Staining a deck for the first time

Originally Posted by mikeyis4dcats.

if it is treated lumber, it needs to season and weather before you can stain it.

It's not really about seasoning or weathering. It's about the heavy liquid chemical drying enough so the wood can absorb stain. The "secret" to making sure that the wood is dry enough is throw some water on the wood. If it beads up then that's the same thing your stain is going to do and it needs more time to dry. Dry time depends on a number of factors - climate, sun exposure, mill, and duration of time lumber sat waiting for purchase and installation. I've seen decks become ready in a couple weeks and I've seen it take 3-4 months before they were ready to accept stain.