There are many questions as to when a newly installed deck should be stained. Some stain manufacturers suggest you should wait 3-12 months to let the wood dry while others say to stain the deck right away. The answer can be both just as long as you prep the new wood properly for an application of the stain.
We are going to explain both scenarios and the proper steps to take.
Let the New Deck Dry and Weather for 3-12 Months:
- Most common suggestion by manufacturer. New wood is suggested to dry since it has a high moisture content. This reduces the stains ability to penetrate.
- The wood will dry and turn gray from the exposure to the sun's ultra violet rays.
- After 3-12 months you would need to apply a wood cleaner to remove the gray wood cells. This can be done with scrubbing and or light pressure washing. After cleaning the deck you will need to neutralize the wood deck cleaner with a wood brightener.
- Let dry for 24-48 hours then apply your deck stain of choice.
Stain New Deck Right Away.
- Not the most common approach but can be done if you prep properly.
- 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. A heavily bodied wood stain will have a hard time penetrating into the new wood. Using a stain similar to The Sealer Store TimberOil will penetrate into the wood.
Do not over apply a wood deck stain/sealer to a new deck. Excessive stain will not soak into the wood causing the finish to dry on top of the wood. Many manufactures suggest only one coat on newly installed wood.
For deck staining instructions please read: How To Stain a Deck
If you have any about staining a brand new deck please ask below. All questions are typically answered within a day.
Comments (8)
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Year old deck
I built a deck a year ago and now that the weather is better it time to use it. I wanted to clean it and bring it back to the new. The deck is flanked by douglas fir and the needles pollen salt air and debris have really aged it. I wanted to stain the deck again but, since I stained the boards before laying them, would i have to buy a cleaner, stripper and brightener or would i just have to buy a cleaner and brightener and then re-stain. The deck is cedar and the stain that I used was penofin. Thanks for your reply
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April 15, 2012
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re: New Decking with Ink Logos
We sell mostly transparent and semi-transparent "penetrating" wood decking stains. You cannot apply a primer with these products. It would be best to clean the deck first to remove the blue ink logos and if needed lightly sand.
If looking for a dark red color you might want to look at the Armstrong Clark in Mahogany or Sequoia colors. Armstrong Clark
If looking for a dark red color you might want to look at the Armstrong Clark in Mahogany or Sequoia colors. Armstrong Clark
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March 12, 2012
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New Decking with Ink Logos
Hello,
I just purchased a new home with patio and wood decking. The home has been in the construction phase for about 6 months. I want to stain the wood a very dark redwood. My decking boards have factory blue logos stamped on the boards and several are showing on top of the deck floor. Most of the logos are under the floor. Will a dark stain cover the stamped logos or should I paint or apply primer first? I really do not want to do this every couple of years....so tell me paint vs stain applications. Thanks
I just purchased a new home with patio and wood decking. The home has been in the construction phase for about 6 months. I want to stain the wood a very dark redwood. My decking boards have factory blue logos stamped on the boards and several are showing on top of the deck floor. Most of the logos are under the floor. Will a dark stain cover the stamped logos or should I paint or apply primer first? I really do not want to do this every couple of years....so tell me paint vs stain applications. Thanks
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March 11, 2012
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re: Pressurized wood deck was built one month ago
It is cutting it close. New PTP is very wet wood and should dry for 1-2 months. If you decide to do a coat I would suggest 1 very light cost this year and then reapply another light coat in the Spring.
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October 13, 2011
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Pressurized wood deck was built one month ago. It rained during construction and for two weeks solid thereafter. Last 11 days have been sunny and dry. I'd like to stain before winter however water still beads up on wood. I plan on cleaning and brightening with Defy products. Staining horizontal surfaces with Defy Epoxy Fortified and rail pickets with Cabot Semisolid black. What do you think? Can it be done before winter or should I wait?
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October 12, 2011
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FYI, you do not need both a stripper and a cleaner. Just one or the other depending on what you are trying to do. Both should be neutralized with a wood brightener.