Stain your deck on a cloudy day, when the temperature stays between 10 and 32 °C for 24 hours and no rain, dew or frost is forecast for the next three days, CAA-Québec advises. Wait two to three days after rain: the wood has to be dry, at 15 % moisture or less.
By the DV Groupe team · Updated · 3 min read
01
The conditions to meet
What CAA-Québec recommends before painting or staining a deck.
10 to 32 °Cfor 24 hoursThe technical data sheet for Benjamin Moore’s Arborcoat stain gives the same range for the wood surface.
3 dayswith no rain, dew or frost forecastDon’t start if the forecast calls for any in the next three days.
2 to 3 daysof waiting after rainThe time wood needs to dry out after a rainy day.
15 %moisture at mostAbove that, the wood is too wet to take the stain.
Source: CAA-Québec
02
Why aim for a cloudy day
CAA-Québec recommends a cloudy day, especially when the deck gets full sun, and advises against working in hot or sunny weather. The ideal air humidity is between 40 and 70 %.
Cold and damp work the other way: according to the Arborcoat data sheet, high humidity or cold temperatures lengthen the drying time and the wait before a second coat. The right moment is a mild, overcast, dry day followed by a few days of good weather.
03
New wood: the water-drop test
New wood, even pressure-treated, has to be able to soak up the stain first. This is the method in the Arborcoat data sheet.
01
Wait until the wood is completely dry
The stain can go on new pressure-treated wood as long as it is completely dry.
02
Open up the surface
Smooth boards need careful sanding, or a brightener, to remove the mill glaze so the stain can penetrate.
03
Run the test
Put a few drops of water on the dry wood. If the water doesn’t soak in quickly, the preparation has to be repeated before staining.
04
Waiting times after staining
Times from the Arborcoat data sheet, measured at 25 °C and 50 % relative humidity. In cool or damp weather, allow longer.
6 to 8 hdry to the touch
24 to 48 hbefore a second coat
48 hbefore putting furniture back
Source: Benjamin Moore, Arborcoat K328 data sheet
05
How often does it need redoing?
A semi-transparent stain lasts about two to three years, according to CAA-Québec, and good yearly upkeep avoids heavier work later. An opaque paint lasts longer but hides the wood grain: the choice between the two is covered in Stain or paint for a deck.
The figures in this guide come from one specific product. Every stain has its own data sheet, and the one for the product chosen is what counts.
Common questions
Can you stain a deck in the fall?
Yes, as long as the conditions are met: between 10 and 32 °C for 24 hours, and no rain, dew or frost forecast for three days. Late in the season, colder nights leave fewer days that work.
How long after rain can you stain a deck?
CAA-Québec advises waiting two to three days after a rainy day, and checking that the wood is at 15 % moisture or less.
When can the furniture go back on the deck?
The Arborcoat data sheet says 48 hours at 25 °C and 50 % relative humidity. In cool or damp weather, wait longer.
Do you have to wait before staining new pressure-treated wood?
The wood has to be completely dry and able to absorb the stain. Do the water-drop test: if the water doesn’t soak in quickly, sand or treat the surface before staining.
