When it comes to wood staining, there are a few differences between staining regular wood and staining pressure treated wood. You can typically stain regular wood immediately. With pressure treated lumber, you might be able to stain it immediately or you might have to wait a bit. Read on to see how I was able to stain my new deck without waiting!
I am not a patient person.
I do not like to wait. On anything.
Good things come to those who wait, right? Well, I guess I’m more of a go out there and get it done now kind of girl.
Case in point, our new deck.
Yep, I said new deck. Over the past month, Grunt Labor built a deck. Isn’t he just awesome, y’all?
Of course that deck was built with pressure treated wood. Many people say you should wait at least six months before staining pressure treated wood.
Six months.
Negative.
Ain’t nobody got time for that.
So being a real rebel, I stained that pressure treated wood after only two weeks of the deck being completed.
All that being said, if you do have time to wait, then by all means wait.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Thompson’s WaterSeal. However, all opinions and impatient-ness are 100% mine. This post contains affiliate links for your shopping convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
Can You Stain Pressure Treated Wood?
Yes, you can absolutely stain pressure treated wood. The key is knowing when to stain it. As I said, it’s typically recommended that you wait six months before staining new installed pressure treated wood. But as I said, I did not.
I was able to do mine sooner because of a stain I used that is specifically for new pressure treated lumbers builds that can be used much sooner than the six month wait time. The stain I used was Thompson’s Waterproofing Stain.
To determine if your treated wood is ready for stain, simply flick a little bit of the stain onto the wood in a small spot. If the stain bubbles up on the wood, you are not ready to stain. If the stain soaks in, you’re ready to stain. After two weeks, my deck was ready for stain.
Staining Treated Wood
Because we all love a good before and after, here is the deck before staining:
I’m sure you are looking at that photo and saying, “Ummmm…..Jenna, sweetie, you do realize that there are no steps up or down to the deck, right? How are you going to use it?”
I have stellar jumping skills, y’all. Stellar.
Not.
The deck is right beside the screened-in porch and you access the deck through a soon-to-be-door from the screened-in porch. We could have put steps down from the deck, but we didn’t really want the dog running up there anytime she wanted. No steps also help to contain the kid. I can just let her go on the screened in porch and deck without me having to worry she will fall off it.
As you guys know, I am a fan of Thompson’s WaterSeal products. I used their spray stain to give my lattice and mailbox a quick makeover. For the deck stain, I turned to them again.
Tools and Supplies Needed:
- Thompson’s WaterSeal Waterproofing Stain – I went with their Acorn Brown Waterproofing Stain in Transparent. You can also get it in semi-transparent. It only takes one coat and dries in two hours – perfect for impatient people like myself.
- Paint Brush made for stain
- Stain Stick – makes it super easy to stain the deck floor boards.
Steps
Step 1.
Pour some of the stain into a container and stir the stain well.
Using a brush, apply the stain to the rails and spindles.
Don’t be scared when you see that the stain looks like this. When it first comes out of the can, it is this mauve-y brown color and I totally freaked out. It’s ok, though. It doesn’t dry like that.
This is what it looked like as I was brushing it on.
It does dry pretty quickly, but you need to give it two hours to fully dry or recoat – if you aren’t impatient like me and want a second coat. If you think you want a lighter stained deck, then definitely do multiple coats and have a cloth on hand to wipe up excess stain as you put it on.
Step 2.
You can also brush the stain on the floor, but I went with my HomeRight Stain Stick.
The Stain Stick has an attached stain pad and a padded roller that easily applies the stain into the crevices between each board. The stain is pulled up through the stick and you push it out as needed.
Let the stain fully dry before applying another coat or putting the deck to use.
A couple hours later this is what we had…..
That one single coat will act as a water repellent and protect the deck for three years. Holla.
Here’s a little close-up after the sun had went down a bit:
There were some places where I overlapped the stain a bit on the floor and it made it more dark. Ya know what, though? I like it like that – gives it a bit more depth and character.
Do you have any tips to share for staining treated lumber?
More outdoor projects you might just want to see…
DIY Cedar Planter Box – a beautiful planter box that’s great for also displaying your house numbers!
How to Clean Your Sidewalk – I was shocked at how gross mine was!
Lattice Makeover in an Hour – got rough looking lattice somewhere? Give it a quick refresh – you won’t believe how good it looks after!
Easy Mailbox Makeover – another easy project with big impact!
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DesignedByBH says
Yeah…two hours IS so much better than 6 months! Knowing me, though, it would take me six months just to get around to doing it…lol! It looks great! And I personally like the idea of the deck not having steps…maybe I just know clumsy (or intoxicated) people, but deck steps tend to lead to crutches for a lot of people I know…lol!
– Brooke –
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Brooke, you are so funny!!! Yes! Steps + parties do not mix!! Its the safe party deck! haha!
Heather says
Looks awesome! And I love that this deck will double as a playpen for the kiddo!
chris aka monkey says
wow what a difference a little stain makes, looks good i am sure the stain will protect the deck from all the cheap beer spills as well as the weather lol xx
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
hahaha!! You are so right, Chris! Because we all know its going to happen!
Jen @ Migonis Home says
Good work! I love products that are so easy to use like that! 🙂
And how fabulous that your daughter and dog won’t go jumping or falling off the deck… I have to chase Elle down anytime she gets on the front porch because all she wants to do is go straight for the edges. Little risk taker.
Good work building, Grunt Labor. 🙂
Krista @ the happy housie says
It looks so much better with stain- amazing how these little things can make such a bit difference. Doesn’t even look like pressure treated wood anymore!!
Dad says
I first have to give a Son-in-Law a HUGE thumbs up for the deck construction. It is not only beautiful, but also sturdy & functional. Your staining is the icing on the cake! Great job! BTW, it’s also hard to beat Thompson’s for water-sealing concrete too, which reminds me. I need that done for the outside entrance pad on the garage. I just don’t want it to cut in too much with my riding. Granddaddy has to GO too, just as my precious granddaughter GOES! Love you. Dad
Kristen @ Down Home Inspiration says
Wow, your deck is beautiful! Love that stain, will have to chef it out for my fence.
Abby @ Just a Girl and Her Blog says
Looks great, Jenna! I love the color, and I NEED one of those stain sticks! So cool! Hope you’re having a great week!
~Abby =)
Laura @ The Turquoise Home says
That’s awesome, Jenna! I am super impatient when it comes to projects too, so this looks right up my alley! Now I just need to build a deck. Ha!
Lauren @ The Thinking Closet says
Wow! I’m really impressed with this amazing before and after! (Though when am I not impressed with a B & A over here at Rain on a Tin Roof?) One day, when we’re home-owners, I’ll be remembering this post for our deck-staining needs. Thanks, girl!
Beth says
Another fantastic project completed! I am impressed by his skills almost as much as yours!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
As long your “almost” impressed with him as much as me, Beth! hahaha!
April Hoff says
The new deck looks amaaaaazing, Jenna! Good job, Grunt Labor! The stain looks fab too! 🙂
Jamie says
Girl, that is crazy! One coat?? Seriously? It looks amazing. I’ll have to check it out.
J.xo
Gentle Joy says
The deck looks great and you will get a lot of use out of it. Love the color. 🙂
Emily @ Two Purple Couches says
Your deck turned out great!! And I’m super impressed that Grunt Labor built it! That’s awesome! Our deck could use a re-staining since the original stain we used didn’t hold up too well on the floor boards. I’ll have to check out the Thompson stain!
Selene Galindo says
It looks great!!! I’m not very patient either so I don’t blame ya!!
Erin @ DIY on the Cheap says
Nice! I’ll have to check out the Thompson’s stain, and I’ll definitely be using a HomeRight stain stick when we stain our deck soon! Thanks for sharing.
Angela (Life in Velvet) says
Your stain looks amazing! You’re just like me…I absolutely hate waiting to be able to knock out house projects! I can’t wait to see everything you’ve done with the screened porch!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks so much, Angela!
amy says
I was checking the comments to see if anyone was all “you know, you really should have waited anyway because the trajectory of the pressure….” blah, blah, blah. But so far so good. Thanks for sharing an alternative. It looks so great.
And how cute is your Dad for commenting? Love it.
Can’t wait for the style soiree!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Oh, Amy, I’m sure someone who read the post was thinking that, but just didn’t comment! No worries, though, this just worked out best for us! And I know – my Dad – he is so funny. He even calls himself the Middle Tennessee (where he lives) Marketing Manager for Rain on a Tin Roof. He’s very umm, supportive – and humorous!
gretchen says
Hi,
Your deck looks great! I love the idea of keeping dogs off and kids in. I was wondering how the stain is holding up? I have had people tell me that Thompsons isn’t any good, so I was curious about how durable it has been for you. Thanks!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Hi Gretchen! It’s been a couple of years since this deck got stained and I will say that it could use a touch-up. I’m not sure if that is due to the stain or it going through some really rough weather. Hope that helps!
Sandi says
Do you have to stain or treat the underside of a deck? My husband insists we do to keep it from rotting underneath. I don’t want to take that much time though
Jenna says
Not that I know of, Sandi. We’ve never stained ours or heard of anyone else doing so.
Allyson Miller says
We used paint on our deck and painted all sides prior to install.absolutely best thing we ever did. After 7 years just repainted top. Bottom still looks like new.
Hal says
Can you use a bug sprayer to apply Thompsos’s waterseal to a deck?
Jenna says
I’m not sure, Hal. I’ve never applied it that way before. You could read the back of the container or ask one of the paint guys at your local hardware store.
Hal says
Thanks for getting back to me Jana, I will try to discuss that with the paint guy.
Hal says
Thanks for getting back with me Jenna, I will ask the paint guy!
Nadine says
Your deck looks awesome! Congrats on it working out so good! I am in that boat right now and thinking “no! I don’t wanna wait!” Everybody is telling me a YEAR! Seriously? Just got a brand new deck AND fence. The fence is pressure treated and it still has a LOT of green showing. Do u know if the green color will bleed thru? I have Thompsons WaterSeal Waterproofing Wood Protector in Clear to prepare for eventual stain. Thanks
Jenna says
Hi Nadine! If there is still a lot of green on it, I think I would wait for that to clear up some.
Steve P says
I built a deck and also used Thompson’s. This was done before I read this article. Stain was on three months and started peeling. Now that winter is over, most of the stain, especially in walking areas, is gone. It did not penetrate the wood. This was the second attempt at staining the deck. Both attempts had same result
Jenna says
Sorry to hear that, Steve. Did you contact Thompson’s? They might be able to help you troubleshoot it.
Barry says
What is the best cure for this situation,where stain peels up after the winter.
Gary Lai says
Hi Jenna
I live in South FL and just had a deck/pergola structure constructed with pressure treated wood. It’s been about 1 week since completion and I just purchased the Thompson Water Seal Stain in Maple Brown.
Wanted to see how yours is holding up?
I don’t want to wait 6 months either! lol
Jenna says
Hi Gary! So, we no longer live in the house where this deck is. Before we left (about two years after the deck was stained), it was needing a touch-up. I’m not sure if that was due to the stain or some really rough weather we went through.
JOhn says
Wait 3 months and get a GOOD orbital sander, it is the only way the stain will fully penetrate. The chemical in the wood must dissipate and dry out to properly sand and have the stain penetrate. Thompsons sits on top and peels if you dont do this. I would try a different stain product like PPG. Two coats will help keep the water out and look amazing. My 2 cents.
Sweetpea says
How did it hold up? l heard it looks good at first but the problem occurs over time when the wood begins to dry/cure the stain can be spotty and peel. I’d love to know. Thanks!
Dianna says
Thank you so much for posting this. I’ve just purchased our lumber, and I’ll be starting on replacing rotten wood on our deck soon. I was dreading the waiting period before staining. How does your deck look now?
john McIntosh says
Somebody kill me, Nothing wrong with what you are doing BUT you can never changes it!! We wanted to go with a redder stain and found out THOMPSON”S is a NIGHTMARE!!! Wax wax wax!!! Wax wax wax. $380.00 in sandpaper just to get the crap off. DO NOT USE THOMPSON”s !!!! It last’s a long time but you can NEVER change it. Think about pouring wax all over your deck and then trying to stain it. Biggest mistake we ever made.