can i wait a year to stain my new deck first time?

Question

we just built a pressure treated deck this year, it's too late to stain because the leaves are falling on it constantly now, i'm worried that if i wait until next year to stain with semi transparent stain, it will not look good on grey wood (i guess it will turn grey over the winter) any advice?

Answer 1

Pressure treated will be fine until next spring. But I would do the staining and sealing late in the spring when the overnight temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Hello,
A new pressure treated deck cannot be stained anyway for 6-12 months as the chemicals need time to leach out of the wood. After one year, you can power wash the deck with a medium power pressure washer and a product like Flood dekswood, deck brightener or similar. After the deck has completely dried, 24-48 hours, you can use any clear deck oil finish or a semi transparent stain. For a non-professional, clear finishes are the easiest to apply as getting the product on evenly is not as critical and they will produce a nice honey-gold color. If you must use a color semi-transparent stain, protect the deck surface and do the rails, pickets and lower rail first. Then apply to deck floor surface 3 or 4 planks at a time going the entire length of the plank. Do not allow stain to get on an already finished area as semi transparents will cause darker lap marks that you dont want. Pick a relatively cool , overcast day as it will make application easier and give you more wet edge time.

Answer 4

You should wait a 6 months to a year before staining. The reason for this is so the wood has a chance to cure or dry. Staining or painting to soon will not allow the drying as the stain or paint will seal in the moisture. Before you stain give it a light sanding. New wood, whether treated or untreated has mill glaze. Mill glaze is created when the wood goes through a plainer or cutter and bonds the wood fibers together creating a coating that stain does not penetrate. When you stain make sure you purchase a stain specifically made for decks made from treated wood and that it has a UV protectant. Sikkens Rubbol Dek or Sansin PTL (Pressure Treated Lumber) are two of the best deck finishes you can buy. Always follow the manufacturers instructions for application as not to create issues with bonding due to the sun and moisture.

Answer 5

Best to wait for the extractives to weather from the surface. There is no wood that wont turn gray over time. There are several good stains available now that have built in UV protectors because the sun is very harsh on all wood. I have had good success with a product from Cabot stain company that has really good resistance to foot traffic. This is a higher end stain not found at depot or Lowes. You will have to go to a real paint store.

Answer 6

I hope I didn't offend you by stating I never stain decks,,,it just adds to maintenance a homeowner will have,,,, No matter,,,OK here is my tip.

Again,,,not knowing where you live,,, wait for a dry day, treat the deck with Thompsons water seal, or some comparable product, then wait till spring to do your staining.

Your email is unconfirmed,,, so I'm answering your e mail here.

Rev. Steven

Answer 7

For the previous advisor. Lowes does carry Cabots. Check with a local deck contractor to determine the best protection for your deck. The level of sun, sea, and wind and the decks usage level will determine the best product to use.

Answer 8

I think you are supposed to wait a year before staining anyway. It should not get that grey. If it does, you can powerwash it.

Answer 9

It will be best to wait until next year, the treated lumber needs time to dry out before treating other wise you are sealing in the moisture, it won't turn grey over the winter. Wait until next spring or summer when the weather is dry, and the wood is dry.

Answer 10

Yes you can wait. The deck wood needs time to dry anyway.