Deck Building 101 - Let the Lumber Breathe?

[Stonehenge]

I've heard that clients should let their deck 'breathe' before they apply any kind of stain or sealer. True?

[diginahole]

I dunno. I don't paint or do windows. It would however seem to make sense to let the wood dry out a week or so before sealing it. When I get P/T lumber it usually splashes when nailed. I have heard that if you seal the top you ought to seal the underside as well; this would of course require the deck boards to be sealed before they were installed.

[Stonehenge]

I hear you - sure sealing a paver patio is a 'nice' upsell, but I'd just as soon have them do that themselves. Too hard to schedule a guy to come out just for that; not to mention it being a 2-step process: 1) Clean (and leave while it dries, or take a long nap) 2) Seal.

I think I'll adopt your position on this one. :hat: :hat:

[Nebraska]

1 year before sealing. It will say on the label of the product your using "for best results: ".

[Stonehenge]

Cool - Thx!! :D

[Bladewizard]

You can buy lumber already treated with sealer in some cases too.......It doesn't hurt to seal the deck after it has been installed...Be sure the wood is clean...Any heavy stains or identity marks should be removed...A clear sealer can be sprayed on with a Garden Pump Sprayer...Its simple..And a nice ADD ON......As far as a color stain, it would be best to wait one season as to let the wood dry out......Just pressure clean lightly when ready and Stain away.....

[jraltwies]

most CCA or AQC treated lumber is extremely wet...up to 5=40% Moisture content. Air dry lumber should reach about 15% in wisconsin, eventually equilibrating with the relative humidity. Sealing a deck immediately can/will create a barrier on one surface, foring the water out the bottom or other unsealed sections, causing cupping, warping and splitting at the nails/screws.

[jraltwies]

oopse, I meant 40-50% moisture content. Sorry!:blush: