Beginner painters and woodworkers are challenged with staining pressure-treated woods (PTW). Truth be told, many people are familiar with painting this type of wood. Nonetheless, you won’t have any issues picking the best deck stain for pressure-treated wood when you have enough information.
Let’s take a look at my findings:
Best Deck Stain for Pressure Treated Wood
- Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood
- KILZ Waterproofing Wood Stain, Exterior, Semi-Transparent, Redwood, 1 Gallon
- #1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain for Decks, Fences, & Siding
- DEFY Extreme Semi-Transparent Wood Stain, Cedar Tone 1 Gallon
- STORM SYSTEM Storm Protector Penetrating Sealer & Stain Protector
- General Finishes Exterior 450 Water-Based Wood Stain, 1 Quart, Cedar
- Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Waterproof Sealant – Wood Stain and Sealer in One
- Cabot 140.0017437.007 Semi-Solid Deck & Siding Low VOC Stain, Cordovan Brown
- THOMPSONS WATERSEAL TH.042851-16 Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Stain
- Olympic Stain 80111-3 Elite Woodland Oil Stain, 3 Gallons, Mountain Cedar
This post takes you through all you need to know about the best deck stain for pressure-treated wood. It also details the frequently asked questions about deck stains and what you can do to make your wood furniture more durable and less susceptible. In addition, we’ll explore the best stain colors for PTW.
So, let’s jump in!
Table of Contents
Can You Use Deck Stain on Pressure-treated Wood?
Yes, deck stain works excellently on pressure-treated wood. Pressure-treated wood is famous for its high durability and protection against UV damage. If you apply oil-based deck stain, you can be sure the stain will last for a long time and hold out against cracking and the shenanigans of the moisture.
Another reason you should apply deck stain to treated wood is that it offers protection against decay, rot, and insect attacks. Don’t forget that pressure-treated lumber features a low resistance to aging. Hence, you’ll need a deck stain to achieve the desired results.
What Is Deck Stain for Pressure-treated Wood?
Light-colored deck stain works best for pressure-treated lumber. The reason is that you can reverse the color while retaining the natural beauty of the lumber. This stain works perfectly on newer decks.
However, with a dark-colored deck stain, it’s impossible to get back the original color of the pressure-treated wood. Hence, it may be challenging to re-stain the wood.
If you’re opting for a light-colored deck stain, it is best to choose dark mahogany. This dark but light-colored treated deck stain helps to reinforce the design, aesthetics, and durability of the wood. You can be sure that the grain of the wood will shine brightly.
Different Types of Stain for Pressure-treated Wood
Oil-based deck stains
It is pretty straightforward to mix oil-based stain brush strokes; you can easily apply and maintain the stain as it penetrates the wood efficiently. While it provides an even and smooth finish and can be re-applied periodically, oil-based stain will fade away with time rather than peel. But the stain contains a high VOC and odor level and can be harsh and unfriendly to the environment. They take a longer time to dry and may not be long-lasting.
Water-based deck stain
It’s known for its quick-drying, long-lasting, and environmental-friendly properties; water-based stain is highly resistant to UV rays, moisture, and elements. It has a better color retention capacity, thanks to its zinc nanoparticles. With its low-odor, low-VOC, and non-inflammable features, a water-based stain can easily be cleaned up with soap and water. However, it doesn’t penetrate the wood as much as the oil-based stain will do.
Benefits of Deck Stains on Pressure-treated Wood
There are lots of benefits of staining pressure-treated wood:
- Have a beautiful finish
- Provides extra protection
- It prevents cracking and insect damage
First off, stains offer more protection to your wood decks and sliding. As a homeowner, having a coating-provided finish on your decks is something you don’t want to be without. Your furniture won’t flake or crack from insects, mold, pests, mildew, or water damage.
Again, stains prevent your project from cracking or splintering. The third benefit of deck-staining pressure-treated wood is that it adds beauty and elegance to your home furniture. The landscape of your project will get quality enrichment.
What Happens if You Don’t Stain Pressure-treated Wood?
As the benefits of staining pressure-treated wood are many, the downsides of not staining the wood also vary. Pressure-treated lumber is prone to moisture damage. So, when you stain it, you can be sure of extra protection that will prevent the wood from cracking o flaking.
Pressure-treated wood is typically porous and can allow water to penetrate it if not stained. Hence, snow, sealant, dew, or rainwater can quickly get through the wood and damage it in no time.
The other issue with unstained pressure-treated wood is that it can swell and then shrinks until it completely dries out.
Paint or Stain Pressure-treated Wood
Based on experts’ recommendations, it is better to stain pressure-treated wood than paint. This idea is that paint will not bond well with this kind of wood as stains will do.
The process involved in pressure-treating makes it difficult for non-finishing paint to properly adhere to the wood’s surface.
However, with stain, you can rest assured it will permanently be stuck to the wood surface while giving it an aesthetic look that many paint formulas cannot provide.
Tools You Will Need to Apply Deck Wood Stain
Supplies you need:
- Deck stain for pressure-treated wood: The Stain can be oil-based or water-based. Depending on your project and wood type, you go for semi-transparent/clear or solid deck stains.
- Brushes/Painter roller/sprayer: Some deck stain products can be applied with a brush, roller, or sprayer.
- Pressure or power washer: the pressure washer is used to clean and rinse the cleaner.
- Clear sealer: sealants are applied to the deck wood surface to coat and protect the surface from peeling or cracking due to UV rays
- Stiff brush: The stiff brush is to scrub the surface off dirt and grime
Step by Step to Apply Deck Stain for Pressure-treated Wood
Follow the steps below to get a satisfying result from staining your pressure-treated deck:
Step 1: Select A Deck Stain
Deck stains for pressure-treated wood have a unique formulation. The best options are usually oil-based wood stains for exterior use. They protect the wood from moisture and mildew. The absorption of water-based wood stain is low, while latex hides the wood grain.
Step 2: Clean The Deck Surface
If the wood you want to stain is old, you may require the use of a deck cleaner to scrub off dirt. Apply it, then scrub with a brush in the wood grain’s direction. After that, use a pressure washer to rinse off the cleaner. Be careful as the direct water pressure can damage the deck. Applying deck stains on a dirty surface will result in an uneven job.
Step 3: Let The Wood Dry
The deck stain may trap moisture that leads to wood rot. This step is vital as wet wood cannot absorb the stain. It may take several days to a week for the wood to completely dry up.
Step 4: Test The Moisture Level
Sprinkle some water on the wood surface. If the wood absorbs the water in a few minutes, you can go to satin the wood. If the water form beads, then the wood may still be wet.
Step 5: Apply The Stain
Once the deck is dry, apply the first coat using a paint roller or brush. Apply carefully to avoid streaks and bubbles. Work in smaller sections to eliminate drippings while remembering to keep a wet edge so that blending in the other areas is flawless. Touch up corners after the first coat. You can add another coat after the first one is dry.
Step 6: Apply A Sealer
Should you select a deck stain without a sealer, you will need to apply a coat of sealant after staining. Wait for about three days after staining, and then add a clear sealant over your stained deck.
How Long Do You Have to Wait Before Staining Pressure-treated Wood?
You may have to wait at least 72 hours before staining your pressure-treated wood. But it has to be said that the waiting time between cleaning and staining pressure-treated wood depends on various factors.
If you follow the proper staining procedure, the waiting time will be shorter. The type of treatment given to the stain, the stain type, wood type, and the staining procedure count.
Kiln-dried lumber takes more time than pressure or wet-treated. Oil-based stains take a longer time to dry than gel or water-based counterparts. Is your wood dark ash, mahogany, cedar, cypress, or any of the woods out there?
Should You Sand Pressure-treated Wood before Staining?
You may remove the protective layer when you sand your pressure-treated wood. While no hard and fast rules prevent you from sanding pressure-treated wood, note that sanding may leave the wood surface looking terrible and ugly.
Due to the chemicals used in treating the wood, the level of toxicity is high, and the dust sanding raises cause several respiratory illnesses, irritation, and likely cancer.
You will also likely encounter uneven wood grain and surface color and unpredictable results.
How Long Should a Pressure-treated Wood Deck Last?
The longevity of your pressure-treated wood deck all boils down to how you maintain it over the year. Pressure-treated wood decks are estimated to last between 10 -15 years on average. Often, most pressure-treated wood decks will not last that long due to a lack of maintenance by the owner.
Factors like repeated expansion and contraction, rain, snow, direct sunlight, an infestation of pests, and salty winds all accumulate to give varying lifespans to the wood. Not actively maintaining your pressure-treated wood deck will likely result in a short lifespan.
Do You Need to Power Wash Deck before Staining?
Yes, you need to power or pressure-wash your deck before staining. Instructions for staining usually require you to clean your deck surface of dirt, grease, mildew, and debris before applying a new stain.
If your deck is not clean before you use a new deck stain, you will discover that the statin may not penetrate the wood with ease. You will also find that the deck stain does not spread evenly.
How to Seal Pressure-treated Wood?
To seal a pressure-treated wood, you need to use a wood sealer with a UV stabilizer and liquid repellent. Clear the deck and power wash to remove all dirt, grease, and fungi. Give the wood a day to dry off.
Instructions for staining usually require you to clean your deck surface of dirt, grease, mildew, and debris before applying a new stain. If your deck is not clean before you use a new deck stain, you will discover that the statin may not penetrate the wood with ease. You will also find that the deck stain does not spread evenly.
Using a brush or paint roller, apply thin coats of the sealer over the deck. You may need to backroll to make the coat even. Work the sealer into difficult areas using a smaller paintbrush. Allow the sealer to dry completely before use.
Stain Colors for Pressure-treated Wood
Can Pressure-treated Wood be colored?
Yes, you can color pressure-treated wood. You can apply up to four stain colors to your pressure-treated lumber. You can color the wood with semi-transparent stain color, translucent color, transparent, or semi-solid colors. Dark ash or mahogany stain comes with light and brown shades on your treated wood.
Does Pressure-treated Wood Look Good Stained?
It looks gorgeous and elegant when you stain pressure-treated rustic wood with dark ash or mahogany. Stained pressure-treated wood will look fantastic depending on the stain type and product you apply. It allows the wood grain to come out beautifully and shine through.
What Is a Good Color Stain for Pressure-treated Wood?
The best color stain for pressure-treated wood is a light-colored semi-transparent wood color stain. But you can also opt for other solid, transparent, or colors, depending on your preference and the desired results you seek. Still, ensure that the stain completely dries out before applying the second coat.
Can You Stain Pressure-treated Wood White?
You can turn pressure-treated wood white with top-quality stain. All you have to do is mix water, powdered bleach, and oxygen bleach formula in the ratio of 9:1:1. Take an oxygen bleach formula and mix with one part of powered bleach before adding nine elements of water. Stir the mixture in a spray bottle or garden sprayer. You can go with four pieces of water if you’re using a more robust oxygen solution.
How Do You Make Pressure-Treated Wood Gray?
To make your pressure-treated wood deck gray and textured, simply brush some tea around the surface of the wood and let it completely dry out. You must sand wood. Once dry, add a light layer of vinegar solution and allow it to dry for about 30 minutes. Once the surface is dry, your treated wood will appear gray.
Is There a Black Stain for Decks?
Black Stain for decks is the type of wood decking stain that is pretty efficient and offers a dramatic look to your wood decks. The stain is very effective and robust garden decking, making it look impressive. Black Stain is also famous for its flexibility, versatility, and durability.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Deck Stain for Pressure-Treated Wood
Quality and Brand
You must consider the quality of the pigment and brand when choosing the deck stain for pressure-treated wood. Ensure the deck stain pigment is formulated with 100% iron oxide (Fe2O3). It offers solid protection against UV damage. Iron oxide pigments will not discolor, chalk, flake, or fade under environmental conditions.
Quantity / Amount
Before choosing deck stain, ensure there is enough stain to finish your deck with pressure-treated lumber. Usually, deck edges require more paints than other sections of the wood. You will need up to 4 coats of deck stains to finish your project, depending on the size of the project and the desired results you’re looking at.
VOC Content / Environmentally Friendly
As earlier mentioned, oil-based deck stains are best for pressure-treated wood, but they can be harmful. Look out for eco-friendly deck stains with low VOC content. This way, you can mitigate the risk of skin and eye irritation. You can also prevent your pets and the environment from injury.
Type of Wood
Knowing the type of wood to stain will help you decide what deck stain to choose. You should be familiar with how the wood is treated. The kind of deck stain you’ll need for kiln-dried treated wood will differ from pressure-treated or wet-treated wood.
Stain Color
Considering the stain color is also critical before buying the deck; stain your wood. Although there are many stain colors out there, you should apply the stain color that will retain and reinforce the wood’s natural grain. Light-colored deck stains are the best picks.
Opacity
How should the original wood grain appear? The opacity of a deck stain has a lot of visual effects on the layout and design of your deck project. You can achieve opacity if you go with clear or transparent Stain, semi-transparent Stain, semi-solid Stain, and translucent Stain. Each has its pros and cons.
Dry Time
Water-based deck stains dry faster than their gel or oil-based counterparts, and each stain type has its benefits and downsides. Oil-based deck stains are considered the best for pressure-treated wood when dries more slowly. Nonetheless, we have quick-drying oil-based stains that will do a great job on your wood deck.
Durable
Looking for a durable and long-lasting deck stain is a no-brainer. Naturally, pressure-treated wood can be susceptible to moisture and rotting. But if you apply durable deck stain, you can be sure that your project will withstand UV and moisture damage.
Related Post >> How Long Does Deck Stain Take To Dry Before Walking?
Easy to Use & Maintenance
You should also consider a stain formula that will be easy to apply. Usually, you should be able to apply your stain on a wood deck with a paintbrush, sprayer, or roller. Not every stain product can be preserved. Make sure you buy a stain that you can preserve when unused or it’s leftover.
Top 10 Deck Stain for Pressure-treated Wood Reviews
Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood
The Ready Seal semi-transparent stain is a popular product that has received mostly positive reviews from customers. It is an oil-based stain and sealer that protects wood from fungi and UV rays. Being a stain and a sealer, it serves multiple purposes at once.
The Ready Seal wood stain is easy to use as it requires no priming or stripping. With an even consistency, it gives a smooth finish to your deck and is easy to maintain.
Another reason woodworkers love this stain is that you don’t need to dilute or thin it before applying or spraying. The icing on the cake is that the stain can be applied under any temperature range.
Pros
- Durable and water-resistant
- Usage is not dependent on the weather.
- Beginner-friendly
- Dries evenly without brush marks, lines, or runs
Cons
- Dries slowly
- Color cures in 14 days
KILZ Waterproofing Wood Stain, Exterior, Semi-Transparent, Redwood, 1 Gallon
The KILZ is a semi-transparent deck stain that is waterproof and can protect your deck from the effects of the elements with a three to five-year promise from its manufacturers. Whether your deck is new or old, this stain will give protection throughout the year.
Before use, sand down the deck surface to rid it of unevenness, power wash, and then allow the deck to dry. Follow the instructions on the can and apply with a brush or paint sprayer. But if you dilute its thickness before use, it may result in inconsistency in texture after drying. So, you have to follow the correct mixture procedures.
Pros
- No need to apply regularly as the stain stays on for a good while
- Thick consistency means a little goes a long way
- An affordable product with acceptable quality
Cons
- Texture inconsistency
#1 Deck Premium Semi-Transparent Wood Stain for Decks, Fences, & Siding
The #1 Deck Premium Wood Fence Stain and sealer is an excellent product if you want a protective stain for your deck. This product is a stain and sealer for pressure-treated suitable for oily woods like cedar and redwood. It comes in five semi-transparent colors giving you a wide range of choices. To clean, all you require is soap and water.
What’s more, the stain will perform well on the planet. It is highly low on VOC and odor, making it a less toxic option for highly irritable skin and eyes. You can apply it on damp wood, reducing the time between cleaning up and finishing.
Pros
- It saves you the cost of applying a sealer after staining
- Durable, water-resistant, and UV-resistant
- Very easy to apply with a brush or a paint sprayer
Cons
- Tends to stain easily
- Requires constant re-applying to maintain its appearance
DEFY Extreme Semi-Transparent Wood Stain, Cedar Tone 1 Gallon
The DEFY Extreme ticks the boxes if you search for cedar tone-colored deck stain for pressure-treated wood. This semi-transparent, water-based wood stain lets the wood grain show and shine through. It leaves a natural matte finish on your garden decking. Its versatility means that it can be applied on decks, outdoor patio wood furniture, siding, and fences.
Thanks to its Zinc Nano-Particle Technology, this zinc-reinforced DEFY performs like a sunscreen for your wood. Hence, it makes your wood resist the damaging effect of UV rays. That’s not all. This is a fast-drying formula that is also easy to apply and maintain.
The DEFY Extreme can withstand flaking and darkening, preventing the stained wood from graying or discoloring prematurely.
Pros
- It doesn’t discolor or gray prematurely
- EPA-compliant with 250 VOC
- Easy to use and maintenance
- Long-lasting and durable
Cons
- Poor adherence
- Can flake and chip
STORM SYSTEM Storm Protector Penetrating Sealer & Stain Protector
Storm System may not be a famous brand, but its two-in-one sealer and stain protector comes as one of the best deck stains on the market. It is an oil-based stain with semi-transparent color. IT is designed to stain, seal, and protect your wood while preserving its natural grain.
It has a strong penetrating power as it deep into the wood to protect it against UV rays, moisture, and other environmental factors. It won’t flake, chip, or peel and will keep your wood from premature discoloration and graying.
In addition, the Storm System Protector works with any kind of wood -whether treated or untreated. It penetrates any wood species, including Mahogany, Pinewood, Cedarwood, Cypress, redwood, etc.
Pros
- Easy to apply with a roller, sprayer, or brush
- UV protection and
- Works as stain and sealer
- Versatile and works on a wide range of wood
Cons
- Not the right pick for durability
General Finishes Exterior 450 Water-Based Wood Stain, 1 Quart, Cedar
This is another water-based deck stain from one of the leading stain producers in the industry. This fast-drying, versatile, premium quality finish is designed for exterior projects. It is perfect for furniture, entrance, and garage doors. If your wood decks come with vertical surfaces, this is your formula.
It is highly resistant to flaking and chipping and won’t crack in a short time. The product can absorb UV rays and moisture without causing graying prematurely. It offers a solid protective power. It is super-easy to apply using a roller, brush, or sprayer. You can also clean up the finish with soap and water without messing up your project surface. The icing on the cake is the relatively affordable price.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Excellent for vertical decks and projects
- A perfect pick for outdoor projects
- Fast-drying
Cons
- Suitable only for an outdoor project
- Not great for horizontal surfaces
- Doesn’t prevent discoloring
Seal-Once Marine Premium Wood Waterproof Sealant – Wood Stain and Sealer in One
The Seal-Once brand has been around for a while, designing great sealers, paints, and stains. With the Marine Waterproof sealant, you can quickly and professionally stain your decking and other surfaces. This bronze cedar-colored stain offers excellent resistance against water, moisture, UV, and the elements.
This stain’s UV-coating stability makes it a real bottleneck against damage caused by water, saltwater spray, and the elements. It forms vintage protection for heat-modified wood, boat docks, near-river retaining walls, and outdoor furniture.
It is a user-friendly, quick-drying sealant designed with extremely low volatile organic chemicals. It can penetrate the wood surface deeply, forming a resistant shield around your wood decks. So, you can be sure you and your pets or plants are protected.
Pros
- Resistant against water damage
- Low VOC and odor, and environmentally friendly
- Provides premium protection
- Preserves wood natural grain
Cons
- Poor surface bonding
- Can be pricey
Cabot 140.0017437.007 Semi-Solid Deck & Siding Low VOC Stain, Cordovan Brown
Many painters and woodworkers agree that Cabot performs a lot better than many of its competitors, thanks to the brand’s incredible focus on low-VOC stain. You are sure that your pets and plants are safe from allergies and skin irritation.
The Cabot semi-solid comes as a cordovan brown-colored stain, and it is perfect for finishing deck and sliding. This stain will resist flaking, chipping, and cracking when in contact with the elements. Its unique formulation makes it a superiorly durable and long-lasting option.
Furthermore, this oil-based forms UV protection around your project and will leave behind a semi-solid finish on your wood deck. One coat of this stain is enough.
Pros
- Perfect for fencing, siding, and decks
- Face and scuff-resistant
- Provides vintage coating
- High low-VOC and low odor
Cons
- Slow drying and curing time
- Not great for interior as it’s not a stain per se
THOMPSONS WATERSEAL TH.042851-16 Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Stain
The THOMPSONS WATERSEAL reflects what the brand is known for vintage formulation. This orange-colored sealant and stain is ideal for wood. It is designed as a protective stain surrounding your wood project with quality coating against water damage.
This semi-transparent stain is formulated to resist scuff and fade as well. It has solid resistance against the elements. Guess what? You only need to apply one coat of the stain for a quality result. You can apply the coats of Thompsons WaterSeal on exterior wood, outdoor furniture, and fences.
It will work effectively on dry and freshly damp wood, helping you minimize the waiting time between cleaning and staining. It is easy to use: with a roller, a sprayer, or a brush, you can apply the coat of the Thompson’s Stain to your wood.
Pros
- Performs under any temperature range
- Won’t flake or crack
- Excellent on dry and damp wood
Cons
- Not versatile: only perfect for wood
Olympic Stain 80111-3 Elite Woodland Oil Stain, 3 Gallons, Mountain Cedar
The Olympic Stain is one of the top solid stains on the market, although advertised as transparent. It is easy to clean and works pretty work like a water-based stain. It is perfect on various surfaces, including decking, siding, and furniture.
When it comes to drying, the Woodland stain comes atop its competitors. It dries to touch within minutes, making it one of the quickest-drying water-based wood stains you can dream of.
In addition, the stain is mountain cedar-colored, one of the rarest stain colors in the industry. You will also love this stain for its easy cleaning. You can easily clean up your surface littered with the Olympic Stain with soap and water.
The formula is also famous among woodworkers for its easy application. With a brush, roller, or sprayer, you can apply it.
Pros
- Easy to apply and clean
- Quick-drying
- Perfect for furniture, wood, and deck.
Cons
- Not oil-based as advertised
- Not durable
- Advertised as transparent, but it’s solid
Tips for Staining Deck Wood
Apply stain in a thin coat
If you’re working with transparent or semi-transparent stains, apply them in thinner layers instead of solid stains in thin coats.
Check Temperature Range
Low humidity and temperature range of 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit make the stain dry faster. However, do not apply the stain under direct sunlight.
Use a suitable applicator
Depending on the stain product and type, you can use a brush, a roller, or a roller to apply the stain on the wood surface.
Apply the proper stain Type
You shouldn’t apply a transparent or semi-transparent stain over wood with a solid stain. However, a solid stain can go over any type of stain.
Prep the surface
Clean the surface and remove any dirt or carbon deposit. Start by sanding the splintered sections, and clean between boards with a putty knife.
How Do You Maintain a Pressure-treated Wood Deck?
The best way to maintain your pressure-treated wood deck’s natural color and aesthetics is to apply a waterproof finish with a UV stabilizer. Although a water-repellant ultraviolet stabilizer will not prevent the wood deck from eventually discoloring, it will slow the discoloration process.
Another thing you can do is to clean the deck periodically. Use the deck washer to remove any dirt, carbon deposit, or residue.
FAQs
Which deck stain lasts the longest?
Most people find oil-based deck statin to last longer than other variants. But certain factors like buying a stain wisely, the type of wood and how you prepare it before staining, climate, and care of the deck will influence the longevity of your deck stain.
Is Cabot stain better than Behr for a pressure-treated wood deck?
Yes. Cabot stain is better for your pressure-treated wood decks than Behr stain. It is durable, water-resistant, weather-resistant, and deeply penetrating. In addition, Cabot stain provides excellent protection against rotting and cracking. Only one coat adequately protects your deck from UV rays and molds.
Is oil-based deck stain better than water-based for pressure-treated wood?
An oil-based stain works best for pressure-treated wood, preserves the wood, and lasts longer. Pressure-treated lumber is liable to cracking and UV damage, and you need an oil-based Stain to fight these. Although cheaper, a water-based deck stain degrades faster, but they also make the wood more resistant to mildew. Oil-based deck stain also offers quality anti-cracking and rot-resistance protection.
Which brand of deck stain is best?
Several factors influence what brand of deck stain is best for you. These factors include appearance after a two-year mark, change in color, anti-fungal, and ease of application. The brand with 6,500+ reviews and 4+ star ratings on Amazon, Ready-Seal appears to be the best choice for most people.
Is semi-transparent or solid stain better?
It is all about preference and depends on the visual effects you seek to have at the end of the day. Both types of deck stains offer different pros and cons, although, for a deck, a semi-transparent stain may be more suitable. It is anti-fungal, penetrates and protects the wood from the elements, and allows the wood grain to show.
Why does my deck stain peel every year?
There are several reasons why you may experience this yearly. It could be due to improper application, over-application of the stain, improper preparation of the deck wood, or lack of adhesion. Other reasons may include moist wood, not applying the deck stain with a brush, poor maintenance, and lack of a sealer.
What happens if you don’t clean the deck before staining?
Cleaning your deck before staining it ensures that your efforts do not look uneven. Cleaning allows the wood pores to open up and absorb the stain better. Use a deck cleaner and a brightener before applying a new coat of deck stain.
Final Words: What is the Best Stain for a pressure-treated wood deck?
Staining pressure-treated wood is a great way to protect your decks and other wood projects. But you must comply with the proper staining procedure.
So far, we have looked at what staining pressure-treated wood entails and seen that you can use deck stains on pressure-treated lumber. When choosing the best deck stain for your PTW, select the stain that offers quality coating. Good deck stains will reinforce your project’s power to withstand the shenanigans of moisture, UV rays, and other harsh environmental conditions. In all, you should go for the best brands, Ready Seal 512 5-Gallon Pail Natural Cedar Exterior Stain and Sealer is your best choice.
My name is Mark, and I am a software engineer and the founder of OnWoodWorkingArt.
I grew up with a passion for woodworking and now have my woodworking studio with a group of like-minded friends who love to create woodworking. My dream is to have a more extensive workshop and be able to make woodworking my main business.