How long should my new deck to weather before I stain it for the first time and what is best stain/sealer?
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I found a great link at Lowes.com about when to seal pressure treated wood. I have been researching this very question since we just had a new deck put on this week. First do a water test by sprinkling water on the wood. It should absorb immediately if it is ready to accept the stain. If it stands or bubbles, WAIT! If it is not ready, Lowes recommendeds immediately applying a "New Wood Treatment" to protect your deck until you stain it. They recommended letting the wood weather 6 months after that. So if you live in a place where the seasons change, you may want to wait until next spring. My suggestion is don't rush it or you will waste your time, energy, and money. Plus the stain won't look nice and you will have to do it all over again. I would do it right from the get go. Cabot's is the way to go!- awesome color choices, UV protection, and water sealant all in one! Their web site is also helpful!
http://www.cabotstain.com/cabot/...
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=ho...
If you used pressure treated wood than 3 months will do. If using white wood than seal it right away, Thompson's water seal is my preference.
Every wood project (benches) I've done has been water sealed before I even put it outside. In your case I would water seal it as soon as you are done putting the deck together. Then water seal it 1-2 times per year after that. I recommend Thompsons water seal. It is a well known company that works well.
The answer about treated wood ,I agree with. 3 months. I heard Cabot's was the best. I am going to use it on my deck. It is about 40-50.00/gal.
consumer reports rate cabot as #1
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