How dry does weather need to be prior to staining deck?

Question

Have been waiting all summer to have deck stained. Here in Connecticut we have had rain so many days, it has proved difficult. Now we have had two dry days and contractor wants to do the deck tomorrow Monday. Should I worry about dew on the grass overnight (VERY wet last night), probably due to humidity? (and low temp of 57 degrees)? Temps over 3 day span are as follows:

saturday 75/57, Sunday today 82/62, Monday 85/62

Humidity is 40% right now, but supposed to go up to 90% to 100% overnight, then down to 47% by 2 PM tomorrow. Any thoughts on having a dry deck to do staining job (it's a large deck and expensive, so don't want to blow it).

Answer 1

It looks like monday should be ok,you more or less can tell if it's dry by looking and touching it I'm from Ct too so i know what you mean about the rain my wife keeps telling me to stain the deck, then it starts raining and I'm stuck in the house watching baseball,on the computer,etc. Tell your contractor to do it when he thinks it's ok to do make sure  it's in writing that if it goes wrong he does it over at no cost to you.

Answer 2

All seems good to go. Dry time is minimal on decks,and other wood as in siding. A moisture tester will confirm this. If you have doubts ask for a written guarantee from the contractor. Remember the contractor has limited days to complete his season and the weather is not cooperating. I am speaking with 35 years experience in the painting business