Staining a deck for the first time

[mikeyis4dcats.]

Originally Posted by Phobia

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.

of course. The drying out of wood is called seasoning, just as you season firewood. and it's not the chemical leaving the wood persay...they chemicals used are water-borne. The water eventually evaporates out of the wood, leaving the chemical treatment behind. you'll notice I didn't specify a duration of time for this to occur, due to the factors you mentioned. You and I both are highly aware of the way ACQ is - some sticks you find at the lumber yard are twice as heavy as others in the bunk. A deck likely will have some parts ready to accept finish long before others. and of course if you use that lumber Lowe's sells, or used to at least, that had the "built-in" water repellant, it will take a little longer.