FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Main Menu
Subscribe

In every issue you'll find...

  • Expert insights on techniques and principles
  • Unbiased tool reviews
  • Step-by-step details to master the job
  • Field-tested advice and know-how
Subscribe Now!
Subscribe
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
  • Join
  • Log In
Main Menu Subscribe

Fine Homebuilding Project Guides

Decks

Guide Home
Chapter
  • Design & Planning
  • Tools & Materials
  • Footings & Foundations
  • Framing a Deck
  • Installing Decking
  • Installing Railings
  • Deck Stairs
  • Custom Details
  • Finishes and Maintenance
  • Complete Deck Builds
How-To

Applying Stain to a New Deck

Clean, rinse, and stain to finish your deck.

By David Toht
Article Image

You completed your wood deck and can’t wait to stain it. You buy the stain and plan to have your deck transformed into the color you carefully chose. Then you read the directions on the can.

Different types of woods and finishes have different requirements. Some manufactures say you can apply their products right away, while others say that for best results you should let your deck weather for a month or more before staining. This is because the wood may harbor moisture that will repel the stain. While especially true of pressure-treated wood because of the chemicals autoclaved into it, even brand-new wood like cedar will harbor some moisture and might even have a waxy film on the surface. In the end, choosing a product that is compatible with the wood you’ve installed and following the manufacturers instructions is the best way to get good results.

Choosing the Right Stain

LIGHTLY TINTED OR CLEAR STAIN

Nearly transparent, these stains gently enhance the color of the wood to show off—and preserve—its natural beauty.

SEMI-TRANSPARENT

For a bump in color, these add more tone while still allowing the beauty of the wood grain to show.

SEMI-SOLID

If color is your priority, this semi-opaque stain masks most of the wood grain.

SOLID

For decks that have been around for a while or when vibrant color is what you are after, solids add a smooth, colorful finish.

After the seasoning period, your deck will need cleaning and perhaps brightening. Apply stain when air and wood surface temperatures are between 50°F and 90°F. If at all possible, avoid applying in direct sunlight. Don’t apply stain if rain is forecast within the next 12 to 24 hours.

TIP

Why brighten new wood? Even after a few weeks, wood will accumulate dirt and mold. More important, using a brightener with a cleaner removes mill glaze—a waxy finish common on new lumber—opening up the pores of the wood for better stain penetration.

 

1. Mix deck cleaner.  Sweep the deck. Because the cleaner can be caustic, consider donning an inexpensive disposable hazmat suit. Wear gloves, boots, and eye protection. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing the deck cleaner. 2. Work in deck cleaner. Wet the surface. A stiff brush helps work the cleaner into the wood. Choose a cloudy day or a time of day when the deck is in the shade and the temperature is 40°F to 90°F for this chore. Attack any stubborn stains with a dash of full-strength cleaner.
3. Rinse. Rinse the deck thoroughly with a hose. If you use a pressure washer, make sure the setting is on LOW (500–1200 PSI). Allow the deck to dry overnight. 4. Apply masking. To avoid a mishap, mask the walls surrounding the deck. Protect nearby plants with plastic sheeting or a drop cloth.
5. Apply the stain. Using the applicator recommended by the manufacturer, apply the stain. Cover the full length of three or four boards to avoid lap marks. 6. Brush the cracks. Have a brush and pan handy for working the stain into the cracks. Resist the temptation to apply multiple coats. The wood can only absorb one coat at a time. Adding too many coats will make the finish sticky. In addition, too heavy a coat of stain might flake over time. Allow plenty of drying time before using the deck.

 

TIP

Most stains can be applied with a pump sprayer, a great way to get the stain into the cracks.

 

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Sign Up
X
X
Previous: How to Make a Deck Finish Last Next: Deck Refinishing

Guide

Decks

Chapter

Finishes and Maintenance

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Decks

Decks

Hundreds of articles and videos by top deck-building pros on how to design and build a beautiful, sturdy, and safe deck

View Project Guide

View All Project Guides »

Become a member and get unlimited site access, including the Decks Project Guide.

Start Free Trial

Design & Planning
  • Basic Design Options
  • Generating Plans
  • Calculating Deck Loads
  • Code Compliance
Tools & Materials
  • Deck Building Tools
  • Foundation and Framing Materials
  • Decking Materials
  • Fasteners and Hardware
Footings & Foundations
  • Choosing a Foundation
  • Sizing and Laying Out Footings
  • Excavation
  • Pouring the Foundation
Framing a Deck
  • Framing Overview
  • Installing the Ledger
  • Setting Posts and Beams
  • Installing Joists
Installing Decking
  • Decking Basics
  • Installation Process
  • Adding Fascia and Other Decorative Elements
Installing Railings
  • Installing Deck Railing Posts
  • Building Wood Rails and Balustrades
  • Non-Wood Railing Options
  • Installing Nonwood Balustrades
Deck Stairs
  • Deck Stairs Overview
  • Laying Out, Cutting, and Installing the Stringers
  • Installing Treads, Risers, and Stair Railings
Custom Details
  • Benches, Planters, and Privacy Features
  • Pergolas
  • Lighting
Finishes and Maintenance
  • Deck Finishes
  • Cleaning and Refinishing
  • Inspection and Repair
Complete Deck Builds
  • Grade-Level Decks
  • Raised Decks

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Sign Up See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Manage Preferences

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Accessibility
  • CA Privacy Rights

© 2021 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

    Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk
  • Account

  • Log In
  • Join

    Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk
  • Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

    Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

    All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

    Shop the Store

  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Taunton Workshops

    More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast
  • Customer Support

    Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Sign Up See all newsletters

Follow

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 52%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in