However here in massachusetts it all depends on what season your deck is being constructed in.
When should i stain my new pressure treated deck.
The best time to stain a new deck is 3 to 12 months after installing it.
If you re unfamiliar with pressure treated lumber here s some information that will help determine how long it will take it to dry so you can stain your new fence.
Pressure treated wood is ready to stain when it is no longer retaining the excess moisture from the treatment process.
When looking for the best stain on new pressure treated decks choose a formula that is designed to penetrate the dense surface such as armstrong clark stains.
I would wait 30 60 days before i would treat your deck with stain.
The chemicals used to treat the wood leave moisture behind and depending on the climate it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months until it s dry enough to seal.
A newly built deck that uses pressurized wood will need time to dry completely before a sealer can be applied.
It has already been prepared and all the moisture has been removed.
On average you ll want to wait 4 weeks to 6 months to wait before staining the posts.
When you buy treated lumber at the store you ll notice that your hands get damp after loading it all into the back of your truck or trailer.
There are many questions as to when a newly installed deck should be stained.
Pressure treated wood that contains a water repellant will not absorb a water based stain as well as an oil based exterior stain.
To determine if pressure treated wood is dry enough to stain try the sprinkle test.
Some stain manufacturers suggest you should wait 3 12 months to let the wood dry while others say to stain the deck right away.
If you live in a hot sunny state like arizona give it a few weeks and it will more than likely be dry.
If you have bought premium pressure treated lumber it can be stained as soon as you get it.
Sprinkle water on the wood.
In the spring and summer months here in ma.
The answer can be both just as long as you prep the new wood properly for an application of the stain.
New pressure treated wood needs to dry after construction before it can be stained or sealed.