the store? We have sanded the posts. What products should we use? We love the look of natural redwood and would like to keep it like that as much as possible, but we also wouldn’t mind if some product would intensify the colors a bit. How often should we reapply products? We live in a desert kind of climate (hot summers, cold winters, pretty dry).
You cannot prestain new wood. See here for new wood tips: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
After the wait and prep, try Armstrong Clark in Natural or Restore A Deck in Natural.
NorCal Silicon Valley, 3 month old redwood 1×3 with 1 inch spacing lath patio cover. What transparent or semi-transparent stain would you recommend? Also, can I paint the tops of the lath with white paint to minimize UV and moisture damage to prolong time before restaining?
Restore A Deck Stains or TWP 1500 Series. Make sure to prep well first. We would not paint the top white.
New redwood deck installed Sept 1. Can we wait till spring in Colorado or should we stain before? Thank
Wait until Spring to prep and stain.
Do you recommend brushing or rolling on the stain?
It depends on the brand and type of stain being used as to what is the best applicator?
New Redwood Deck
Hello there… we have just installed a new Redwood deck around our large tree in the backyard. Ive read that we should let the deck dry out for a couple of months before staining and sealing it. The thing is that the sprinklers will be hitting the deck everytime we water. Will this be a problem during the 2-3 months while we wait for it to acclimate and dry out? Should we cover the deck in the meantime?
Thanks for any tips, from a newbie
Abel
It will be fine, do not cover.
Thank you sir!
Welcome!
Do you recommend I go with the TWP 1502 Redwood for stain and seal?
You can use any color of the TWP 1500 but you will need to wait longer and prep as well: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Best stain choices?
1. California
2. Partial shade
3. Redwood
4. No
5. New untreated
6. New untreated
Restore A Deck semi-transparent stain or TWP 1500 Series. Make sure to weather the wood and clean and brighten for prep after.
Thank you very much!
Is it feasible, or even recommended to use a paint sprayer?
You can spray either brand.
Thank you again
Hi, I have a question. My husband and I will be staining siding or what I believe is redwood exterior paneling. There is 2 coats of paint currently on the redwood paneling, gray and green. Our plans are to sand the exterior siding and stain it with a semi-transparent stain, However, I’m wondering how you would go about doing so. Would it be easier to sand the paint off or strip? Also, should we put a wood conditioner down? All help is welcomed thank you!! Also, looking for the best stain to really show the natural grain. We use Sherwin Williams but are open to any product or manufacturer.
You can not strip off the paint and sanding will not be easy. You may need to media blast to remove it and then sand after to smooth it some. If you succeed in getting it off, stay away from the SW wood stains as they have issues. Try TWP Stains or Armstrong Clark.
Hello; should I use a primer before painting a redwood deck?
No.
Should I put a primer first before painting a redwood deck?
I have an uncovered deck in Montana. We re-built it using some of the old redwood boards, and some new. It was sanded last summer and looked beautiful, but has since faded to gray. The new ones (finished yesterday) are still red. What should I do to restore/keep the red color? It get snow/rain/leaves and sticky leaf debris from the popular trees every year, but not much sun. The planks are screwed in from the top.
Wait until Fall. Clean and brighten all for prep. Stain with a penetrating stain like TWP or Armstrong Clark.
I read your article indicating you should wait to stain the redwood. The new wood has been delivered and I had planned to prestain. What about the bottoms of the boards and the cut edges. If we don’t prestain how do we address that!
No need to stain all sides and that actually is not suggested by most stain brands as it does not allow the wood to breathe and can cause dry rot. Just the exposed side after install, wait, and prep.
I am almost finished belt sanding the old “Deck-Correct” and other stains from my 30+ year old redwood deck. The wood looks beautiful, and I need to decide what to put on it. Some have said to use “Lifetime Wood Treatment” – which they say lasts 10 years, is organic – but turns it a dark silver grey – whereas I’d like to be able to have the colors show that I am seeing now. What is best?
Nothing lasts 10 years. Tops are 2-3. Use one of these stain brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
My husband put a Behr transparent waterproofing wood finish on the bottom of the redwood deck boards before laying the deck. He got many “waterproofing spots” on the unfinished top of the boards. What is the best way to get rid of the spots/stain. We don’t intend to stain the deck for a month or so…
Strip and or sand to remove.
This isn’t a deck question, but what would be the best treatment for a redwood picnic table & benches ?
I would prefer to not “seal” with a clear finish, but would like a safe surface for food & drink. It will be stored outside, and being in northern IL it will see winter weather.
Thanks !
Is the wood new?
Yes, brand new, I haven’t built the table yet. I have reinforced polymer legs & stainless steel hardware and am wondering if I should do something to the Redwood before I build it.
This is a “Honey-Do” project, I’m not a “wood person” and I want to do the project correctly…..ONCE ! Question or Post a Review…
Brand new, I have’t built the table yet. I only want to do this project 1 time & I want to protect the wood as much as possible..before I build it.
You cannot pre-stain it. If you read the article again you will see that the wood needs to weather and then be prepped prior to staining.
I live in the Denver metro area and just had a new redwood deck built. I don’t want to stain but I want to seal the deck to protect from the elements. From what I read, do I need to really wait for July/August to seal the deck? What sealer would be recommended? Thank You.
You have to stain it otherwise it will gray in months. See here about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
What recommendations for a stain/sealer for the redwood deck? I am new at this; thank you for your suggestions/help.
Armstrong Clark Stain or Restore A Deck Stain.
Hi – I live in Northern California. We have a large custom deck that gets massive sun exposure on most of the deck and lots of pool water.. We have been using the Flood UV but find the surface oxidizes by the end of the summer and chips & cracks off and it is a MAJOR project to do ever spring. It’s a maintenance nightmare. I feel like I need to strip it down and use something that allows intermittent touch ups, like something kind of oil penetrating product that I can clean and add more as needed through the summer and doesn’t require full stripping between applications. Mildew is not a problem for us. I’m desperate for a better solution. My deck plagues me every spring.
Pictures, please.
well it looks pretty good right now – we already did it. I’m planning ahead for next year after reflecting on the whole process this year.
It is June. I am installing a new fence with Redwood. I live in the greater Philadelphia area (Pennsylvania). Sounds like you are recommending that one needs to wait to stain the wood, though I hate to lose the beautiful color. What would be the soonest I can stain it in the PA climate here? 4 months is October. Does it need to be above a certain temperature to stain wood? Do I need to wait until next spring? What is the best product for this area?
Fall or Spring is fine. Prep and stain. Try the Armstrong Clark stain.
What color did you need up staining your redwood fence? I just finished building a redwood fence as well and am reluctant to use a tinted sealant because the natural wood is so nice to look at. I’d love to see a picture of your stain finished fence.
Clear (untinted) stain/sealer means you will have zero UV protection from graying. There is no way around this. You have to use a tinted stain/sealer if you do not want the wood to gray in a matter of months.