When Should I Stain/Seal My New Deck?

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Wondering when you should stain and/or seal your new deck? Every website you check offers a different opinion. It also depends on the type of stain or sealant you choose, the type of wood you have and the climate you live in. So how can you possibly know what to do? Consult an experienced professional like Ed from E. Robinson Painting, Inc. Here are the basics:&#10;Pure stain (no sealant/varnish) colors the wood without sealing it. Because it does not prevent the movement of water out of the wood, it can be applied immediately after construction. The only issue that might crop up is uneven color or lighter color than expected if the wood is still wet. &#10;If you want to apply a sealer or varnish with or without a stain, make sure the wood is dry first. If you seal water inside, you may have problems with peeling or rotting later. Wood also needs to weather to allow its “mill finish” to wear off. If you make the mistake of sealing or staining this layer of dead wood, your hard work and money will flake off along with it as it weathers off into the wind. Instead, allow time for the mill finish to disappear, then apply your products to the “rich wood” surface that is left behind. &#10;Pressure-treated lumber needs 30 days to a few months to weather; look for it to start turning gray. Experts used to tell homeowners to let cedar weather for an entire year, but you may cut that significantly, depending on where you live. A windy, cold, dry climate will weather wood more quickly than a warm, wet one. &#10;A good test for any kind of wood is to spray it with water and see whether it beads up. If the water is easily absorbed into the wood, it’s ready to seal or stain. The truest test is to cut through a test piece of lumber to see whether it is dry inside.&#10;Ask Ed to take a look at your deck. He will tell you exactly the right time to stain and/or seal, help you achieve the look you prefer and recommend the products best suited for your wood and climate. &#10;&#10;

Katie powerwashing a deck

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