Best Stain for Pressure-Treated Decks: A Buyer's Guide

Pressure-treated pine is the most common decking in the country, and it takes stain differently than cedar, redwood or hardwoods. Choosing the right product, and putting it on at the right time, is the difference between a deck that looks great for years and one that peels, fades or turns black with mildew. Here is what to look for.

When Can You Stain a New Pressure-Treated Deck?

New pressure-treated lumber is often still wet from the treatment process. Stain applied too soon cannot soak in and may not cure properly. Let the wood dry out first, often several weeks to a few months depending on your climate and the lumber. A simple test: sprinkle water on the boards. If it beads up, the wood is not ready. If it soaks in within a few minutes, it is time to stain. Many contractors also clean new boards with a deck cleaner and brightener to remove mill glaze before the first coat.

Penetrating Semi-Transparent Stains Work Best

For most pressure-treated decks, a penetrating semi-transparent stain is the best balance of looks and protection. It soaks into the wood instead of forming a surface film, so it will not crack and peel the way paint or solid stains can, and maintenance coats go on without stripping. Popular choices include:

• TWP Stain: oil-based penetrating stain with wood preservatives that help resist mildew and UV graying. The TWP 100 Series is a favorite for decks and fences, and the TWP 1500 Series is TWP's lower-VOC formula for regulated areas.
• Ready Seal: an oil-based stain and sealer known for going on easily without lap marks, which makes it popular with homeowners doing their first deck.
• Sikkens ProLuxe: Cetol SRD / SRD RE is a semi-transparent finish for decks, siding and railings with rich, even color.
• Penofin: oil-based penetrating finishes such as Penofin Red Label that bring out the grain of the wood.
• Vermont Natural Coatings: low-VOC, water-based penetrating stain and a zero-VOC waterproofer for people who want lower odor and soap-and-water cleanup.

Oil-Based or Water-Based?

Oil-based stains penetrate deeply, highlight the grain and are forgiving to apply, which is why they remain the top choice for pressure-treated pine. Water-based stains have lower odor and VOCs, dry faster and clean up with soap and water. Both can perform well; the right choice depends on your wood, your climate and any VOC rules where you live.

Check the VOC Rules in Your State

Several states limit the VOC content of exterior stains, and Michigan is now one of them. Some formulas can't be shipped to regulated areas, so manufacturers make compliant versions. For example, original Sikkens Cetol SRD is not available in Michigan, but Cetol SRD RE is. Browse our Low VOC Stains or email Sales@TheStainDepot.com with your state and we will point you to a product you can use.

How Much Deck Stain Do You Need?

Measure the length and width of your deck floor, then add railings, stairs and skirt boards. Penetrating deck stains typically cover roughly 150–300 square feet per gallon per coat depending on the product and how porous the wood is. Rough, weathered or new pressure-treated wood drinks more stain. Check the coverage on the product page and plan on a little extra for a second coat. For large decks and fences, 5-gallon pails and multi-packs usually save money.

Prep Is Half the Job

1. Clean the wood with a deck cleaner to remove dirt, mildew and gray fibers.
2. Use a brightener to restore the wood's pH and color after cleaning or stripping.
3. Let the deck dry completely, usually 24–48 hours.
4. Apply stain in the shade or on a cool day, a few boards at a time, and back-brush to work it into the wood.

Find everything you need in our Deck Stain and Cleaners categories, with same-day shipping on orders placed before 4pm ET.