Staining and Sealing a Pine Wood Deck

BGquarles asks,

Hey guys, I'm having two decks built onto the back of my bi-level home, one on top of the other. The contractor is using premium yellow pine that is pressure-treated and kiln-dried. He is giving me the opportunity to stain and seal the the boards prior to the deck being assembled. What type of deck stain and sealer do you recommend for this?

Our Answer

Most manufacturers suggest you let those boards dry out for a good year before staining them, because the wood is typically so wet when it arrives. My concern is that if you stain it now, the lingering moisture will cause the stain and seal to peel. So while it's far easier to stain it now, if you want the job to last, wait about a year to do it. Whenever you end up staining the deck, use a solid, opaque color to minimize sun damage and extend the life of the job.