Can I stain pressure-treated lumber?

Question

We just bought a swingset with pressure-treated lumber. We'd like to stain it, but heard you have to wait a year with pressure treated?

Answer 1

Yes, you can stain pressure-treated lumber. I've never heard that you should wait a year. I'd go ahead and do it right away for maximum protection.

Answer 2

Yes, but it is best to let the new lumber season a little before you do so or the stain will not combine with the wood as it should. The substances that the wood is treated with will continue to "leach" out for a few weeks or months. I would give it a minimum of six weeks before staining.

Answer 3

This question comes up all the time everyone has a different answer for how long you should wait before staining the PT wood.  As a painter I say do this:

1) stain as soon as you feel that the wood is dry. It may already be dry but if it feels damp wait a little linger. A year is way to long to wait. A few weeks at most, then stain or seal.

2) Use a good quality stain or sealer that is made for exterior use.

3) Never put paint of treated wood. It will peel even if primed.

4) Do not use Thompsons water seal. It is really lousy and will need to be redone often.  A good sealer or stain will last for several years before needoing to be redone.

You will likely get answers saying that I am wrong about Thompsons. However I've used it and it is lousy. I can't tell you how many times others have used it against my advice only to hire me later to redo it with a better material.

Answer 4

you need to wait for the lumber to dry completely.

Answer 5

Yea, it can be stained, but it's best to let it weather a couple of weeks first.

Answer 6

YES... Just brush it on ... it well soak in like a sponge....