What temperature should it be 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 temperature is too cold to stain a deck?

Avoid the Cold

If you're staining your deck in the spring or fall, wait for a day with highs above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, make sure freezing temperatures aren't in the forecast for that night. If it drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit before the stain has thoroughly dried, it can hinder the curing process.

What is the best month 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.

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.

What temperature is too cold to stain wood outside?

Most stains can be applied from about 50° F to 90° F — but many people don't realize this range refers to the temperature of the wood surface, not the air. A day that's 70°F and sunny can push deck surface temperatures above 90°F leading to application challenges and shortened open times.

Ideal Conditions to Stain Your Deck

What happens if you stain wood below 50 degrees?

Temperature and humidity can have major effects on how your stain dries. If it's too wet or cold, the drying time for stains can easily double. In extreme cases, the product will just stay wet until the humidity decreases or the temperature rises.

Can you stain a deck in the fall?

Fall is the perfect time to take on the task of staining your deck. Not only will you not roast in the sweltering summer temperatures, but the cooler fall weather is ideal for staining. Most deck stains recommend that they be used when outdoor temperatures are above 50 and below 90.

When should you not stain a deck?

You want to apply the stain when the wood surface and air are in the temperature range of 50° – 90°F. You also want to avoid the direct application of sunlight. Lastly, do not apply a stain if there is a forecast of rain in the following one to two days, or all your hard work could end up being washed away.

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.

What if it rains after I stain my 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.

Is it better to spray or roll deck stain?

In fact, starting your staining process via spraying is often the way to go, as long as you implement the proper technique. Spraying your waterproof deck stain from the get-go allows you to cover even more area than rolling does and also reach those tighter spaces.

How long should you not walk on a deck after staining?

In most cases a full body stain or acrylic deck finish will be dry to touch within an hour in dry, hot weather. After two hours you could take a chance and walk on it with shoes, though I'd recommend barefoot. After about 4 hours you should be able to safely walk on your deck.

Should you spray or roll deck stain?

If you have a covered deck, try using the roller to reach those high spaces. For your wide surfaces, like the main surface of the deck, consider using the sprayer. This will allow you to make sure that your whole deck is covered with the paint or stain of your choosing.

Is 40 degrees too cold to stain wood?

“Staining wood usually works between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit,” says Phillip Ash, the founder of Pro Paint Corner, “but the best temperature would be at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.” Some brands or types of stains may work outside that range, but it's the generally accepted best temperature for staining wood.

How long does it take for deck stain to dry?

Depending on temperature and humidity, allow 24-48 hours of dry time before using your beautifully restored deck or porch.

Is 24 hours enough time for a deck to dry before staining?

A basic rule of thumb for DIY deck builders, homeowners, and professional contractors is that roughly 48 hours is an adequate drying time for a newly washed deck.

What if it rains 3 hours after I stain my 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.

Should you wet your deck before staining?

The wood must be clean, dry and free of contaminants. If you try to apply stain or sealer over damp or dirty wood, then there won't be proper adhesion. Make sure there is no mildew as well. To achieve this, use a wood cleaner and thoroughly wash your deck.

How long should you let your deck stain without rain?

First, ensure the deck is completely dry. 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.

Is it OK to pressure wash a deck before staining?

Taking your time is key to power washing a deck successfully. Now that the wood has been cleaned and stripped of grime, you can sand it and apply your stain of choice. Power washing a deck before staining will allow the wood to absorb the stain better and deeper.

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

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.

Can you wash and stain a deck in the same day?

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

Can I stain my deck in one day?

Most can be stained in one weekend, plus a few days of dry time. Plan to stain your deck when the weather is dry, and the temperature is between 50 and 90°F. The stain needs time to be absorbed into the wood before it dries thoroughly, so avoid staining your deck in direct sunlight.

Can you walk on a stained deck the next day?

Keep off Newly Painted or Stained Deck

In average conditions, your paint or stain will be dry to the touch within 1-2 hours, but you should not walk on it for probably 4-6 hours. In cooler weather or during periods of high humidity, you will need to wait even longer than this.

Can you stain a deck in 55 degree weather?

Temperature. 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.