When to stain
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,476
Likes: 224
From: Frequently frozen MN
When to stain
Hi,
I'm getting a screen porch put in to replace my old deck. It will have cedar flooring and rough cedar siding.
Last time I built a deck, I was advised to wait a couple of weeks before staining. I did that, but I'm not sure that it was a good idea.
I'd appreciate any input on this.
Thanks,
I'm getting a screen porch put in to replace my old deck. It will have cedar flooring and rough cedar siding.
Last time I built a deck, I was advised to wait a couple of weeks before staining. I did that, but I'm not sure that it was a good idea.
I'd appreciate any input on this.
Thanks,
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 7,298
Likes: 45
From: Southern California
It all depends on how dry the lumber is. Kiln dried lumber should be able to take stain immediately.
I built a deck out of douglas fir and it was air dried. Actually not so dry at all, it was pretty wet. You could feel the difference in weight between the wet lumber and similar sized dry lumber. I tried an oil based stain on a small spot and the stain literally floated on the lumber. It would not soak in because the lumber was so wet.
I don't remember exactly how long I waited, but it was probably at leat 6 weeks of dry sunny weather. Then the stain soaked right in.
Most of the thinner cedar I have seen was dry. Stuff like 1x6 or 1x10. I think they kiln dry the thinner stuff to keep it from warping. I dunno for sure, I'm not an expert on wood. But I'm guessing if your deck is built from 2x6 or 2x8 it is probably air dried and may still be pretty wet.
I built a deck out of douglas fir and it was air dried. Actually not so dry at all, it was pretty wet. You could feel the difference in weight between the wet lumber and similar sized dry lumber. I tried an oil based stain on a small spot and the stain literally floated on the lumber. It would not soak in because the lumber was so wet.
I don't remember exactly how long I waited, but it was probably at leat 6 weeks of dry sunny weather. Then the stain soaked right in.
Most of the thinner cedar I have seen was dry. Stuff like 1x6 or 1x10. I think they kiln dry the thinner stuff to keep it from warping. I dunno for sure, I'm not an expert on wood. But I'm guessing if your deck is built from 2x6 or 2x8 it is probably air dried and may still be pretty wet.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 38
From: EXTREME southwest CT
A lot depends on the type of stain you intend to use as well.
Depending on where you live your floor (2x, 5/4", ..???) may be S Grn (surfaced green= more than 19% MC)
If so, give it some time to dry out.
Be sure to use a stain meant for walking surfaces.
As for the siding, is it Channel, Bevel, board and batten?
Most often these will be kiln dried and you should stain them immediately, before they have a chance to soak up water.
Depending on where you live your floor (2x, 5/4", ..???) may be S Grn (surfaced green= more than 19% MC)
If so, give it some time to dry out.
Be sure to use a stain meant for walking surfaces.
As for the siding, is it Channel, Bevel, board and batten?
Most often these will be kiln dried and you should stain them immediately, before they have a chance to soak up water.
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