Table of Contents
I recommend staining as soon as the wood feels and looks dry and weather permits.” We completely agree. You don’t want to incur any chipping or pealing or cracking so staining within a 2-3 month period is best.
Should I stain new cedar deck?
Rot, premature aging, and warping can occur from the weather and elements when the boards aren’t sealed. Finishing off your newly-installed cedar deck with a sealant or wood stain will help to prolong the life, beauty, and appeal of the deck for years to come.
How long do you have to wait to stain a new deck?
Depending on the wood and drying conditions, you should usually wait 4 to 8 weeks after installation before staining a deck.
When Should I seal my new cedar 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.
How long should you wait to stain and seal a new deck?
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.
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.
Do I need to clean new deck before staining?
All wood needs to be well cleaned before staining, whether it’s a brand-new deck or an older deck that’s been out in the weather and needs to be re-stained. Brand-new lumber needs to be cleaned to remove ‘mill scale’,which is a crushing of the grain that takes place during the milling process.
How do I stain my new deck for the first time?
Stain New Deck Right Away. Apply a wood deck cleaner and thoroughly scrub and or pressure wash lightly. Neutralize with a wood brightener. These two steps will remove the mill glaze and “open” the wood pores. Apply a deck stain that is “thin” in viscosity.
Should I stain cedar deck boards before install?
As before, we recommend you do not stain new wood prior to installation. Instead, wait 3+ months after installation before staining new wood surfaces. This will allow the wood to weather, creating an ideal porous surface that will hold the stain better.
Should you stain or seal cedar?
Cedar offers a durable option for exterior and interior building projects with natural resistance to rot and decay, so a protective finish is optional. If you’re using cedar for an outdoor project, give it a light seal coat to guard against moisture and sunlight.
How long does cedar need to dry before using?
Leave the cedar logs in place for 18 months to cure. Mark and measure any cracks in the wood on the individual sections. Over time, the crack will widen slightly, and new cracks will form. Keep note of the width and depth of the cracks during the curing process.
Should I seal or stain my 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. The stain is available in transparent, semi-transparent, semi-opaque, and solid colors.
Can you stain a deck in the evening?
The best time to stain your deck is either the spring or the fall. Applying a deck stain in direct sun will cause the stain to dry to quickly and can result in premature stain failure. In the summer, stain your deck in the morning or evening so the deck surface isn’t too hot.
How often should I stain my deck?
Typically, homeowners should restain horizontal surfaces such as decks every two to three years. Poor deck upkeep will decrease the time you have to enjoy the deck before restaining it, while good deck upkeep may give you another year or two before you need to restain the deck.
Can you stain treated wood right away?
Kiln dried pressure-treated lumber: Dry treated wood is ideal because you can confidently stain it right away with either oil- or water-based exterior stains. To recognize it, look for a tag or stamp that says KDAT (kiln-dried after treatment) or ADAT (air-dried after treatment).
Can you use a roller to stain a deck?
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.
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 need to seal cedar deck?
Sealing your deck will keep it safe from water damage, rot, and insects. Stain, on the other hand, enhances the deck’s beauty while offering UV protection. Every two to three years, you will want to reseal and stain your cedar deck.
