This post was updated on April 4, 2025
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 2026. 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 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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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
Can any of the deck stains be applied with a sprayer?
Yes. All of these can: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
I am installing a new redwood deck can I stain it before I put it down.? or once I put it down can I stand it right away after that?
This will vary based on the brand of stain you will be using. Best to folow their directions whne it comes to new wood. Did you choose a stain brand yet?
After reading most of the comments below, I am still confused. I just installed a redwood fence, Ridge & Valley Redwood Fence Picket, from Homedepot. Can I stain it now or should I wait? What should I use to stain it? I bought the semitransparent water based stain from Behr.
Thanks.
If rough sawn cut wood, you can stain now. Return the Behr stain. It has very poor reviews: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/behr-deck-stain-review/
Try a penetrating stain like one of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Great information. I will do so.
One more question. On the other side of the house, I have a weather fence (still in good condition) that I would like to stain so the color/look is similar to the new one. How can I get rid of the weather look? Should I use the same stain on both fences (new and old)?
Thanks!
You can use the same for both. As for the prep, use a Restore A Deck Prep Kit with pressure washing to remove the graying.
Thanks again.
Hi everyone,
Silly question. We’ve decided to replace all the wood boards on our deck w/ new redwood ones. Is it necessary to stain and seal both sides of all the boards before installing? Hope I make sense.
Thanks!!!
No need to stain all sides.
I am installing a Redwood deck (September). Live in Reno, NV…deck will have sun 10am until dusk. I am reading all the comments over the years on this thread and it sounds like I should wait until spring to seal/etc? Never know when the rain, snow, cold temps will happen. Also, you mention Armstrong Clark, TWP 100 series, Defy Extreme…what are the differences and what do you suggest I use? I want to keep the redwood color. Thank you so much.
Yes, wait until Spring. All those brands are decent. See this to read the differences for each: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Hello, and thanks. We are trying to determine whether to immediately stain with semi-transparent stain a redwood (heart) deck and can’t determine whether it’s rough sawn or not, as mentioned above. In other words, should we stain right away or wait? It’s brutally hot here in summer…
99% of the time decking boards are smooth cut. Wait and prep according to the stain manufacturer you choose.
How long to wait until redwood (sapwood, smooth cut) can be stained with semi- transparent oil based? Thank you…
Hi, We found dry rot in a support beam, (old growth redwood), *under our deck and one other beam that sounds solid but has one small area that is slightly soft. Will have the support beam replace but I’m not sure what to do with 1) the second beam and 2)the white fungi I can see beginning to grow under the deck. One person says fungi is ‘nothing to worry about”, another tells me to “spray with copper nitrate”, a third says clean it off then spray with a protective coating (TWP)”. Perspective…?
Thank you.
We would try and kill and clean off the fungi and then leave unstained for the beams.
I’m looking for recommendations for the best sealer for a brand-new kilndried redwood deck. I live in the Willamette Valley in Eugene OR.
Try TWP or Armstrong Clark brands.
We just finished building a pergola made from treated red wood. We live in New Mexico, where the humidity is usually 30%. How long should we wait before we stain the wood? D0 we need to use a cleaner & brightener. Im gonna ask Home Depot is the wood is “Wet” treated, my suspicions. Also, the stain, should it be a semi oil one?
See this about new wood: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Use a penetrating semi-transparent.
We live in New Mexico, where it is very dry. We just finished making a Pergola out of treated wood. Should we wait 6 months before staining? What is a good product for staining for New Mexico?
Yes wait a little while. Try Armstrong Clark or Defy Extreme Stains.
Hi. Thanks for this site and your wisdom. I have a 30 yr. redwood deck that was maintained regularly until the past few years, (not sure what product was previously used). Do you suggest a power wash and sanding? Oil or water based stain? Also, should I replace popper nails with screws?
Again, thank you.
Remove the previous coatings by sanding or stripping. Brighten the wood after. Countersink nails or replace them. Use one of these brands of stains: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
What is best deck stain/sealer allowed in California?
Try Armstrong Clark or TWP 1500 Series.
Can I stain over stain….if so, should I use the same brand that was originally used on my redwood deck?
Only stain over if using the same brand and color. If swithching brands you should remove the previous coatings.
I just removed the old finish off of the redwood railing of my porch, sanding it down to the raw wood. I’d like to make it look more like walnut, maybe a little lighter. Is this possible? How should I do it? Thanks!
Try Armstrong Clark in Natural Oak color.
Ok Thank you! Maybe I should clarify the color. I meant for of a black walnut color, but a little lighter. Still the Natural Oak? That looks a little light for what I’m going for.
They have a nice Black Walnut if you want a darker color.
I’m ready to install a new redwood deck after finally completing the foundation/joist repairs. I live in Hawaii on the windward side of Oahu. We get both a lot of sun, low 60’s to mid-90’s all year, and quite a bit of ra although nothing like the NW on the mainland. Planning to use a transparent stain after cleaning and brightening. Since weather is pretty consistent here, should I wait for the deck to “weather” or can I prep and stain right after laying the boards?
We would let it weather and prep first. Best though to follow the directions of the stain brand you end up choosing.
i have built a redwood deck 2 years ago i live in slc utah i cant keep the stain from peeling up i used elite olympic stain says it was good for 6 years and i pressure washed it and sanded it now im ready to stain it again but want the best product for then natural redwood look and last longer then a few mounths
Did you remove all of the Olympic with the prep? Using a penetrating semi-transparent stain is the way to go. Try TWP or Armstrong Clark.
BTW, nothing lasts 6 years. 2-3 is the most you will get on a horizontal surface.
new redwood deck installed this week. we would like to keep the look of the wood. should we just seal or seal and stain?
semi-transparent oil based stain but what color tint to keep the redwood look?
All semi-transparent colors will change or ehance the grain and you must have a colored stain if you want UV protection. Best to try some samples before applying. Look at Armstrong Clark or Defy Extreme.
Redwood deck is 35 years old.Seven years ago I took the deck apart and had all the boards planed. They were beautiful. Just finished cleaning and power washing . Used defy Brightner on the deck. This is Northern Iowa. long ,cold, lots of snow, winters. Is an oil base stain the best choice?
Sure an oil based semi-transparent will work. Try TWP 100 Series or Armstrong Clark.
We put down new redwood on our deck..them it rained…do we need to let it dry before we stain it?
Yes and prep as well.
have installed a brand new redwood fence. when to apply thompsons water seal?
If rough sawn cut you can stain now as long as it is dry. If smooth wood, you will need to wait and prep. 3-6 months. FYI, Thompsons is useless. Has no UV protection.
putting up redwood fence in southern california close to the beach. i want to keep the original color of the redwood i.e. as light as possible. protect it from weathering/changing color. prefer to be safe for the ecology. please advise of which products would be best. thank you ever so much.
Look at Defy Extreme in Natural Pine or Armstrong Clark in Natural Tone.
I just finished an outdoor storage box made of kiln-dried, s4s redwood. Do I still need to weather it? Would you suggest an oil-based, semi-transparent like the Armstrong? What colors are best to get a natural looking reddish tint without going overboard? Great website, thanks!
Being it is kiln dried we normally want decks to weather for about a month and lightly prepped with a deck cleaner and a wood brightener to remove the mill glaze. Your scenario is a little different. You could stain now but you should still remove the mill glaze of your wood is smooth. You can do that with a dek cleaner or 60-80 grit paper. The Ac would be a good choice. Maybe the Sierra Redwood or for a lighter tint, the Redwood Tone
I am applying redwood 2×6 decking to our new home on the Oregon coast Is it ok to put it down and then let it sit for a few months while waiting for warmer weather or should I delay until I can apply it in the dry time of year.. we will be getting plenty of rain this winter so I am concerned about stains prior to putting on the penetrating sealer. Thanks for all advice
Yes it is fine to install and wait to stain. Make sure to prep before staining with a deck cleaner and a wood brightener.
How cold is to cold to finish a deck
Depends on the brand. Below 50 is pushing it but can be done if applied well.
we been having very mild weather lately so yesterday, I put redwood stain on my deck not knowing that the temperature was going to drop drastically overnight. It's still wet in some areas, especially off the patio door. I was going to apply water sealer today, but as I said, I didn't know that the temperature was going to drop drastically. What can I do?
First of all, you cannot add a deck sealer over top of a deck stain. No need either. Just leave the stain alone alone and hope it dries correctly.
It's November 3rd, and I'm 4/5ths of the way done with my new redwood deck. I live in Denver and was thinking I should stain BEFORE the weather hits (it's been unreal warm here recently but I'm sure that will end in the next few weeks, tops). Is this the best thing to do? Should I wait until the spring or get it done now before the snow falls? Thanks!
Wait until Spring.
The Thompsons sealer I want to use says "weather for 15 to 30 days". If I wait until spring will that be too long? Whats the advantage of waiting vs staining in another 2 weeks (if possible)? Thx
You should not use Thompsons. Poor reviews on the site and numerous other websites. Still best to wait until next Spring and use a high-quality stain/sealer like TWP 100 Series.
Hi – we are currently installing a two tiered redwood deck – the top tier is about 8 feet above a patio area and the bottom tier is on dirt (both framed with PT douglas fir). With rain during the last week, there is a black "stain" coming off of the decks. Not an issue for the one on the dirt, but the top tier is leaving a black pattern on the patio below running the length of each board (and along a lower wall). We planned to install new stone on the patio and our contractor does not know what is causing the black, so recommends sealing it early next week after the rain has dried. From online review, it looks like it may be tannins coming out. As we enter rainy season, would you recommend sealing it now….or still waiting a few months? [Also, do you recommend a good way to clean the tannins (if that is what it is) if different than the above advice and do the tannins stop coming out ever?] Thanks!!
I have a new rewood deck and overhang next to a grey shingle house. It there a way to soften the redness but keep the grain so it doesnt look so atrong?
Maybe use a brown tinted semi-transparent stain to \”mute\” the redness?
I had 1/3 of my new redwood deck installed about 45 days ago but not stained yet since I needed more money and time to complete the other 2/3rds. Now that I completed it, the one side that was done 45 days ago got slightly faded or dried out by the sun and looks a lighter color now. Do I need to sand the faded one to match other one prior to staining entire deck? Or should I wait another 45 days to make the Newley side one fade to match other one?
Wait for it to weather and clean and brighten all for the prep at the same time.
My deck contractor told me to stain the deck as soon as possible, it's redwood, but every article and manufacturer's comments say to let it season, so why would he recommend I stain asap? I wanted another opinion before I start staining my brand new deck!
Follow the advice of the stain manufacturer that you are using, not your contractor.
I have real redwood panels on all interior walls and ceilings. It has aged and is very dark. Will a colored translucent work to add color and lighten it up or will I have to just paint it? Home depot said it is probably too dark for a translucent to show any effect.
No that will not work.
We have a 300 sq ft redwood deck in Utah and have tried numerous products that were told to us they were the best. (surface coat type). they have peeled from the heat but fine during winter. We are going to power wash this beautiful deck and start over. What do you suggest for snow, rain and high temp weather for staining???
Mae sure all old coatings are removed before applying a new coat. Use TWP 100 Series.
Do you seal the sides and bottoms becore installing green redwood decking? I understand drying out before staining but it isn't clear what to do with the other 4 sides.
No need to stain all sides of a deck board.
Should I stain first or build fence and then stain?
Stain then build. Lapped over portions of posts and fence boards have some protection since moisture will be trapped between the boards. If you have to make end cuts during build, stain then as you go along.
I am trying to match in color my old existing redwood conhart wood on my deck to the new conhart wood. Any suggestions? Thanks
See here for help: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-blend-new-and…
We had a redwood fence and planter boxes installed about 6 months ago. The wood has darkened and parks have mildew on it. Is there any way to get the original look back? We never sealed it. What sealant or stain should we use?
We live in San Francisco and it's been rainy here recently. How long should I wait after the rain to treat the wood? Thanks for for help in advance!
Prep with a good deck cleaner and wood brightener to restore color. Using a semi-transparent stain will help retain color. Try Armstrong clark or Defy Extreme. Let it dry for a few days after rain.
which is best, stain before sealant or seal first then stain
You do not need to do both. Deck stains act as sealers as well.
I live in San Francisco. I had my old deck replaced with kiln dried Redwood (Clear Aye S4S). Lumber salesperson suggested sealing immediately after installation with Penefin Ultra Premium Transparent clear penetrating oil. However, since the deck is not at all shaded I think I should use something that will provide more UV protection.
2 questions: What product would be recommended to keep the natural color of the wood?
How soon can I apply that product?
Thanks for all the helpful information!
Ron,
See this about your wood type: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-kdat-…
I made a shower stall with 2×6 inch redwood and I did not stain the wood. I used the stool while showering. I noticed shower pan is covered with dark brown stain next morning. I figured it came from the redwood stall. I soaked the stool in water over night and saw water is dark brown.
How do I get rid of the stain coming from the redwood?
You cannot stop this in your scenario. It would be best to switch wood type to an exotic hardwood like Ipe or Teak.
We are installing a new redwood deck. We had the boards delivered and then it rained while they say on the driveway. We covered them some, but some of the are quite heavier than others so I assume they retained a bit of moisture. I have them laid out in the garage now as it is supposed to rain again tonight and I am hoping to install next week. If it is in the 80s for a few days will it be ready to install?
Also, my dad who is a relatively seasoned wood worker tells me to stain the sides and bottoms of the boards before installing, but reading here makes me think we should install and then wait to rain for a few weeks. The wood will absorb water and doesn't feel like it has wax from the mill. Please help with advice on how to stain and seal. We have purchased a semi-transparent stain and clear sealer from Sherwin Williams (Super Deck I think) I just don know when and how to apply to best take care of the deck. It is mostly shaded, but we are supposed to have a wet winter coming soon. Thanks in advance.
Install, wait 1-3 months, prep to remove mill glaze, then stain. Always best to follow the directions of the stain brand you are suing as they are not all made the same.
What happens if you use a wood penetrating oil, such as Penofin, without the stain?
Penofin does not come in a true clear with no stain at all. If you do not have any stain then you will not have any UV protection.
My contractor just built us a redwood deck, problem is he "stained" it with a colored acrylic "stain." Needless to say it isn't what we wanted and defeats the whole purpose of using redwood. Is there any way to remove this acrylic without ruining the redwood?!
You will need to sand it off.
We have a 43 year old deck made of California Redwood. Because the framework and building had rot issues I had to rebuild 75% of the support structure so I had to remove all the Redwood deck boards. I have planed all the deck boards to remove the top layer of softness from decades of weathering. Now they are back to their original beautiful rich red color and I would like to preserve this color when I reinstall them.
In reading online and talking to paint department personnel I've heard that clear or transparent treatments have the worst durability and I'll be re-coating them in a couple of years. I've also read that you shouldn't use an oil-based treatment on Redwood because they aren't very mildew and mold resistant. The deck doesn't get a lot of sun exposure so this is a concern. Also, the deck boards have been stored inside for 2 years so they are nice and dry. Is there a product you can recommend that will meet both of my wishes – preserve the original Redwood color (or color it very slightly) and give me maximum durability? Thanks for your help!
Nothing will last more then 2-3 years on a deck surface. In addition, lighter colors/pigments will fade quicker then a darker color. For example a clear will last a few months before it grays. A transparent will last about 9-18 months. Semi-trans a little longer, etc. Many oil based stain will prevent mold by adding mildewcides. Some work better then others. Look at the TWP stains.
I'm building a planter box bench out of redwood 2×6's. I just got the lumber home from the mill. After jointing ,making all my cuts and drilling the kreg jig holes I want to give the wood a coat of stain before assembly. Is this a problem because the wood is so fresh? I understand I will need to put additional coats on in a few months as well. If it is OK to stain the wood be for assembly what steps should I take to prepaid the wood before I apply the stain? Additionally should I apply the stain with a cloth or a brush? Thank you so much for your help
Try the Defy Extreme stain for this. Just one coat now and prep with the Defy Wood cleaner first.
Brand new redwood deck, southern exposure full sun, northern California, wish to maintain beautiful deck color. How and what sealant to choose?
Use the Armstrong Clark stain. Weather for a couple of months then clean and brighten for the prep.
I used Thompson's water seal on a new redwood deck about 16 months ago. As we've found out, Thompson's isn't very high quality. We want to use a better sealant; do we need to strip the Thompson's after 16 months? Or is cleaning and resealing enough? Do you recommend any specific products or procedures?
You should remove it so the new coating will penetrate into the wood grain. Use the Restore A Deck stripper and pressure wash to remove. Apply their wood brightener to neutralize. Try Armstrong Clark stain in Sierra Redwood color.
Follow-up question: Is it worth the extra money to purchase con heart over con common to build a deck?
I believe it is just more of an aesthetic appearance for the difference. One type will not last longer then the other.
I am trying to find out if con common redwood can be stained with a semi solid stain to hide the sap wood and be made to appear similar to that of a stained con heart deck. Con heart is about 30-40% more expensive than common. Also if I let the con common deck age for 6-12 months will the sap wood start to darken and blend with the heartwood? Which stains would you recommend for this purpose? Thanks for your advice in advance.
You cannot hide anything with a semi-transparent or semi-solid. The differences will still show through. Look at the Armstrong Clark in the semi-solids.
We live in Northern California and finally finished our deck with new redwood just last weekend. My husband is anxious to get it stained before it gets too cold and wet. Also, it is pretty much in full sun from 11-4 in the afternoon and he thinks it will dry too fast and crack. Snow is not heavy here, but we can get a few inches 1-2 x each winter. Should we hold off or proceed with cleaning and staining within the next week? Thanks much!
I would hold off until Spring and clean and brighten for prep. The stain will work better this way.
I have a new redwood deck in the mountains of Colorado (think dry climate, cold winters, occasional rain showers on summer afternoons, not much mold). I want to retain (or enhance) the natural appearance of the redwood as much as possible. After reading a lot of online info and reviews, it seems to make sense to wait a couple of months, then clean the newly installed redwood before applying an oil based stain/preservative with minimal pigmentation. I expect to need to reapply the oil based product about yearly. Please confirm that I am on the right track….and most important, please suggest the best product to use for the cleaning and for the staining/preserving! Appreciate your help!
Yes you are on the right track with this. Prep with Restore A Deck Products and stain with the Armstrong Clark.
I am restaining a big redwood deck and was wondering if I should use some sort of stain controller before I apply the new stain.?
Stain controller? Not sure what you mean.
What did you do? I do not see that your question was answered. I too live in CO and I am wondering about waiting to have my new redwood deck stained after install or all wood prior to install.
Qustions was answered below.