QA

Quick Answer: How To Stain A New Wood Deck

How do you prepare a new deck for staining?

PREP – Wait 4-8 weeks after new deck is built. Sweep away any leaves or other debris. WATER DROP TEST – Deck is ready when droplets are absorbed. STAIN – Apply even coat with wood grain. Work in with brush. Wait 4 hours between coats. Wait 24-48 hours before enjoying.

How long should you wait before staining a new deck?

Depending on the wood and drying conditions, you should usually wait 4 to 8 weeks after installation before staining a deck.

Can you stain a brand new deck?

Can you stain a new deck? Absolutely. You can stain a new deck immediately after installing your deck, but this is not the best time to do it and here’s why: the lumber is still too wet. The best time to stain a new deck is 3 to 12 months after installing it.

How do you seal and stain a new deck?

Step 1: Check the Weather. Step 2: Remove Furniture. Step 3: Sand the Deck. Step 4: Sweep the Debris. Step 5: Cover Your Plants and Siding. Step 6: Stir the Sealer or Stain. Step 7: Apply the Sealer or Stain. Step 8: Repeat Step 7 for the Entire Deck.

Do I need to power wash a new deck before staining?

If you’re staining a newly-installed deck, you probably don’t need to power wash it. You can also use a cleaning solution in the same way on an old or dirty deck that could be damaged by high-pressure spray, although you will need to scrub the deck with a stiff brush after letting the solution sit for a few minutes.

Do I need to sand my new deck before staining?

Once dry, these wood fibers can remain raised and may cause splinters. For this reason, light but thoroughly sanding your wood deck is a necessary step before staining or sealing. This crucial step will ensure that your refinishing job gives great results.

How many coats of stain do you put on a deck?

The general rule of thumb is to apply only as much deck stain as the wood can absorb. Typically this will be 2 coats, unless your dealing with extremely dense hardwoods which may only be able to absorb 1 coat of wood stain.

Do you seal a deck after staining?

Most of the time, stains also contain a protective sealant. It’s a good idea, though, to re-seal your deck (or check that it needs to be re-sealed) once a year. Water-based stains can adhere to water or oil-based coatings already present on the wooden surface.

What happens if you stain a deck too soon?

Staining too soon can lead to the stain not being absorbed by the wood and result in a patchy and failed upgrade for your deck. Make sure the wood has dropped all of the excess moisture before trying to apply stain. Test to make sure that water is absorbed by the wood which ensures this drying process is done.

Is it better to seal or stain a deck?

Sealing a deck is best for cedar, teak, mahogany, or other quality woods as it enhances the wood grain and natural color. Staining a deck protects the wood from mold, mildew, moisture, and rot, and UV rays and sun damage.

What do you put in a brand new deck?

The 3 Best Deck Stains For New Decks Armstrong Clark Wood Stains. Used for new wood and decks such as Pressure Treated Pine, Cedar, Fir, IPE, and other Exotic Hardwoods. Restore-A-Deck Wood Stains. Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain can be applied to dry or damp wood. TWP 100 Pro Series. TWP 100 Series is only allowed in 35 States.

Should I seal a brand new deck?

DO wait 30 days before sealing a new deck. If it beads up, the wood is still too wet to seal, but if the water is absorbed, it’s ready to seal. Be sure to apply sealant as soon as the wood is ready; leaving the deck exposed any longer increases the likelihood of both ultraviolet (UV) and moisture damage.

Do I need to prime my deck before staining?

Priming the Deck As with any painting job, it is also very important to prime the surface before applying paint or stain. Your deck boards need to be properly primed because they are constantly exposed to varying temperatures, moisture, humidity, and lots of foot traffic.

What happens if you don’t clean deck before staining?

Before you apply stain, make sure the surface is clean (no dust, dirt, wood fibers or grease), dry and free from mildew. When a surface is not clean, stains and other finishes have trouble sticking and may end up peeling.

What happens if you don’t sand before staining?

You need a smooth surface with no blemishes because stain will highlight scratches and dings in the wood. Always sand down to clean wood (if you have enough meat left of the wood) before applying any stain. Too fine and the wood won’t be able to accept the stain.

Can you apply deck stain with a roller?

You should use a roller brush or sprayer to apply a steady coat of quality stain, such as Olympic Elite stains or Olympic MAXIMUM stains. PRO TIP: Back brushing your stain will help the stain soak into your deck boards, allowing better, long-lasting results.