Should i stain pressure treated wood

As long as you choose stains that complement the pressure-treated look you have a world of deck stain colors to choose from. Newer decks built with pressure-treated lumber should choose a light-colored wood stain because once you go dark with stain you cannot go back. Older decks, however, should choose something a little bit more of a punch of color to help hide imperfections.

Below are some great stain colors for pressure-treated decks. D ark Mahogany is a gorgeous rich brown that looks wonderful on rustic treated decks. Light in color, this brown deck stain color is designed to enhance the beauty of the wood itself and allows the grain of the wood to shine through.

For newer decks built with pressure-treated lumber, it's best to choose a light-colored wood stain because once you go dark with stain you cannot go back. Desert Sand is a gorgeous, semi-transparent beige that looks wonderful on rustic treated wood decks. Staining also helps protect the wood and prevents it from cracking and splitting when seasons change. With these effective steps, you can enhance your deck, fence, or other structure and enjoy it for many years to come.

Stain pressure-treated wood as you would stain any wood. Select a stain, prepare the surface, ensure the wood is sufficiently dry, do a patch test, and then carefully apply your stain with a brush or a staining pad.

Any stain that is designed for exterior use will work to stain pressure treated wood. While you will find oil-based stains and latex stains, most homeowners prefer using oil-based stains for pressure-treated wood. Oil-based stains completely soak into the wood, creating a barrier against water penetration.

While it is possible to paint pressure-treated wood , it offers a very different look and feel than stain. Some manufacturers have formulated stains that are specifically designed for use on pressure-treated wood. Before you stain pressure-treated wood, you should clean it first. The easiest way to wash new wood is to knock loose any dirt or residue using a pressure washer. View our guide to the best deck cleaners. Drying times range anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on such factors as weather and climate.

The first is a bead test, which is performed by simply dripping small amounts of water on the wood; if the water beads, then the wood still retains some moisture.

Alternatively, simply press a nail into the wood to test for wetness. Check the weather forecast to make sure no rain is expected. Certain chemicals, such as the water-repellent CA-C copper azole type C , also makes the wood suitable for ground contact, even in marine environments. To infuse these preservatives, the wood is immersed and placed in a pressure chamber.

The pressure forces the chemicals deep into the wood fibers, making them much more effective than if they were simply coated on the outside. However, keep in mind that not all pressure-treated lumber is the same. Its durability depends on the chemical used and how much is absorbed into the wood. Over time, this constant cycle of swelling and shrinking will cause your deck to become cracked, splintered, and warped. Sealing and maintaining your pressure-treated decking can help prevent this from happening.

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. Pressure-treated lumber is notoriously difficult to stain and seal compared with other decking materials, which is why some manufacturers actually used to advise against it.