When to Stain New Pressure Treated Wood

There are a huge amount of OPINIONS about staining new pressure treated wood. Some will tell you to not stain for 3-12 months which is completely wrong. New pressure treated wood needs to be protected from the elements and will quickly look bad if not treated. The key is to understand the stain, the wood, and the recommended moisture percentage. 

Staining New Pressure Treated Wood Video

Sprayer Doc Uses

Stain Used

→ Cabot Mission Brown from Lowes

• • Surface should be clean, porous and free of any previous finishes
  • sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface; if they are quickly absorbed then the surface is ready to prep
  • Let wood dry in the open air for 3-5 days
  • Always apply to a small test area and allow to dry
  • Cover nearby bushes and flowers
  • Apply when air and surface temperatures are between 50 ˚F and 90 ˚F

Myth Number 1 – Pressure treated wood needs to breathe for at least three months before it is stained

How many times have you heard this? It’s advice given all over the internet. The staff in Home Depot say it all the time. And it’s wrong. The truth is as soon as the wood is dry enough, it is ready to be stained. There is no waiting period for today’s pressure treated wood to let chemicals leach out. Waiting too long to stain and protect your deck means the wood loses more of its ability let the stain adhere. That means you will have more steps in prepping the deck for staining.