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If your cedar deck is newly installed, you’ll need to sand* the cedar boards prior to staining. The boards go through a planing process at the mill that result in “mill glazing”. The planing process causes an oily surface on the boards that can hinder the wood stain from penetrating the wood.
How long should I wait to stain a new cedar deck?
We recommend you wait 3+ months to stain new smooth cedar wood surfaces to allow the wood to weather, creating an ideal porous surface that will hold the stain better.
How do you finish a new cedar deck?
Four best practices for finishing cedar decking include: Never power wash cedar decking. While it can be tempting to get every last piece of dirt off of the boards, never power wash your cedar decking. Pick the right kind of stain. Stain prior to construction. Reapply the finish regularly.
How do I stain my deck for the first time?
The most important step to staining is cleaning your deck. Apply the product. Scrub your deck with a mop that has stiff, hard bristles. Wash away the residue with a hose or pressure washer, using low to moderate pressure. Allow your deck to thoroughly dry before you stain.
Can I stain fresh cedar?
“Your instincts on this are right on track. If you wait a year, the wood will turn gray, and may even show deterioration from the weather. Cedar should be stained as soon as it will accept the stain. I recommend staining as soon as the wood feels and looks dry and weather permits.”Jul 10, 2016.
Should I stain cedar deck boards before install?
As before, we recommend you do not stain new wood prior to installation. Instead, wait 3+ months after installation before staining new wood surfaces. This will allow the wood to weather, creating an ideal porous surface that will hold the stain better.
Do I need to sand cedar before staining?
If your cedar deck is newly installed, you’ll need to sand* the cedar boards prior to staining. The boards go through a planing process at the mill that result in “mill glazing”. The planing process causes an oily surface on the boards that can hinder the wood stain from penetrating the wood.
What stain looks good on cedar?
Stains for Cedar Wood Natural or Clear Wood Stain. Semi-Transparent Wood Stain. Semi-Opaque Wood Stain. Opaque Wood Stain. Best Overall: READY SEAL Exterior Stain and Sealer for Wood. Premium Choice: DEFY Stain for Cedar. Most Cost-Effective: THOMPSON’S WATERSEAL Waterproofing Stain.
What is the best stain for cedar?
Our Top 5 Best Stains For Cedar Wood Ready Seal Natural Cedar Exterior Stain. Thompson’s WaterSeal Waterproofing Stain. Defy Extreme Transparent Exterior Wood Stain. Olympic Stain Elite Woodland Oil Stain. Cabot Semi-Solid Deck & Siding Stain.
Do you need to pressure wash a new deck before staining?
If you’re staining a newly-installed deck, you probably don’t need to power wash it. You can also use a cleaning solution in the same way on an old or dirty deck that could be damaged by high-pressure spray, although you will need to scrub the deck with a stiff brush after letting the solution sit for a few minutes.
How many coats of stain should I put on my deck?
The general rule of thumb is to apply only as much deck stain as the wood can absorb. Typically this will be 2 coats, unless your dealing with extremely dense hardwoods which may only be able to absorb 1 coat of wood stain. Watch this video to see more tips on how many coats of stain to apply.
Do I need to pressure wash deck before staining?
There is a common misconception that just pressure washing a deck prior to staining is all you need to do in order to prep your deck for stain. Pressure washing can help, but if you want your stain to last, using a good deck cleaner and brightener on the deck prior to pressure washing will provide you the best result.
Can I leave my cedar deck untreated?
Cedar wood deteriorates slowly, due to its abundance of natural oils. From a structural standpoint, cedar more than holds its own. Untreated cedar fences can go for many years before they need to be replaced.
Does cedar need to be sealed?
Cedar offers a durable option for exterior and interior building projects with natural resistance to rot and decay, so a protective finish is optional. If you’re using cedar for an outdoor project, give it a light seal coat to guard against moisture and sunlight.
How do you apply cedar stain?
Dip the natural bristle brush or a staining rag into the stain and apply the color to the wood. Brush or rub on the stain, following the grain of the wood. Cover the entire piece with one coat of stain. Let the stain remain on the wood for 5 to 15 minutes or as the manufacturer instructs on the label.
How soon should you stain a new deck?
Depending on the wood and drying conditions, you should usually wait 4 to 8 weeks after installation before staining a deck.How long you need to wait before staining will vary depending on: The moisture content in the wood. Whether the deck is in the sun or shade. The climate and weather conditions in your area.
What temperature should you stain a new deck?
To assure the highest quality results from your staining work, closely follow these guidelines: Apply stain only at the proper temperature. For most stains, 70 degrees Fahrenheit is the optimum, with the safety range from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Stains do vary, so check the label first.
