Alkyd

I was wondering how long you should wait before you stain (semi tranparent) a cedar deck? Is there a "rule of thumb" how long it takes the cedar to dry out? How about treated wood? Thanks

phinsher

Alkyd, pick up a moisture meter. It will tell you what you need to know. As far as general rules with pressure treated woods, i've always heard 6 months, but if the moisture meter says its ok, then i'll paint it.

ApgarNJ

with pressure treated woods these days. if you wait 6 months, the deck is half worn by then. lol. i try not to use any PT wood for decks, other than framing. i use dry material and try to get my painter to stain them asap. the last few hardwood decks i have done. we have had the wood prestained onsite, all four sides, before we even start to work with it. that is recommended by most decking manufacturers, sealing just the top isn't doing the best job. all the sides and ends need to be sealed.

Richard

I use a moisture meter and stain/paint when its dry enough....I've only heard about time restrictions when it comes to painting new plaster....good luck....stain away!

AAPaint

Pressure treated lumber should be allowed to go through a few wet/dry cycles at least before staining to help dry out the PT chemicals. Test with a moisture meter, and apply your stain when it's below 12%....or try Wood Tux Wet.

__________________
-AAPaint

AA Quality Painting & Pressure Washing LLC
Jacksonville Painters
Jacksonville, FL.