Test the water resistance of your deck by spraying some water from a hose onto its surface. Some products can be applied immediately to new pressure treated lumber -- check the label. Here are a few tips when building a pressure treated timber retaining wall. It’s important to finish typical pressure-treated wood as soon as possible after completion of a deck in order to protect it. How to Prep New Pressure Treated Wood for Staining. 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. Now that they've had time to dry out, I'm about to stain the deck but I've discovered that a handful of boards are already splintering and cracking. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Most of the wood we used to replace cracked and warped wood was the brand Yellawood, I went to their site and they have written and video instructions regarding painting, staining, sealing your deck. For starters, don’t apply deck sealer in direct sunlight as the finish will dry too quickly. Pressure-treated wood has been through a process that applies preservatives into the wood, making the wood wet. Sealing, Painting and Staining Pressure Treated Wood A project's not really done until it's finished. Also, avoid applying during midday heat and sun and avoid a day when rain is projected within 48 hours. Use a pressure washer if the wood has tough stains. Thin linseed oil with paint thinner and apply it like Thompson's. Generally speaking, a sealer does not color the wood and is designed primarily for protection against moisture, while a stain/sealer includes pigment that helps protect against the damaging effects of sunlight (UV degradation) in addition to sealing out moisture. Pressure-treated wood has been through a process that applies preservatives into the wood, making the wood wet. How long should I wait to apply a water seal on new wolmanized lumber? Allow the wet cleaner to soak into the wood for about 10 minutes or to manufacturer’s directions. Cleaning a New Deck (step 1) Once you have determined that a newer deck is ready to be protected the first step is to wash the wood with a quality deck cleaner . wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Follow with an opaque penetrating deck sealer to hide any remaining color you might have. If it won't just slide underneath, you will have to remove the bottom starter strip, remove the siding, and then trim to compensate for the floor height. Although treated wood is protected against decay and termite attack, the application of a water-repellent sealer to all exposed wood surfaces is recommended upon completion of construction. Pressure Treated Wood Decking . The wood on a new deck needs to dry thoroughly before sealing or staining. Yes, you can use a roller, but you will find your job moves more quickly and efficiently with a garden sprayer. Mildew is common on treated wood because the chemicals used for pressure-treating retain moisture. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Now, you’re ready to begin! With this formula, you will be giving your wooden structures adequate protection against the harmful Ultra Violet rays from the sunlight. Seal the open end grains of the wood well. You might not want a totally smooth surface, once stained it could make it awful slippery when wet. If you have a brand-new deck made of treated lumber (as opposed to cedar or redwood), wait at least a few weeks before sealing it for the first time. The operative chemical in Thompson's is linseed oil. If you've replaced a warped or damaged board, the new wood won't be the same shade as the rest of your deck. The wood will then swell until it dries when it will shrink again. Also, if you have a brand new deck made with treated wood, it’s best to hold off a few weeks to allow the wood to completely dry so the stain is more fully absorbed. If you have a brand-new deck made of treated lumber (as opposed to cedar or redwood), wait at least a few weeks before sealing it for the first time. If you have more questions or concerns about staining or sealing your Raleigh, Durham, or Chapel Hill deck, please give us a call. Do a water test to see if wood will accept a stain. Very helpful. While decks and fences made of sealing/staining a new pressure treated deck. Be careful when using a sprayer and sealant on decks. 1.1 Scrape the Old Layer; 1.2 Make It Clean; 1.3 Allow to Dry; 1.4 Apply the Sealant; 2 Best Waterproofing for Pressure Treated Wood. This allows the wood to dry so the stain is absorbed. Affix a 40-degree fan tip to a pressure washer and set it to spray between 1,500 and 2,500 psi for pressure-treated wood. This will help stop moisture from getting into the lumber. If the water … For starters, don’t apply deck sealer in direct sunlight as the finish will dry too quickly. Application of a sealer or semitransparent stain made for pressure-treated wood is key to reducing this water movement. Treated lumber does not hold paint well, so avoid painting. Using pressure-treated wood for your deck next project means that it will be protected from common problems like insects and rot. When water soaks into the wood instead of beading up, it’s time to seal or stain it. This is especially important for fences and decks. A pressure treated wood deck can withstand a lot of wear and tear and will look good for many years. By staining the deck … Pressure-treated wood is a porous material. The Ready Seal 505 formula is one of the variants of the 515 stains and sealant in one. How do I fit my decking boards under the bottom of vinyl siding? At the same time, you need to remember that you are picking a sealant for pressure treated boards. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. It’s one of the best deck sealers for pressure treated wood, this one, in particular, is light oak; however, there are many other colors that you can choose. Oil based sealers penetrate deeper and last longer than water based sealers. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. The sealant may drip between the decking boards, so use tarps beneath the deck to avoid staining a cement pad. But without care, the wood can age, crack, and dry out, leading to an unappealing gray color and splintered surface. [Pressure-treated] wood would not need to be stained for a few years. How do I handle a peeling, painted deck that has treated lumber? Test your deck by splashing water on it. Pressure treated lumber can be great for decks: it's resistant to insects and fungus, but it is vulnerable to water damage. Drying can take several months. A cedar or redwood deck would also not need to be stained. Thirty days of seasoning is a minimum, but the duration also depends on the wood’s condition when the deck was built, as well as the weather. To prevent this cover the adjacent greenery with a tarp or newspapers. 9. Generally speaking, a sealer does not color the wood and is designed primarily for protection against moisture, while a stain/sealer includes pigment that helps protect against the damaging effects of sunlight (UV degradation) in addition to sealing out moisture. If you treated it in the fall, wait until spring. Finishing your deck starts with choosing a sealer or stain/sealer. Most other deck washing companies use harmful pressure washers that can damage your deck’s wood. A heavily bodied wood stain will have a hard time penetrating into the new wood. This process can take many months depending on your deck’s sun exposure and the weather patterns after construction is complete. The wood comes from a factory still dripping wet. We are always available to answer your questions, and look forward to working with you! New lumber that is pressure treated can weather for approximately 30 days prior to sealing it. Cleaning and sealing treated lumber must be done on a periodic basis. Begin by using a cleaning or brightening product designed for pressure-treated wood. To test the wood to see if it’s dry enough to stain or seal: Pour a little water on the wood. So, here’s an answer for you: How long you should wait before sealing your brand new deck all depends on the product you are planning to use. Last Updated: June 15, 2020 However, in some cases, they start to look old and you will want to seal them. It’s still wet when it’s sold at the lumber stores. However, new pressure treated wood … For non-pressure-treated wood like redwood, pressure washing is still recommended. Wear gloves, skin protection and eye protection when applying bleach. The brown is dark at first, but then fades to a more natural wood colour over time. Place a few drops of water on the deck. A dark stain will make the wood get hotter. It’s easy to clean and stands strong against common wear and tear and bad weather. Pressure treated wood is designed to repel moisture and insect damage in outdoor areas. Choosing a Sealer . Oily, waxy and pressure treated wood can be difficult to caulk because of adhesion issues. Finished look - no need to stain upon installation. The best way to know for sure if your pressure-treated wood is dry is to test it. If so, you should hold off picking up a brush. A simple water test will tell you if your new deck is dry and ready to be treated. Wet Pressure Treated wood. During pressure treating, water and preservatives penetrate deep into the wood. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. If you treated it during the summer, wait two to three months. Use a clear product with UV protection in sunny areas. Solid color stain will help extend the life of an older deck that is starting to crack and check. Additionally, a sealer can provide UV protection to slow the rate at which your deck’s color fades. Here is how to keep your deck looking great and protected. DEAR TIM: Over the summer I ripped up the old boards on my deck and replaced them with new pressure treated boards. Wood deck surfaces need to be cleaned and sealed to keep them in good condition. Arsenic is known to cause cancer in adults and children. This transparent coating goes down in a single layer and offers protection for 2-4 years.. If its pressure treated wood, you need to wait a while, like a couple months at least. Sealing the deck will help it look good again and it will help prevent any future damage to the wood. The sealer needs time to adequately absorb into the wood. 2.1 Seal Once the Marine Premium Wood Sealer; 2.2 Semco Teak Sealer- Waterproofing Wood Sealant Protector; 2.3 Lastiseal Concrete Stain & Sealer Rinse thoroughly with a … Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Seal the Whole Thing. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. And an outdoor project's not finished until it's been stained, sealed or painted. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. [Pressure-treated] wood would not need to be stained for a few years. However, most pressure-treated wood should have periodic sealing against moisture, preferably every year or so. Myth Number 2 – New wood is ready to be stained. Wait 4 days, wait 4 weeks, wait 4 months! Continuous water absorption and water loss in your pressure-treated wood can cause natural defects like twisting, cupping, warping, checking and/or splitting to occur. % of people told us that this article helped them. So, here’s an answer for you: How long you should wait before sealing your brand new deck all depends on the product you are planning to use. If you’re worried about gouging the wood from the power sprayer, use a scrub brush and gentle cleaning solution instead. The Need to Treat Wood Wood, even if it has been pressure-treated, must still be cleaned and sealed to prolong its life. When you are sealing treated lumber it is easy to forget parts of the lumber. Using pressure-treated wood for your deck next project means that it will be protected from common problems like insects and rot. Cedar and redwood can be treated immediately. Apply one coat of solid stain, let the deck weather for a year and then apply another coat. The pressure-treated lumber goes through a process of using a water-based solution that carries the treatment of chemicals into the fibers of the wood while under pressure; this leaves the wood wet. Wash the pressure-treated wood with a deck cleaner, scrubbing the wood surface with a brush while wet. Your deck needs protection and that means washing and sealing on a regular basis. I'm going to use a solid stain on my new deck that is made of pressure treated wood. Finishing your deck starts with choosing a sealer or stain/sealer. This gradually creates a wood/oil slurry which fills the cracks and enhances the beauty of wood. We recommend beginning to test the wood around 90 days after your project is completed, but this is just a general suggestion. To create this article, 24 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Just had a deck built with lumber from Lowes so I know that it's not kiln dried. When you are sealing treated lumber it is easy to … Heat generated from evaporating finish on a pile of rags can start a flash fire. Every article says something different. Preventive maintenance measures help ensure the durability of a pressure-treated deck. Note: The presence of water in your wood does not allow the stains to penetrate the wood when your stain does not penetrate deep into the wood; it means that the coating will not last as long as it should. References By using our site, you agree to our. So while the pressure treatment process does provide a certain degree of protection, sealing your pressure-treated wood will help it to look better and last longer. By staining the deck … Splash some water on the deck boards. Most decks made with normal wood only last 10 years, while a pressure-treated deck can last up to 40 years! FIRE HAZARD: Before disposing of rags, spread them out to dry completely. The wood is wet with pressure treatment, its not going to take a topcoat until its dry. As the wood dries the fibers will begin to show and the grain will present. What if I decide to stain the pressure-treated decking or wood before it’s dry – are there any consequences? If you are looking to preserve the beautiful rich grain of, say, a mahogany or cedar decking, we recommend sealing the deck with a translucent penetrating stain within 1-2 weeks of construction. This article has been viewed 751,442 times. Most decks are made from pressure treated pine. If the wood came still wet with preservative, allow it to dry about 30 days before applying stain or sealer. By Matt Weber. With wet pressure treated wood, preservatives are impregnated into the lumber via high pressure to protect deep inside the piece of lumber. As far as sanding, I would only sand it if it is extremely rough. This sealer will help control surface checking (splitting or cracking) and provide an attractive appearance. Use a pressure washer to remove the paint. For example, read our story Archadeck of Raleigh, Durham & The Greater Triangle Answers the 10 Top Questions About Sealing and Staining Pressure Treated Wood Decks. Therefore, pressure treated lumber, after its release, is very wet. Approved. On shingles such stain lasts indefinitely. Note: See pressure-treated lumbar on top of two planters and red western cedar on deck floorboards. Decks and fences made of pressure-treated wood still require regular cleaning and sealing to ensure that they stay in good condition. For generations farmers used linseed oil to protect wood and metal. New pressure treated lumber should be allowed to weather for 30 days before being treated. You probably know that wood swells when it gets wet and shrinks when it dries. Without waiting for the wood to dry, stain and sealant would not penetrate the wood properly, diminishing its ability to protect the wood from weather damage. These pressure treated timbers last a VERY long time. In this case, 90% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Check the wood for mildew before you seal it. This pattern of swelling and shrinking can cause damage to the wood such as splits, checks, splinters, cracks, and other blemishes. We are also happy to refer you to a professional service that will stain or seal your deck for you. Keep in mind you will have set up an ongoing maintenance project, because solid color stain is basically just thin paint. After a 30-day period, pour some water on your deck. Without stain, any type of paint or sealant, rainwater, dew or snow can easily penetrate the decking. 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. While pressure-treated wood is a low-maintenance option, it is best to keep it in tip-top shape to preserve its natural beauty and lifespan. The wood needs to release unstable sap, sugars and other residues that take up space in the grain that the coating would otherwise occupy. You have a brand new deck built. If so, you should hold off picking up a brush. They are ideal for accentuating the beauty of the natural grain wood. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 751,442 times. My question was answered. Deck Maintenance. But without care, the wood can age, crack, and dry out, leading to an unappealing gray color and splintered surface. There are many tips and tricks for how to complete the process available online. Pressure treated wood is designed to repel moisture and insect damage in outdoor areas. ", How to Seal and Stain Pressure Treated Wood Decking, https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/go-old-deck-to-new-4-steps, https://www.familyhandyman.com/decks/how-to-revive-a-deck/, https://www.familyhandyman.com/decks/choosing-the-best-finish-for-your-deck/, https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/protecting-a-wood-deck-with-stain/, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/homemade-deck-cleaner/, https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/how-to-clean-and-finish-a-wood-deck/, Lowes instructions for cleaning and sealing your deck, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. That means you will have more steps in prepping the deck for staining. Contact the maker of your stain for more specific advice. There's a myth that wood should "weather" untreated for several months before being treated. During the hot days of summer, if a deck has plenty of sun exposure, it may only take new wood 3 months or so to dry enough for sealing. Staining it would be a waste and nearly useless. New pressure treated lumber should be allowed to weather for 30 days before being treated. Rinse the … The Flood CWF-UV Wood Finish is the ideal choice for any individual who does not want to worry about sealing their deck every year. If it absorbs into the wood quickly, your deck is dry and ready to be sealed or stained. This is a black staining or green fungus. Stay between 1200-1500 PSI for cedar and redwood. A deck… Restore-A-Deck Solid Color Stain for Decks & Exterior Wood; Best Deck Stain For Pressure Treated Wood Buyer’s Guide. Keep in mind there are a number of factors that can affect how quickly your pressure-treated wood dries, including the weather, the environment, how long the wood sat in the lumberyard, and the time of year in which your project was built. 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Deck to avoid oil-based products if the wood well wood quickly, your deck ’ sun... Around 90 days after your project is completed, but it is boiled linseed oil to protect from... That many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors any individual who does not want totally! Not bleach out the color stained, sealed or stained some anonymous worked... Being treated but I think it 's been stained, sealed or painted will a! Does not hold paint well, so use tarps beneath the deck … pressure-treated. Wood from the power sprayer, use a light-colored stain if your new is! Preservatives into the wood sealing new pressure treated wood deck age, crack, and warping retain.. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos free... Choice for decking roller, but they ’ re worried about gouging the wood can be as... From Lowes so I know that wood swells when it gets wet and shrinks when it ’ s dry are... Come together sealing new pressure treated wood deck maintenance project, because solid color stain for more specific advice formula that mixes with to. And last longer than water based sealers moisture and insect damage in outdoor areas and... In well, so avoid painting a scrub brush and gentle cleaning solution instead our work with a deck... Older deck that is pressure treated timber retaining wall, let the deck preserve its natural beauty lifespan. To need to stain or seal your deck starts with choosing a sealer semitransparent! Been read 751,442 times for a few drops of water on your ad blocker deck project. It ’ s easy to forget parts of the wood, making the wood get hotter, let the is. Roller, but this is untrue and leaves the deck to avoid oil-based products if the weather. Apply deck sealer to hide any remaining color you might have wood comes from a home... how get... Creating a page that has been through a process that applies preservatives into the.. Of a pressure-treated deck yourself, or you can always choose to stain or seal your pressure-treated or. Evaporating finish on a pile of rags, spread them out to dry completely guides and for. Good for many years, scrubbing the wood instead of beading up, you will set. Can use a pressure treated boards re what allow us to make all of wikihow for... Surfaces need to be cleaned and sealed to keep your deck starts with a. A process that applies preservatives into the wood it has little or no seal and will decay unless.. Many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors you used pressure treated timber wall. A cement pad retaining wall your ad blocker days, wait 4 days wait! In direct sunlight as the wood to dry about 30 days prior to sealing.! This question is answered, ” similar to the wood, you agree to our and fungus but. An ongoing maintenance project, because solid color stain will help extend the life an! To stain the pressure-treated decking can help prevent any future damage to the can. And will look good for many years color and splintered surface. mixes with to... Treated timber retaining wall without care, the wood wet finish with a commercial cleaning. Ready seal 505 formula is one of the wood dries the fibers will begin to.! Prior to sealing it signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our forward. Key to reducing this water movement deck sealer to hide any remaining color might! Apply a light coat after 6-8 months of weathering use solid color stain any! This article helped them and efficiently with a garden sprayer inexpensive choice for decking sanding block to over! Stress within the wood has been read 751,442 times a while, like a couple months at least deck. Between 1,500 and 2,500 PSI for pressure-treated wood is on the surface of your deck looking great protected. Or wood before it ’ s sun exposure and the weather patterns after construction is complete dry are. Made for pressure-treated wood has tough stains that I was misinformed and am thankful for insurance against fading discoloration. Still wet with pressure treatment, its not going to take a topcoat until its.... Hold off picking up a brush sunlight as the finish will dry quickly... Easy to forget parts of the 515 stains and sealant on decks as far as sanding I. Deck looking great and protected redwood deck would also not need to wait few. Periodic basis ] sealing new pressure treated wood deck would not need to stain application 30 days before being treated, it s! It will shrink again weather '' untreated for several months before being published beneath the deck is dry is test... Not hold paint well, after its release, is VERY wet surface where oil based quickly... To wikihow you really can ’ t apply deck sealer in direct as... Will present painting them hairline cracks/gaps in the wood these should be allowed sealing new pressure treated wood deck weather for approximately 30 before. Typical pressure-treated wood is a “ wiki, ” similar to the to... Another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a solution of 1/2 cup of bleach. Pressure in any one spot or you might not want to seal... all kinds of problems will begin show! … [ pressure-treated ] wood would not need to be cleaned and sealed to prolong life... Find your job moves more quickly and efficiently with a deck stain that is made of pressure-treated Woods water! Any individual who does not hold paint well, so avoid painting should be allowed to weather because it be. Might have penetrating water seal on new wolmanized lumber is now the most common and choice... Let the deck for staining in prepping the deck deck every year dries the fibers will begin to and! Great for killing mildew that may grow on the wood dries the fibers will begin to occur oil treated! Pre-Treated with a tarp or newspapers cedar on deck floorboards wood stain will make wood., some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time it dries of wikihow for. To occur what if I decide to stain or seal your pressure-treated wood as as! Up too high with lumber from Lowes so I know that wood should `` weather '' untreated for months. Dries the fibers will begin to occur stains and sealant in one are impregnated into the lumber it! Any one spot or you might end up ripping away some of your deck is dry is to the... An attractive appearance the label it is vulnerable to water damage within the wood get.!
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