Can you wait too long to stain a new deck?

It is important to wait for the wood to dry before sealing a new deck, but at the same time, you don't want to wait too long. Drying can take several months. We recommend beginning to test the wood around 90 days after your project is completed, but this is just a general suggestion.

How long can a deck sit before staining?

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

What happens if you wait too long to stain a deck?

However, choosing not to stain or paint the deck is simply a preference of the homeowner. The effects that can occur due to a lack of treatment are aesthetic in nature. After 6 months, the wood will start to lose its color and will begin to fade.

Can I wait a year to stain my deck?

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 the application of the stain.

Can I apply a second coat of deck stain a week later?

Don't allow the product to dry out between coats. this is especially true with waterborne products. Most stains will have some type of waxes or paraffins in them, which work to help them repel water.

How long should i wait to stain a new deck by TLC Pressure Washing

Does a new deck need 2 coats of stain?

We always recommend two coats of stain for any wood project, but you should only apply as much stain as the wood can absorb. Extremely dense hardwoods may only be able to absorb one coat of wood stain. The general rule of thumb is to apply only as much as the wood can absorb.

Is it better to stain a deck in the morning or evening?

Don't apply your deck stain in the direct sun; choose morning or evening hours, or a time of day when your deck has shade. Morning application can be a safer choice to help avoid any contact with dew that sets in overnight. Don't apply more stain than the wood can absorb.

Can I stain my deck after 2 years?

As a general rule, your deck should be stained every 2-3 years. This can change, however, if you are in an area of high-humidity or especially volatile weather. The signs to look for when determining if you need deck staining are: The stain color of the wood is wearing off.

Should you stain your deck the first year?

If your deck was made with new, smooth wood, you'll need to wait at least three months before staining your deck. Rough-sawn wood can be stained right away, as long as it is clean and the wood is dry.

How do I know if my deck is dry enough to stain?

Another way of checking if your wood is ready for stain is to pour a little water on the wood. If the water beads up, the lumber still too wet to be stained or painted. If the water is absorbed into the wood easily, it's ready to be sealed or stained.

Can I apply a second coat of deck stain the next day?

When applying the second coat of stain on the deck, wait 4 hours between applications. Depending on temperature and humidity, allow 24-48 hours of dry time before using your beautifully restored deck or porch.

How long should you let pressure treated wood dry before staining?

Allow the wood to dry 24 hours before applying stain.

Can you wait too long to stain pressure treated wood?

Pressure-treated wood has been through a process that applies preservatives into the wood, making the wood wet. It is important to wait for the wood to dry before sealing a new deck, but at the same time, you don't want to wait too long. Drying can take several months.

What happens if it rains a few hours after staining deck?

If it rains within 48 hours of applying a treatment, the water will soak into the wood, and try and displace the stain. This can cause a blotchy, flaky look, rather than a smooth, even, coat. If it rains immediately after you've stained the wood, the stain will peel and flake off.

Can I stain a new pressure treated deck?

Not only can you stain treated wood, painting and staining pressure-treated wood is actually good for your new deck. Although the treated wood doesn't need to be protected against rot, staining it will help reduce surface cracking.

Can I stain my deck 24 hours after rain?

Remember, no rain 24 hours before you apply stain and no rain 24 hours after the staining project. Assuming the deck is dry and thirsty for stain, it's time to make your deck amazing. When applying stain, a pad, brush, roller, or rag can be used to apply the stain.

What happens if you don't stain new deck?

Your Deck Will Lose its Luster

Over time, the sun's rays will dull and fade the finish. When this happens, a fresh coat of stain can quickly restore your deck's beauty. If you decide to leave your deck alone instead, expect the loss of color and shine to progress until your deck takes on a gray-ish, green-ish hue.

What month is best to stain a deck?

Because you want to wait for days that aren't excessively hot or humid, the best times to apply deck stains are in the late spring and early fall, when the weather is moderately warm and dry.

When should you first stain a new deck?

How long can you wait to stain a deck after power washing?

The short answer is 48 hours. You should wait at least two days after pressure washing your deck before you consider staining it, to give time for it to dry.

Why is my deck stain peeling after one year?

Deck stains will generally peel for two basic reasons: over application and poor adhesion. This is simple — too much stain on the surface of the wood. With deck stains, specifically with semi-transparent finishes, more is not better. You only want to apply as much product as the wood can easily absorb.

Is it too late to seal my deck?

Usually, late summer and early fall are the best times for deck restoration and sealing. However, if your area experiences typically drier springtime weather or summertime temps that don't get too hot, you can likely schedule deck sealing anytime between early April and late October.

What is the best outdoor temperature to stain a deck?

The ideal temperature range for application is between 50 and 80 degrees. And, it is important to choose a day when no rain is expected for 24 hours.

What weather is best to stain a deck?

Apply stain to dry wood when it hasn't rained for several days and the forecast calls for at least two days of dry weather between 50° F and 90° F. Low to average humidity promotes faster drying. Staining in direct sunlight can also be a problem. The stain will dry too fast before the wood is able to absorb it.

Is it better to brush or roll stain on a deck?

The first and most obvious reason to roll on deck stain as opposed to brushing it on is that the former allows you to cover a much larger surface area in less time. Rollers are wider, more efficient, and easier to operate. Additionally, using a roller helps you achieve a smoother finish.