Pressure treated wood for deck. What if it rains b-4 you seal the deck?

Question

I had a small deck built in my yard over the weekend. It is made with pressure treated wood. However the carpenter doesn't apply the sealer. I purchased the sealer today but it is going to thunderstorm this afternoon & evening. What happens if it rains prior to applying the seal? Thanks.

Answer 1

Telwidit is right. Follow that advice.

Answer 2

Pressure treated wood will last years & years without sealing.  The seal is really just for color.

Answer 3

The new PT wood is not the same as the previous. Before it was reccomended to wait on sealing but not anymore. Wait till it dries then seal.

Pressure treated wood is protected against insects and decay but we still recommend applying a water-repellent sealer to exposed surfaces as soon as construction is completed. This sealer will help reduce surface checking, cracking and splitting and help maintain an attractive appearance. Periodic reapplication is recommended.

Direct from: http://www.southernpine.com/expert/index...

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Answer 4

so let it rain....it's pressure treated wood, it meant to be out in the weather

Answer 5

I waited about six or eight months before sealing the deck attached to my house at the rear entrance.

With pressure treated wood you should wait awhile; perhaps two or three months before applying a sealer.  Since I had the deck installed I've talked to several dealers about sealing and they have suggested that if the water beads on the new deck you should wait awhile before sealing it.

I've done the research and my deck is 'small' too.  It's 12 ft. by 12 ft.  

Don't get in a big dither about it.  You can use number 10 sandpaper to get the black lettering off the treated wood, too.  If the deck is really small I suppose you could just use a brush, but there's a sale on sprayers at L's where they also sell Cabot stain which after some research is what I chose to use.

Anyhow, no big deal about getting the stain or sealer on the deck right away.  Relax.

By the way, if it beads you should wait until the wood soaks up the water.  Treated wood may still be newly treated and will need to wait awhile before taking a sealer.

By the way, unfortunately, you do need to seal the deck before it gets really dry b ecause even treated wood drys out and starts cracking and splitting.  So, six months is plenty long enough to wait.

Thanks

Answer 6

not a problem just wait till the wood dries than seal